The Importance of Periodontal Health

Your gums play an important role in the overall health of your smile. When healthy, the gums help hold the teeth in place, prevent bacteria from attacking the roots of teeth, and ensure a natural, healthy looking smile. If neglected, gums can quickly become damaged, threatening the overall health of the smile. As a result, periodontal health makes up a key component of effective preventive dental care.

What are the Consequences of Unhealthy Gums?
Without proper care, gums are vulnerable to infection. Periodontal disease, which is caused by the buildup up of plaque and tartar around the gum line, can lead to gum inflammation and eventual recession. As the gums are further damaged by periodontitis, the teeth and jaw bone are left vulnerable to absorption and infection. Untreated periodontal disease can also have an impact on an individual’s overall health. In recent years, studies have indicated a link between gum disease and an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.

How Can I Protect My Gums?
Luckily, maintaining healthy gums is simple. Consider implementing the following steps into your daily hygiene program in order to keep your gums healthy.

Floss Correctly: Much of your tooth’s surface area is in the spaces between the teeth. Failing to floss at least once a day leaves individuals vulnerable to developing periodontal disease and other gum related problems. To floss correctly, gently guide the floss between the teeth rather than snap it into the space – this can damage the soft tissue. Once between the teeth, use the index finger and thumbs to gently move the floss around the tooth in a c-shape.

Switch to Electric: In addition to effectively removing plaque from the teeth, electric tooth brushes help loosen debris trapped just below the gum line, allowing for easier removal when flossing.

Stimulate the Gums: Rubber dental piks are highly effective at removing any plaque that may have been left behind by flossing and brushing. Available at most drugstores, this instrument can also be used to stimulate the gums at the base of each tooth, facilitating healthy blood flow to the area.

Visit the Dentist: Visits to Dr. Gies’ San Antonio dental practice every six months can help ensure that your gums are always at optimal health. During these visits, our San Antonio dentist will check the health of your gums and make recommendations for improving your smile as a whole.

Schedule Your Next Appointment Today
At Gies Family Dental, our mission is to provide patients with the tools and knowledge they need to protect their smiles at home. For more information about the importance of gingival health and how to properly care for your gums, contact Dr. Gies today.