Healthy Gums : What You Can Do

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Healthy gums are imperative for healthy teeth and overall health in general. Many of the things that are done to maintain healthy teeth are also good for the gums, such as brushing and flossing, but also consuming enough water so there is no dry mouth, using a mouthwash or Waterpik.

Gums thrive in a clean mouth that is free of bacteria and food particle build-up, low on plaque, and with healthy levels of saliva, while things like smoking or chewing tobacco are detrimental to gum health.

Brush and floss for healthy gums

The basis of the best care for teeth, gums, and the mouth is to brush and floss them twice a day. By brushing the teeth and gums food particles and residue from drinks and food are removed, preventing them from building up on the surface of the teeth and gums and forming cavities.

Flossing should be done right down to the gums and the floss should hug around half the tooth from each side cleaning the full surface of the tooth, thus removing build-up from the surface of the tooth. Flossing can clean the food particles from nearer to the gums and from between the teeth where a toothbrush doesn’t often reach, which makes it a valuable tool in gum care, and can help to deter pockets of bacteria from forming.

By removing the food particles, bacteria, and plaque build-up, both infections of the gums and teeth as well as cavities can be deterred, allowing for gums to remain healthy. When food is consumed, but brushing and flossing is not readily available, rinsing the mouth with water is still helpful.

This will remove most of the food residue and keep sugar from building up on the teeth and gums, helping them to stay healthier, as well as adding moisture to the mouth.

Drink more water for healthy gums

When a mouth becomes dry the bacteria is able to grow faster in the warm area of the mouth and between the teeth. By keeping the mouth moist and helping to boost saliva production the gums are kept cleaner and healthier.

This is accomplished by drinking more water, rinsing the mouth after eating, and may require mouthwashes that are made to not only kill the bacteria in the mouth but to increase saliva production and help to maintain balance in the mouth.

As some medications can cause the mouth to become dryer than normal, a doctor or dentist can offer additional solutions or may be able to recommend the best mouthwash or even gum or mint products to help.

Avoid tobacco for healthy gums

Studies have shown that tobacco can dry the mouth, leave a film or residue on the teeth, as well as some wines and certain foods. By reducing the use of tobacco and choosing foods that are low in sugar and replacing them with healthy foods and habits the build-up in the mouth and on the gums is decreased.

Healthy gums are just one part of a healthy mouth, and a healthy body in general. Many of the same things that keep teeth healthy keep gums healthy, including reducing the use of tobacco and sugary or sticky foods, brushing and flossing twice a day, dental cleanings, mouthwash that reduces bacteria, and drinking water throughout the day.

Having healthy gums encourages healthy teeth and reduces bad breath and infections within the mouth.   

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Chermiti Mohamed on Unsplash