Proper Oral Care Prevents Swollen Gums

Swollen gums, gum disease and receding gums can all be prevented if proper oral care is exercised in the home. Sadly, many patients receive their most comprehensive oral care in the dentist’s chair. Most often, their at-home regimen is a mix of a minute here and a swish of the mouthwash there. To truly have an oral care regimen that makes a difference and keeps teeth and gums healthy now and in the future, patients need to change the way they approach their overall attitude to cleansing their mouths in the first place.

Far too often they seek to make up with vigor what they lack in equipment. Having the appropriate dental tools is essential to good dental health!

Tool #1: The Toothbrush

A good toothbrush does not have to be expensive! But, if patients are working with one that is simply a pain, then not even the most vigorous brushing can result in good dental health. Actually, vigorous brushing is discouraged for the simple fact too much pressure can cause the bristles of the brush to generate microscopically small fissures in the sensitive gum tissue. If done frequently enough, the gums will become irritated, bleed and most likely also swell.

Tool #2: The Floss

Another part of the “right equipment” is dental floss. There are many different types of floss available. In fact, it’s almost as difficult to choose the right kind of floss as it is to find the right kind of toothbrush! Generally speaking, dental tape (as opposed to the tried and true floss) is a great alternative for those who have experienced shredded floss in the past. It’s simply a sign the teeth might be too close together. Instead of fighting with the floss, using the tape makes the procedure easier. If the process is easier, it’s more likely to be repeated.

Tool #3: The Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another critical component of the tool kit. Far too often consumers will blindly purchase whatever toothpaste is currently on sale, without giving too much thought to the various ingredients. Even though many advertisements specify the various bacteria fighting properties of the toothpaste, many of their ingredients also cause swelling of the gums. Allergic reactions to the various chemical components of these commercial pastes are actually more common than you’d think. Can you treat swollen gums with commercial toothpaste? It’s not likely. In fact, opting for a natural, organic product is usually the best decision.