It takes more than perfectly straight and gleaming white teeth to keep your smile beautiful. It’s also important to pay attention to your gums to keep your teeth healthy. Our gums play a critical role in protecting our teeth and the bones that hold them in place. Gum (periodontal) disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
Without regular care, a sticky bacteria-breeding film called plaque can build-up along the gumline, and lead to gum disease. If your gums are inflamed or swollen, or if you see small amounts of blood when brushing your teeth, you may be developing gingivitis, an early sign of gum disease.
While some factors like diabetes and tobacco use can increase your odds of gum disease, your odds also increase over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease.
Keeping your gums tight, pink, and healthy just requires some regular preventative measures:
- Floss daily to remove food and plaque from between your teeth. A build-up of plaque can turn into tartar, a hard substance that can only be removed by a dentist.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. If you can’t brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist for regular professional cleanings that clean below the gum line to remove plaque.
- Quit smoking! Smoking lowers your immunity and makes you more susceptible to gum disease.
Regular visits with Dr. Kiai and his team at Westwood Dental Esthetics can give your teeth and gums the care they deserve. Your pearly whites need a healthy gum foundation to keep your smile beautiful for a lifetime!
