Your teeth aren’t the only part of your oral health that you need to worry about. If you don’t brush, floss, and see your dentist, you could increase your risk for gum disease. Consider adjusting your dental hygiene routine and read ahead to get to know your gums.
Proper Dental Hygiene
Everybody knows that it’s important to brush your teeth, but there’s more to your oral health than just the crowns that make up your smile. A healthy, regular dental hygiene routine also protects your gums and prevents issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the enamel, so it doesn’t have a chance to build up. If you don’t brush, this plaque can continuously build and work its way under your gum line. Flossing also removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque buildup from between the teeth, which further protects your gums.
Gum Disease
If you don’t brush and floss, you won’t be able to tackle plaque buildup. This is a problem because plaque can turn into tartar or calculus, which can contribute to gum disease. It’s also a problem because you’ll need your dentist to remove tartar for you. When plaque or tartar builds up and moves under the gum line, the gums can become agitated. They may turn red, bleed when you brush your teeth, and become visibly inflamed. These are all common signs of early gum disease. Although it’s reversible, early gum disease can turn into an irreversible form of periodontitis if you don’t act quickly.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Not everyone knows the signs of gum disease, but if something feels off, it’s important to see the dentist for a checkup. Timely visits to the dentist’s office can save your gum health and protect you from periodontal health conditions. This improves your overall well-being and can also reduce your risk for certain serious health problems like cancer and diabetes.
Now that you know your gums, you know how important it is to take care of them. Call Glenwood Premier Dental at (732) 264-4477 and talk to a periodontist in Hazlet to avoid gingivitis and enjoy excellent gum health.