We are all aware of the importance of regular brushing and flossing for overall dental health. Gum massage is another technique that can also improve overall gum health and help to speed healing and fight against oral diseases such as gingivitis and tooth loss.

By going to a Waterloo registered massage therapy, you improve your gums blood circulation, which brings oxygen-rich blood into gum tissues. Many harmful bacteria that live in the mouth thrive in conditions with low oxygen, so gum massage can also help fight against these bacterial infections and strengthen the immune system response.

If you do it often enough, gum massage can also strengthen the outer layer of tissue that protects your sensitive gums from infections. It breaks up the biofilm on the teeth and helps clear out any leftover food debris that your toothbrush or dental floss may have missed.

Gum massage can also help alleviate tooth and gum pain after a visit from Dr. Pamela dental implants in Canada.

How To Massage Your Gums

At a massage therapy in Ajax, there are a few techniques you can use to massage your gums. Many people use their toothbrushes, but this can be harmful to the sensitive gum tissues and lead to gum recession. There are more effective ways to massage your gums, such as with your fingers or with a water flosser or gum massager with a rubber tip.

• Finger Massage – Take your index finger and place it firmly on your gum tissue. Move your finger around in a circle and slide it along your gum line. Be sure to massage all of your gums in the front and back. It should take about 10 minutes to do your entire mouth. If you feel any pain, stop right away.

• Finger Massage with Oil – To help your finger move smoothly across your gums, you can use a plant-based oil such as sesame, olive or coconut oil. They also have the added benefit of providing antibacterial protection for your mouth and gums.

Research shows that using oils such as sesame oil, olive oil, and coconut oil for gum massage was as effective as massaging gums with a potent antibacterial gel called chlorhexidine. This information is great news for people looking for low-cost ways to take care of their oral health.

• Sesame Oil –  has antifungal, antioxidant, and health-promoting activities.
• Olive oil has been used medicinally at various times for its health benefits.
• Coconut oil has an antimicrobial effect against a wide range of micro-organisms found within the body.

• Water Flosser – You can use a water flosser to help stimulate your gums. Use lukewarm water and light pressure to stimulate your gum tissue. Aim to massage for about ten minutes.

• Rubber-Tipped Gum Stimulator – hold the device at a 45-degree angle and massage your gums in a circular motion. You should feel pressure, but no pain.

Gum massage is an excellent addition to your regular dental health routine that can impact your overall health in only 10 minutes a day. If you have any questions about the best way to perform gum massage, talk to your cosmetic dentist for more information.