You probably know that maintaining routine dental visits and having a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine can make huge differences in your oral health. But did you know that in addition to brushing your teeth, you should also be brushing your gums? It sounds odd, but it can help boost your oral health! Here’s why brushing your gums is important!
How Healthy Gums Contribute to a Healthy Smile & Body
Gums are the soft, connective tissues that are located around your teeth. The purpose of gums is to help anchor your teeth in place and act as a protective barrier around the tooth roots, nerves, and blood vessels to prevent damage and infection. If oral hygiene falls by the wayside, the gums become more susceptible to disease. Gum disease occurs when bad bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed and irritated, which can result in infection and other health issues in your body.
Can Brushing My Gums Improve My Oral Health?
If you aren’t already, make sure you are gently brushing your gums each time you brush your teeth. This removes any plaque located along the gum line. It’s also a great way to stimulate blood flow in the gums, promote tissue regeneration/healing, and help prevent bacteria from accumulating beneath the gum line. Flossing is also critical for removing bacteria from under the gums!
Use a Gentle Touch
While brushing your gums has a multitude of benefits, you must ensure that you are using a gentle touch. If you brush your gums with a hard-bristled toothbrush or you use a heavy hand, you can irritate your gums and actually cause damage instead of preventing infection.
Questions About Caring for Your Smile?
At Farmington Dental & Orthodontics, our team is committed to educating our patients so that they have the tools they need to maintain a healthy smile. We aim to empower and assist our patients to make smart decisions regarding their oral health. If you have any questions or concerns about your smile, we’d love to assist you. Please contact our office in Farmington, AR, to book an in-person consultation!