Great smiles and healthy mouths don’t just happen. Sound teeth and healthy gums come from consistent homecare and an understanding of the “ENEMY”. In this case, the culprit is stagnated debris around the gum line. In fact, studies show that self-determination to have a healthy mouth is one of the most important aspects of actually maintaining good oral health over time. Patients who brush and floss regularly because they want to — not because others pressure them to — often enjoy good dental health.

Bacteria are a normal, everyday part of the mouth and come primarily from the food we eat. The bacteria tend to accumulate around the necks of the teeth, at the junction of the tooth and gum. If these bacteria are allowed to stagnate for more than 24 hours, the body produces an inflammatory reaction. The symptoms of this reaction are puffy, red gums which tend to bleed very easily. It does not matter if your gums have always bled; it is not normal to have any bleeding.

For best results, place the bristles of the brush in contact with the gums at a 45-degree angle to the gums. You must be able to feel these bristles touching your gums. If you do not feel the bristles on your gums, you must realign the head of the brush so that it contacts the gums. Massage your gums with the bristles for 10 seconds in each area. After brushing this area, move to the next area and repeat the process.

Learning to massage brush properly can dramatically improve the overall health of your mouth. Proper brushing will decrease the incidence of gingivitis, cavities and bad breath. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to evaluate your “massage brushing” technique. We know your gums will appreciate your mastery of this skill.

Contact the Drs. Boe and Page at 239-263-2122 for more information.