When people consider oral health, the most common topic that comes to mind is brushing their teeth to keep them white and cavity-free. While that is important, there is another aspect of the mouth that receives just as much attention, and that is your gums. Healthy gums complement a healthy smile. If the gums are not healthy, the best-looking teeth can have serious issues, and that’s why we have periodontal therapy.
In this blog, we are going to talk about what gum health is, why it is important, and how you take care of your periodontal health in everyday life.
Why Gum Health Matters
Your gums are like the “soil” in which your teeth are planted. If the soil is weak or damaged, the plants won’t survive. Gum disease happens when plaque and bacteria build up around your teeth and gum line, leading to swelling, bleeding, and in serious cases, tooth loss.
If you’ve ever noticed bleeding when brushing or flossing, that’s often an early sign of gum trouble. At first, gum disease can seem minor, but if left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a condition where gums pull away from the teeth and create pockets that collect bacteria. This makes it harder to keep your mouth clean and can even impact your overall health.
Early treatment of gum disease in Mill Woods is important because gums don’t heal as quickly on their own as teeth sometimes do.
Common Signs of Gum Problems
It is not always clear if your gums are in good health; however, here are some red flags you should know about:
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
- Receding gums (teeth appear “longer”).
- Loose or shifting teeth.
If you are experiencing symptoms like these, it may be time to find a clinic for gum disease near you so you can receive a professional opinion. Keeping gum disease symptoms a secret only makes their condition harder to treat and rectify.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a treatment plan designed to stop gum disease and restore gum health. Depending on how severe the condition is, therapy can range from non-surgical treatments to more advanced procedures.
Scaling and root planing, is one of the most common treatments. Basically, this is a deep cleaning under the gum line, where the hygienists clean gums to the max, removing plaque and tartar that the patient couldn’t brush off. This exposure reduces the bacteria and helps the gum heal.
In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce the pockets or help regenerate lost tissue. However, very often people have the ability to control their gum health with professional dental cleanings and good home care.
Daily Habits for Healthy Gums
While professional treatments can be important, your daily habits are equally important. How can you take care of your periodontal health at home? Check out some minimal, but effective practices:
- Brush Twice Daily – Gums should be brushed for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you angle the brush toward your gums to effectively brush plaque away from the gum line.
- Floss Daily– Flossing is the only way to remove debris in between your teeth that can’t be reached by a soft toothbrush.
- Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash – Antimicrobial mouthwash kills bacteria at the location that leads to gum disease.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking reduces your immune system effectiveness and slows the body’s ability to heal and recover from periodontal disease.
- Eat Plenty of Healthy Foods – Foods rich in vitamins C and D and calcium strengthen your gums and bones.
These small habits and efforts take little time but will save you pain and avoid more costly treatments in the future.
Why Professional Care Is Essential
You still need expert aid to maintain your healthy gums, even if you take great care of them at home. Brushing alone won’t get rid of tartar, which is plaque that has hardened. That’s why seeing a hygienist in Mill Woods or wherever you live is so important. Hygienists have special tools to clean areas you can’t reach at home.
Think of it like going to a mechanic. You may take care of your car daily, but only a professional can check under the hood and fix issues before they become major breakdowns.
Protect Your Smile with Agape Dental
You should not overlook your gum health. Maintaining gum health now will help you to avoid larger problems later. Tooth loss and infection can be prevented by making a few healthy choices. If you’ve observed symptoms of gum trouble or just wish to have your gums in good shape, Agape Dental can help.
When you are ready to take the next step to healthier gums, contact Agape Dental for periodontal treatment in Millwoods and beyond!
