Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Gums
You’ve heard it since you were a kid: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. You’re told that following this routine prevents cavities and keeps your teeth healthy.
All this is true, but it leaves out a big part of a healthy smile: your gums.
Our team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, focuses on all aspects of our patients’ oral health. Here’s why we think it’s critical not to neglect your gums.
What’s gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, means the tissues that support your teeth (your gums) are inflamed or infected. Almost half of all adults in the United States have some form of gum disease.
The main cause of gum disease is plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, leftover food particles, and saliva that adheres to your teeth.
Brushing and flossing regularly can get rid of plaque. But if you neglect your oral health routine, the bacteria in the plaque begin to infect your gums, leading to gum disease.
What problems can result from gum disease?
If you neglect your gums, the results are guaranteed not to be good. Your gums become red, puffy, and sore. They bleed and, eventually, cause pain. This stage is called gingivitis.
Next, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria and infection can gather, causing further pain and damage. This stage is called periodontitis.
The bacteria over time can erode the ligaments, soft tissues, and bone that hold your teeth in place, causing your teeth to become loose. Without treatment, your teeth eventually fall out, and your jawbone wears away.
Also, your breath is noticeably bad, and your overall health may suffer if bacterial infections enter your bloodstream.
Taking care of your gums
To prevent the above, don’t neglect your oral health and gums. When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush along your gum line to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Also, floss daily and use mouthwash to fight gum disease and help rinse away food particles.
Don’t neglect your regular dental cleanings, either. Not only do we remove plaque and clean your teeth, we can catch any gum issues early while they’re still easily treatable.
If it’s time for your regular dental cleaning and exam, the team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates would be honored to serve you. To schedule an appointment, call our office or book online today.