4 Things You Can Do To Improve The Health Of Your Gums
Posted on: 8 July 2015
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Whether you've recently been diagnosed with gum disease or are simply trying to avoid such a diagnosis, the fact remains that taking care of your gums is vital to your overall dental health. Unfortunately, the gums are often overlooked when it comes to dental hygiene. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help improve the health of your gums and reduce your chances of getting gingivitis or gum disease down the road.
Soak Your Toothbrush in Peroxide
Over time, your toothbrush will accumulate bacteria that can actually harm your gums when your brush your teeth. Therefore, it's recommended that you cleanse your toothbrush weekly by soaking the bristles in hydrogen peroxide. Doing so will help kill off any bacteria and make your toothbrush safer on your gums. Just be sure to rinse the bristles off with water to get rid of excess peroxide so as to avoid irritating your gums when you brush them.
Invest in a Water Pick
Another option for keeping your gums healthier is a water pick. Essentially, a water pick is a handheld device that shoots a tiny but powerful stream of water into the spaces between the teeth. Think of it as flossing, only much more efficient. You can buy a water pick at your local dentist or even pick one up at most grocery stores for better gum health.
Sleep With a Mouth Guard
If you have been told that you grind your teeth while you sleep, did you know that this can be damaging not only to your teeth, but to your gums and jaw as well? Consider picking up a mouth guard to wear while you sleep (you can find them at most grocery stores). This will help reduce the excess force you've been putting on your teeth, which will slow down the rate at which gum tissues are deteriorated. Plus, you'll wake up with less mouth and jaw pain.
Choose a Toothpaste With Fluoride
Finally, make sure you're using the right toothpaste. Value toothpastes may save you money in the short-term, but they won't be doing your teeth or gums any favors in the long run. Check your current toothpaste to ensure that it contains fluoride, which is a key ingredient not only in strengthening your teeth, but protecting your gums as well. From there, you can enjoy overall healthier gums and a reduced risk of gum disease.
Contact a dentist for more information. You might also consider undertaking Perio protect treatment.