Improve Gum Health in Less Than 5 Minutes

Even if you've heard of gum disease, do you really know what it is? Because if you have it, you might not even know. Early-stage gum disease isn't obvious and doesn't cause pain.

A leading cause of tooth loss in adults, gum disease starts with bacterial plaque buildup. The plaque can harden into dental tartar, and you might experience swollen gum tissue. You can reverse early-stage gum disease known as gingivitis with our 5-minute at-home healthy-gum process.

However, you'll need professional treatment if gingivitis develops into periodontitis, the next gum disease stage. Periodontitis can result in the development of periodontal pockets and bone loss, which could lead to tooth loss. That's why gums matter.

So, you should talk to your dental professionals if you experience:

• Bleeding gums
• Red or swollen gums
• Bad breath that won't go away
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums (gums that pull away from your teeth)

You can prevent gum disease or reverse gingivitis with simple steps that take just a few minutes. And, yes, these steps are also the best way to keep your teeth decay-free.

So, for five minutes each day:

• Clean between your teeth. Floss or use an interdental product to remove plaque both from between your teeth and under your gums between your teeth – before it can harden into tartar.
• Brush with a plaque-removing fluoride toothpaste. If you use a battery-operated or electric toothbrush, follow the package directions for brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue. If you use a manual toothbrush, follow these easy steps:
  1. Proper Angle: Make sure you hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gumline.
  2. Short Strokes: Move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes, brushing both the front and back of your teeth and gums.
  3. Tip Top: To get behind your front teeth, use the brush's tip on the top and the bottom teeth.
  4. Tongue Attention: Use a lighter touch to brush away bacteria from your tongue.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash designed to prevent plaque.

Did You Know? You should brush twice a day for two minutes each time, spending 30 seconds on each quarter of your teeth.

To ensure your gum-healthy routine is working, visit your dentist regularly for checkups. These visits are also essential for regular professional cleanings that remove every bit of plaque and tartar that slipped by you.

Though five minutes or less is what you need at the very least, you can also make conscious lifestyle choices that will further strengthen your gums and teeth:

• Limit sugary, sticky, or starchy foods. Bacteria gobble up the sugars in these foods to produces the acids leading to tooth decay.
• Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products. Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to defend your body against diseases, including gum disease.

If you plan on keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime, give your gums some loving care for 0.0035 percent of each 1,440-minute day. That's not a lot of time, and it will save you countless hours you'd need for gum disease treatments. Healthy gums = happy teeth!

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.