3 Easy Ways to Look After Your Gums!

Everyone knows how important it is to look after your teeth – they’re right there in front of you every time you look in the mirror, and when something goes wrong, you KNOW ABOUT IT.

But the neglected member of the family are the gums, and they’re just as important. A healthy set of gums is going to make having a healthy set of teeth all that more easy to maintain.

With that in mind, here are three practical ways to support healthy gums.

1. Upkeep and maintenance at home

Brushing twice a day, flossing, using a mouthwash or just rinsing with water – there are great tips for looking after your teeth. Doing that will be of huge benefit to your gums, as they’re basically roommates. Cleaning between your teeth helps remove food and plaque that a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Daily interdental cleaning can help reduce plaque build-up and support both gum health and prevention of tooth decay. Flossing is something that I find is woefully neglected by most people. Sure, they’ll brush (but they should do it twice a day) but brushing without flossing is like showering without soap: you’re getting clean, sure, but you could be a lot cleaner.

In your twice daily brushing routine, be sure you apply a circular motion while pointing the toothbrush towards the gum at a 45-degree angle. You’ll be cleaning the gum line (where the gum meets the tooth) and ensuring the brushing process is a practical, useful one.

An electric toothbrush with pressure sensors takes the guessing game whether you are putting too much pressure on gums or not. A powered toothbrush can help some people clean effectively, but good technique, gentle pressure and cleaning for long enough are more important than the brand or style of toothbrush.

2. Get regular cleanings

Your dentist has the tools (and talent) to get your teeth as clean as they could possibly be. Once plaque has hardened into calculus or tartar, it needs to be removed by a dental professional. Regular dental assessment also gives your dental team an opportunity to check for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis and recommend care based on your individual risk.

3. Quit smoking

Like you needed another reason! Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. It weakens your immune system, while making it harder to fight off gum infections. Quit smoking and you reduce the risk of developing gum disease and other oral cancers, while improving your response to gum treatments. Chemicals in your cigarette’s tobacco have an impact on saliva flow in the mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to stay on your teeth and gums.

That’s the thing with the gums: you want to keep them healthy. Gum disease, or periodontal disease puts people who have it at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes, respiratory ailments, it can cause some pregnancy complications, and has been linked to dementia in older people. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, avoiding smoking and attending dental reviews at intervals suited to your risk are practical steps that can help you maintain healthier teeth and gums over time.

Current patient information

For independent Australian information about gum disease, see Healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association’s Teeth.org.au gum disease guide. If your gums bleed regularly, are swollen or receding, or if teeth feel loose, arrange a dental assessment.