Maintaining healthy gums is an essential part of improving your dental health. With gum disease being one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss, it is important for patients to take the proper steps to improve their gum health.
In this post, we will explore some of the best ways to protect your gum health and get one step closer to a healthier smile.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of that gums that is caused by plaque. When the bacteria in plaque reach the gums, it can break down the gum tissue, which may lead to bleeding gums, halitosis, and shifting teeth. In advanced cases of gum disease, also called periodontitis, patients may experience tooth loss.
Protect Your Gum Health: How To Care For Your Gums
- Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth helps minimize plaque buildup from the teeth, which can help reduce your risk of gum disease. Try brushing your teeth at least twice a day or after each meal.
- Floss your teeth: Flossing should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing can remove debris and food particles from in between the teeth. When patient’s neglect their daily flossing, it may increase the risk of plaque build-up, which can contribute to gum disease.
- Visit the dentist for routine gum disease screenings: A routine gum disease screening is performed during every preventive care visit. During a gum disease screening, your dentist will exam the health and function of your gums, as well as check for any signs of gum disease. Depending on the findings from your exam, your dentist will build a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. For some patients, that may include a deep periodontal cleaning; for other patients, that may require advanced gum disease treatment such as gum surgery.
Our Pennington, NJ dental office can work with you to find the right solution for your smile. Our team is composed of experienced dental professionals who are dedicated to getting you the care you need.
To explore your options or to learn more about how you can protect your gum health, call (609) 818-9797 or request an appointment online.
