When talking about oral health, it isn’t just about your teeth. Oral health is inclusive of gum care, without which you can be affected by several diseases like gingivitis. Here are certain gum care tips to follow to ensure complete oral health:

1. Floss your teeth at least once a day

Flossing is important for the removal of those tiny pieces of food particles and other elements from between your teeth. These food particles and elements can otherwise cause plaque. Flossing should preferably be done once in the morning or night, but you can also do it right after lunch.

2. Regular dental checkups are very important

Despite following all the gum care tips, tartar, plaque, and other oral health issues might still crop up. You can only get rid of these with the help of professional help. Dentists use specialized pieces of equipment to clean your mouth, including your teeth and gums, which can help in preventing these problems. Also, when you regularly visit your dentist, you can track impending gingivitis, a condition where the gums become red and swollen, along with other gum diseases.

3. Brush twice a day

One of the most important gum care tips by dentists is that you should brush twice every day, advisably after all major meals, for example, after lunch and dinner. Only brushing your teeth won’t suffice, so you should also make it a point to scrub your tongue to rid it of bacteria. When you brush your teeth and scrub your tongue, you ensure that your mouth is free of any leftover food particles.

4. Follow a healthy diet

A healthy diet is as important for your oral health as it is for the rest of your body, and what you eat directly affects your gums and teeth. Always include the following food items in your diet:

• Fiber in the form of vegetables and fruits like pears, strawberries, apples, carrots, beetroots, and such.
• Foods that help reduce bacteria, like green and black tea.
• Sugar-free gum that enhances saliva production.
• Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and such.

You should try and avoid the following food items as much as possible:

• Aerated and carbonated drinks like soft drinks as they have high amounts of sugar and citric acid.
• Sticky sweets and candies.
• Foods high in starch as they can easily get stuck in the mouth.

5. Use an ADA-approved mouthwash

The list of gum care tips given by dentists also includes using a mouthwash, which are of two types: cosmetic and therapeutic. While both are easily available over the counter, you should always choose a therapeutic mouthwash as it helps reduce tartar and plaque and prevents all kinds of gum diseases.

Gum care is as important as tooth care to ensure overall oral health. The above-mentioned gum care tips are easy to follow and will surely help to maintain good oral health for a long period.