Four tips for maintaining healthy gums

A healthy smile is more than just white, bright teeth. The gums play an integral role in maintaining a healthy smile as well! Your gums are soft tissues that can be easily impacted by bacteria or disease. In fact, gum disease, or periodontal disease, starts in the gum tissues and can cause them to become red, swollen, and irritated. This also comes along with bleeding while brushing and flossing. At Montefiore Medical Center, we encourage patients to learn more about how to care for the teeth and gums to reduce the risk of infection and other common soft tissue problems.

What are some ways to maintain healthy gums?

• Brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste to also help strengthen the teeth.
• Floss at least once a day, or after each meal if possible. This removes food particles between teeth that might contribute to the development of gum disease.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day. These are available over-the-counter at your local drugstore, or special prescription mouthwash might be recommended by your dentist.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals. This is helpful in maintaining saliva flow to wash away food particles in-between meals and snacks, reducing the risk of dry mouth--a common condition that can increase one's risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

These are all excellent ways to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. If you can’t brush your teeth for some reason, at least try to floss and use mouthwash. And don’t forget to chew sugar-free gum – it helps remove bacteria and food particles from your teeth while keeping your saliva flow up.

Discuss oral health recommendations with a quality team of professionals

Montefiore Medical Center has 11 convenient locations throughout the area to help patients obtain the best possible care for their smiles. If you are located in the community and want to speak to a dentist about your oral health needs, call our main number at 888-700-6623 to request a consultation appointment. We are open at all of our practice locations for new patients and families seeking comprehensive dental care, including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for all ages.