When most people think about maintaining oral health, they think about keeping their teeth healthy. However, it is just as important for people to maintain healthy gums and oral tissues—these foundational parts of your mouth are vital for supporting the other parts of your smile.
Our Saint Louis dentists are here to answer your questions about gum health—so keep reading to get more information!
Q: How can I tell if my gums are unhealthy?
A: Unfortunately, gum disease often progresses asymptomatically in its earliest stages—this can make it tough for patients to spot oral infections on their own. This is why it is so important that you keep up with your schedule of semi-annual professional cleanings so that our team can assess your smile. If you do experience symptoms of gum disease you may find that your gum tissue bleeds, swells, and feels tender. Additionally, you may suffer from chronic, hard-to-treat bad breath due to the ongoing infection.
Q: How do I prevent gum disease?
A: The key to minimizing your risk of developing gum disease is to keep your smile as free from bacteria as possible. The bacteria that lead to dental cavities can also infect your oral tissues and cause gum disease. Brush your teeth as recommended, floss once a day, and use any mouth rinses that your dentist may suggest. Also, keep up with your schedule of semi-annual professional cleanings for more thorough cleanings.
You can also adopt habits that will generally help to keep your oral bacteria levels to a minimum. Rinse your mouth water after eating or drinking something other than water. Limit the amount of sugary substances that you consume, as oral bacteria feed on sugars. Snack on crunchy and water-rich veggies like carrots and celery to refresh your smile throughout the day. Generally healthy oral hygiene practices will benefit your gum tissues.
Whether you think that you’re dealing with gum disease currently, or you’re interested in doing everything that you can to avoid developing gum tissue problems, our Saint Louis dentists are here to help. Give us a call to schedule your consultation today!