Three Reasons To Prioritize Gum Health

In a recent blog, we reminded you that it’s important to come in for a checkup biannually. These appointments help keep your teeth clean and detect problems early. In addition to visiting your dentist regularly for an examination, you should also practice preventive care at home. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day as well as flossing. Flossing is a step that many patients skip, but it can help keep your gums in good health. Today, your Dental Impressions team is here to explain why it’s important to practice proper periodontal care.

Keep Your Breath Fresh

If you frequently have bad-smelling breath even after brushing, it could be due to inadequate oral hygiene or a side effect of other conditions like dry mouth or gingivitis. When you brush your teeth, you are removing the food particles and bacteria that can accumulate throughout the day. If you skip this step or don’t brush properly, it can lead to plaque buildup which may cause bad breath. Additionally, if you brush daily but do not floss, you are not removing all of the food particles from between your teeth. This important step can help reduce plaque buildup and bad breath. If you consistently do your oral hygiene routine and still notice persistent bad breath, it may be a sign of dry mouth or gingivitis. Your dentist can help diagnose the problem and determine what treatment can help.

Reduce The Chances Of Cavities

Brushing your teeth alone may not completely limit the chances of developing a cavity. Cavities form when bacteria turn into hardened plaque on your tooth’s surface. This may occur if food debris is not removed from your daily oral hygiene routine. For a more thorough cleaning, make sure that you are brushing and flossing twice a day. This can help reduce your chances of developing tooth decay, which will need to be restored with a dental filling later. If you do develop a cavity, don’t panic. This is a common problem that many patients face.

Prevent Periodontal Disease

Lastly, it’s important to take care of your gums to prevent periodontal disease. This is an infection of the gums that can cause them to recede and result in tooth loss as well as many other complications. A consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of gingivitis. Remember to also visit your dentist regularly for a cleaning and examination, as these visits can help detect a gum infection early. If you do have symptoms of periodontal disease, your dentist can schedule a deep cleaning to manage the infection. Gingivitis should not be ignored, as it can progress to more severe stages and may result in tooth loss and other health concerns.

Call Our Team To Learn More!

Do you have questions about your periodontal health? Schedule an appointment with Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today at (515) 965-0230 to learn more.