Gums are vital to maintaining your oral health. The gums are connective tissue, covered by mucous membrane which helps to keep the mouth clean. Gums encase the necks of your teeth and protect the bones that hold them in place. We encourage our clients to follow proper oral hygiene practices to ensure their gums, as well as their teeth, stay healthy. Below you will find suggestions on how to protect your gums for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
Floss Regularly
Many people brush their teeth twice a day, a vital step to maintaining good dental hygiene, but most don’t take the time to floss as often. Flossing has been shown to help prevent gingivitis and even increase your lifespan. Flossing removes excess food that gets stuck between teeth and strengthens your gums, reducing chances of irritation, swelling, and bleeding. If you cannot floss due to sensitive gums or braces, try another method such as a water pick, also known as an oral pulsating irrigator.
Use Mouthwash
As with toothpaste, it’s a good idea to rinse with an ADA (American Dental Association) approved mouthwash twice daily. Mouthwash gets between teeth and in hard to reach crevices better than a toothbrush or manual flossing techniques can, killing excess bacteria that causes decay and removing plaque buildup more completely than brushing alone.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Finally, even the most meticulous oral hygiene practices are not usually enough to protect against gum disease. You should visit the dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can spot issues like the start of gingivitis early on, so it can be treated before it gets out of control. Early treatment of gum disease can stop it from spreading and leading to more severe problems, such as receding gums, tooth loss, and unscheduled visits to the emergency dentist in Naperville.
Don’t Skip the Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning eliminates buildup of plaque and bacteria in places that are hard to reach with your toothbrush or floss. The process removes debris that gets stuck underneath the gum line as well as at the base of teeth, which threatens the health of the bone underneath.
The Importance of Gum Health
We know that without proper oral hygiene your teeth can suffer from decay, cavities, and staining. It’s important to note that if you’re not taking care of your gums, your teeth can suffer in other ways, too. Gingivitis is early stage gum disease that can lead to your gums receding, periodontitis, tooth loss, and bone damage.
The last thing you want is to allow decay or gum disease to progress to a stage where it causes pain. However, if you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist in Naperville, our dedicated team at Naperville Commons Dental is here to help. We are available for same-day appointments, and will take special care to identify and thoroughly treat the source of your pain.
