When it comes to oral health, everyone tends to keep their eyes on their pearly whites, but the gums often don’t get the attention they deserve even though they’re just as much a part of your smile. September is National Gum Care Month, so now’s a good opportunity to remind yourself of the importance of excellent gum maintenance.
The Importance of Your Gums
Your gums cover the roots of your teeth as well as the bone they’re embedded in. When they’re healthy, they serve as protection against bacteria. If they become infected, however, they could start to actively harm the teeth and bone. For this reason, gum disease can be considered extremely dangerous to your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts as mild gingivitis. At that point, the infection might cause some swelling and redness; it might even make your gums tender enough to bleed while brushing or flossing. Over time, the condition gets worse and eventually becomes periodontitis. The gums start to pull away from the teeth and expose the roots to bacterial attacks. Eventually, the destruction of the roots and the bone will cause you to lose your teeth.
Gum disease has also been linked to heart problems, digestive problems, diabetes and respiratory infections. The longer it goes untreated, the worse effects it’ll have on your body. That’s why it’s important to have your gums checked on a regular basis or whenever you think there’s a problem.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
While gum disease symptoms might not even appear until the condition has become severe, warning signs to look for include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums that easily bleed
- Gum recession
- Loose or separating teeth
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath
- Change in the way the teeth fit together when you bite
Preventing Gum Disease
The best oral hygiene practices for your teeth are also good for your gums. When you brush, don’t forget to thoroughly clean the gumline. Flossing is essential for good gum health; it’s the most reliable way to remove bacteria and food particles from spaces a toothbrush can’t reach. Of course, you should also make sure that you visit your dentist at least twice a year so that they can find the warning signs of gum disease as early as possible, which will make treatment easier.
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
The most common way to treat gum disease is with scaling and root planing. Scaling gets rid of plaque that’s trapped under the gum tissue, and root planing roughens the surface of the tooth roots so that bacteria can’t reattach themselves as easily. Antibiotics are often used to help eliminate any bacteria that might have been left behind.
Remember, the key to great gum care is to be proactive. That means maintaining great oral hygiene to stop gum disease from occurring in the first place while being prepared to act quickly in case the worst does happen. That way, you’ll be able to protect your entire smile for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2008 from the Florida College of Dentistry. He is a member of the Florida Dental Association and has studied many different aspects of dentistry. At his practice in Ormond Beach, Brown & Nawrocki, he always strives to catch and treat gum disease in the earliest stages. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (386) 677-1046.