Gum Health Is Important Too
We talk a lot about gum disease because it affects about one-third of adults. Let’s take a moment to explain how to keep gums healthy so you and your loved ones don’t become part of that statistic.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Healthy gums are crucial to oral and overall health. Your gums surround and support your teeth to protect them and the jawbone underneath. Keeping gums in good shape wards off infection, irritation, and inflammation, and also makes it easier to maintain healthy teeth and a healthy jawbone.
When your gums are healthy, it’s much easier to keep your whole mouth and body healthy. Taking good care of your gums:
- Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults
- Protects against infection: Your gums are a barrier against harmful bacteria
- Supports overall health: Gum disease has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes
How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Fortunately, taking care of your gums is not complicated. Just follow our advice.
- Brush your teeth, including along the gumline, at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill lingering bacteria.
- See your St. Marys, GA dentist every 4 to 6 months for professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup and plaque that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach.
Your lifestyle choices can also contribute to healthier gums. We always recommend that our patients quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Even vaping is known to weaken the immune system, which raises the risk of oral infection and gum disease. Eating a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only supports your overall health but also helps you maintain a healthy mouth.
How to Know if Your Gums Are Healthy
Healthy gums are pink and adhere tightly to your teeth. They should not be puffy, red, or sore, and they should not bleed every time you brush and floss. Occasional bleeding is typically not worrisome, but consistent bleeding is a warning sign you should never ignore.
If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, you may have moderate to advanced gum disease. Another sign of advanced gum disease is loose or shifting teeth.
What to Do if You’re Concerned
Should you notice something off with your gums, call our office, located in St. Marys, GA to schedule an examination. Our expert dental team can detect gum disease at every stage — and the earlier the better for treatment and recovery.
We want all our patients to have beautiful, healthy smiles. That’s why we are passionate about keeping them informed and educated about their oral health. It’s our pleasure to help patients of all ages in St. Marys, GA. Call for your appointment today!
