Have you ever wondered why your dentist asks how often you floss? It’s because taking care of your gum health is linked to maintaining your overall health. In today’s blog, Dental Impressions of Ankeny, IA, is here to tell you about how to properly care for your periodontal health and why it is important.
Read more: Caring For Your Gums Is Essential To Your HealthA Good Oral Hygiene Routine Can Keep Your Gums Healthy
Factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking or using tobacco, genetics, and medical conditions can put you at a greater risk for periodontal disease.
To take care of your gums, it is important to brush and floss between your teeth daily. Brushing alone only gets some of the particles that can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth. Flossing helps get the areas that are hard to reach with a brush, such as in between your teeth and near your back molars. You should also go to the dentist twice a year for an examination and cleaning. With this, your dentist will be able to monitor for early signs of gingivitis. Swollen gums or bleeding during cleaning are indicators that you may be in the earliest stages of periodontal disease. Deep cleanings and consistent oral hygiene will help reverse the earliest signs of gum disease.
Why You Should Care For Your Gum Health
Having unclean gums can lead to bad breath. If the issue is severe, even after brushing your teeth you may still experience bad breath. This is unappealing to others and can cause a loss of confidence in yourself. Additionally, your oral health is linked to your overall health. People who have periodontal disease are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular-related problems, like heart disease. Lastly, periodontal disease progresses over time, and can lead to pain while chewing food or drinking beverages, jaw pain, and even tooth loss. Having to get these issues restored can include many invasive procedures that cost you time and money.
If you are experiencing early symptoms of gingivitis, don’t delay coming to see the dentist. Your provider will be able to help navigate through this and improve your oral health. With a better oral hygiene routine and a series of deep cleanings for your gums, you will be back in shape soon. This can prevent a lot of stress from the future. In the event that your gum disease has advanced severely, we will not be able to reverse these signs. However, we can maintain it and help you manage through regular checkups and a better hygiene routine. If you are experience inflamed gums or other signs of gingivitis, visit your dentist as soon as possible
Take Care Of Your Periodontal Health Today!
We want our patients to have healthy smiles and gums. To schedule an appointment, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today (515) 965-0230.