When it comes to dental health, all we usually think about is cavities, plaque and tartar, yellowing of teeth and the way the teeth look when smiling. We tend to overlook the gums. However, gum health is very important. Gum disease can affect the alignment of your teeth and lead to severe complications wherein the bone and fiber supporting the teeth are destroyed permanently. The good news is that taking care of your gums is not very difficult. Here are 5 gum care tips for better oral health.

• Brush your teeth twice a day
  Ideally, you should brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night before going to sleep. Use a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush to clean the tooth surfaces using short, back and forth strokes. You should pay special attention to the gums at the base of each tooth. Toothbrushes should be changed every 3-4 months or as soon as they start looking frayed.
• Floss regularly
  In addition to brushing your teeth, one of the most important gum care tips for better oral health is that you should also floss regularly. This is because flossing can help you clean parts of your mouth that the toothbrush does not reach. Flossing helps remove any food material stuck between your teeth as well as plaque. You can floss your teeth at any time during the day.
• Avoid sticky foods
  What you eat can affect your gum health. Sweet, sticky foods such as pastries, toffees, candies, and taffy can increase the risk of plaque. Plaque is one of the most common causes of gingivitis; an early stage of gum disease. Hence, one of the gum care tips for better oral health to keep in mind is to avoid such foods. If you do eat sweets, ensure that you rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth. If you have a habit of chewing gum, opt for sugar-free gum.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings
  Many dentists recommend regular cleaning sessions as one of the basic gum care tips for better oral health. Though you may brush and floss regularly, there may still be plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth. The only way to remove these deposits is by a professional dental cleaning. This also helps to detect symptoms of gum infections, if any, at an early stage and thus makes treatment easier.
• Quit smoking
  Smoking doesn’t just affect your lungs, it affects your teeth and gums too. Since smoking weakens immunity, it can increase the risk of gum disease and make it harder to fight gum infections. Smoking is a difficult habit to quit but with determination and a strong support system, it is possible.

In addition to these gum care tips for better oral health, it is also advisable to use a fluoride toothpaste and a mouthwash on a daily basis. They can help reduce gingivitis and even prevent it. However, remember that rinsing your mouth with mouthwash should not be a substitute for brushing your teeth.