Healthy Gums

Posted on 08/14/2018
This is the image for the news article titled Healthy Gums for a Healthy Mouth

Many people forget that taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. You could be cavity free but that doesn't make you immune to gum diseases. It's important to make sure that your gums are healthy even if you are not experiencing any pain.

 

Signs of Gum Disease


So if you can have gum disease without any pain... how are we supposed to know there's a problem? The American Dental Association lists the following symptoms as serious signs that you may be experiencing a gum disease. 
  • Permanent teeth that are separating or loose
  • Gums that are swollen, red and tender
  • Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
  • Gums that easily bleed
  • Consistent bad breath or taste in your mouth

What is gum disease?


Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Your gums will be red, tender, swollen and bleed easily. However, you may feel no pain at all or any discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by poor dental hygiene.

Periodontitis is what gingivitis becomes if untreated. Plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line which produces toxins that inflame the gums. This starts a break down of your healthy gums as your body fights off the inflammatory disease. Eventually this will lead to deep pockets in your gums and bone deterioration. 

How do we prevent gum disease?

  1. Floss at least once daily to remove the plaque and food partials that your toothbrush can't reach.
  2. Get regular dental cleanings to catch the early stages of gum disease early. You can reverse gingivitis before it becomes worse!
  3. Brush at least twice a day. Leaving plaque and food on your teeth will start to affect your gums as well as your teeth.
  4. Don't forget to scrub your tongue to remove bacteria too when brushing your teeth daily.
  5. Use fluoride toothpaste with an ADA seal of acceptance.
  6. Therapeutic mouthwash can reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis and reduce the spread of tartar. 
  7. Quit smoking! Smoking is bad for your health for a variety of reasons but it also affects your gum health! It weakens your immune system making it hard for your body to fight off early symptoms of gum disease.