When it comes to brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene in general, the attention is often focused on one thing: your teeth. Actually, your gums are equally as important. Healthy gums keep your teeth in place and act as a shock absorber to protect the roots. On the other hand, if they are compromised due to a condition like gum disease, the harmful bacteria can wreak havoc on your oral and general health. Read on to learn more about gum health, how to take care of your gums, and how your dentist in Hamden can help!
Gums and Your Overall Health
At first glance, your gums may not seem like they play an important role in your overall wellbeing. However, decades of research show just the opposite. Not only can conditions like gum disease lead to bad breath, but it also has been linked to heart disease, strokes, and lung disease. That is because the harmful bacteria associated with poor oral hygiene can easily gain access to your vital organs via your bloodstream. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by prioritizing the care of your gums!
How to Take Care of Your Gums
Since oral care is often centered around teeth, you may have one important question on your mind: How do I take care of my gums? Luckily, that task is relatively easy thanks to the following best practices:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and gently scrub along the gumline
- Floss daily
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
- Clean your tongue when you brush your teeth
- Rinse with mouthwash regularly
- Eat a balanced diet
- Quit poor dental habits like smoking and using your teeth as tools
How Your Dentist Can Help
When it comes to gum health, your dentist is your greatest ally. Not only can they conduct a thorough checkup every six months to catch gum disease in the early stages, but they can provide your teeth and gums with an extensive cleaning to prevent an infection from developing in the first place. Plus, if they do find any signs of gingivitis like inflamed or bleeding gums, they can administer treatment before it has a chance to cause further damage.
Your gums play an important role in your oral and overall health, so make sure to take care of them! And, if you do begin to experience symptoms of gum disease, contact your dentist in Hamden for an appointment right away.
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to excellence and serving our patients with the utmost respect. Our four-dentist team can provide a wide spectrum of services to benefit your smile and oral health. During dental checkups, we look for signs of early gum disease. If you do have gum issues, we also offer periodontal disease treatment. Schedule an appointment on our website or call (203) 288-0951.
