Time to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Jun 10, 2019
When it comes to oral health, many people underestimate the important role that it plays in your overall health and wellness. The reality of oral health is, it’s not about how straight or white your teeth are, it’s all about the gums!
Being cavity-free and sporting the pearliest set of whites does not make you immune to gum disease; certain proactive measure should be put in place to ensure that you maintain the health of your teeth, mouth, AND gums.
It’s time to start prioritizing those gums.
Gum disease is a silent destroyer of dental health. It begins when plaque and other bacterial buildup start to accumulate along the gum line.
Plaque is a sticky substance that is jam-packed with bacteria that can wear away at your tooth enamel and your gums. It can cause infections that can damage gum tissue and bone, leading to degeneration and decay. Plaque can also contribute to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease include:
Fortunately, if detected early, symptoms can be treated and, in some cases, reversed. Following some simple care steps to keep your teeth and gum tissue healthy will save you from having to endure some uncomfortable moments in the dentist’s chair. Follow these care steps to keep those gums vibrantly healthy:
We can’t say it enough—floss, floss, floss! Brushing your teeth without flossing in between can be likened to using the bathroom and only wiping the outside of your bottom–not effective.
Flossing gets into areas that regular brushing cannot; it removes plaque, tartar, food debris and bacteria in between teeth and along the gum line, keeping infections and buildup at bay. Aim for flossing at least once a day, and don’t be too concerned about the time of day that you get it done, as long as you get it done.
When your dentist sees you regularly, he can more accurately diagnose and treat early symptoms of gum disease. The only way to truly remove tartar from teeth is to get them professionally cleaned and polished; twice yearly does the trick for most people. Following your dentist’s advice on home care steps will also help to reduce the likelihood of developing gum issues.
Smoking is closely associated with the development of gingivitis and gum disease. Smoking can also weaken your immune system, which makes it harder to fight off oral infections should they occur. In addition, smoking can delay any healing process that your body needs; lay off the smoking and start to improve your oral health from day one.
Regardless of how clean your diet may be, there is bound to be food residue that stays in the mouth long after eating. Do your best to brush your teeth after every meal and sugary snack. This will remove food residue and bacteria that can lead to the formation of plaque. Choose soft bristles that don’t irritate teeth or gum tissue and consider using an electric or sonic toothbrush to really deep clean teeth and soft tissues.
A toothpaste may deliver fresh breath, whiter teeth, and a clean overall feeling in your mouth, but you need a little more protection than that. Look for toothpaste that boasts fluoride and carries the American Dental Association seal of approval. This will ensure that you are giving your mouth the best care possible.
Therapeutic mouthwashes offer comprehensive oral health care for your teeth and gum tissue. They freshen breath, fight the formation of plaque, and rinse out food residue and bacteria that can contribute to decay. While this is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing, it will help to seal the deal and deliver a well-rounded oral health care experience.
Keeping those soft tissues in your mouth healthy and pristine will help to improve your overall health, as the health of your mouth becomes a window to the health of the rest of your body. With gum disease having clear connections to cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and chronic inflammation. Putting such simple measures in place like regular dental care at home, professional inspection and cleanings, and being proactive about eliminating dental problems, you will safeguard your entire body against disease and decay.
It’s time to take care of that mouth. Receiving adequate dental care is essential to your overall health and wellness, and we can help. Trinity Dental Care can provide you with some of the best preventative and restorative care available. If you are looking for a great dentist in Scottsdale, look no further. Make an appointment today; a healthier, brighter smile is in your future!