7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Gums (and Why Your Family Dentist Salt Lake City Wants You to Stop)
Published May 31, 2026
New Patient Special: Ready to get your gum health back on track? At Salt Flats Dentistry, we’re offering a $99 New Patient Special that includes a full exam, 3D X-rays, and a basic cleaning. Book your appointment now!
We get it, life in Salt Lake City is busy. Between hiking the Living Room Trail, commuting through the valley, and keeping up with family life, your teeth usually get all the attention. You brush, you maybe whiten, and you check for cavities. But what about your gums?
As your premier family dentist Salt Lake City, we see it every day: patients with perfectly white teeth but struggling gums. Your gums are the "foundation" of your smile. If the foundation is weak, the whole house, or in this case, your teeth, is at risk.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, led by Dr. Todd Vincent, we believe in making dental care comfortable, efficient, and transparent. Whether you’re visiting our dentists in Murray or our dentists in Riverton, we want to help you avoid these 7 common gum mistakes before they turn into a dental emergency.
1. Thinking Bleeding is "Normal"
If your hands bled every time you washed them, you’d probably rush to the ER. Yet, many people in Utah think a little pink in the sink while brushing is just part of the routine.
The Fix: Bleeding is the first sign of gingivitis. It’s your body’s way of saying, "Hey, there’s an infection here!" If you catch it early with a professional cleaning at Salt Flats Dentistry, we can often reverse the damage.
2. Brushing Like You're Scrubbing a Grout Line
We love the enthusiasm, but your gums are delicate tissue, not kitchen tile. Brushing too hard, or using a "hard" bristled toothbrush, actually causes your gums to retreat (recede) in self-defense. Once gums recede, they don't grow back on their own.
The Fix: Switch to a soft-bristled brush. Use gentle, circular motions at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Think of it as a massage for your mouth, not a power wash.
3. Only Flossing When Something is Stuck
Flossing isn't just for getting that piece of Utah sweet corn out from between your teeth. Its primary job is to remove plaque under the gumline where your brush can't reach. If that plaque stays there, it hardens into tartar, leading to bone loss and eventually the need for dental implants Utah.
The Fix: Aim for once a day. If traditional floss feels like a chore, try a water flosser or interdental picks. Your family dentist Salt Lake City will notice the difference at your next checkup!
4. Masking the Problem with Vaping or Smoking
Smoking and vaping are common in the valley, but they are devastating for gum health. Nicotine constricts blood flow, which means your gums might not bleed even if they are severely infected. This "masks" the disease, letting it progress silently until your teeth start to feel loose.
The Fix: Be honest with Dr. Vincent about your habits. We aren't here to judge; we’re here to help you keep your teeth. We can use our CBCT 3D x-rays to look deep into your jawbone and catch issues that the naked eye (and smoking) might hide.
5. Falling for the "Diet Soda" Trap
Many of our patients try to be healthy by choosing diet sodas or sparkling waters. While they have less sugar, they are still highly acidic. This acid can erode the enamel right at the gumline, leading to sensitivity and "notching" that makes gums more prone to recession.
The Fix: Drink water (SLC tap water is actually great!). If you do have a soda, use a straw and rinse with water afterward to neutralize the acid.
6. Letting Anxiety Keep You Away
We know that for many, the "dentist near me" search is met with a sense of dread. Dental anxiety is real, and it’s the #1 reason people skip the cleanings that keep their gums healthy. By the time an anxious patient comes in, they often need more intensive work like All-on-4 dental implants or dentures.
The Fix: We’ve designed Salt Flats Dentistry to be a sanctuary. We offer sedation dentistry Utah so you can literally sleep through your appointment. Plus, we have:
- Ceiling-mounted TVs to keep you distracted.
- Noise-canceling headphones to block out the sounds of the office.
- Warm, friendly staff who treat you like a neighbor, not a number.
7. Assuming Your Insurance Doesn't Cover It
Gum health is often seen as "extra," but most insurance plans prioritize preventative care like cleanings. We are incredibly insurance-friendly and even accept Medicaid at our Bangerter location in Riverton. Don't let financial fear stop you from saving your smile.
The Fix: Call us! We’ll do a complimentary insurance check for you. We’re proud to be a Medicaid dentist Utah that provides the same high-tech care to everyone in our community.
Meet Your Doctor: Dr. Todd Vincent
Dr. Todd Vincent isn't your typical "corporate" dentist. A local through and through, he grew up right here in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains. He graduated with honors and has dedicated his career to bringing "Big Tech" dentistry to local families. When he’s not in the office perfecting porcelain veneers or placing same day crowns, you can find him fly fishing on the Provo River or coaching his kids' soccer games. He believes that a trip to the dentist should feel as comfortable as a Sunday dinner with family.
Real Stories from Salt Lake City
"I hadn't been to the dentist in six years because I was terrified. My gums were bleeding and I was losing sleep over it. Dr. Todd and the team at Salt Flats made me feel so safe. I used the sedation option, and I don't remember a thing! My gums are healthy now, and I actually look forward to my cleanings."
, Sarah M., Murray, UT
Our Locations & Hours
Need an emergency dentist near me? Or just a regular checkup? Visit us at one of our three convenient locations:
Salt Flats Dentistry – Cottonwood
- 6095 S Fashion Blvd #200, Murray, UT 84107
- Phone: 801-262-4662
Salt Flats Dentistry – Herriman
- 5069 13400 S #200, Riverton, UT 84096
- Phone: 385-766-1717
Salt Flats Dentistry – Bangerter (Accepts Medicaid)
- 3816 13400 S #200, Riverton, UT 84065
- Phone: 385-533-9393
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Emergency appointments available).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you offer same day crowns if I have a gum-related cavity?
A: Yes! We use Cerec technology to create and place permanent crowns in a single visit, so you don't have to deal with messy temporaries.
Q: Is sedation dentistry Utah safe for kids?
A: We offer various levels of sedation, including laughing gas, which is very safe for children. We'll discuss the best option for your child’s needs.
Q: Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
A: We first need to treat the gum disease to ensure the dental implants Utah have a healthy foundation to latch onto. Dr. Vincent can create a custom "Perio-First" plan for you.
Q: What makes you the best cosmetic dentist in SLC?
A: It’s our blend of technology and artistry. We use digital scanners (no goopy molds!) to design porcelain veneers that look natural and feel great.