6 Top Tips to Improve Gum Health
When you think dental care, you probably picture your teeth. But oral health also includes the rest of your mouth, which is why it’s crucial to care for your gums. Not sure where to start? We’ve got plenty of tips for how to improve gum health.
More than 47 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 30 have some sort of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number rises to 70 percent for adults age 65 and older.
Gum diseases like gingivitis can lead to unpleasant symptoms like:
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
Pain while chewing
Loose or sensitive teeth
Gums that pull away from your teeth
A change in how your teeth fit together
A change in how your dentures fit
The best way to avoid gum disease is to take care of your oral health, which is part of your overall wellbeing. Getting dental insurance through Stride gives you access to no-cost checkups and can cover part of the cost of other dental care.
Besides that, here’s how to improve gum health with easy at-home tips.
1. Brush Your Teeth
Brushing isn’t just good for your teeth — it also benefits your gum health. That’s because brushing your teeth removes the bacteria that can lead to gum disease, according to the CDC.
Remember to brush at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. And don’t forget to replace your brush every few months (or sooner if the bristles are splayed) to reduce bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is another key part of your gum health routine. Like brushing, flossing helps remove bacteria that could lead to gum disease, according to the CDC.
Floss once a day for the best results, per the Mayo Clinic.
3. Go to the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are critical when it comes to how to have healthier gums. According to the CDC, you should visit the dentist at least once a year. If you have any of the signs of gum disease listed above, though, you might need to see the dentist more often.
Your dentist will clean your teeth to prevent oral problems, and can also catch conditions like gum disease in their early stages. This means you save yourself pain, money, and time later on.
But dental care can be pricey. Luckily, Stride can help you find affordable dental insurance coverage. For less than $30 a month, you get:
No-cost teeth cleanings and checkups
Less-costly bills for other services like fillings and x-rays
Access to more than 300,000 dental clinics
4. Rinse With Mouthwash
Why stop at brushing and flossing? You can also rinse with mouthwash to get your gums extra clean.
This helps keep your entire mouth healthy and free of bad bacteria so you can better avoid gum disease, per the Mayo Clinic.
5. Stop Smoking
Smoking can harm your mouth and gums by promoting the growth of bad bacteria, according to the CDC. In fact, it puts you at major risk for gum disease.
As a result, one of the best ways to get healthy gums in the long term is to quit smoking.
6. Limit Sugary Snacks
Sugar attacks your tooth enamel, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to cavities. It can also cause a buildup of tartar, which can inflame your gums and lead to gum disease. Avoid these issues by cutting back on sugary foods like candy, baked goods, and soda.
At the same time, here’s how to improve gum health naturally: Eat nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and drink plenty of water. All of this will help your mouth (and the rest of your body) feel its best.
