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    "parsed_content": "AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTSee more of our coverage in your search results.Encuentra m\u00e1s de nuestra cobertura en los resultados de b\u00fasqueda. Add The New York Times on GoogleAgrega The New York Times en Google You\u2019re reading the Well newsletter. Essential news and guidance to live your healthiest life. For years, I have brushed my teeth with a little too much gusto \u2014 as if I were scrubbing barnacles off a ship\u2019s hull.I overdo it because I want to prevent cavities or, worse, a dreaded root canal. But it turns out that my gums are paying the price for my enthusiastic brushing.Even if we are fairly diligent about caring for our teeth, we often take our gum health for granted, said Dr. Joseph P. Fiorellini, a professor of periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine. That can include brushing too hard.There are consequences for our neglect. Forty-two percent of U.S. adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. This infection of the tissues that surround your teeth can lead to bone or tooth loss, and it has been linked to health conditions including heart disease, respiratory infections and dementia.AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTKeeping your gums healthy is crucial, experts say. Here is how to do it.Pay attention to your gumline.An early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. It is caused by a buildup of plaque at the gumline.If you have this, you\u2019ll probably notice that your gums are irritated, puffy or more likely to bleed. But gingivitis is both preventable and reversible with daily brushing and flossing as well as professional cleanings. (If you do not have a dental plan, you can find resources for low-cost care from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.)Pay attention to the gumline when you\u2019re brushing, said Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett, professor emeritus at the U.C.L.A. School of Dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day. Place the toothbrush against the gumline at a 45-degree angle to remove plaque both above and below the gum level.\u201cYou have to hit that junction between the gum and the tooth,\u201d Fiorellini said. Then move the toothbrush gently back and forth in short strokes.Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective. But if you\u2019re using a manual one, opt for soft bristles, because harder ones can abrade your gums, said Dr. Esteban Garza, a dentist in Houston.AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTDon\u2019t ignore bleeding gums.It is \u201cabsolutely not normal\u201d for your gums to bleed, Hewlett said.People whose gums bleed tend to avoid flossing and brushing near their gums, but that\u2019s a mistake. \u201cI tell them, \u2018You need to brush them more and get the bristles right on the gumline,\u2019\u201d Hewlett said.If the bleeding doesn\u2019t improve, he said, visit your dentist. Your dentist or hygienist can show you brushing and flossing techniques that will help, Hewlett added.Watch out for receding gums.Periodontal disease can cause the gum tissue, which normally fits snugly around your teeth, to pull away, exposing the root underneath.The roots of your teeth are more vulnerable to cavities because they are not covered by hard enamel as the crowns are, Hewlett said.If your gums are receding, your teeth may look longer, and the roots may be a different color from the rest of the tooth. You may also feel sensitivity to heat, cold or brushing.AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTKeep that area clean with flossing or small interdental brushes, the experts said.You can also use desensitizing toothpaste or ask your dentist for fluoride prescription products, such as rinses or toothpaste, said Dr. Patrick M. Lloyd, dean of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. They make your roots more resistant to decay, he said.If your gum recession is severe, which can lead to infection or tooth loss, talk to your dentist about a gum graft, Fiorellini suggested.Adopt gum-friendly habits.Lifestyle changes can help your gums, the experts said. Smokers, for instance, have a higher risk of periodontal disease than nonsmokers, so if you smoke, consider quitting.You can also make tweaks to your diet. A 2023 review of 10 studies found an association between sugary drinks and gum disease. The experts suggested limiting sugar-sweetened beverages or swapping them for water.People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gum disease, so they should tell their dentist about the condition, Fiorellini said. And the American Diabetes Foundation recommends that people with diabetes visit their dentist at least every six months and monitor for signs of gum disease.AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTAnd if you scrub your teeth maniacally, as I did, ease up. An easy mantra to remember: For less tender gums, brush with a little more tenderness.What do women need to do to live longer?We asked experts in gynecology, epidemiology, exercise, nutrition and sleep about how to optimize women\u2019s aging, and where the conventional recommendations may need a tweak.Read the article: Are the Longevity Rules Different for Women?AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTA drug called leucovorin is being approved to treat children with autism.Leucovorin, or folinic acid, a modified version of vitamin B9, is a relatively obscure drug. On Monday, the F.D.A. announced that it would change the drug\u2019s label to reflect potential benefits in reducing autism symptoms.Read the article: What Is Leucovorin?The Week in WellHere are some stories you don\u2019t want to miss:Can ginger really settle an upset stomach? We put it to the experts.There are more options than ever to treat prostate cancer. Learn about them here.Is movement that feels effortless still beneficial? Find out more about \u201czone zero\u201d exercise.Is Tylenol safe to take during pregnancy? Here\u2019s what the research says.Let\u2019s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram, or write to us at well_newsletter@nytimes.com. And check out last week\u2019s newsletter about how to make up after a fight.AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENT",
    "published_at": "2025-09-26T09:02:55+00:00",
    "author_name": "https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/by\/jancee-dunn",
    "site_name": "The New York Times",
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    "ai_headline": "You\u2019re reading the Well newsletter. Essential news and guidance to live your healthiest life.",
    "ai_simplified_title": "Experts Advise on Maintaining Healthy Gums",
    "ai_excerpt": "This article from the Well newsletter provides essential guidance on maintaining healthy gums, highlighting the consequences of neglect and offering practical tips. It covers topics like proper brushing, flossing, recognizing signs of gum disease, and adopting gum-friendly habits.",
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