Tips to Maintain Healthy Gums

The most important thing you can do to prevent and treat gum disease is to practice good dental hygiene. 

At Ygnacio Dental in Walnut Creek, CA, our experienced dentist, Dr. Li, provides not only the best dental treatments based on your needs but also important recommendations on how to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up beneath and along the gum line. Plaque is a bacteria-filled, sticky, film-like substance. It has the potential to create infections that harm the gums and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque can also cause gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease.

Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can develop once you have gingivitis. Periodontitis is a disease that can wreak havoc on the gums, bones, and tissues that support your teeth if left untreated.

Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth properly is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy gums. Here are the American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendations on how to brush your teeth:

• Brush your teeth twice a day 
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
• Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gum line
• Turn the brush vertically and make several brief strokes along each tooth to clean the insides of the teeth

Choose the Right Toothpaste

When selecting your toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride and has the ADA stamp of approval on the container.

Floss 

Flossing is a technique for removing food and plaque from between the teeth and gums. If food and plaque linger in these areas, tartar can form. Tartar is a hard accumulation of germs that only a dentist can remove and it can cause gum disease.

Get Regular Dental Cleanings

If you visit your dentist regularly, they will be able to spot early signs of gum disease. This allows them to treat your symptoms before they advance. 

Quit Smoking

Smoking is linked to the development of gum disease and makes it more difficult for damaged gums to heal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)T, smoking affects your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off gum infections. 

To learn more about how to maintain your oral and gum health, contact Ygnacio Dental by calling (925) 280-2848 or visiting us at 1766 Lacassie Ave # 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.