Reply #10: you need to massage your gums [View All]

When your gums aren't in the best shape, they get a sponge-like consistency,I was once told. That is when they bleed. When your gums are healthy, they have a firm smooth edge and it is easy to get to scrape your teeth without having to push back soft gum tissue. That soft tissue also provides a lot of nooks for anaerobic bacteria which is controlled by regular flossing and regular cleaning. If your gums are soft you can use one of the pointy gum rubber massages. Don't stick the point into your gums. Just use the side of the rubber to massage between your teeth and around them. Or you can use Stim-u-Dents or GUM Go-Between picks. Several times a day. Or more if you can.