The Importance of Gum Health

When you think about dentistry your first thoughts are probably about teeth, but it’s important to take care of your gums, too. Gum problems can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss.

Keeping your gums healthy will help you:

Preserve Your Natural Teeth – People who develop gum infections like periodontal disease have a high risk of tooth loss. The bacteria that cause the infection eat away at the gums and bone supporting your teeth, often resulting in loose teeth that cannot be saved.

If you have not had a professional teeth cleaning within the last year, you likely have an overgrowth of oral bacteria or at least the first stage of gum disease called gingivitis. It starts as inflamed gums and then progresses to more advanced infections that put your teeth at risk.

Protect Your Overall Health – Infections are never good for you and that includes the ones that happen in your gums. They can cause inflammation throughout your system and keep your immune system busy when it is needed elsewhere.

Oral bacteria, including the ones that cause poor gum health and gum disease, can also get into your blood stream easily when you swallow or through the thin tissue of your mouth. It only makes sense to do all you can to prevent any of this from happening.

Prevent Nerve Exposure Pain – Your gums serve as insulation around the nerves of your teeth, especially in areas where the tooth is narrow. When gums recede they lose this insulation and can become painful. It may start as a sensitivity to cold, but can become quite severe.

Keep Your Smile Looking It’s Best – Inflamed gums can look red and swollen or even bleed keeping your smile from looking good and representing you well.

You can keep your gums healthy by:

• Brushing all surfaces of your teeth twice a day
• Flossing or using an oral irrigator like a Waterpick daily
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients and minimal sugars and starch
• Quitting tobacco. Smoking and chewing will both lead to poor gum health, periodontal disease and lost teeth.
• Visiting your dentist and hygienist at recommended intervals. This would be every 6 months unless you have a condition like gum disease and they recommend you come in more often.

We can help you experience these benefits of healthy gums. Call now to schedule a visit today!

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562