How to Maintain Healthy Gums

Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums can lead to more serious gum disease.

If left unchecked, will eventually lead to gum disease and tooth infections.

Dental hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease and maintain healthy gums.

Annual dental examination is important, but daily maintenance should also be considered to reduce the build-up of plaque and prevent gingivitis.

Here are some steps to keep gums healthy:

Not smoking and maintaining a healthy diet.

Tobacco can cause gum disease, while healthy foods such as vitamin C and E can boost immunity and help prevent infection.

Keeping stress levels will also boost the immune system. Avoid eating too much sugar for causing cavities.

Do not grind your teeth, especially while sleeping.
Meet the dentist if the problem is severe enough. Your dentist may recommend mouth protector to protect the ill effects of the grinding.

Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Be ideal if always brush your teeth after eating.
Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle from the gum line. Clean all surfaces of the teeth gently, and then brush palate and tongue.

Use dental floss to clean between the teeth. Hold the floss between the front and back teeth to resemble the letter 'C'.

Rinse mouth with antiseptic mouth rinse for 30 seconds to remove residual food and plaque.