When we think of oral health, our teeth are the first things that come to mind. However, we often neglect our gums, which play an important role in our oral health.

In addition to brushing regularly and efficiently, here are a few extra tips to maintain happy gums:

• Rinse, rinse and then, rinse some more
  Although brushing your teeth helps eliminate a lot harmful bacteria, there are still lots that get left behind on your tongue and other surfaces. Rinsing with a mouthwash is key in helping eliminate additional bacteria that may be trapped inside your mouth.
• Flossing
  Although flossing can be frustrating and painful to some, it is absolutely necessary to get between your teeth and into your gums to remove bacteria buildup, leftover food particles as well as plaque and tartar. Added bonus of flossing: by removing all that unwanted stuff from your gums, you can eliminate bad breath.
• Regular dental cleanings
  This one is a given. Regular cleanings help to maintain overall oral health and avoid any problems by removing all the unwanted stuff that gets wedged in our teeth despite our best efforts.
• Dairy is your friend
  Consuming dairy products is not only important for getting the recommended amount of calcium, but it’s also good for your teeth and gums! Dairy products such as milk and cheese help breakdown and neutralize the acid in your month, protecting your teeth while fortifying them. In addition, it helps remove plaque and food particles left behind, further helping your gums.
• Avoid soft drinks
  Eating processed sugar and drinking carbonated beverages can increase the production of plaque, eventually leading to gingivitis. In addition, the acidic content of these beverages can harm the enamel of your teeth.

Gums are just as important as your teeth and often neglected. Keep these simple tips that require just a bit of time and effort on your part to avoid unwanted problems and diseases in the future.