5 Reasons to Care for Your Gum Health

Maintaining good oral health habits are an important part of a healthy life. That means taking care of your teeth and gums by: brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time; flossing every day; drinking plenty of water; consuming a balanced diet; visiting CarolinasDentist for routine checkups and professional cleanings; and avoiding tobacco products.

But why does your gum health matter so much? Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t neglect it:

Pain

Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that leads to gum swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and other painful symptoms. Brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist can prevent most cases of gum disease.

Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath is commonly caused by gum disease. The disease is caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth and gum line. Plaque is made of bacteria, which release toxins with a strong, unpleasant smell. Taking good care of your gums can help you avoid this embarrassing problem!

Tooth Loss

If you neglect your gum health, gum disease can cause tooth loss. It’s actually the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults! As gum disease progresses, your gums pull away from your teeth, making them loose. Eventually, without the stable support of the gums, you will experience tooth loss. While there are excellent tooth replacement solutions available, it is better and more affordable to keep your natural teeth.

Other Health Issues

When one part of the body is unhealthy, it can contribute to issues in other body systems. For example, gum disease is linked to other bodily infections and problems like respiratory disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sepsis. Research also shows that gum disease may be associated with a faster decline in patients with dementia.

Better Looking Smile

Plaque buildup on your teeth and along your gum line affects the appearance of your smile as well as its health. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which is porous and easily stained by what you eat and drink. Tartar, which only our special tools can safely remove, gives teeth a yellow-brown color. Additionally, irritated gums look abnormally red and are prone to bleeding. Worrying about the health and appearance of your teeth and gums can cause anxiety and depression. But if you take care of your teeth and gums, you’ll have less tartar buildup and improved confidence from your whiter, brighter teeth.

Gum Disease Treatment at CarolinasDentist

You can prevent gum disease with superb oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. However, if you need restorative treatment, we offer periodontal therapy like PerioProtect^®. This minimally invasive treatment uses custom-fitted Perio Trays, which you wear like a retainer at home. The trays deliver medication below your gum line to fight infection and improve your gum health.

Do you have questions about gum health or want to schedule an appointment? Please contact us today!