Most people know it’s important to take good care of their teeth, but do you know the condition of your gums is just as important to your oral health as your pearly whites? We want patients to be aware of key factors that negatively affect the health of your gums. If you are facing treatment for your gums, we also want you to know that we offer a minimally invasive procedure to treat gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
It was once thought that bacteria build up on the teeth caused damage to the gum tissue, however, we now know it’s the inflammation caused by bacteria that destroys the tissue. What’s more, people with periodontal disease are found to be at higher risk for major health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and more. The common culprit among all these conditions is inflammation.
It’s our goal to ensure our patients are informed on how to take care of their gums to prevent periodontal disease and decrease their risk of further complications. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your oral health and your overall health in check:
- Brush and floss: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day sounds simple, but making this your daily routine can make all the difference in your health.
- Stop tobacco use: Smoking tobacco has negative effects on gum tissue and speeds up the effects of gum disease.
- Eat Right: Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps fight inflammation, and there is some evidence that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce the risk of gum disease.
- Treat Early: With regular dental checkups, we can catch gum disease at its earliest stages, making it much easier to treat. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are the first signs to look out for.
Please let us know if you have any concerns about your gums or oral health in general. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!
