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Oral hygiene involves more than just caring for your teeth. It’s also important to maintain the health of your gums. Doing so prevents the damaging effects of gingivitis from taking hold, which can lead to further issues like tooth loss and decay. Start improving your gum health by following these tips.

How Can You Improve Your Gum Health? 

1. Floss Every Day

While brushing removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth, a toothbrush alone can’t reach some areas of your mouth. Daily flossing removes plaque from between teeth, which is why dentists recommend it as a crucial part of your oral hygiene regimen.

Using the right technique while flossing is also important. Floss should be held between your thumb and index finger, and it must be long enough for you to move to a clean section as you go. While you should floss thoroughly, use gentle movements to prevent damage to your gum tissue.

2. Stop Smoking

oral hygieneSmoking cigarettes doubles your risk of gum disease. It also makes it harder for your body to heal from existing gum damage, which causes bleeding, swelling, and redness. Additionally, your risk increases the more you smoke, so dentists urge patients to kick the habit as soon as possible. 

3. Rinse With Mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwashes are a great addition to your at-home oral health routine. Not only do they freshen your breath, but they also contain ingredients that reduce plaque and combat the effects of gum disease. Keep in mind that rinsing with mouthwash isn’t meant to be a substitute for brushing and flossing, though it can boost your oral health. 

 

If you’re looking for a dentist to help you improve your gum health, contact iCare Dentistry of Norcross, GA. This team provides gum treatments to address plaque and bacteria that are taking a toll on gum tissues. They also offer fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and X-rays to identify underlying oral hygiene issues that could cause problems in the future. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, call (770) 609-6106. To prepare for your first appointment, visit their website

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