Your gums are just as important as your teeth. Without this soft tissue holding your teeth, you won't have the power to munch food, and in worse cases, your teeth will start falling off. The gums deserve proper care and treatment just as you give your teeth. To avoid acquiring gum disease or infection, here are some preventive gum care tips you can follow.

How you take care of your teeth determines how healthy your gums will be. Failing to brush your teeth at least twice a day will allow bacteria to slowly find their way from the surface of your teeth to the gums. Unfortunately, these bacteria can bring as much damage to the gums as they can bring to the teeth by producing enzymes that later become lactic acid. The only difference is that the gums are softer and more vulnerable.

Flossing is also an important preventive care for the gums. It can do what brushing cannot—remove foodstuff that are stuck between your teeth. Food should never reach this area because it can fall straight down to the gums and allow bacteria to thrive.

Gum disease usually starts from minor gingivitis and can lead to severe gum recession if not properly given attention. Aside from protecting your gums by brushing your teeth, you can actually take plaque and other bacteria out of your gums by rinsing with mouthwash.

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