When a person has missing teeth, it is likely that they will begin to consider their replacement options, such as a dental implant restoration. Implant dentistry has become more and more popular for patients in need of restorative care.If you are considering different dental implant restoration options, then you may find the following information to…
The Benefits of Having Healthy Gums
Having healthy gums often starts with taking proper care of the teeth and gums. Most people are aware of the fact teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, but many fail to realize it is just as important to brush the gums. Plaque and bacteria also accumulate on the gums, and that can lead to dental issues when it is not addressed promptly.
Gum disease has been linked to severe health issues like diabetes and strokes. People who take proper care of their gums drastically reduce their odds of developing any problems down the road.
How healthy gums lead to a healthy body
The health of the gums is closely related to overall general health. When a person has gum disease, they are more likely to have health issues like heart disease respiratory issues, dementia, complications with pregnancies and diabetes.
The inflammation caused by bacteria when a person has gum disease is thought to be linked to these illnesses. By improving the overall health of the gums, the person's overall health is also improved.
How to detect when gums are healthy
Certain things can help a patient to differentiate between healthy gums and those that need dental assistance. Damaged gums tend to bleed easily, and they are often reddish and swollen. Gum disease can also lead to a strange taste in the patient's mouth. It can make it more difficult to chew, and it can lead to tooth sensitivity.
When left untreated, gum disease can lead to teeth eventually falling out.
Keeping teeth healthy
Good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to maintaining healthy gums. Some of the things patients should add to their oral care routine include:
1. Brush twice a day
Brushing at least twice a day is essential to keep gums healthy. Patients should not only focus on teeth when brushing. The gums and tongue should be cleaned as well. This removes plaque buildup and bacteria from teeth surfaces.
2. Use dental floss
Using floss at least once a day is just as important as brushing. Dental floss should be used to clean the spaces between teeth and keep them healthy. Failing to do so daily still leaves teeth and gums susceptible to decay.
3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash goes a long way when it comes to oral hygiene. It helps to clean the spaces brushing and flossing cannot reach, and it kills some of the bacteria in the mouth. A good mouthwash also helps to re-mineralize teeth and freshen breath.
4. Regular visits to the dentist
No oral care routine is complete without regular visits to the dentist's office. This gives the dentist an opportunity to look for the early signs of issues like gum disease and remove tartar from teeth surfaces. This is particularly important since the early stages of tooth decay are reversible while the latter stages are not.
We are always here to help with gum disease! Contact us today.
Are you dealing with symptoms of gum disease? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists and explore your options.
Call (206) 408-8541 today to reach Des Moines Dental Center.