When most people what good oral hygiene consists of, they will likely think about brushing their teeth first. Having a pearly-white, shining smile relies on maintaining healthy teeth to be the star of their smile. While brushing regularly is certainly an important factor of good dental health, it is not the only consideration. We must also take excellent care of our gums to have a truly healthy smile.

When you maintain healthy gums, you can prevent periodontal disease, other gum diseases, and even receding gums. Developing periodontal disease or other serious oral health issues related to the gum line can have severe side effects on your dental health as well as your overall well-being. Gum disease can also result in costly and uncomfortable dental treatments.

At Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic in Edmonton, AB, our oral health team strives to help all of our clients prevent the onset of gum disease (and the need for gum disease treatment) by demonstrating how to take great care of their gums. Having healthy gums and a shining smile are two of the great benefits of a thorough at-home oral health care regimen.

Why Is Good Oral Health Important for Your Gums?

Some patients may not immediately realize that all of the elements that make up your mouth work together to create a healthy smile. Your teeth may stand out like the stars, but they are not the only contributing factor to your oral health. Without healthy gums, your teeth would not have a solid foundation in which to sit and prosper.

If you allow gum disease to develop, there will be a whole host of issues that affect your gums, teeth, breath, and overall health. Gum disease will lead to symptoms including swollen and tender gums and the possibility of tooth loss, bone loss, and facial structure problems.

Additionally, the gum line is critical for the health of your teeth and mouth, in general. It is the foundation for your teeth and must be kept clean and secure. Plaque that is allowed to build upon the teeth can eventually infiltrate the gum line, leading to the onset of periodontal disease. Unless you receive quick periodontal gum disease treatment, the condition can result in chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, receding gums, infections, and increased decay.

Oral health needs to include maintaining the teeth and gums to have a great smile and positive overall well-being. In Edmonton, AB, our dental professionals at Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic are here to help ensure your brushing and flossing routine positively contributes to your good oral hygiene and healthy gum tissue.

Gum Maintenance to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Everyone is well-aware, it can be disastrous to have poor dental hygiene. Bad breath, tartar and plaque buildup, bacterial infections, tooth decay, and the onset of systemic diseases (respiratory disease, heart disease, etc.) related to oral health are just some of the issues that can develop when you do not take care of your teeth and gums.

The dental professionals at Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic in Edmonton, AB, care very much about your oral health. So here are some of the ways you can ensure you are properly maintaining your teeth and gums daily:

  • Brushing and flossing every day: You must brush your teeth at least twice per day to remove any food debris left in between the teeth that can creep into the gum line. While you are there with your toothbrush, give your tongue a good cleaning as well. Flossing should be done at least once per day to keep the gums healthy and avoid bacterial infection or the onset of mild to advanced periodontitis.
  • Using toothpaste with fluoride: Dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste because it can strengthen weak spots in your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
  • Avoiding sugary foods and drinks: The buildup of sugar on the teeth and in the gums can contribute to mild inflammation of the gums and eventual teeth loss. If you indulge, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth soon after.
  • Do not smoke: Tobacco use has been directly linked to gum disease and should be avoided at all costs. Smoking also weakens your body’s immune system and makes it more difficult to fight off gum disease and other issues.
  • Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash: In addition to helping freshen your breath, an antiseptic mouthwash also removes food particles that brushing and flossing may have left behind. It also kills bacteria which can cause plaque and gum disease.
  • Making regular dental visits: For most patients, having regular dental cleanings 1-2 times per year is the best way for your Edmonton dentist to ensure your teeth are in good shape, there are no gum issues, and there are no signs of cancer. A thorough examination will give you peace of mind throughout the whole year.

With these tips, you can keep your teeth, gums, and overall oral health in tip-top shape.

Are You Concerned about Gum Disease or Bleeding Gums? Contact Our Edmonton Dental Experts!

If you are a resident in Edmonton, AB, and you are concerned about the possibility of gum issues, contact our Edmonton dentist at Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic. We will help you clean your teeth to keep that pearly white smile, and we will also work to ensure that plaque buildup does not contribute to overall health problems.

To schedule an appointment at Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic in Edmonton, AB, or get more information about what can happen if gum disease is left untreated, contact our dental experts! We look forward to seeing you smile.

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