For most people, the main focus of oral hygiene is on the teeth, but gum care is also equally important, and some tips should be kept in mind for overall good oral hygiene and health. Improperly maintained gums can lead to gum disease and, in turn, impact one’s teeth as well. Here are some tips to ensure complete oral care:

• Proper brushing technique
  In addition to brushing properly to clean the teeth, brushing at a 45-degree angle right up to the gum line is an important tip for gum care. The brushing of the inside surfaces of the teeth and the cleaning of the gums and gum lines should not be neglected.
• Brush twice a day
  Brushing at least twice a day is vital to keep the gums and teeth clean and prevent any build-up of plaque. Even using the best toothpaste and mouthwash is inadequate to maintain good oral health if the technique and frequency of brushing are insufficient. The tongue should also be kept clean to maintain overall oral health.
• Always remember to floss
  The buildup of food lodged in between the teeth and gum line is the cause for tartar, which leads to gum disease. Flossing properly and regularly keeps the gum line area clean. The time of the day at which it is done is not as important as ensuring to floss thoroughly and properly every single day.
• Choose the right toothpaste
  There is a surfeit of toothpaste varieties in the market that boast of a range of ingredients. It is important to choose a fluoridated toothpaste that is certified and approved by the concerned authority.
• Use mouthwash sensibly
  Mouthwashes available in the market are either cosmetic or therapeutic, and it is better to select a mouthwash for its therapeutic value. However, avoid the temptation to use mouthwash as a replacement for proper brushing and flossing. A proper cleaning regime before using a mouthwash makes the entire dental hygiene process complete.
• Avoid smoking
  One of the best dental and gum care tips is to quit smoking as studies show that smokers have more tartar formation than non-smokers. Besides, gum disease in smokers has less bleeding and redness in comparison to non-smokers, which gives a false sense of good gum health. Smoking also reduces the immunity of the person and slows down blood flow to the gum tissue, slowing down and making the recovery process much more difficult than in a non-smoker.
• Visit the dentist regularly
  It is better to visit a dentist periodically instead of waiting for a flare-up of oral problems. Regular checkups help monitor oral health and is a helpful tip to identify and treat potential gum care problems before they become serious. Also, periodic cleaning by a dental professional is always a good thing.
• Rinse sensibly
  While rinsing well after food intake helps wash away food debris on the gums and teeth, be careful of rinsing too much after brushing and using mouthwash as it will simply wash away the benefits of both products.