How To

How to Improve Gum Health

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Gums are an often overlooked part of the mouth. We tend to focus on the teeth and ignore the pink fleshy stuff holding them in place. As you get older, though, your gums require more attention. Good dental hygiene includes caring for your gums, and improving your gum health can improve your overall health. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Wake up your mouth by changing toothpastes. Choose a fluoride toothpaste that's accepted by the American Dental Association; there are many textures and flavors on the market to choose from. Even if the toothpaste you currently use meets the criteria, change brands and flavors every year. You'll notice a difference.

  2. Step 2

    Rinse daily with fluoride. Just because your teeth are white doesn't mean your regular dental hygiene routine is killing all the bacteria in your mouth. Using a fluoride rinse according to the instructions will greatly reduce the bacteria in your mouth, protecting your gums from disease and decay.

  3. Step 3

    Take vitamins. Nutrition is important to gum health. Most Americans don't get the nutrition their body requires from daily food intake alone. Adding a multi-vitamin could supplement your nutrition and improve gum health.

  4. Step 4

    Stimulate gums daily to increase circulation and improve their health just like a massage. While you're brushing your teeth, brush your gums or use a waterpick.

  5. Step 5

    Floss regularly. Flossing is an important part of good dental hygiene. It not only removes debris from between teeth and the surface of the gums, but it stimulates the gums as well. With regular practice, you'll be able to floss without making your gums bleed, a sign of healthy gums.

Comments  

Rockney said

Flag This Comment

on 4/12/2008 Great Article!

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