How to Improve Gum Health

Did you know that it’s Dental Health Week in August? You want your teeth to look their sparkling best but how often do you consider your gum health? In fact, healthy gums are essential for protecting your dental health. A common problem is gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection that occurs when you fail to remove plaque through proper brushing and flossing. The bacteria in plaque will gradually infect and inflame your gums, and without treatment can eventually cause tooth loss. The early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, often create few if any symptoms and little pain, so you may be unaware you have this problem. One of the first signs is bleeding gums when you brush or floss.

The good news is that you can improve your gum health by ensuring you brush each day thoroughly. When brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle towards your gum line and use short strokes to clean all tooth surfaces gently. Don’t forget to floss once a day because your toothbrush cannot reach all tooth surfaces.

Lastly, regular check-ups and hygiene appointments are essential for maintaining healthy gums. If you do have any early signs of gum disease, we can use the very best periodontal or gum treatments to improve and restore your oral health.