Receding gums are a fairly common oral health issue, but their prevalence does not make the issue any less troublesome. Whether it’s poor oral hygiene, genetics, or just bad luck receding gums can cause a patient’s gums to pull back, which creates pockets of space between the tooth and gum These pockets can easily harbor bacteria, and lead to more complicated and serious issues down the line. Luckily, there are some basic habits that are proven to help prevent receding gums from occuring in the first place, or becoming worse. Let’s take a closer look at our three top tips for preventing receding gums.
Have A Good Oral Hygiene Routine
The first tip may seem the most obvious, but it’s also the most important. Maintaining a basic oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash use is the best way for someone to protect their mouth from any oral health issues, including receding gums.
Avoid Smoking & Tobacco
Receding gums and gum disease are two more items to add to the list of reasons not to smoke. The mouths of smokers almost always have a measurably higher amount of plaque and tartar than nonsmokers. That buildup can be directly responsible for receding gums. Unfortunately, these side effects seemed to be linked to tobacco, not just smoking, so it’s to avoid all tobacco products.
Don’t Brush So Hard
Brushing the teeth at least twice a day is crucial to get oral health. However, brushing the teeth in the wrong way can actually do more harm than good. One of the more common tooth brushing mistakes dentists see is patients brushing their teeth too hard. The pressure of that toothbrush can wear down tooth enamel, and cause gums to recede. Remember to brush gently, and correctly for the best results.
Many people suffer from receding gums, but they don’t have to. By practicing these basic tips, most people can rest easy knowing they’re doing everything in their power to give themselves good oral health. To learn more visit www.morristownoralsurgery.com.
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