How To Prevent Swollen Gums: Tips and Tricks From Your Dentist

With so much written about swollen gums and the serious progressive dental diseases it may signal, prevention should be taken more seriously than ever before. Follow Mom’s advice stating an ounce of prevention is always easier than a pound of cure. After all, the prevention of swelling gum tissues is at the heart of any dentist’s recitation of proper oral at-home hygiene. Have you ever really listened intently when your hygienist or dentist recounted the various steps you ought to take? Just in case you zoned out at that moment, here is a quick recap of the most likely covered tips and tricks.

• 1. Oral hygiene must be consistent!

Getting serious about brushing and flossing the week before your dentist appointment is not going to cover it! Instead, your dental hygiene must begin the moment you leave your dentist’s office, even if the next visit is still six months away. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. The recommended times are just after getting out of bed and right before going to bed. Better yet, you can brush after each meal (in addition to morning and evening) to be sure to curtail bacterial growth before it gets serious.

• 2. Flossing is a great way to prevent swollen gums and subsequent problems in your mouth!

Although it’s nobody’s favorite, flossing needs to be done at least once per day. The best time to floss is in the evening before going to bed. There is still a heated debate in the dental community over whether you should floss before brushing or after brushing. However, most dentists will tell you the simple act of flossing alone is enough no matter what order you do it in. The sad truth is flossing occurs rarely. In some cases patients believe swishing a bit of mouthwash through their mouth will have the same effect.

• 3. Take your time when performing your oral hygiene at home!

Five minutes is not too much time to spend on your teeth. While most suggest that a minute or so is sufficient, those in-the-know believe it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution. Brushing, flossing and swishing some saltwater through your mouth (in an effort to get rid of any bacteria and debris) should take about five minutes, if done correctly. While this will keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh, it also will keep your gums happy, healthy and pink.

• 4. Learn how to prevent swollen gums!

Learning how to prevent swollen gums should take place as early in life as possible. Adults can learn from their hygienists, especially if they have allowed bad habits to sneak in and counteract anything Mom taught them way back when. If you’re not sure if what you are doing at home is right, simply ask your dentist or hygienist for advice. They are professionals and should be able to point you in the right direction. They can certainly counsel you how to use proper oral care in order to prevent swollen gums.