{"id":460,"date":"2024-03-21T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/?p=460"},"modified":"2024-04-23T19:32:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T19:32:46","slug":"take-care-of-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/21\/take-care-of-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"Am I Taking Proper Care of My Gums?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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While your teeth probably get most of the credit for your smile, your gums do a lot of work to keep your grin gorgeous as well. Sadly, many people don\u2019t take proper care of them because they aren\u2019t aware of how their habits can injure them or set them up for infections that may require the attention of a qualified dentist<\/a> to be resolved. Here\u2019s a brief list of bad habits that can cause your gums to recede or become irritated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Brushing Too Hard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you may think that brushing hard might help you achieve a better clean, doing it too aggressively can irritate your gums and set them up for future infections. It\u2019s best to use short, gentle circular strokes to brush your teeth for two minutes at a time while taking care to thoroughly clean all of their surfaces and crannies. It\u2019s best to use soft-bristled toothbrushes to clear away plaque and food debris without injuring the gum tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor Flossing Technique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While daily flossing is essential to maintaining your oral health, flossing too hard can cause significant gum injuries. Using a lot of force or aggressive back-and-forth movements can irritate your gums or even make them bleed, which can lead to uncomfortable swelling. To protect your gums when flossing, take care to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n