Gum Health 101

Healthy gums are important for both your oral health and your overall health. Gum disease can lead to a variety of problems including tooth and bone loss, as well as acne, heart disease, and pneumonia. Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented and treated. Today, we’ll share some information about gum health so you are aware of the causes, warning signs, and treatment of gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

There are three stages of gum disease. The first is gingivitis, which is characterized by inflamed, receding, red, or bleeding gums. Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease, followed by advanced periodontitis. In these later stages of gum disease, there will be infection, pus around the gums, and loose teeth. Warning signs of gum disease, even in the beginning stages, should not be taken lightly. Talk to us if you’re noticing bleeding or irritated gums. Often, gingivitis can be reversed with proper treatment.

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease can be brought on by a combination of many factors, such as poor oral hygiene, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and dehydration. However, poor oral hygiene is the most common cause. When bacteria feeds upon the sugars in your mouth, it multiplies into a sticky film of plaque along the surface of your teeth and under your gumline. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, this plaque will cause gum irritation. And if plaque hardens into tartar, the gums become further inflamed and will begin receding.

How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

As basic as it sounds, daily dental hygiene is the key to keeping your gums healthy and free of gum disease:

• Brush daily twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss at least once a day.
• If you have bleeding or abnormally red gums, try rinsing with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash or a mixture of water and table salt.
• Visit our office at least twice a year for a biannual cleaning and checkup. With a combination of your at-home oral care and our special tools that efficiently remove built-up plaque and tartar, we can protect your mouth from gum disease. Plus, we can advise how to best care for your gums based on their current state of health.

We Can Help Improve Your Gum Health!

If you notice any signs of gum disease, don’t fear. Take this problem seriously but know that together, we can solve this problem and repair any damage before you experience more severe oral health issues. Contact us today to schedule your next checkup.

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