5 Tips For Taking Care of Your Gum Health at Home

When people think of oral health, the focus tends to be on the teeth — but that’s only part of the story. Your gum health is an integral part of your oral health and it also plays a key role in your overall well-being. Here are some benefits of taking care of your gums: 

• Lower risk of tooth loss
• Lower risk of heart disease 
• Reduced chance of gingivitis 
• Reduced risk of common chronic diseases, such as diabetes and dementia 

Researchers have linked gum disease with a range of medical conditions in men and women and by taking good care of your gums, you’ll be able to improve your overall wellness and lower your risk of developing certain diseases. 
 

Emergency Dental Care At our Calgary Clinic During COVID-19 

Do you have a tooth abscess, toothache, or jaw pain? While our Calgary dental clinic remains closed temporarily and all our non-emergency dental treatments have been suspended, our dentists are still available to assist you for urgent conditions or concerns. 

Want to know more about the telehealth services our Calgary dental clinic is offering during COVID-19?  

EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE DURING COVID-19 AT OUR CALGARY DENTAL CLINIC 
 

What Do Healthy Gums Look Like? 

Healthy gums are pink and firm, and they don’t bleed. On the other hand, some symptoms of diseased gums include: 

• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath 
• Difficulty chewing 
• Sensitive or loose teeth 
• Gums that don’t adhere to your teeth
• Mismatched bite
• Ill-fitting dentures 

Looking after your oral health means taking care of your gums, as well as your teeth. When your gums are healthy, you lower your risk of developing a whole range of harmful diseases and you’ll keep your mouth fresh and teeth healthy. 

3 REASONS WHY YOUR GUM HEALTH IS SO IMPORTANT 
 

How to Take Care of Your Gum Health At Home 

The good news is that gum disease is preventable. In order to protect your gums, teeth, and overall health, here are five tips to follow: 
 

1. Floss regularly. Floss at least once a day, as this will help remove any plaque or guck that is beyond the reach of your toothbrush. 

2. Get regular dental cleanings. While you may have to temporarily forego your regular dental cleaning at the moment, it’s important to continue with regular cleanings at your dental clinic once it is safe to do so. Not only will regular dental cleanings get rid of any plaque you may have missed, it will also help your dentist detect early signs of gum disease and treat it before it gets more serious. 

3. Stop smoking. Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease and since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection and makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.

4. Change your toothbrush. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush can break down, rendering them less effective at removing plaque from your teeth and gums. ALWAYS make it a point to change your toothbrush every three months. However, if you have had a flu or cold, it’s a good idea to change your toothbrush straight away to prevent the return of infection. 

5. Use an antiseptic mouthwash. It could be beneficial to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day in order to protect your gums. Rinsing with a mouthwash is a great way to finish off thoroughly cleaning your mouth because it reaches areas your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. 
 

Have a Dental Emergency or Question About Your Oral Health?

If you have a question about your oral health, or you think you have a dental emergency, including a tooth abscess, toothache, or jaw pain, our Calgary dentists are only a phone call away. We will ask you for information regarding your situation and advise you on any necessary next steps. If you do need to visit the clinic, we will book an appointment.

To find out more, contact us at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.