When it comes to caring for the health of your gums, you may think that your toothbrush, floss and mouthwash are all you need to complete the ultimate trifecta. However, caring for your gums is SO important that it is vital to remember to care for them in addition to your teeth—not as a second thought or simple byproduct of brushing.
Gum massagers or gum stimulators are an additional inexpensive device that can be used to clean the gum line or in-between teeth. These products are not meant to serve as a replacement for brushing and flossing, solely as something to supplement your daily oral care routine. Keep reading to find out the added benefits of incorporating gum stimulators into your daily grind!
Why is gum health important?
Would you believe us if we said gum health is just as important as tooth health? Your gums are comprised of soft tissue that surround the teeth and provide a seal to prevent food and other foreign objects from passing through. Unlike other soft tissues in the oral cavity (like the lips and cheeks), your gums are bound tightly to the underlying bone. This allows us to eat a variety of food efficiently. But, especially as you get older, your gums can become more susceptible to disease. This can also lead to other issues like heart disease that can become more serious as you age.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 70% of people over 65 have some form of gum disease. The early stages of gum disease can easily be missed by patients, so by the time they visit the dentist, sometimes the disease has progressed to a moderate or severe case. Prevention is key, and a gum massager can help.
What are the real benefits of gum massage?
Studies have shown that massaging gums with a rubber tip can be more effective at reducing the bacteria in your mouth than even traditional antibiotics. Gum care is so important because oral bacteria thrive in the spaces between the gums and roots. And so, by gently rubbing the gums, fresh air is integrated into these spaces. This kills off the bacteria that are anaerobic—or can’t live without oxygen.
In addition to killing off bacteria, gum massage can remove plaque that is stuck along the gum line. It’s a win-win for oral health.
What do you massage with?
Gum massagers are not expensive, and are readily available in most drug stores. The tool is generally made of a metal or plastic handle with a cone-shaped rubber or silicone end. While the tip is flexible, the rubber is firm, not flimsy. The Gum Butler is a popular product sold both a local pharmacies and online. Many users applaud its ability to work around the confines of braces and removes food that toothbrushes can’t reach. While the vast majority of people who try this brand find it works well, some experience gum bleeding due to the firmness of the tip. If you experience bleeding, it may be a sign of something more severe such as gingivitis, so it’s important you give your dentist a call to have it examined.
Many gum massagers allow for you to keep the handle and just replace the rubber head. This prevents against excess waste and saves you money! Shop accordingly, because you need to like the tool in order to remember (and want) to use it.
In addition to stand-alone products, many tooth brushes have gum massagers built in around the bristles. If you travel frequently and are looking for an all-in-one option, this is something to explore. The main complaint about the all-in-one is that if you store your toothbrush in a cup on your counter, the massager side is down and therefore more susceptible to bacteria. If you choose this route, proper storage is important.
Gum massagers are a great tool to be built into your oral care routine. If you are suffering from gum sensitivity or bleeding, this is usually a sign that you need to see your dental provider and have it checked out. Gum disease can progress quickly without intervention. If you are concerned about your gums, then give us a call today!
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