Taking good care of your gums is just as important as taking good care of your teeth. You probably already know how these habits help your teeth, but the great news is that they can keep your gums healthy, too.
Daily Flossing
When it comes to your gum health, flossing ranks even higher than brushing your teeth. That's because flossing cleans out the crevices between your teeth and gums, where your toothbrush just can't reach.
Daily flossing keeps plaque from building up in these tight spaces — plaque that may otherwise lead to gum disease.
Brush Your Gums as well as Your Teeth
Plaque buildup is especially abundant along the gum line. That's why, when you’re brushing your teeth, you should be sure to move your toothbrush gently over your gums as well.
Cleanings & Checkups
Your dentist can detect gum disease symptoms early, provided that you visit your dentist regularly. You should be visiting the dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months, so that developing problems can be treated before they become more serious.
Professional cleanings are really the only way to remove tartar (hardened dental plaque) from your teeth. As vigilant as you are about brushing and flossing, tartar will still eventually build up, and it needs to be removed by a dental professional.
Quit Smoking
Your gums and overall oral health are another great reason to quit smoking: Smoking is strongly linked with the onset of gum disease, weakens your immune system, and makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.