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viva-gum-healthWe often neglect the health of our gums. While our teeth are important, unhealthy gums can threaten both our smile and our overall health. How do you keep your gums healthy? With preventive dentistry and regular visits to the office for checkups and cleanings, you can help your gingival tissue remain healthy and free of inflammation.

Try Our Quiz on Improving Gum Health

  1. True or False: Brushing your teeth can aid your gums.
  2. True or False: Good gum health means flossing.
  3. True or False: You must have your teeth cleaned once every six months.
  4. True or False: Don’t ignore any changes to your gums.

Answer Key

  1. True. When you brush your teeth you help reduce the severity of plaque buildup, a major factor in preventing gum inflammation. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. However, avoid hard or medium bristles or brushing too hard, a this could irritate the gums or lead to recession.
  2. True. Flossing reaches the food particles stuck between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. When you floss each day before bed you reduce the risk of gingivitis forming.
  3. True. A dental cleaning is the only way to completely remove plaque buildup from the teeth. Having a cleaning every six months can help protect gum health and reduce the risk of gingivitis or gum disease forming.
  4. True. If you notice your gums appear more red than normal, feel sore, or bleed easily when you brush or floss, then talk to your dentist. These are common warning signs of inflammation. You need to treat gingivitis before it reaches the incurable gum disease stage.

ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX, DENTIST:

Viva Dental in Dallas, TX, welcomes patients from North Oak Cliff, Bishop Arts District, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, and nearby cities. Viva Dental in Richardson, TX, happily welcomes patients from North Dallas, Plano, Garland, and the surrounding communities. To learn more, contact the Viva Dental office nearest you. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).