1. Brushing is the Way to Go 

Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most effective methods to keep gums healthy. When you brush your teeth, you remove the food debris that would ultimately get deposited on the teeth in the form of plaque and tartar and initiate the gum disease process. The American Dental Association recommends using a toothbrush that carries the seal of approval of the ADA and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. 

2. Don’t Forget to Floss!

While brushing can effectively clean most tooth surfaces, the bristles of a toothbrush cannot penetrate and clean the tight spaces between the teeth. That is why Dr. Stevenson at Anthem Dentistry recommends flossing at least once daily, as it can remove food debris from the interdental spaces and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Alternatively, you may also use a Waterpik for interdental cleaning. 

3. Eat Healthily 

Did you know certain foods are beneficial to your oral health while others are detrimental? Eating a balanced diet rich in proteins, minerals, and essential nutrients helps make our teeth and gums more robust and healthier. For example, citrus fruits and green vegetables contain Vitamin C, necessary for keeping our gums healthy. Similarly, Vitamin B12, which is found in milk, eggs, and meat, also prevents gum disease. On the other hand, you should avoid carbohydrate-rich foods and sugary drinks as they promote plaque formation, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. 

4. Cut Down on Smoking 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking affects our body’s ability to fight infections by lowering the immune response. As a result, smokers are more at risk of developing gum disease. Besides, tobacco intake in any form - whether through smoking or chewing - also makes it harder for our body to repair the damaged gums once gum disease develops. Hence, you should avoid smoking if you have healthy, pink gums and pearly white teeth. 

5. Visit your Dentist Regularly

Some dental issues can still occur even if you maintain excellent oral health through brushing and flossing. That is why regular dental checkups are essential. At Anthem Dentistry, Dr. Stevenson will use specialized equipment to diagnose and treat underlying dental problems in their early stages - even before they become visible to the naked eye. For example, if Dr. Stevenson finds early signs of gum disease, he will perform professional teeth cleaning to restore your gum health. Furthermore, in the case of advanced gum disease, Dr. Stevenson will recommend deep teeth cleaning to clean the gums and the tooth roots thoroughly. 

At Anthem Dental, we aim to provide high-quality dental services to our patients at affordable rates. No matter how complex or complicated your dental problem is, we have a solution for it. So, visit us today and let us take good care of your teeth and gums - and give you a smile you can be proud of. 

‍