When we think about our oral health, the first thing that probably comes to mind is our teeth. And while our pearly whites are a huge part of feeling confident about our smile, our gum health is equally important! Your local dentist in Flagstaff, Dr. Paul Whitney, and his incredible team at Country Club Dental, take gum health seriously. That’s why in this post, we’d like to talk a little bit about periodontitis, or gum disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums—often due to plaque buildup—which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. The infection damages the soft tissue surrounding your teeth and causes it to pull away from the teeth, which results in a breakdown of the bone structure that supports your teeth. When this process is set in motion it can ultimately lead to the loosening of teeth, or to tooth loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
When our gums are healthy, they appear pink and firm and shouldn’t cause any discomfort. One of the clearest signs that you are developing gum disease is when the gums become red, swollen, and even painful to the touch. Another sign that is easy to overlook is bleeding gums. Do your gums bleed regularly when you floss or brush? Unfortunately, this is not a normal occurrence for healthy gums and should be addressed with your local dentist in Flagstaff as soon as possible.
Other signs of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that pull away from your teeth.
- New spaces developing between your teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Loose teeth.
- Pus between your gums and teeth.
- Pain while chewing.
How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?
One of the biggest concerns of gum disease is that it can become linked to other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. So keeping your gums happy and healthy has an impact on your overall health. The really great news, however, is that prevention of periodontal disease is quite easy! The best way to prevent gum disease is simply to maintain your oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, and flossing once a day. In doing so, you are removing from your teeth and gums that terrible substance called plaque, which can cause a variety of issues for your oral health, including gum disease.
Your Local Dentist in Flagstaff
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, you should see your local dentist in Flagstaff typically every six months for professional dental cleanings with an annual exam. However, some patients require a more frequent cleaning schedule for optimum dental health. These visits can help address any potential concerns and keep your dental health right on track, leaving you with no hesitations when it comes to flashing your smile. If you’re looking for a dentist in Flagstaff, come in and see Dr. Paul Whitney and the rest of our team at Country Club Dental! We are passionate about keeping smiles bright and healthy, and our Dental Savings Club can make visiting the dentist affordable for the whole family.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Photo by Sarah Pflug from Burst (9/11/2018)
