How To Get Healthy Gums – Top Tips You Really Need To Know

How To Get Healthy Gums – Top Tips You Really Need To Know

Before we know how to get healthy gums, it’s important that we understand that healthy gums are absolutely vital if you want healthy teeth. As such, you really can’t have one without the other. Yet and surprisingly, gums are often neglected in our normal daily cleaning routine. Unfortunately, unhealthy gums can actually lead to all sorts of problems including gum irritation, bleeding, and damage to supporting bone tissue, eventually leading to tooth loss. That’s the bad news. The good news, however, is that getting healthy gums isn’t actually that difficult.

That said, before we dive into some top tips for healthy gums, it’s important to understand what do healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums should be both pink and firm. You shouldn’t have gums that are white and sore, or red either. This often means unhealthy gums which could signal inflammation, which in turn could be triggered by gum disease. So, when it comes to the perfect healthy gums colour, pale pink gums are what we’re after!

In fact, your gums can reveal so much about you. Did you know for example that your dentist can tell a lot about you by simply looking at the state of your gum health? It’s true! So, if you don’t want your dentist to know that…

  • The only time you flossed is right before your appointment, or
  • That you used to suck your thumb, or
  • That you’re pregnant…

then knowing how to get healthy gums is key. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look!

Healthy gums tip 1 – Change your diet

If you don’t already, there are certain foods which are great for your teeth and gums which should be incorporated into your diet. These include:
  • Onions – Perfect for neutralising oral bacteria
  • Leafy green veg – Packed with vitamin C. essential for reducing gum inflammation
  • Crunchy fruit and veg – Apples, carrots and celery stimulate saliva which in turn help reduce plaque build-up on your teeth and protect your gums.

Tips for healthy gums #2 – Quit smoking

We all know that smoking is bad for our overall health, but did you know that it’s also bad for our teeth and gums? Chemicals found in tobacco smoke create a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. For unhealthy gums, this can make it difficult to fight off infection and recuperate. Smoking also leads to higher levels of bacterial plaque which as we already know is bad news for anyone wanting to know how to get better gums.

Tip #3 – Floss like a boss!

While regular brushing is crucial to maintaining a brighter, whiter smile, the importance of flossing can’t be underestimated. Flossing removes those tiny food particles which normal brushing can’t. Initially, you may find that your gums bleed when flossing, but as your gums become stronger this should resolve itself after a short period of time. If in doubt, talk to us and we’ll give you some tips and advice on better flossing techniques.

Healthy gums tip 4 – Softly does it

There are many reasons why brushing teeth is important, but did you know that the state of your gum health can also be affected by how hard you brush? Aggressive scrubbing isn’t good for your gums. Instead, gentle back and forth motions in short tooth-wide strokes is a great way to maintain a healthy gum appearance.

Tip #5 – Attend regular dental check-ups

If you really want to know how to get healthy gums, then the answer is teamwork! Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning will not only help to maintain a healthy gums colour, but it allows the dental team to spot any problems early, so that they can be dealt with, allowing you to ensure your gums and teeth remain in tip-top condition.

If you want to know how to get better teeth and gums, then visit Supreme Dental Smile Gallery in Box Hill. As a leading dentist in Box Hill, we know how to fix unhealthy gums and will work with you to achieve better gum health and an all-round healthier smile. To book an appointment, contact us today on (03) 8595 2632