With so many people focussing on teeth, gums can sometimes get forgotten when it comes to oral hygiene. But it is just as important to keep your gums health if you want your mouth to be free from ailments and able to function as it should. The best way to take care of your gums is not just to brush but to make sure that you floss properly too. Unfortunately, the high rates of periodontal disease in the United Kingdom attest to the fact that too many people are neglecting this paramount aspect of oral care at home.
Healthy gums ought to be a shade of pink and there should be no visible recession where it seems like your teeth are lengthening. If your gums are turning somewhat more red and feel quite tender then it might mean that you have gingivitis which is the basic form of periodontal or gum disease. You might find that eating or drinking food and drink that is hot or cold can be very sensitive on your gums too.
Thankfully sorting out gingivitis is pretty straightforward and it is often a matter of making sure that you floss regularly. The inflammation sometimes needs to be cleared up with antibiotics. Once gingivitis is dealt with you won’t have to worry about periodontitis which is the advanced form of gum disease. This condition is to be avoided at all cost as it can easily lead to tooth loss. The gums will become very sore and often bloody and are likely to recede significantly from the teeth, leaving them at risk of falling out.
Keep up the routine of brushing and flossing and going to see your Toxteth dentist every six months so that early signs of periodontal disease can be spotted and dealt with properly.
Periodontal disease affects gums, bone and the other adjacent tissue in the mouth that gives support to the teeth. Although 90% of adults in the UK will suffer some gum disease at some point in their lives, only around 10% of those will develop the more serious periodontitis. Caused by bacteria collecting in the mouth, periodontal disease attacks the tissue of the gums and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
In order to enjoy healthy teeth and gums, it is important to establish excellent dental hygiene practices. Taking care of your teeth should begin at an early age and should continue from then on. Consider these tips from your Bootle dentist: