Healthy gums are as important as healthy teeth, and at OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City, we pay close attention to the gums of our patients.
Proper oral hygiene helps keep both your teeth and gums in good shape. Are you brushing properly? Here are a few pointers:
When brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle with the bristle tips aimed at the line where the tooth and gum meet. The bristles of a soft toothbrush can clean the food particles in the pockets in front and in back of the tooth, but you need floss to clean between the teeth. Be sure to get the floss down into the pocket between the gum and teeth. Scrape food particles up and out of the pocket.
Back to toothbrushing: if the toothbrush is not held at the correct angle, the bristles can’t get in the pockets to clean out the bacteria before it turns into enamel-damaging plaque. If plaque multiplies in the pockets around the teeth, the gum will start pulling away.
Eventually, the pockets will become too deep for your toothbrush bristles to reach. Unfortunately, the part of the tooth below the gumline can decay easier than the visible portion.
At OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City, we provide treatment for gum disease. We have a full range of general dentistry services. Call us to schedule your next cleaning and checkup today!
Contact OKC Smiles:
405-634-7303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170
