Top Tips For Preventing Receding Gums

 

Receding gums can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but they're also one of the first indicators of gum disease. The good news is there are plenty of ways to keep your gums healthy and strong! Some measures are simple changes you can make to your daily routine; others require trips to the general dentist or dental hygienist.

Either way, if you follow these steps regularly, you can prevent receding gums and maintain healthier teeth and gums over time.

Tip #1 – Floss

Flossing your teeth is not only a great way to prevent bad breath, but it is also an essential part of maintaining your gum health. An easy way to remember to floss is to do it while brushing your teeth so you don't forget! Flossing helps remove plaque that builds up on the tooth's surface and can get stuck in-between teeth. This plaque can cause cavities as well as gingivitis or receding gums.

Tip #2 – Schedule Regular Checkups With Your Dentist

Schedule regular dental checkups at least twice a year. This will allow your dentist to examine your gums, teeth, and mouth health. It will also allow them to catch potential issues that could lead to more significant problems like tooth decay or gum disease.

During these regular checkups, your general dentist will remove buildup tartar using special dental tools and techniques. You cannot remove tartar with regular brushing. So if you suspect you have tartar buildup, it's best to immediately visit a dentist because if left untreated, it might lead to gum recession.  

Tip #3 – Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water will help keep your mouth moist, which is beneficial for your gums. Not only does it help to reduce the risk of gum disease, but it also helps to keep the teeth hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day is a good habit, and avoiding sugary drinks can prevent tooth decay.

 

Tip #4 – Eat A Balanced Diet

Avoid eating too many acidic foods such as candy, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, or chocolate. These types of food can erode your tooth enamel and make the pH in your mouth more acidic.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is essential. Brushing will not only remove plaque that can lead to cavities but also reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

Tip #5 - Cut Down On Sugar

Sugar is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay, leading to gum disease. Reducing sugar by avoiding sugary drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juice, flavored water, and sports drinks can help keep your gums healthy.

Tip #6 – Use A Mouthwash

Mouthwash is important in oral care because it helps remove food particles, bacteria, and other harmful substances from your mouth. Using mouthwash containing alcohol or an antibacterial agent like Listerine may be able to help kill germs left over from brushing or eating acidic foods that are known for causing cavities.

Although there are many different types of mouthwash available, if you're looking for one that will not only clean your mouth but can also help prevent gum problems, use a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). CHG-based mouthwashes are more effective at fighting gum disease than alcohol-based ones.

Tip #7 – Avoid Smoking And Secondhand Smoke

Smoking is the number one cause of oral cancer. Plus, it's been shown that secondhand smoke can be just as harmful to your gums and teeth. Quitting smoking will improve the health of your teeth and gums, not to mention the rest of your body.

Tip#8 - Address Bruxism

While most people think that brushing and flossing are enough to keep your gums healthy, it is a good idea to consider why you are brushing in the first place. If you have been diagnosed with bruxism or clenching your teeth while sleeping, you need to consult your dentist about a mouth guard or night guard.

Tip#9 - Don't Brush Too Hard

Although brushing and flossing regularly helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, brushing too hard might wear down the enamel and damage your teeth. So make sure you're consistently brushing your teeth but don't go too hard on them.

Tip#10 - Take Care Of Your Oral Health

Taking care of your oral health can be as easy as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and getting your teeth cleaned at least every six months. Be sure to brush in small circular motions around the gums for two minutes. If you have sensitive teeth or gum disease, try an electric toothbrush for gentler brushing. Flossing should take about three minutes, and it's important to clean both sides of the teeth and use dental picks if necessary.

Tip#11 - Avoid Getting Oral Piercings

We all know that oral piercings can be fun, but they can also be damaging. Some more popular piercings, such as tongue and lip piercings, can cause your gums to recede or become sore. Even something as simple as a tongue stud has been known to cause these problems. If you have oral piercings or are considering getting one, avoid doing so if you have sensitive gums prone to receding.

Get In Touch With General Dentistry Services In Santa Clarita

The dentistry clinic in Santa Clarita, Copperhill Smiles, offers general and cosmetic dentistry solutions. Their board-certified in-house dentists and anesthesiologists will ensure that you don't experience discomfort or pain during any dental procedure.

The dental procedures they offer include dental implants, tooth extraction, laser gum shaping, anti-aging dentistry, smile makeover, dental veneers, professional teeth whitening, and Invisalign. They also offer night mouthguards to help people dealing with bruxism sleep better.

Get in touch with them to learn more.