Understanding Basic Gum Health
Most people pay attention to their teeth and oral health in accordance with preventing cavities, root canals, and sometimes more serious tooth related issues. What many are forgetting is that part of keeping those issues clear, is taking care of your gums. Not taking care of your gum health alongside the overall dental health can be dangerous.
A majority of the time, you’ll notice gum issues when you notice a bright red, bleeding, or swollen look to your gums. Each of these signs are indicators of gum disease and should not be ignored. In fact, gum disease may not be the only reason you're experiencing these issues so, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a dentist and get your gums and teeth checked out.
Let’s break down basic gum health issues a dentist routinely sees and treats.
Are You Brushing Your Teeth Incorrectly?
Keeping your teeth clean by brushing should be part of your morning and nightly hygiene routines. But did you know, you could be brushing your teeth wrong? Yes, it’s true. Not having the proper bristle strength on a tooth brush is a commonly overlooked problem dentists see. You may think you need medium or hard bristles when you should really be using soft. In general, at Smiles by Bergen Dental, Dr. Farinas-Han recommends using a soft bristle.
Also, make sure that when you're using a toothbrush, you're holding the toothbrush with just a couple fingers and not your entire hand. This will ensure you are not brushing too hard, which causes permanent enamel and tooth health damage, as well as receding gums.
How Often Are You Flossing?
Flossing is another area dentists notice concern among patients. Flossing helps remove bacteria between teeth, which is often hard to reach by brushing alone. When you remove the bacteria in teeth, it stops plaque from building up and attaching between your teeth. Plaque is a yellowish substance that causes your teeth to lose the pearly white and healthy look to them. You should floss your teeth every day by gently sliding the floss up and down between teeth. You may experience a little bleeding, which is common and nothing to worry about.
Do Canker Sores Effect Gums?
Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are a common gum problem. The sores cause a lot of pain for many patients, and unfortunately, canker sores can develop everywhere and anywhere inside the mouth. From gums to edges, and inside cheeks, these painful sores can effect you daily activities if not cared for properly. One thing you can do to help alleviate the symptoms and pain (until you can be seen by a dentist) is to rinse thoroughly with a salt and water mixture.
Continuing to practice oral hygiene properly will keep your oral health in pristine condition throughout the year.
For questions about gum health or if you suffer any of the symptoms listed here, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental and make an appointment. Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, we're within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, and Ho-Ho-Kus.
