Good dental health is essential for your well-being. Healthy teeth can help you save time and money during your regular dental visits and can boost your confidence. The secret to maintaining healthy teeth lies in how you treat your gums. This means that with proper, regular brushing and flossing, you should be able to keep your teeth in the best condition. Taking care of the gums is equivalent to taking care of your teeth.
So, how exactly should you keep your gums healthy?
- Flossing. By flossing at least once daily, you can help remove plaque and food bits that your toothbrush cannot reach from the teeth. Flossing is recommended after a meal or after brushing your teeth. Flossing efficiently involves winding about 18 inches of floss in your hands and guiding the floss between the teeth. Scrape off the sides of each tooth by curving the floss against the gum line. Ensure you use a clean part of the floss on each tooth.
- Brushing properly. To have healthy teeth, ensure you brush your teeth every day, at least twice or after meals. Your brush should ideally be held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and moved in circular motions. Tilt your toothbrush vertically when cleaning the inside parts of the front teeth.
Above all, do not overlook the tongue as it is an integral part of dental hygiene. The tongue can harbor a wide range of bacteria and food debris which can result in tooth decay and bad breath. You should use a fluoride-laden toothpaste as fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. - Invest in the right mouthwash. Using mouthwash to clean the mouth complements brushing and flossing. A mouthwash with an ADA seal of acceptance is safe for your use and will help in the prevention of gingivitis, elimination of plaque and will slow down the development of tartar.
- Quit smoking. Smoking and onset of gum disease are closely linked. Smoking makes the immune system weak, and as a result, your body is unable to resist a gum infection. Smoking also affects the ability of the gums to heal if they are damaged.
- Schedule regular dentist visits. It is recommended that you schedule at least two annual appointments to the dentist. This will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. During a general checkup, your dentist will evaluate the state of your teeth and clean them thoroughly. In this way, you and your dentist can prevent any dental problems that may arise, and you will be able to catch an infection before it worsens.
Gum Disease Treatment Los Angeles
Failing to care for your teeth can lead to plaque build-up. The bacteria, in such a case, will accumulate at the gum line and result in gingivitis, a mild kind of gum disease. Gingivitis is irritating to the gums and can cause swelling. Failure to treat gingivitis can further cause other dental issues and severe gum disease such as periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a gum disease that mainly affects the bones that keep the teeth in place by causing their deterioration. Further advancement of periodontitis may cause the complete destruction of the fibers and bones that support the teeth, and as a dentist would tell you, this may necessitate tooth removal. Periodontitis may also further affect your overall health.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Swollen gums that may appear red and tender
- Bleeding gums
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Chronic bad breath
If you suspect any issues related to your teeth, you can get started on gum treatment Los Angeles by contacting Victory Cosmetic Dentistry. If you are in the advanced stages of adulthood and would like to remain youthful, you will get the advice of an anti-aging dentist for what you can do to keep your teeth in good health. We believe that we should help you in the journey of keeping healthy teeth and gums by helping you schedule your visits and catering to the needs of your teeth as an individual. Contact us today to start your oral health journey.