How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

You need to keep your gums healthy in-between visits to your dentist in Brewster, NY. Here are our tips and tricks for having healthy gums.

Your oral health matters! Did you know 46% of adults 30 years and older show signs of gum disease? This is why taking care of your teeth and gums should be a daily priority. 



But what are the best ways to keep your gums healthy? Follow these tips, from your dentist in Brewster, NY, on how to take care of your gums for better oral health.

Why Does Gum Health Matter?

Not taking appropriate care of your gums can cause different issues to not only your oral health but your overall health. Gums protect and hold your teeth together. It is the gum and bone that complete the entire tooth structure. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and have no cavities, you still need to care for your gums to have long-lasting teeth health.

When food gets lodged in the mouth and is not cleaned properly, it mixes with saliva & bacteria to form plaque. This plaque over time can cause gum disease or gingivitis. This can cause red and swollen gums that bleed while brushing or flossing.

Periodontitis is another form of gum disease that is considered more severe because it affects your bones. This disease attacks the tissue and underlying bone structure that holds teeth into position and can result in permanent tooth loss. 

Unfortunately, gum disease isn't just bad for your teeth, it's also linked to other serious health problems. These include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. 



Many people have a tendency to overlook their gums even though it's extremely important to their overall health. Here are some ways in which you can avoid an unnecessary trip to your dentist in 10509, and keep your gums healthy and strong. 

Floss Daily

Like your dentist always says, you should floss every day! Floss is designed to scrape damaging plaque away from the gum line and from between the teeth. Floss is the best way to get the bacteria and plaque out from your gum line.

Flossing should be done daily but is even better if it can be done twice a day. Flossing can be a difficult task, especially if it's not something you're used to doing regularly. Here are three important things to keep in mind when flossing your teeth:

• Choose the right kind of floss
• Use the correct flossing technique
• Be consistent



Read more about these flossing tips from your dentist in Brewster, NY to help make flossing part of your daily routine.

Brush Your Teeth

This may seem obvious, but brushing your teeth helps to maintain your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. For most people, this would mean brushing your teeth when you wake up and before you go to bed.

The type of toothbrush you use is also important. Soft bristles are said to be the best toothbrushes to use. Remember to also change out your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months to keep it fresh. 



Don't apply too much pressure when you brush. Move your toothbrush back and forth with short strokes and clean all sides of your teeth. Brushing your teeth is the simplest way to avoid unnecessary trips to your family dentist in Brewster, NY. 

Use Mouthwash

While mouthwash shouldn't replace any brushing or flossing you do daily, it can be a great addition to your oral hygiene. Be sure you're using an ADA-approved mouthwash that helps to get rid of bacteria. 



You'll want to swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out into the sink. Mouthwash is a great way to finish your dental care after you've flossed and brushed. It will help get the last remaining bacteria out of your mouth and gums. 

Dental Check-Ups

No one ever really wants to go to the dentist. However, twice a year is the commitment you should make to your oral health. Cleanings once every six months are important and a great way to help get stubborn plaque and bacteria out of your teeth.

These exams can also help you see if you need to make adjustments at home to better your oral health. Remember that Gingivitis doesn't always show symptoms. With these dentist 10509 visits, you'll find out how your gums and teeth are doing so you don't have to guess or be surprised. 



Make it a priority to visit your dentist in Brewster, NY twice a year!

Avoid Bad Health Habits

Oral health not only affects overall health but is also affected by overall health. There are certain steps you can make to be sure you're avoiding habits that will hurt your teeth and gums.

• Smoking and Tobacco Use - Cigarettes, vaping, & chewing tobacco makes it hard for your gums to heal and protect from disease
• Sugary Drinks and Food - Sugary sodas and sticky candies can create more plaque and are hard to clean from teeth and gums
• Excessive Alcohol Use -  Excessive alcohol use can adversely affect the oral defense mechanism

It's important to consider oral health as part of your overall health. In fact, plaque uses the sugars we consume to produce acids that directly attack tooth enamel. The more processed sugar in our diets, the more fuel plaque has to use when attacking our enamel.



This is why having a well-balanced diet and getting the right nutrients can have a hugely positive effect on your gums and teeth, making them healthier and cleaner as a result. 

Dentist in Brewster, NY

When it comes to taking care of your dental health, most people overlook their gums. Luckily, there are things you can do today to start to remedy that. Flossing, brushing, a healthy lifestyle, and regular trips to your dentist in Brewster, NY can help you maintain great oral health.



For more information on oral hygiene, contact us today!