Just as brushing your teeth and using dental floss are important for protecting dental health, gum health is also of great importance. The gums are the tissues that support and protect your teeth. Healthy gums hold your teeth firmly in place, prevent bacteria from spreading to the teeth and help protect your general oral health.
Gum disease generally shows itself through symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, redness and pain in the gums. In the first stage, inflammation and bleeding of the gums may be seen; this condition is called “gingivitis”. If gingivitis is not treated, the gums may be damaged further and more serious disease, namely “periodontitis”, may develop. At this stage even tooth loss can occur.
The most important ways to protect gum health include regular tooth brushing, use of dental floss and professional dental cleaning. To keep your gums healthy you should brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss regularly. In addition, visiting your dentist regularly can help detect possible problems with your gums at an early stage.
Avoiding smoking and excessively sugary foods is also important for protecting gum health. Smoking causes the gums to become infected and prevents them from healing. Sugary and acidic foods can damage the gums, so adopting a balanced diet will also help protect gum health.
Gum diseases are preventable and treatable. For this reason it is important not to neglect your oral care and to pay attention to your gums. With healthy gums you can both have a beautiful smile and protect your general health.
This article is for general information; please consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment. Book an appointment.
