Everyone knows it's important to take good care of your teeth, but what about your gums? When you have a tooth problem, it's either highly visible or very painful—prompting you to see a dentist right away. But when your gums are in trouble the signs are much more subtle. For many people, the gums don't get the amount of attention they need to stay in good health. Why is it so important to take good care of your gums? And what happens if your gums are neglected?
The Gums and Your Oral Health
The gums are a kind of connective tissue that helps hold the teeth in place. Gum tissue covers the roots of your teeth and helps support not only the teeth but also the jawbone teeth are embedded in. In addition, the gum tissue forms a tight seal that protects the roots of teeth from bacteria.
The gums actually play a vitally important role in oral health, which is evident when the gums are compromised by infection. When oral hygiene is poor—when teeth aren't brushed and flossed daily, for instance—a sticky, acidic substance called plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. Over the course of a few days, plaque hardens into tartar. Together, bacteria, plaque, and tartar combine to irritate the gums, causing redness and inflammation. In addition, the gums may bleed after brushing teeth. These are the signs of early gum disease or gingivitis.
If gingivitis isn't treated, it slowly progresses into a more serious kind of gum disease called periodontitis. This is a low-level gum infection that causes few outward symptoms, but which can slowly destroy the gums and teeth and the underlying jawbone.
Caring for Your Gums
Taking care of your gums is as simple as following good oral health practices, and maintaining healthier habits.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, take care to gently work your toothbrush over your gums as well as your teeth.
- Use dental floss daily to remove food particles that brushing can’t touch.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
- Reduce your sugar intake.
- Choose crisp crunchy veggies like celery and carrots. These help keep your teeth free from plaque.
- Avoid tobacco and smoking.
- Drink plenty of plain water to help flush plaque and bacteria from your mouth.
- Visit your dentist every 3 to 6 months. Only your dentist can safely remove tartar from your teeth and gums, so dental visits are important for good gum health.
When to See Your Dentist
Regular visits to your Lancaster dentist are the best way to make sure your gums stay healthy and free from disease. And remember the early signs of gum disease: gum redness, irritation or inflammation, and bleeding from the gums after brushing. If you notice any of these warning signs, see your dentist as soon as possible.