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Healthy gums are as essential as healthy teeth. Oral health is intricately connected to your overall well being, and taking good care of your gums can keep serious issues like gingivitis and periodontitis from occurring. El Segundo Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics is committed to helping our patients have the best oral health possible, so we have compiled some helpful tips to help you keep your gums healthy and clean!
While much attention is directed towards the teeth, gum health is an integral part of oral health. Since oral health is closely linked to the immune system and general wellbeing, taking care of the gums is essential. For example, neglecting gum health can lead to gingivitis, which can develop into periodontitis when left untreated.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it occurs when plaque and tartar begin to infiltrate the gumline. At this stage, there is no tissue damage or bone loss. Gingivitis is characterized by swollen, inflamed, or bleeding gums. Regular dental exams and cleanings from our dental office in El Segundo, CA can help prevent or detect gingivitis before it progresses and develops into periodontitis.
Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is also known as periodontal disease. This advanced stage of gum disease is accompanied by swollen and bleeding gums that begin to recede, impacting the surrounding bone and tissue. This causes the nearby teeth to become loose, and they may even fall out. Other symptoms of periodontitis include bad breath, pain when chewing, a misaligned bite, red and purple gums, and pockets of pus between the gums and teeth.
In addition to gingivitis and periodontitis, poor gum health can increase the risk of other serious health issues. For example, the risk of heart attack, infertility, stroke, preeclampsia, diabetes, pneumonia, and more have been linked to gum disease. This is because oral bacteria can pass from the mouth into the bloodstream. It is then distributed throughout the body, and it can become stuck in blood vessels, the heart, or inhaled by the lungs. Since the connection between oral health and general wellbeing is substantial, it is imperative to practice the best methods available to keep your gums healthy.
Caring for your gums should become second nature. Proactive measures can be taken to ensure your gums are healthy and do not succumb to gingivitis and periodontitis. El Segundo Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics has outlined four of the best methods for increasing and maintaining gum health:
Regular dental exams and cleanings at El Segundo Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics are essential for optimal gum health. During your visits to our friendly California office, we will thoroughly examine your gums and check them for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. If we detect any issues concerning gum health, we may recommend a deep dental cleaning. Often, poor gum health can be reversed with early intervention. It is also important to remember that there is a certain buildup only a professional hygienist can reach, no matter how diligently you brush or floss.
Proper brushing and flossing include special attention to the gums. For example, do not be afraid to brush along the gumline while applying firm yet gentle pressure. Begin at a 45-degree angle and make small circular motions with your brush. An electric toothbrush is also beneficial for getting places that are hard to reach. Likewise, floss all the way down to the gumline. You may even want to use a water flosser to maximize the areas you reach. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, followed by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, is integral to maintaining gum health. It can even reverse gingivitis.
A well-balanced diet can contribute to optimal gum health, whereas a poor diet may cause gums to bleed. For example, a deficiency in Vitamin C has been linked to gum bleeding. A well-balanced diet includes the consumption of greens, vegetables, high-fiber fruits, and more. One of the most important foods to avoid is sugar-filled sweets since oral bacteria thrive on sugar.
Smoking can have adverse health effects, including negatively impacting the gum tissue. For example, smoking is linked to dry mouth, which irritates the gum tissue and causes it to become tender and bleed. Smoking also weakens the immune system, making it more difficult to ward off gum disease and infection. Thus, it is best to avoid smoking. Your gums will certainly thank you for it!
These four simple methods can contribute to gum health and keep your mouth healthy and strong. In addition to supporting the bone and tissue around the teeth that keeps them intact, gum health is also imperative for reducing your risk of other serious health issues.
Gum health wards off gingivitis, periodontitis, and helps control your risk for serious health issues like a heart attack or stroke. Four of the best methods to keep your gums healthy include routine dental exams and cleanings at El Segundo Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics, proper brushing and flossing techniques that involve the gumline, a well-balanced diet with a minimal sugar intake, and avoiding unhealthy habits that can compromise the immune system, such as smoking. Early intervention can prevent tooth loss and keep bone and tissue surrounding the gums intact, so it is imperative to see your California dentist regularly. If you have more questions about how to keep your gums healthy, or if you are experiencing gum bleeding, tenderness, or swelling, do not hesitate to reach out to our office in El Segundo today!
One of the best ways to care for your gums is to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings at El Segundo Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics! To request an appointment at our California office, simply contact us or call (424) 277-2671.
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