Everyone knows that brushing and flossing are essential for healthy teeth. However, they’re also important for gum health. The pink tissue housing your teeth plays an integral role in oral health, which is why it’s crucial to protect it. Issues like gum disease can cause irreparable damage, and they’re preventable with proper dental care. Here is a helpful guide to gum care, including ways to improve gum health now.

Why Gum Health Is Important

Your gums hold your teeth in place so they endure chewing and other stresses. When infections like gum disease develop from poor dental care, gum tissue becomes inflamed. Harmful bacteria in your mouth then destroy this gum tissue, resulting in bleeding and painful reactions. Over time, teeth will lose their hold against the tissue, loosen, and fall out. 

Gum disease has also been shown to affect other parts of the body when the bacteria enter your bloodstream. You may be at increased risk of a heart attack, for example, or become more susceptible to respiratory diseases as these bacteria increase inflammation in the body.

How to Care for Your Gums

It’s essential to remove plaque from around the gum line. Do this by brushing and flossing. As you brush your teeth, also gently brush the surrounding gum tissue. When you floss, make sure to slowly push the floss all the way to the base of the tooth to remove the hard-to-reach plaque there. This prevents plaque from building up below the gum line and causing gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease.

Regular dental care exams are also important. There are some places, like between your rear molars, that are too difficult to clean on your own. Your dentist will recommend a cleaning every 6 months so hygienists can clear these areas and look for early signs of gum disease, such as tender tissue and redness.

If you're due for your next dental exam, turn to the office of Charles P. Debbane, DDS. For over 20 years, Dr. Debbane and Dr. Laura M. Arnold, DDS, have helped Hamilton, OH, patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. This skilled dental care team provides both general, cosmetic, and emergency dental care services. Visit their website today to learn more about orthodontic care, dental veneers, and other treatment options they offer. Schedule an exam by calling (513) 887-6654.