Daily oral habits such as brushing and flossing have many benefits for your teeth. However, are you aware of the impact these habits have on your gums, as well?
Why Periodontics (Gum Care) Matters
Research has shown gum care, also known as periodontics, has many links to overall health. There are definite correlations between gum health and degenerative diseases such as diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. Research has also shown a clear connection between gum health and cardiovascular health. It is not entirely clear why there are so many links between disease and gum-care. Regardless, you should know that oral hygiene is not just about teeth but about the structures holding your teeth. Be aware that daily habits are necessary to keep up with periodontics.
The Importance of Brushing
Caring for your gums needs to be a daily activity. There are two simple steps to gum care, which are brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and prevents plaque from building up and causing gum disease. Make sure you have a quality toothbrush and brush properly to take care of your gums.
Be sure to choose a soft-bristle toothbrush that will not irritate your gums. Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes. Likewise, choose a toothpaste with ADA approved amounts of fluoride. Fluoride works to make your teeth stronger and increase their ability to fight tooth decay.
The Importance of Flossing
However, before you brush your teeth, be sure to also floss. Flossing does more or less what a toothbrush does, but flossing is necessary because floss reaches spots in your mouth your toothbrush cannot easily reach and you cannot see.
Though many people brush and then floss, research suggests it is more beneficial to floss before brushing. The food and plaque released from between your teeth will still be in your mouth unless you brush after flossing. If you have more questions about periodontics and how you can prevent gum disease, please do not hesitate to call our office.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 \ (971) 708-1608 \ centurydentalllc.com \ 12/4/2024 \ Page Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR
Daily oral habits such as brushing and flossing have many benefits for your teeth. However, are you aware of the impact these habits have on your gums, as well?