Caring for Your Gums: Why Periodontal Health Is Just as Important as Your Teeth
When we think about dental care, we often think about protecting the tooth structure by brushing twice a day. While this is certainly important, there are other structures in your mouth that you need to protect, namely your gums.
Your gums are essential for supporting your teeth, and they need to be protected accordingly. If you’re concerned about your gum health and want to know how you can take better care of your gums and your wider oral health, we have some tips. Read on to learn more about why periodontal health is just as important for your teeth.
Common issues related to the gums
Gum disease is a very common condition that affects around half of UK adults. This condition occurs when bacteria builds up on the teeth and turns sticky plaque into hard tartar deposits. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria build up, which leads to inflammation of the gums.
Inflammation means that the gums are red, swollen and tender. This will then lead the gums to recede, which will leave the roots of the teeth exposed. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
Your gums are essential for supporting the teeth and protecting them against damage. This is why caring for your gums is so essential to your wider oral health.
Signs you have issues with your gums
The first and most obvious sign that you have an issue with your gums is bleeding when you brush your teeth. This is a sign that your gums are damaged and inflamed. You might also notice your gums bleed when you floss. This isn’t a sign that you should stop brushing or flossing, but is instead a sign that you need to step up your oral hygiene routine.
If your teeth start to look longer or if you have new pockets at the base of your teeth that didn’t used to be there, this is another sign of gum recession. There’s always something that can be done for gum health, so don’t assume that it’s too late for you.
How to care for your gum health
The first step to addressing your gum health is to visit the dentist or the dental hygienist. A deep cleaning using a system such as Airflow can help to remove all traces of bacteria, plaque and tartar from the teeth. When combined with diligent brushing and specialist mouthwash can often help to stop the progression of gum disease.
You might need to visit the dental hygienist regularly while you get your gum disease under control. You can also add specialist products into your routine that are designed for gum health. If you do decide to add mouthwash into your routine, make sure that it is alcohol-free to avoid further irritation.
Final thoughts on periodontal health
You don’t have to tackle this issue alone. There is a whole dental team at your disposal to help address your periodontal health. If you suspect you might have an issue with your gums, don’t ignore it. The first step is to visit your dentist for expert advice. They might recommend specialist products or a dental hygienist cleaning to help restore your gum health.
In more extreme cases, we can look at treatments such as gum grafting to help support the teeth and prevent the risk of tooth loss. The process might not be a quick fix, but you can rest assured there is always something we can do. The most important thing is to take the first step and start your journey towards better gum health with a routine checkup.
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