September is a great time to reflect on your oral hygiene routine because it’s Nation Gum Care Month! You may not have guessed, by they’re one of the most important parts of your mouth and provide a stable foundation for your teeth. When conditions like gum disease impact them, it could result in serious consequences like discomfort, chronic bad breath, and even tooth loss. The more tips you’re equipped with to help keep them healthy, the less likely it’ll be that gum disease will wreak havoc on your mouth. Read on to learn why your gums are so special and how you can take the best care of them.
The Importance of Your Gums
When most people think about taking care of their mouth, they typically focus on their teeth. However, without healthy gums, your teeth wouldn’t have a stable and strong foundation to protect them. The roots of your teeth are incredibly sensitive and fused with your jawbone, they’re also shielded by your gums. When they’re no longer able to protect your teeth because they’re receding due to gum disease, it could put your entire mouth at serious risk for developing oral health problems like infections, cavities, and tooth loss.
Gum Disease and Your Oral Health
The most common reason that people develop gum disease is due to bad oral hygiene. Food particles mix in your mouth with saliva to form a sticky film that coats your teeth called plaque. Harmful oral bacteria are attracted to this substance and will attach themselves to your teeth via the film. If plaque or bacteria aren’t routinely removed from your mouth, they’ll accumulate. Harmful bacteria then begin releasing acids and toxins that cause symptoms of gum disease to appear, like:
- Inflamed gums.
- Swollen gums.
- Red or purple gums.
- Bleeding when brushing and flossing.
- Tenderness.
- Pus pockets.
- Receding gums that make teeth look longer.
- Loose teeth.
- Tooth loss.
The most important thing to know about gum disease is that it progresses quickly and is important to treat while it’s in its early stages. Your dentist can provide you with periodontal therapy that treats and even reverses these symptoms, restoring the health of your gums, if the disease is spotted early. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months.
Tips To Keep Your Gums Healthy
There are countless ways you could tweak your oral hygiene routine to keep harmful oral bacteria from taking over your mouth and harming your gums. The main cause of this condition is bad oral hygiene, so it’s important to remember to brush twice each day and floss daily. Some other ways you can keep your mouth healthy include:
- Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
- Visit your dentist for semi-annual checkups and cleanings.
- Maintaining a nutritious diet.
- Investing in an electric toothbrush.
If you have any questions or worry that you may be exhibiting signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Don’t forget to celebrate this National Gum Care Month with a checkup and cleaning and by implementing some new tasks to improve your oral hygiene routine!
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana strives to provide his community of Mesquite with individualized, high-quality dental treatments that optimize their oral health. He has mastered several skills by advancing his education in a periodontal honors program and extensive training in dental implants. He is also an active member of several professional organizations, allowing him to stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the dental world. For questions or to schedule an appointment for periodontal therapy, visit TrueCare Dentistry’s website or call 469-399-7288.