Getting on top of your self-care is the secret to the healthy, happy life you have been chasing, but it’s also easier said than done. The key is to break things down into manageable steps so that you can develop the winning habits you need. Once you do that, you will be able to make real progress so much faster than you think. Today, we’re going to be looking at gum health so you can lay the foundations for a winning smile that lights up the room.
Why does gum health matter?
Gum health is a vital part of your oral health and your overall wellbeing, and it’s one that is so often overlooked. When we think of oral health, we think of the teeth, but the gums are the foundational building blocks. They protect the roots, they help hold the teeth in place, and they can quickly cause issues if not looked after correctly. If you start to think of your gums as one of the most important parts of your body, you’ll soon see how easy it is to care for them and look after them with a few simple daily habits.
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day
You can take care of your teeth and gums at the same time if you have a brush with soft bristles. Once you have finished brushing each group of teeth in your mouth, gently work across the neighbouring section of your gums in a delicate circular motion. The first time you do it, you may find that your gums feel tender or that they bleed, in which case, reduce the pressure and duration the next time you come to brush them. With a little consistency over the coming weeks, you’ll see that your gums look flusher, plumper, and have a healthy light pink colour to them.
Aim to floss after every meal
Food debris can easily get caught in the gaps between your teeth, and often it will also be in direct contact with your gums. Flossing takes a couple of minutes and is a more thorough alternative to rinsing your mouth out after a bite to eat. Think about it as getting ahead of the brushing game by no longer forcing your gums to wait before they can get rid of the unwanted food.
Use mouthwash at the right time
Any dental practice manager reading this will tell you that mouthwash should only be used once the fluoride from your dentist-recommended toothpaste has had sufficient time to act. Waiting at least half an hour before gargling is the best approach and will help maintain the health of your gums by killing off the vast majority of the bacteria present on your gums and in your saliva.
Book regular dental appointments
Dental practices that actively nudge men to book appointments and check-ups will be making a real difference to their quality of life. Practice managers should also make sure they have a ready supply of consumables, such as gum repair gel, that can be recommended if needed. Sourcing such consumables from a trusted national supplier that the practice can always rely on is the smart approach to take.
Stay hydrated morning, noon, and night
The body is around 70% water, and the plump nature of the gums means that they require plenty of water to maintain optimal performance and function. By making sure that you drink at least your daily recommendation of eight glasses of water a day, more if you plan on having a workout or there is hot weather, you can support good gum health.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet at all times
Following on from the last point, it’s also great if you’re able to watch what you eat. Taking your time to come up with a meal prep plan at the start of the week will make it so much easier to get ample helpings of greens when work and family life are pulling you in a whole host of different directions. Think of it as fuel for your gums so that they can heal and repair, as well as fuel for everything else your body needs, and you’ll always find the motivation to eat something nutritious and delicious.
Final thoughts
Now that we’ve talked you through the basics, it’s time you dived into the details and started putting the first couple of tips into action. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be able to see the results looking back at you in the mirror. Just what you want to hear when you’re looking to find that extra burst of motivation that can make all the difference when you’re getting started with a new routine. You can do it!
