Publish date: 27 November 2021
5 ways to maintain healthy gums
- Brush twice a day
Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean interdentally
Food and plaque can build up between the teeth. This can result in gum disease and decay. To help clean these hard-to-reach tooth surfaces, clean between the teeth with ‘interdental’ brushes or floss at least once a day.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet
Have good eating habits – consuming sugary foods and drinks less often. Every time you eat food or have drinks containing sugar the hard-outer surface of your tooth (enamel) is softened and minerals are lost from the tooth surface. Tooth decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. So, the more sugary foods you eat throughout the day, the more your teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids. Try to eat a nutritious and balanced diet of grains, fruits, vegetables, protein and low-fat dairy.
- Don’t smoke
Quitting smoking/not smoking improves oral health, reduces the risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer, and improves the person’s response to gum treatment. It is very important for people who smoke to visit their dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy and check for signs of oral cancer.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Visit your dentist regularly. They can give advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Not only do they check your teeth, they also complete oral health and oral cancer checks.
FUN FACT:
- Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene. When you do not floss, you are missing over 35% of tooth surfaces, which is why your dentist & hygienist always emphasizes flossing!
- Most tooth loss in people over age 35 is from Periodontal Disease (gum disease)