Things You'll Need:
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Mouthwash
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Step 1
Clean your gums at least once a day, preferably before bed. Use dental floss to remove plaque and debris underneath the gum line and between teeth.
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Step 2
Slide floss back and forth between teeth gently, never force it. Move the floss up next to the tooth as far as it will comfortably go. Rub the side of the tooth outward with the floss to remove plaque.
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Step 3
Use an oral irrigator if flossing is difficult for you. It’s usually easier and does a better job because it can actually squirt water into any pockets that you have, flushing them out.
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Step 4
Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash after brushing, flossing or irrigating. Mouthwashes are great for killing bacteria on your gums and retarding the growth of gum disease.
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Step 5
Eat foods that are low in starch or sugar to keep acid-forming decay off of your teeth and gums. Eating healthy foods not only protects your teeth from decay on the outside, but makes your teeth, bones and gums stronger on the inside.
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Step 6
Visit your dentist twice a year to have your teeth and gums checked. Your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease that you can’t see. He may recommend special cleaning or treatments if the gum disease has progressed too far.
