{"id":266,"date":"2023-09-15T13:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T13:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/?p=266"},"modified":"2023-10-16T13:00:39","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T13:00:39","slug":"how-youre-hurting-your-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/how-youre-hurting-your-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Ways You Could Be Irritating Your Own Gums"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your gums are an often-overlooked part of your oral health. Most people are so fixated on what their teeth look like that their gums fall by the wayside. But keeping your gums healthy is crucial for maintaining a beautiful smile and overall oral comfort<\/a>. Unfortunately, if you have unhealthy gums, you could be causing it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re curious to learn some common habits that irritate your gums, continue reading. You may be doing some of them every day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Home Teeth Whitening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it’s normal to want a brighter smile, using at-home teeth whitening products without professional guidance can sometimes harm your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overusing these products or failing to follow instructions may lead to gum irritation and sensitivity. To protect your gums, talk to your dentist before starting any teeth whitening regimen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also check the ingredients in your whitening kit to ensure that it only uses hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient. Some shady online companies use other chemicals that could harm your teeth and gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Aggressive Brushing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brushing your teeth is an essential part of a good oral hygiene regimen, but aggressive brushing can do a number on your gum tissue. This can be especially bad if you\u2019re using a hard-bristled toothbrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying excessive pressure may cause your gums to recede, leaving your teeth at risk of decay, infection, and loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you brush your teeth, opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush, and use gentle, circular motions to protect your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bad Flossing Techniques<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flossing is the best way to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, but improper flossing techniques can cause gum irritation. If you want to be a professional flosser in no time, follow these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n