Why is gum health so important? Good gum health can have a massive impact on your quality of life. Bleeding, swollen and sore gums can leave you in pain or discomfort for a long time – problems may be entirely avoidable with effective oral hygiene and professional support. Plus, maintaining good gum health means that you can keep your natural teeth for longer! Remember, tooth loss may be more common as we age, but it is not evitable. Looking after your gums also extends the time you have before you may need to explore potentially expensive treatment options to replace any missing teeth.

The added advantage of good gum health is that it improves general health too.

Top tips for gum health

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1 – Correct brushing technique

Even with electric toothbrushes, it is possible to not be brushing correctly or reaching all the necessary areas of the mouth. Take a minute to research or ask your dental hygienist how you can perfect your technique.

2 – Consistent interdental cleaning

Whether you prefer dental floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser, consistently (every day) cleaning between the teeth is essential for gum health.

3 – Maintain your general health and ensure good nutrition

Many systemic health conditions are directly linked to gum health. Problems with one lead to issues with the other – and often vice versa. For example, people with type 2 diabetes are more prone to gum disease, but controlling the condition can reduce your risk of gum problems. Similarly, looking after your oral hygiene can make the diabetes more manageable too. Regarding nutrition, a balanced diet is essential for both dental and general health. A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, for example, can cause mouth sores and impact elasticity and firmness of the gums.

The myth of the mouthwash

Many people place too much importance on mouthwash and often use it at the wrong time. Straight after brushing is not good because it completely washes away any remaining toothpaste, removing the carefully designed combination of substances in the product that promotes oral health – which often contains fluoride to help fight decay, as well as several other beneficial ingredients. My advice would be to seek professional guidance from your dental team about the best products for you to use and when. Generally, try to use mouthwash at least 30 minutes after brushing, or just at a different time of day. After lunch or between meals may be particularly beneficial.

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Improve treatment outcomes

A lot of dental treatment can’t take place unless gum health is good. For example, if your dentist recommends anything from orthodontic treatment to crowns, bridges or dental implants, you may need to meet key gum health standards before you can proceed. This helps you achieve the best possible result and reduces the risk of both treatment complications and failure. By taking care of your gums before, during and after treatment, you are protecting your investment and setting yourself up for success.

Gum health is just one part of the oral health puzzle – but it a very important one. Even if you are not aware of any issues, seeking professional guidance is essential to help prevent any problems in the future.