Probably when you think about oral health, the first thing that comes to your mind is teeth. While taking proper care of your teeth is essential to having a healthy smile, there’s a frequently overlooked tissue that also determines the state of your oral health. We’re talking about the gums, which are equally as important as teeth. They carry a complex network of nerves and blood vessels that supply stimuli and nutrients to your teeth keeping them healthy. This is where the importance of gum lies, they are needed for your teeth to survive. Generally speaking, gums are quite resistant but if you have deficient dental hygiene, they are prone to plaque buildup and inflammation, if this problem is ignored it can progress to gum disease and gingivitis. The best way to avoid developing gum disease is scheduling regular visits to your dentist in Flagstaff.
Remember, gum disease doesn’t only involve your gums but your teeth as well. It’s one of the main risk factors for tooth loss. Severe inflammation in your gums will compromise your bone density which will, in turn, weaken the attachment of the root of your teeth to the jaw. Therefore, this condition will result in tooth loss if it is not treated in time.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms that there could be something wrong with your gums will alert you in the early stages of the disease. These could be persistent halitosis or bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding after flossing or brushing your teeth, and in more severe cases, deep pockets between the teeth and the gum, and loose teeth. If you happen to have any of these symptoms, look for gum disease treatment in Flagstaff. The earlier your dental professional starts the treatment, the higher the chances you have of reverting the condition.
Things that can help you avoid gum disease
Having good oral hygiene
It’s no secret that having a proper oral routine will be key in preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your mouth and plaque buildup, two essential elements to the formation of gum disease. For better results, it’s recommended you thoroughly brush and floss daily if you want to prevent gum infections.
Schedule professional dental cleanings
No matter how thorough you are in your oral hygiene, you still need to visit a dental clinic near you regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Only a dental professional will have the proper tools to perform an in-depth cleaning of your teeth, reaching all the nooks and crannies in the back of your teeth and your gum line. It’s recommended that you receive a professional dental cleaning every six months to prevent dental problems in the future.
Get help early
Although gum disease can be asymptomatic in the beginning, you need to be alert for early symptoms of the condition. Pay special attention to the appearance of your gums, and if you find they bleed easily or that they’re red and inflamed, visit a dental professional to receive gum disease treatment near you. The sooner you can begin your treatment, the better for your pocket and your overall health. Remember, gum disease doesn’t only affect your teeth but it’s also linked to the development of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Therefore, you should never ignore gum symptoms, they could hide a more serious health issue underneath. Ask your dentist in Flagstaff about why the inflammation of your gums can put you at risk for chronic illness and what other measures can be taken to avoid gum disease.
