Maintaining healthy gums is essential for overall oral health. Adopting the following habits will help you care for your teeth and gums properly, thereby preventing gum disease. In our Edlington Dental Care Doncaster clinic, we encourage our patients to follow these practices for a healthy smile.

1. Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial for keeping your gums healthy. Proper brushing techniques can make all the difference. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles begin to fray.
• Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Use short strokes and press gently.
• Clean the insides of the front teeth by turning the brush vertically and making several short strokes along each tooth.

2. Choose the Right Toothpaste

When selecting toothpaste, it’s important to ensure it contains fluoride and has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This seal indicates the toothpaste is effective and safe. There are many varieties available, including whitening products and those with baking soda, but fluoride is essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

3. Floss Daily

Daily flossing is often neglected, but it’s a crucial part of oral care. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and gums, areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. If these particles and plaque remain, they can harden into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease. Make flossing a daily habit to keep your gums healthy.

4. Rinse Your Mouth Carefully

Many people rinse their mouth after brushing, which can wash away the fluoride from toothpaste. Instead, try to spit out the toothpaste without rinsing, allowing the fluoride to continue protecting your teeth. However, rinsing your mouth after eating can help remove food particles and bacteria, preventing plaque and tartar buildup.

5. Use Mouthwash

There are two types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwashes can help prevent gum disease, reduce the speed of tartar buildup, decrease plaque, and remove food particles from the mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, look for the ADA seal of approval to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Remember, mouthwash should complement, not replace, brushing and flossing. Note that children under six years should not use mouthwash.

6. Get Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining gum health. At Edlington Dental Care in Doncaster, our dental check-ups include professional cleanings to remove tartar and plaque that you may have missed during brushing. Regular visits also allow us to identify early signs of gum disease and gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Early detection and treatment can prevent more severe problems down the line.

By following these six tips, you can ensure that your gums remain healthy and your smile stays bright. At Edlington Dental Care in Doncaster, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Schedule your regular check-up today and let us help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.