When it comes to caring for your teeth, you may forget that your gums also need attention to remain healthy. The health of your gums influences the health of your teeth and can determine how strong they are as you age. If you want to begin maintaining healthy gums, there are a few tips to follow with the help of a Wood Dale dentist.
Floss
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of gum disease is to floss each day to remove bacteria between the teeth. The time of day when you choose to floss doesn’t matter, as long as you do it at least once each day. Scheduling cleanings with a dentist in Wood Dale will also allow the gums to remain healthy.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can often be forgotten about but should be included when maintaining your oral health because it reduces tartar that can develop. It can also remove food particles that are present in the mouth, which can sit on teeth for too long and lead to decay. The mouthwash should contain an ADA seal to ensure that it’s safe to use. Keeping a small bottle in your briefcase or purse can make it easy to use throughout the day to keep your gums healthy.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking will not only lead to damage to your teeth but can also affect your gums because it’s linked to gum disease. Using tobacco can weaken the immune system, which can prevent the body from fighting off infections that form in the gums, making it necessary to quit smoking immediately. Smoking can also prevent the gums from healing correctly due to the damage that has already occurred.
If you want to maintain healthy gums, you’ll need to visit Brian Homann, DDS and contact us at elkgrovevillageildentist.com to schedule an appointment. Follow us on twitter.
