4 Habits That Can Harm Your Gums

A happy and healthy smile includes healthy teeth and healthy gums. While many of us focus on caring for bright and healthy teeth, it is also important to care for our gums.

Gums are the hard and soft tissues that surround the base of your teeth and help keep them in place. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. They are the base for strong teeth that can last a lifetime.

Certain daily habits that may seem harmless may damage your gums over time. Knowing what these habits are and taking the proper steps can help keep your gums healthy. It can also help keep your natural teeth longer. Below are four habits that can harm your gums and steps you can take to protect them for better oral health.

1. Overbrushing Your Teeth

Brushing too hard can irritate and wear down the gum tissues. Applying too much pressure can cause them to become tender and sore. This can lead to receding gums, which can expose sensitive tooth roots. Bushing too often and too long can also damage the gum tissue.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and hold it at a 45-degree angle to the surface of your teeth. This will help the bristles reach under the gum line. Gently move the brush back and forth, 2-3 teeth at a time, using short strokes, and follow with a sweeping motion away from the gums.  Click here for a tooth brushing refresher video.

2. Not Flossing Daily

Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth daily. Flossing helps remove plaque from the spaces between teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If not removed, plaque buildup hardens into tartar. Over time, tartar buildup can irritate the gums, causing them to bleed after brushing. It can also cause your gums to become red and swollen. Tartar buildup can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Floss your teeth at least once a day. If you do not like string floss or have limited hand mobility, try floss picks, pre-threaded flossers, or proxy brushes. You can also speak to your dentist for other options. Click here to watch a short video to refresh your flossing habits.

3. Using Tobacco Products

Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or nicotine pouches, are bad for your health. These products are also a major risk to the health of your gums. They can increase the risk of gum disease, an infection that can affect the soft gum tissues that hold your teeth in place. Once you have gum damage, continued use of tobacco products can make it harder for your gums to heal.

Avoid tobacco products to protect the health of your gums and prevent health problems. If you need help with quitting, visit Kick It California and find a range of services, such as text message programs and apps, or talk to a quit coach. You can also call 1-866-NEW-LUNG (1-866-639-5864) for free quit smoking and quit vaping services in Orange County. Free nicotine patches are available for adults 18 years of age and older who enroll.

4. Teeth Grinding While You Sleep

This habit often occurs during sleep. Teeth grinding places extra strain on the teeth and gums, which can cause pain and damage. While teeth grinding is more generally related to tooth wear, the pressure and movement can strain the gums.

Speak with your dental provider. He or she may recommend a night guard, also known as a mouth guard, to protect your teeth and gums, or they may share information about other products available.

Protect your gums! They are vital to holding your teeth in place. Please use the steps listed above or speak with your dentist for resources to help you with your oral care habits for a healthy and happy smile.