Gum disease is a very common ailment and many people allow it to go untreated either for lack of insurance, money, or both. Truth be told, managing gum disease is not as hard as many people may think. Sure you need to get regular dental checkups, but you can also perform a few simple tasks in your home that will help you prevent gum disease. Let's run down the list briefly.
Brushing Daily
Everyone knows that it is a good idea to brush daily, but to be honest, you need to brush at least twice daily, and in some cases, after every meal. The more you brush, the healthier your gums will be. Also, the toothpaste you use can affect your oral health. While some people may need special toothpastes, it's a good idea to find a toothpaste that protects against bacteria as well as cleans teeth.
Flossing
Most of us floss every few days. In actuality it is a good idea to floss on a daily basis. Flossing helps dig out the packed in food that sits down by your gum lines. Getting this food out on a daily basis will go a long way in keeping your gums as healthy as possible. Most dentists recommend that you use unwaxed floss. You can discuss this with your dentist the next time you visit his or her office. And holding the floss doesn't have to be a challenge. You can now buy special floss sticks that make it easier for you to get the floss in-between your teeth.
Mouthwash
Rinse your mouth with mouthwash every time you brush. You will want to use a recommended mouthwash. Not only does this help freshen your breath, but it also kills away more mouth germs than brushing and flossing alone. Your gums will thank you, as mouthwash helps fight gingivitis. Some mouthwashes only rinse your mouth and slightly freshen your breath. Make sure you buy and use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. You'll want to swish it in all four quadrants of your mouth for about 10 seconds each.
Keeping your gums clean and free of disease does not have to be a long and complicated process. Taking a few minutes on a daily basis to perform these simple in-home tasks will allow your gums to be healthy for a long time.
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