How to Get Healthy Gums: Your Guide to Healthy, Strong Gums

Gum disease is a common ailment that affects many adults, with almost 50% of adults over 30 experiencing gum disease, and that rate rises in adults over 65, to over 70%! So how do you get healthy gums? Here are several tips to encourage and maintain good gum health!

Oral Hygiene is Very Important

Regular oral hygiene is very important for good gum health. At The Village Dentistry, our dentist in Houston, will guide you to the fact that daily brushing and flossing are key to preventing plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation, bleeding, and gum disease.

 Brushing along the gum line and flossing between teeth can especially help prevent this. Remember to prioritize oral hygiene twice a day by brushing for 2-3 minutes, thoroughly reaching all areas of the mouth. Using an ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste is also important in maintaining oral health.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water often not only helps your body through hydration, but it also protects the tissues in your mouth by washing away food particles and preventing worse plaque buildup, which plays an important role in preventing gum disease. The kind of regular rinsing that drinking plenty of water provides can also help prevent a dry mouth. Dry mouth can encourage plaque build-up and increase your risk of decay, irritation, and gum problems. Drinking other beverages, such as soda, juice, or sweet tea, can increase plaque by feeding the bacteria in your mouth with sugars. Water is the healthiest beverage for your mouth, helping keep your gums strong and your smile cleaner and healthier.

Eat Foods that Promote Oral Health

To have healthy gums, diet cannot be overlooked. Eating foods such as dairy, foods that have healthy amounts of fiber, fruits and vegetables such as carrots and apples helps to promote oral health. Eating healthy options can help support gum health too. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, crumbly, and likely to sit in your mouth for a long period of time. Avoid acid laden foods that can eat away at the enamel. Focus on fibrous fruits and vegetables that can help clean your teeth, and options like dairy that will help promote strong and healthy bones and teeth.

Schedule an appointment with our dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic and improve your oral health.