Do you worry every time your doctor examines your gums? If you are like most people, you know that you have not done enough to maintain healthy gums, even though it is a relatively simple (and very important) task. Unfortunately, busy schedules and “eating on the go” make it tougher for us to stick to good habits and avoid the perils of gum disease. This month, National Gum Care Month, let’s commit to an easy, four step process in order to achieve our goal of healthy gums in Leesburg, VA.
The Way to Healthy Gums
- Brush your teeth a minimum of twice per day. Brushing your teeth and gums, even this minimal amount, will go far in clearing the mouth of bacteria and plaque. Set a timer for two minutes; that is all it takes.
- Flossing is the key to healthy gums and must be done at least once per day. Dental floss gets in between the teeth, clearing away food particles that cannot be reached with your tooth brush. Make it part of your night time ritual so you do not forget. Or if you are a morning person, brush and floss after breakfast to ensure it gets done before you lose steam at bedtime.
- Check your mouth for signs of infection. There are many differences between healthy gums and infected gums. Gum disease symptoms include inflammation, tenderness or bleeding of the gums, bad breath, and gum recession. If your healthy gums begin to bleed when you brush, call your doctor.
- Schedule regular checkups and professional cleanings. These visits allow the hygienist to remove hardened plaque and bacteria that you cannot reach and afford your doctor the opportunity to detect infection in its early stages.
Are you concerned about healthy gums in Leesburg, VA? Schedule a consultation for gum disease with Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche. Dr. Kharmouche is a skilled periodontist who can help you improve the health of your smile and see it truly last a lifetime.
