How to Take Care of Your Gums

Remember that, when it comes to oral health, your teeth are only part of the equation – your gums are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque (the sticky, film-like substance that is formed in the mouth) along and under the gum line. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that can cause infections that damage the gums as well as underlying bone. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which can cause gums to become inflamed, swollen, and prone to bleeding. It is the most easily treated stage of gum disease, but it is best to prevent it from occurring at all. Dr. Heejoo Pyon is available in New York, NY to help maintain your oral health, but there are a few things that you can do as well to take care of your gums.

Floss properly

Most people skip this step of the oral care routine because they think that brushing is sufficient to get their mouth clean. The truth is, brushing can’t get to the spaces in between teeth, and food debris and plaque can remain there to cause damage to the teeth and gums. Besides a professional cleaning, which you only get twice a year, the only way to remove that debris is by flossing. It’s also important to floss the right way – get in between all the teeth, up and down both edges and all the way to the gum line.

Brush twice a day

It’s best to brush after every meal, but since this isn’t always possible, the next best thing is to brush carefully twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Brushing at night is especially important for cleaning the teeth of all the buildup that has collected throughout the day, to prevent it from sitting on the teeth surfaces as you sleep.

Use an antiseptic mouthwash

These mouthwashes are usually available over the counter and are helpful because they can help to reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the rate at which tartar develops, or some combination of these benefits. Additionally, a rinse helps to remove more food particles from the tooth surfaces. Look for the ADA seal, which lets you know that that brand has been found to be effective and safe.

Visit the dentist

Gum disease does not present obvious symptoms in its early stages; it can only be detected by a dental professional. That’s why it is important to keep regular appointments with Dr. Pyon to have your teeth and gums examined and cleaned to prevent serious oral conditions from developing.

To ensure oral health, be sure to visit Dr. Heejoo Pyon in New York, NY twice a year and to take care of your teeth and gums in between appointments.