Here’s The Lowdown On Your Gums

A mouth with no gums is unthinkable. After all, your gums hold your teeth in place. Which means that no gums = no teeth!

But did you know that your gums can be affected by gum disease, especially if you don’t floss? 

In fact, many dentists recommend a daily gum massage.

What Is Gum Disease?

If you use an old toothbrush or one with hard bristles, your gums can recede. Receding gums may indicate the onset of gum disease. If this condition goes untreated, it can eventually lead to the destruction of the bones and tissues attached to your teeth. 

Unhealthy gums can cause tooth decay and eventually loss of teeth. That’s why your gums should never be neglected. 

The Benefits of Massaging Your Gums

A great smile

Clean breath

Improved blood circulation in your gums.

You’ll also be able to tell if you have a fledgeling gum infection or a tooth problem as you’ll feel pain when you touch that area of your mouth.

Healing of gum inflammations.

If your gums have receded, a good massage will help them grow back.

How To Care For Your Gums

Use a good toothbrush with soft bristles

Change your toothbrush often

Don’t apply too much pressure when you brush

Twist your brush to a 45-degree angle so that you don’t hurt your gums when you’re brushing your teeth

Simple mouth exercises like biting down hard thirty to forty times can help

Floss regularly

Use a mouthwash

Reduce your intake of sugar and carbonated beverages as plaque-forming bacteria thrive on sugar. Plaque leads to bleeding gums and tooth decay. Also, sugar and carbonated drinks can damage the enamel of the teeth.

How To Massage Your Gums

Take a tonic oil like eucalyptus oil and massage it gently onto your gums with clean fingers. 

You can massage your gums with your finger or you can use a gum brush made of silicon bristles.

Move your fingers in a circular motion while massaging your gums. Start from the outside and then go towards the inside. Massage both the upper and lower gums.

Massage your gums for about fifteen seconds.

Massaging your gums is just as important to good dental health as brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth with a good mouthwash.