Not everything is about how perfect your teeth are or how dazzling your smile is when it relates to your oral health. You must not overlook your gums! Even if you don’t have any cavities and have the whitest teeth in the neighborhood, you’re not exempt from gum disease. Most people are unaware that something is amiss with their gums since it is typically pain-free.

Plaque piles up beneath and along the gum line, causing gum disease. Plaque is a persistent bacteria-filled covering that accumulates on the teeth. It can lead to infections in the gums and bones, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque is also responsible for gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. Your gums will become inflamed as a result of gingivitis that can make your gums:

• inflamed
• tender
• red
• swollen
• bleeding proclivity

Thankfully, because the bone and tissue that holds the teeth in place are unaffected, this injury is recoverable.

Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can also occur. Periodontitis is an infection that damages the bones that sustain your teeth. If left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on the gums, bones, and tissues that support your teeth.

Advanced periodontitis is generally regarded as the culmination of gum disease. This is the destruction of the fibers and bone that anchor your teeth. It can affect your bite, and teeth may need to be removed as a result.

Gum disease is avoidable. So here are some tips to maintain the health of your gums:

• Floss

Floss your teeth at a minimum once per day. As per the ADA, this eradicates plaque and food particles that are outside the grasp of your brush. There is no real guide as to when you should floss in a day, but preferably after meals.

• Maintain frequent dental cleanings

If you visit your dentist regularly, he or she will be able to spot early signs of gum disease. This allows symptoms to be addressed before they worsen. Tartar is the hardened version of plaque that would require professional cleaning for it to get removed. It can also remove any plaque that you missed when brushing or flossing. Brushing, flossing, and frequent dental routine maintenance can help counteract gingivitis.

• Give up Smoking

Another incentive for smokers to quit: smoking is highly linked to the development of gum disease. Because smoking affects your immune system, it makes it more difficult to ward off a gum infection. Furthermore, smoking makes it increasingly challenging for injured gums to recover.

• Brush your teeth twice a day

Brush your teeth after each meal. This helps to get rid of food and plaque trapped between the teeth and gums. Rub your tongue as well, as it can give space for bacteria to grow. The toothbrush must contain soft bristles and it should fit well in the mouth.

• Fluoride toothpaste should be used

When it comes to toothpaste, there is a slew of options that claim to alleviate gingivitis, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. How does one know which one is the finest for maintaining the quality of your gums? Fluoride-containing toothpaste is the key to success.