Your teeth aren’t the only important parts of your mouth. Your gums also play a vital role in your oral health, and the simple truth is that you cannot enjoy optimal oral wellness without healthy gums. This is why Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida utilizes a holistic philosophy to provide gentle, conservative, and minimally-invasive gum care to every patient.
Why Do Your Gums Matter?
If you want straight, strong, white teeth, you actually need to pay just as much attention to your gums as you do to your teeth. Why, you ask? Because your gums are the tissues of the mouth that support the teeth. If your teeth lack a healthy and stable foundation, they will suffer the adverse effects of inflammation and decay. In fact, severely irritated and inflamed gums eventually become so destroyed by bacteria that your teeth will require extraction or even fall out on their own.
The Most Important Facts to Know About Gum Disease
Gum disease does not form instantaneously, but rather develops in stages. This means that gum disease can often be prevented and minimized with simple diet and lifestyle changes. Poor dental hygiene, smoking, poor nutrition, and excess consumption of sugar are all known to accelerate the formation of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease that is defined by red and swollen gums that bleed easily. It is triggered by plaque- a sticky substance filled with bacteria- building up under and along the gum line. This is a common condition that can be easily resolved with improved brushing and flossing habits. The damage is reversible as long as the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place are not impacted.
However, if gingivitis is not resolved, it will advance into a more serious version of gum disease called periodontitis. This final stage of gum disease is marked by the chronic presence of plaque, tartar, and bacterial infections along the gum. It eventually destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone structure that is needed to support the teeth.
In case this wasn’t frightening enough, it is now understood that gum disease wreaks havoc beyond your mouth. People with periodontal disease have actually been found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and even dementia.
The Best Natural Treatments For Gum Disease
As with all health conditions, prevention is the very best treatment. By brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, seeing your dentist regularly, and making smart lifestyle decisions like quitting smoking and minimizing your sugar intake, you can avoid the main causes of gum disease and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
If gingivitis or periodontitis have already started adversely affecting your mouth, it is essential that you visit a holistic dentist like Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry in Clearwater. Dr. Beata A. Carlson and Associates will help you identify the diet and lifestyle changes you can adopt to improve the health of your mouth. They will also utilize laser-assisted gum disease treatment in order to restore health to your gums without the need for surgery. Call 727-888-6523 to make your appointment today!
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