When we think of oral health, we fixate so much on our teeth, sometimes our gums are an afterthought. So how important are your gums after all? Well, today we are going to cover gum and oral care facts. We hope this article will build your comprehension of gum health. Continue reading to learn these five key facts below. It is trivia time!
Fact 1
When you brush or floss your teeth, your gums should not be bloody. A common misconception is that bloody gums are a normal occurrence, however if you regularly find blood on your sink after your oral regimen, take note. This may be a sign of gingivitis– a mild form of gum disease. The good news is; this stage of gum disease is reversible if it is properly addressed by your dentist in NE Calgary. We know that the last thing that seems enjoyable when your gums are bleeding would be to floss, but this is actually the most effective way to treat the cause of infection and stop gum disease progression.
Fact 2
We mentioned how to treat gum disease above, but we did not touch on the cause of it. So what is the cause of gum disease? How does it occur and what are the culprits? Well the answer is excessive plaque formation. Plaque, is something we all develop even those who frequently brush and floss. For this reason, regular dental checkups at your dental office in NE Calgary are of paramount importance. Maintaining biannual dental cleanings will eliminate plaque that inevitably begins to build up under your gum line and harden into tartar or calculus. If you have not seen your dentist in the last six months, now is certainly the time to give them a call and schedule a checkup. These appointments can save you time, money and intensive treatment in the future.
Fact 3
Do you know that gum disease does not only pertain to your gums? The disease does not solely affect your gums… the consequences of infected gum tissue can lead to serious and irreversible problems including jawbone deterioration and tooth loss. When bacterial growth destroys gum tissue, your gums will begin to recede. As a result, your teeth will lose their anchor in the gums and detach. When absent teeth are not replaced, your jawbone will wither away due to underuse as it no longer has your teeth in place to support it.
Fact 4
Is bad breath becoming a reoccurring issue? Understand that bad breath or halitosis is not just triggered by the foods you consume; it can also reveal information about your gum health. When food particles become lodged between your teeth it promotes bacterial growth, which leads to bad breath. During the early stages of gum disease, bacteria will begin to spread between your teeth and gums–this forms infected pockets that add to your bad breath.
Fact 5
Regular brushing is an imperative step in your oral hygiene routine. However, when brushing becomes excessive it can cause more harm than good. In fact, excessive brushing can lead to gum recession. Looking to brush your teeth effectively without damaging gum tissue or enamel? Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and move the bristles in gentle circular motions. You should avoid brushing your teeth using abrasive substances. When you visit your dentist in NE Calgary, your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate the proper brushing technique.
Be sure to keep these five tips in mind the next time you brush and floss. Also, visit a dental clinic near you to learn more about periodontics in NE Calgary.