Excellent oral hygiene has a host of amazing advantages. These include a gleaming white smile, minty fresh breath, and one thing that one rarely talks about – healthy gums. Gum health is equally important as dental health, and there are multiple ways for ensuring great oral hygiene. Here are some important tips for keeping the gums healthy and for better oral health.

Dos
These gum care tips for are crucial for better oral health:

• Use the Right Toothbrush
  Each individual’s toothbrush needs are different, and depend largely on the individual problem areas of their mouth. However, there are certain common features which every toothbrush needs to have, no matter the problem areas. The right toothbrush is a soft-bristled one with a round, small head with an easy-to-grip handle. Bristles should not be too harsh on the gums and the teeth and the head should perfectly fit into the person’s mouth sans causing any uneasiness.
• Floss Regularly
  Flossing is important as the mouth stays as healthy. Plus, it is extremely helpful in removing plaque from the trickier corners of the mouth which toothbrushes find hard to reach. Plaque can end up causing numerous problems for the gums and teeth, and that’s why flossing is so important.
• Drink Lots of Water
  Water is extremely good for one’s oral hygiene as well. It helps keep the mouth moist as the dryness within can cause a number of issues. Also, while they happen to be liquids, alcohol and caffeine aren’t helpful but are rather detrimental to oral health as they are the chief reason for mouth dryness.
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste
  Fluoride toothpaste is extremely beneficial for one’s oral hygiene. Apart from preventing cavities, fluoride toothpastes can also repair tooth enamel. Also, it is important for one to use only a small amount of the fluoride toothpaste and that too on occasion.

Don’ts
There are also a few things you shouldn’t do, like

• Don’t Brush Too Hard or Too Often
  It might come as a surprise to many, but there is something known as over brushing. Many people want to brush more than once and harder than ever to obtain those sets of pearly white teeth. However, that can end up being more damaging and detrimental to gum health. These two actions end up causing gum recession and damaging the root surfaces of the teeth.
• Avoid Incredibly Sugary Snacks
  Delicious sugary drinks and chocolate bars might be more appetizing and tastier than, let’s say grapes. However, they damage the gums and the teeth much, much more. They are hugely responsible for tooth decay, so it’s the best to stay away from them.
• Beware of Aerated Beverages
  Acidic foods ‘soften’ the hard enamel layer covering the teeth. It ends up dissolving the superficial layers which actually protect the teeth from decay and damage. So, one needs to brush their teeth post consuming any acidic foods or beverages, and one needs to wait at least one hour before doing so. This is to allow enough time for the saliva to neutralize the acid.

These gum care tips are not only for better oral health but also saving money on the dentist.