Just as your house is built on a firm foundation, so are your teeth – your gums! If your gums aren’t healthy, your teeth could be at risk. Here’s what your dentist wants you to understand about gum disease and the importance of maintaining a stable foundation for your teeth.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is best described as an infection of the main support system for your teeth, which is your gums and your jawbone. The infection happens when bacteria is allowed below the gum line due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup causes the gums to separate from your teeth. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis, and if it’s left untreated, it will result in tooth loss.
How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
The best way to protect yourself from gum disease is to establish an excellent home routine with consistent brushing twice per day and flossing once. You might also discuss adding an antibacterial mouth rinse to your routine with your dentist, who can recommend the right products for your needs.
Consistent visits to the dentist every six months will also protect your oral health since your dentist can detect gum disease much earlier than you can on your own. Gum disease doesn’t present many symptoms or much pain until it’s too late and the damage has been done, so detecting it early on gives you the opportunity to more successfully manage your condition and even it reverse it in some cases.
The Oral Systemic Link
Over the years, information has emerged about the close connection your oral health has with your overall well-being. Gum disease has been found to contribute to other health concerns and vice versa. Since the bacteria that causes gum disease can enter the bloodstream, it’s able to travel to other areas of the body and impact conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Taking good care of your oral health is not only important for keeping teeth and gums healthy, it is also essential for your overall health and well-being.
Contact Your Dentist to Learn More
Do you have additional questions about your dental health? Is it time for your next cleaning and checkup? Give your dentist a call today to schedule your next visit.
About the Author
Welcome to Smile Fitness Dental Center, where we combine the talents and expertise of three dentists to meet your unique needs! With the experience of three dentists, you can rest assured that you’ll receive comprehensive and high quality dentistry personalized for you. We are also able to offer a wide range of morning, late evening, and Saturday appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.
To contact Smile Fitness Dental Center, call us at 602-483-4055 or reach us online.