Gum Health: Why It Is So Important And Tips To Help You
When you think of the dentist, you probably instantly think of teeth. While dentists do provide care and services for teeth, they also provide care and services for your gums, and it is important to know that your gums are important in the health of your teeth. Many people do not realize this and focus only on the health of their teeth. Focusing on the health of your gums is absolutely vital, though, and here is why this is true as well as tips to help you care for your gums in the best way possible.
Why Gum Health Matters
The gums in your mouth might not seem as important as your teeth, but they really are. Your gums protect your teeth, hold them in place, and cover your jawbone. Problems with the gums often begin with recession. Recession of the gums, also called receding gums, occurs when the gum tissue begins to wear away. The first issue this poses is the reason for the recession. Gums typically do not wear away for no reason. Instead, they wear away when bacteria gets trapped behind them. This bacteria is from plaque on your teeth, and when trapped in the gums, it is considered an infection. This infection in the gums can lead to the gums completely wearing away, leaving teeth more exposed and allowing bacteria to get into the roots of teeth. Eventually, this recession can be so severe that your teeth become loose.
While these are serious issues, it is also important to know that the infection that occurs in the gums can travel to the rest of your body, leaving you with health issues such as heart disease.
Best Ways to Care for Gums
Knowing and believing that gum health is important is step one in the process of caring for your gums. Step two involves developing proper cleaning techniques for your mouth. These include brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at a time twice every single day and flossing each day. Secondly, attending dental cleanings and checkups at least twice a year is also vital. One of the main benefits of dental cleanings is the removal of plaque on your teeth, and it is this plaque that will harm your gums if not removed.
If you have questions about the health of your gums or teeth, visit a dentist. A dentist can not only answer your questions but can also provide you with further tips and treatment options to help you have a healthier mouth.
For more information, contact a dentist's office like Today's Dental Care.