Gum disease is a serious problem that can affect your overall health, as well as putting the longevity of your teeth at risk. Keeping your gums in good condition is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, but many people don't know what they can do beyond flossing and brushing. If you want to add some extra steps to your regimen to improve the health of your gums, try these three steps.

Reduce Inflammation

If you're already suffering from gum disease, chances are you're experiencing some inflammation and pain in your gums. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or aspirin can be helpful in bringing down the swelling. While swelling is generally the body's response to irritation or infection, sometimes swelling can slow down the healing process. Taking a regular dose of these medications while you perform the next two steps can not only make it less painful to do so, but it can help the following steps to improve the health of your gums more quickly.

Water Flosser

Water picks, which are also called water flossers, have been shown to be very beneficial in improving the health of one's gums. Multiple studies have shown that water flossers are just as good as or even better than traditional floss at keeping gums from bleeding, and helping to reverse the signs and symptoms of early gum disease.

To use a water flosser, just fill it up and aim it over your gums. Gently wash the surface of the gums as well as the gumline where the teeth and the gums meet. If your gums are sensitive and you find it painful, turn your water flosser down to a lower intensity until you get used to it.

Gingival Stimulator

Gingival stimulators are professional dental tools that are great for removing debris and plaque from between the teeth and under the gums. In addition, you can use them to gently massage the gums, increasing blood flow in the process. This can help your gums to flush out inflammation and reduce swelling, which tends to occur in the early stages of gum disease.

Chronic gum disease can cause tooth loss, pain, bleeding, and more damage to your oral health. In addition, the bacteria that thrives when your gums aren't well can potentially spread throughout the body, spreading inflammation and disease elsewhere. Taking care of your gums is one of the best things you can do to ensure that you have your teeth well into being an elder, so start following these steps today. For more information, check out sites like http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com.