Your gums are an often-overlooked part of your oral health. Most people are so fixated on what their teeth look like that their gums fall by the wayside. But keeping your gums healthy is crucial for maintaining a beautiful smile and overall oral comfort. Unfortunately, if you have unhealthy gums, you could be causing it yourself.
If you’re curious to learn some common habits that irritate your gums, continue reading. You may be doing some of them every day!
1. Home Teeth Whitening
While it’s normal to want a brighter smile, using at-home teeth whitening products without professional guidance can sometimes harm your gums.
Overusing these products or failing to follow instructions may lead to gum irritation and sensitivity. To protect your gums, talk to your dentist before starting any teeth whitening regimen.
You should also check the ingredients in your whitening kit to ensure that it only uses hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient. Some shady online companies use other chemicals that could harm your teeth and gums.
2. Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of a good oral hygiene regimen, but aggressive brushing can do a number on your gum tissue. This can be especially bad if you’re using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
Applying excessive pressure may cause your gums to recede, leaving your teeth at risk of decay, infection, and loss.
When you brush your teeth, opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush, and use gentle, circular motions to protect your gums.
3. Bad Flossing Techniques
Flossing is the best way to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, but improper flossing techniques can cause gum irritation. If you want to be a professional flosser in no time, follow these tips:
- Avoid snapping the floss against your gums, which can cause them to bleed and become inflamed.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth and curve it around each tooth, moving up and down.
- Using this gentle force, you can also clean around the base of your teeth, removing plaque below the gumline.
If you want another solution to flossing, pick up a water flosser! These are tools that use a stream of water to clean between teeth.
4. Diet Choices
Your diet can also impact your gum health. Foods high in sugars and acid contribute to bacterial plaque buildup. Over time, this can contribute to gum irritation and even gum disease.
A well-balanced diet for gum health consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush away food particles and maintain gum health.
Awareness is the first step to change. Now that you know these habits that may irritate your gums, you can take preventive steps to protect your smile and maintain comfortable oral health. If you need additional help, contact your dentist for a screening and cleaning!
About the Practice
Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur and Dr. Joseph Sandberg make up the dental team of the South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine. Their shared passion for people and providing top-notch dental care is what brings patients back over and over. With a state-of-the-art facility and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Sandberg and Dr. Kukkundur stand ready to address your needs. To schedule an appointment, call (856) 596-4333 or visit the website to learn more.