Don’t Overlook Gum Care When You Brush

Teeth are an important part of your smile, but they can’t do it alone! Every smile depends on the work of facial muscles, lips, and gums. When your gums are not healthy, the whole smile will suffer, not just in the way it looks, but unhealthy gums have been linked to heart problems, diabetes, stroke and more. Good gum care should be a part of those twice-daily brushing sessions you are doing at home. Flossing daily also helps gums stay healthy. Finally, your twice yearly preventive visits to your Dallas, TX, dentist let our staff check your gum health as well.

Gum Care Point #1:

Use a soft touch when brushing! Gums are strong enough to hold teeth in place, but harsh scrubbing when you brush can leave them irritated and sore. It may even cause them to recede from the tooth root, which can cause further issues. Use a gentle touch to brush at the gum line, letting bristles clean the areas when the gum meets the tooth root. If you have brushing questions, our trusted team can provide answers.

Gum Care Point #2:

Keep an eye on gum changes, and make an appointment if you see them. Healthy gums are generally pinkish and firm. Gums that are dark red, very light, or look puffy may be a result of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Bleeding when you brush or floss is another warning sign of gingivitis, and should be brought to your caring dental staff’s attention.

Gum Care Point #3

Flossing is for more than just dislodging food from between teeth. Flossing is also good for the gums, and the slender floss can slide slightly below the gum line without irritation, losing and dislodging bits of food and bacteria. That means brushing and rinsing can then wash these irritating agents right out of the mouth, rather than letting them sit on the tooth root, where they can cause irritation and eventually, decay. While cavities can be restored with a tooth colored filling, preventing them is an even better solution.

Good Smile Care Means Good Gum Care, Every Day

Healthy gums give you a strong frame for your best smile. In addition, healthy gums can help support good health in other parts of the body and the body systems. To learn more about good gum care, contact us today by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to experience our compassionate, effective, and individualized care. At Gentle Smiles, we proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.