The Holistic Health Hotline

Years ago I wrote a blog that said don’t brush your teeth! I had just had my first periodontic treatment and learned the importance of brushing the gums to promote dental health. The key to maintaining the health of your mouth is primarily focused on keeping the gums in good shape.

After experiencing my second periodontal treatment I want to modify that earlier article a bit. I still maintain that brushing your teeth is not as important as brushing your gums because the gums are responsible for keeping the teeth in their place. However, it is also very important to work the connecting area to the gums around the base of the teeth. It is the primary value in flossing your teeth.

Flossing alone is good for the areas between the teeth. But flossing doesn’t take care of the sides of the teeth that aren’t adjacent to other teeth. There is a technique you can use to strengthen the gums around the sides of the teeth that are not adjacent to other teeth. Using a toothbrush, concentrate on the area where the gumline and the teeth come together.

Move your toothbrush so that you can massage this area. The point is that you want to work the area where the teeth and gumline come together so that you can strengthen the connective tissues.

While this technique may seem unwieldy at first, it is something that can be easily learned. Once you have mastered this technique you will find your dental health strong and long-lasting!