Have you ever wondered why brushing and flossing is so important? When someone tells you how important it is, do you usually think about protecting your teeth? How often do you consider the importance brushing has on your gums—and for preventing gum disease?
Did you know that disease can lead to fairly serious problems, or why you should keep your gums safe?
As you probably know, your gums are important. Beneath your gums is bone that supports your teeth and keep them in place. Your gums, which are actually just a soft layer of skin, protect this supporting bone and keeps bacteria and plaque from reaching them. Unfortunately, if your gums are damaged or diseased, the supporting bone may be vulnerable. In fact, plaque releases toxins that can irritate and damage your gums and lead to gum diseases like gingivitis. Sadly, if gum disease isn’t treated quickly, the condition can worsen and ultimately lead to a variety of complications.
Unfortunately, according to the ADHA nearly three-quarters of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease—and many don’t realize it. In fact, gum disease can be nearly impossible to identify, but can lead to several complications, especially if the disease is not treated early. Some of the problems gum disease can lead to include the loss of teeth, damage to supporting bone structure, and even cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and some chronic conditions.
To avoid these complications, we recommend visiting your dentist if you notice any of the common signs of gum disease, including: gums that bleed when you brush them, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, and red or tender gums. We also recommend practicing good oral hygiene—including visiting your dentist every six months—to protect yourself from gum disease.
If you would like to learn more about gum disease, or what you can do to prevent it, please feel free to contact us. We will gladly answer any questions you may have.