The thickness of your gum tissue is genetic; gum disease (or gingivitis) is your own doing. Years of plaque buildup and aggressive brushing wear away at your sensitive gum line, giving it a peeled-back appearance, says Robert W. Gerlach, D.D.S., of P&G Global Oral Care Clinical. Plus, aging decreases the flow of saliva, which helps to wash away plaque-causing bacteria.
Fix it: Not to sound like your mom, but brushing your teeth correctly is a must. Here's how: At least two times a day, use a soft-bristle toothbrush (it's gentler on gums than a firm one) to gently massage your teeth in small circular motions along the front, back, and sides. To ensure thorough brushing, imagine your mouth in quadrants?top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right?and brush each for 30 seconds, says Apa. And don't forget to floss! "It removes food, prevents plaque, and allows oxygen to flow through the teeth and gums," says Glosman. Try floss picks?they're easy to maneuver around your mouth?or opt for the Philips Sonicare AirFloss ($90, drugstore.com), which emits bursts of air to deep-clean between teeth.
Source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health-9
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