7 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Gums (And Why Your Family Dentist Salt Lake City Wants You to Stop)
Published June 18, 2026
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we believe a healthy smile starts from the ground up, and that means your gums. Most people focus on the white part of their smile, but your gums are the foundation that keeps everything in place. If that foundation is weak, even the most beautiful porcelain veneers or same day crowns won't last.
The good news? Keeping your gums healthy is easier than you think, but many of our Salt Lake City neighbors are making small mistakes that lead to big problems.
Stop the damage today: Schedule your $19 New Patient Exam & X-Ray (a $250 value!) and let Dr. Todd Vincent check your gum health. Book Your Appointment Now.
1. Brushing Like You’re Scrubbing a Grout Line
We love enthusiasm, but your gums are delicate tissue, not kitchen tile. Brushing too hard or using a "firm" bristle brush can actually push your gums away from your teeth. This is called gum recession, and once it happens, that tissue doesn't just grow back.
- The Fix: Use a soft-bristled brush and think of it as "massaging" your gums at a 45-degree angle rather than scrubbing them.
2. Thinking "Pink in the Sink" is Normal
If your hands bled every time you washed them, you’d probably head to the doctor. Your gums shouldn't bleed when you brush or floss. Bleeding is the first sign of gingivitis, the early, reversible stage of gum disease.
If you notice bleeding, don't stop brushing; that's actually the time you need to be more diligent. If it persists for more than a week, it’s time to see a dentist Salt Lake City trusts.
3. Treating Flossing Like an "Optional Extra"
Brushing only cleans about 60% of your tooth's surface. That other 40%? It’s tucked away between your teeth where your brush can’t reach. This is where most gum disease starts. If you aren't flossing, you're leaving a "bacteria party" in your mouth every night.
Whether you use traditional string floss, a water flosser, or interdental brushes, just make sure you're getting between those teeth every single day.
4. Vaping and Smoking (The "Hidden" Gum Killer)
We see many patients in our Dentists in Murray and Dentists in Riverton locations who believe vaping is "safer" for their mouths. Unfortunately, nicotine, regardless of how it's delivered, restricts blood flow to the gums. This masks the signs of infection (like bleeding) and makes it harder for your body to heal. Tobacco use is the #1 risk factor for advanced periodontal disease and the failure of dental implants Utah.
5. The "Wait and See" Approach to Pain
Gum disease is often called a "silent" disease because it usually doesn't hurt until it’s very advanced. By the time a tooth feels loose or your gums are throbbing, you might be looking at tooth loss or the need for all on 4 dental implants.
Regular checkups allow us to catch "pockets" in your gums before they become craters.
6. Forgetting the Systemic Connection
Your mouth isn't a separate entity from the rest of your body. Research shows a direct link between gum disease and serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's. When your gums are inflamed, that inflammation can travel through your bloodstream. Taking care of your gums is literally taking care of your heart!
7. Skipping the Dentist Because of Anxiety
We get it, the dentist's chair isn't everyone's favorite place. But skipping professional cleanings allows plaque to harden into tartar, which you cannot remove at home.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we specialize in helping anxious patients. From sedation dentistry Utah options that let you sleep through your visit to noise-canceling headphones and ceiling-mounted TVs, we make sure you’re comfortable. We even offer Medicaid coverage at specific locations to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent: Your Local Gum Health Expert
Dr. Todd Vincent (please, call him Dr. Todd!) grew up right here in the West Valley area. He’s not just a dentist; he’s a neighbor who loves hitting the Utah trails and spending time with his family. He graduated from the University of Utah (Go Utes!) before earning his dental degree and returning home to serve his community. He’s committed to using high-tech tools like 3D scanners to make your visits fast, painless, and precise.
What Our Patients Are Saying
"I hadn't been to the dentist in five years because I was terrified. My gums were sore and bleeding every day. Dr. Todd and the team at Salt Flats didn't judge me once. They used sedation for my deep cleaning, and I didn't feel a thing. For the first time in years, my mouth feels clean and I'm not embarrassed to smile!" , Sarah M., Taylorsville
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid cover gum treatments?
Yes! As a medicaid dentist utah provider at select locations, we can often help cover the cost of essential periodontal treatments. Check our Medicaid page for details.
What happens if I lose a tooth to gum disease?
If gum disease has caused tooth loss, we offer several restorative options, including Dentures, traditional bridges, and permanent dental implants Utah.
Can I get my teeth cleaned and a crown on the same day?
Absolutely. We utilize Cerec technology for same day crowns, meaning you don't have to deal with messy impressions or temporary caps.
Ready to Fix Your Smile?
Don't let these mistakes cost you your smile. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a full restoration like all on 4 dental implants, we are here to help.
Salt Flats Dentistry - Locations & Hours
- Murray Office: 123 Dental Lane, Murray, UT | (801) 555-0101
- Riverton Office: 456 Smile Way, Riverton, UT | (801) 555-0202
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: By Appointment