Healthy gums begin with the patient’s proper care and maintenance at home on a daily basis.  Everyone should brush their teeth properly at least twice each day with a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush for a total of two minutes each time.  Two minutes has been proven to be the amount of time necessary to properly clean all surfaces of the teeth.  Unfortunately proper brushing techniques will not remove plaque that accumulates directly in between the teeth.  This is a popular area for decay to develop and for gum tissue to become inflamed.  Flossing properly at least once each day will not only keep your gums much healthier, it will also help to prevent the development of decay.  In addition to proper home care, regular visits to Milwaukee Dental Arts for professional cleanings (at least every six months) is important as your dental hygienist is able to reach areas people simply cannot with brushing and flossing at home.  A licensed dental hygienist is able to remove the build-up of calculus or “tartar”.  Calculus can only be removed properly by your dental hygienist using specially designed instruments.  Brushing and flossing alone does not remove calculus.