Periodontal simply means ‘around the tooth’ and refers to the gums, bones, and other tissues around your teeth that support them. An oral health routine that lacks adequate gum care can leave you vulnerable to developing gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 42% of adults over the age of 30 have periodontitis. Looking after your gums through regular periodontal care will preserve your smile.
What Is Preventive Gum Care?
Preventative gum care includes daily habits that you can incorporate into your tooth brushing routine, regular visits to your dentist, and frequently checking your gums for any developing signs of problems. Let’s take a deeper look at what you can do for your gum health.
Four Daily Habits That Strengthen Periodontal Health
Habits that keep your gums healthy are closely linked to what you do for your teeth. Building these four simple habits into your daily routine is an easy way to care for both.
1. Adapt Your Brushing Technique
Holding your brush at a 45-degree angle will help you get the bristles under the gumline. Focus on using a circular motion, as this helps the bristles reach into all the gaps. Brush your teeth, your tongue, and your gums to remove bacteria. Use a soft-bristle brush to prevent damaging the tender skin of your gums.
2. Floss For Healthy Gums
Brushing isn’t enough to remove the plaque and bits of food that get lodged between teeth. If left in place, they can lead to painful gum issues such as gingivitis. If you avoid flossing because your gums are sensitive, regular flossing as part of your periodontal care routine can actually help them become stronger and less sensitive.
3. Eat Healthy Food
Balanced eating is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Aim to eat more vegetables, whole grains, and fruit. Lean away from sugary snacks and fizzy drinks. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and gum inflammation.
4. Drink Lots Of Water
We all know that drinking water is important for hydration, but did you know that water is good for dental health? Water washes away the food particles and bacteria that cause cavities. Unlike soda and many other drinks, water doesn’t contain any of the ingredients that promote tooth decay and gum inflammation.
What’s Involved In A Regular Gum Checkup?
During a periodontal care checkup with your dentist, they’ll review your medical history. Mention any health conditions you’ve experienced and any current concerns you may have, as they may be linked to a gum issue. They’ll inspect your gums for any inflammation or gumline recession.
Your dentist will also measure the gum pockets. Healthy gums fit snugly around the tooth, while deep pockets create room for bacteria to thrive. They’ll check if any of your teeth are loose and may take X-rays to assess your bone levels and identify any abscesses. Lastly, they’ll evaluate your bite to ensure the pressure on all your teeth is even. They’ll discuss what they’ve found with you and treat any issues you may have.
The Early Signs of Gum Issues to Watch For
Including a quick gum examination in your daily dental routine will alert you to anything different in your mouth. Noticing any small changes can help you catch and resolve issues quickly before they escalate. One of the earliest stages of gum disease is gingivitis, which can go undetected as it’s not always painful. If you’re paying attention, there will be clues.
These are some of the signs to look out for:
- Gums that are redder than usual, tender to the touch, or swollen.
- A bad taste in your mouth that keeps coming back.
- Gums that tend to bleed easily, especially during brushing or eating.
- Consistent bad breath that is unrelated to what you’ve been eating.
- Gums pulling away from teeth instead of staying snug against the surface.
- Changes to permanent teeth, such as separation or loosening.
- A shift in your bite when you close your mouth.
- Changes to how partial dentures fit.
If you experience any of these signs, make a dental appointment. Issues that are left untreated can lead to gum disease. Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. If left untreated, the infection can get into the jawbone and affect the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. As periodontitis worsens, the supporting structures are destroyed, leading to tooth loss and irreversible damage. Periodontal care is key to preventing tooth loss.
What Other Dental Services Can Help Keep Gums Healthy?
Strong teeth and healthy gums are closely linked. These are services that will benefit both.
- Regular dental examinations to track oral health and detect issues early on.
- Professional cleaning to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar.
- Dental sealants are protective coatings for molars that fill in deep grooves, which would keep food particles trapped.
- A custom oral hygiene program that factors in any existing conditions that you have and your oral hygiene habits.
- Fluoride treatments are applied to the surface of teeth to strengthen tooth enamel.
Long Term Benefits of Preventive Periodontal Care
Most people know that they need to look after their teeth, yet looking after their gums is an investment in future health that is easy to overlook. There are some significant long-term benefits that will make it easier to put in the effort to practice the daily habits. Caring for your gums today can help you:
- Keep your natural teeth throughout your life.
- Avoid gum disease and boost your general health by preventing systemic issues. such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications.
- Save money by reducing the need for complex, costly procedures.
Find Great Gum Care In Boynton Beach
You’ll find all the services you need for healthy gums under one roof at Eriks Dental Group. Whether it’s a routine checkup, teeth cleaning services, or a full mouth restoration, our team is ready to put the smile back on your face. Contact us today at 561-733-4004, or request an appointment online.