The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings for Gum Health – Newbury Dental

Maintaining healthy gums is a continuous process beyond your biannual dental cleanings. Here are Ormsby Dental some guidelines to help you preserve your gum health between these professional visits:

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth and brush along the gum line to remove plaque effectively.
Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and the gum line where your toothbrush might not reach. Aim to floss at least once a day.

Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help manage plaque and prevent gingivitis. Rinse daily after brushing and flossing.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly: Toothbrushes wear out over time, so replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Plaque can be effectively removed at home through thorough brushing and flossing. However, plaque may progress into calculus (tartar), making the plaque harden and become as tough as tooth structure. In such cases, regular brushing and flossing alone are insufficient to eliminate it. Mechanical debridement by an oral health care professional is necessary. Despite practicing excellent oral hygiene, some calculus buildup is inevitable due to difficult-to-reach areas and the limitations of dental hygiene tools used at home.

Lifestyle Changes
Follow a Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet is beneficial for not only your overall health but also your oral health. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they contribute to plaque buildup. Instead, consume a fibre-rich diet and fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to promote gum health.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is strongly linked with the onset of gum disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your gum disease risk and improve your health.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use can increase your risk of gum disease and make it harder for your body to recover from it.
Remember, these practices can significantly improve gum health but cannot replace professional dental cleanings. So, maintain your regular dental cleaning appointments to enjoy a healthy smile.