Prioritizing Periodontal Health

Most people tend to pay more attention to the state and appearance of their teeth compared to their gums. However, keep in mind that if your gums are unhealthy, your teeth will be as well. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss so you must learn how to prioritize and maintain the health of your gums.

Here at Dental Arts Center in North Colorado Springs, CO, your dentist, Dr. Sheldon Golomb, can check your gums for any issues and recommend the proper treatment for them. But the bulk of caring for your gums fall on you. That said, to learn how to prioritize and maintain your periodontal health, you must first know how and why periodontal disease develops.

What is Periodontal Disease?

When a soft and pasty film-like material called plaque accumulates beneath or across the gum line, gum disease can happen. This is because plaque is full of bacteria that can lead to infections affecting the gum and bone, leading to both gum disease and tooth decay. Periodontal disease can likewise heighten your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and dementia in the long run.

Unsure if you have gum disease? The following are initial gum disease signs to look out for:

• Your gums are susceptible to bleeding
• Your breath has an unpleasant smell
• Your gums are inflamed, tender, or swollen
• Your teeth are loose
• You have a dental abscess

Top Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Despite the negative effects that periodontal disease could pose, it is still easily preventable. Here are a few basic tips you can do to lower your risk of getting gum disease:

• Don’t forget to floss. This should be done at least once a day and is equally as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing helps you get rid of the leftover food bits and plaque that are stuck in areas between your teeth that are hard to reach using a toothbrush.
  
  
• If you smoke, stop. Smoking is closely linked to the early stages of gum disease. Smoking also damages the immune system, which makes it difficult to fend off a gum infection.
  
  
• Regularly see your dentist in North Colorado Springs, CO. You should check in with your dentist at least two times annually for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist could also spot any underlying oral issues that could be taken care of before it could progress any further.
  
  
• Brush your pearly whites twice every day. This cleans off unwanted remnants of food and plaque. Remember to brush your tongue too, as it is likewise covered with loads of bacteria and germs.
  
  
• Rinse your mouth with therapeutic mouthwash. Using this type of mouthwash can help prevent gingivitis and the build-up of plaque.

For More Ways to Maintain Your Periodontal Health, Call Us

Set your consultation with our dentist, Dr. Sheldon Golomb, here at Dental Arts Center in North Colorado Springs, CO, by calling (719) 528-6441.