Gum toothbrush

Angle the bristles toward the gum margin and let them sweep plaque away; pressing harder does not clean better and can irritate the gingiva.

Gum care means disrupting plaque where the tooth meets the gingiva and between teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that can inflame gum tissue when it remains undisturbed.

A toothbrush cleans accessible surfaces, while interdental brushes or floss reach contacts and spaces that bristles cannot enter.

Use a small-headed soft brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Divide the mouth into sections, use short strokes at the gumline, and clean the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.

Replace a brush when its bristles splay, and choose an interdental brush size that fits without force. A powered brush can help when hand control or reach is difficult.

Book an examination if gums bleed repeatedly, remain swollen or tender, recede, or make teeth feel loose despite careful cleaning. The dentist or hygienist can measure gum pockets and remove hardened calculus.

Pain, pus, facial swelling, or a loose tooth needs prompt assessment because brushing technique alone cannot treat advanced gum inflammation or an abscess.

Ask whether your brush pressure, bristle firmness, and interdental method suit your gum condition. Ask for a demonstration using your own mouth as the guide.

Ask whether bleeding is from plaque-induced gingivitis, periodontal pocketing, trauma, or another lesion, and whether professional cleaning or periodontal treatment is needed.