Bad breath and plaque, a transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth, are some of the outcomes of improper oral care. Good oral hygiene can help a person keep their gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease. 

Dr Lambert Nduwayezu, a dentist at Polyfam Clinic Kigali, says that maintaining healthy gums is more than making sure your smile is nice and bright. Maintaining healthy gums is one of the steps you can take to keep a healthy mouth.

He recommends brushing at least two times a day or ideally, after every meal as this will protect against plaque build-up.

It is recommended to brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. Photos/Net

Dr Nduwayezu also notes that flossing daily assists in removing food and plaque from between the teeth and gum line.

He notes that you should use a mouth rinse. This is because mouthwash does more than freshen your breath. If you choose an antiseptic mouthwash or rinse, it can also be a great tool to help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

He also says that the type of toothbrush matters. You can use two choices, either manual or electric. While both are effective at cleaning your teeth, experts suggest speaking with your dentist about choosing the best toothbrush to maintain healthy gums. Whichever you choose, do replace your toothbrush about every three to four months.

"Use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride is an important ingredient in cavity control and maintaining healthy gums. Also, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fibre-rich foods like apples and carrots can help clean plaque and freshen breath. They can also stimulate saliva flow, which helps maintain a healthy mouth and gums,” he says.

Dr Nduwayezu adds that you ought to get regular dental cleaning; your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. 

A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it, he adds.

He urges that you should avoid snacks and sugary foods. Sugary foods help promote tooth decay, especially those sticky candies that get stuck between the teeth. Oral bacteria consume the sugar, and then release acids that damage teeth, eventually causing cavities. "If you choose to eat candy or other sweets, make sure you don’t snack between meals, rather eating the sugar after meals, and brushing afterward,” Dr Nduwayezu says. 

He says to avoid smoking, excessive amounts of alcohol, or chewing on pens or fingernails. These can all have negative effects on the gums and teeth. 

He discourages brushing too hard. It doesn’t matter if you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, if you brush too hard, it can cause the gums in your mouth to recede and damage the roots of the teeth. Exposed roots can cause sensitivity and tooth decay.

Dr AbduKadir Mamataliev, a dentist at Deva Medical Center-Nyarutarama, explains that it’s advisable to see a dentist urgently because cracked or broken teeth are a dental emergency.

He says that visiting the dentist should be often as it helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other disorders that put the health of teeth and mouth at risk.

Dr Mamataliev adds that teeth and gums require proper cleaning, and in case one notes that their teeth are rotting, which can be painful, they should seek treatment as soon as possible. 

If tooth decay is not treated, the nerve of the tooth can become infected and die, causing an abscess. This may require root canal treatment, or in worse cases, the tooth can be removed.