We all know dental cleanings every six months can help prevent and stop further cavity damage, but did you know regular cleaning can also help prevent gum disease? Gum disease can cause irreparable damage to your mouth, so it is very important to stay on top of your gum health! Keep reading to learn more about gum health and its importance, so you can be in charge of keeping your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.
Why is Gum Health Important?
The gums, or the gingiva, are the soft tissue that encases your teeth, teeth roots, and the bones of your jaw. It acts like a seal and protective layer against disease-causing bacteria. More importantly, gums provide the supportive structure of the teeth that keeps them in place.
Without the gums, bacteria and food debris would easily find their way into the deeper parts of your teeth.
Gum health is important because our gums support our teeth and the bone structure that supports them. Without proper gum health, those bones can decay and eventually, the teeth may fall out. Sadly, deteriorating gum health has also been closely linked to other chronic health problems such as diabetes, poor cardiovascular health, pregnancy complications, dementia, etc. Therefore, maintaining healthy gums can greatly reduce the chances of these conditions impacting you in the future.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease can appear on different levels, but it starts with the build up of bacteria, also known as plaque. Dental plaque can easily be removed with daily oral care through proper brushing and flossing. When plaque builds up under the gum line it begins to wreak havoc on the teeth and jaw bones. This bacteria is sticky and often leads to the first signs of gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause swollen and red gums and bleeding and tenderness in the mouth. At the beginning level of gum disease, the damage is reversible with appropriate care.
Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, negatively impacts the structural aspects of your gums and teeth. The irreversible damage to the gums, bones, and tissue that hold the teeth in place can cause teeth to move (changing your bite), and may even eventually cause them to fall out. Some habits such as smoking can increase an individual’s risk of developing gum disease.
Signs of gum disease may include, but are not limited to:
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- Bleeding gums
- Consistent bad breath
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth (gum recession)
- Mobility of the teeth causes orthodontic problems such as spacing
How to Prevent Gum Disease?
As mentioned before, regular cleanings are one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy. A professional hygienist can spot signs of poor gum health and work alongside patients to teach appropriate skills and lifestyle changes to prevent further damage. Additionally, a good cleaning is the only way to remove tartar build-up. Some of the best tools for healthy gums include:
- Regular dental cleanings
- Daily flossing
- Brush 2x per day
- Using toothpaste with fluoride
- Eating a healthy diet (stay away from excess sugar)
- Not smoking
- Seeking treatment right away if mouth concerns arise
Healthy Gums with Dr. Tosun
At Dr. Tosun Dental Clinic, our main priority is to create a great dental experience. Leveraging the latest innovative technologies and solutions, coupled with regular dental cleanings and checkups, we help our clients create healthy dental habits to prevent gum deterioration.
Contact our clinic by phone or by visiting our website to schedule your first dental appointment today.
