When most people think about oral health, they naturally focus on their teeth. However, your gums play an equally important role in keeping your smile healthy. Your gums provide the foundation that supports your teeth and helps protect your overall oral health. Keep reading for more information.
A beautiful smile isn’t just about straight, white teeth; it’s also about balance. If you notice that your gums show more than you’d like when you smile, you have what’s called a “gummy smile.” While this is a common concern, the good news is that there are several effective ways to achieve a more proportionate, confident smile.
You might not give much thought to your gums until they become sore, look redder than usual, or bleed when you brush. But those small changes can be early signs of periodontal disease, and they’re your body’s way of asking for attention. Gum disease is more common than most people realize, and when left untreated, it can cause serious problems for your teeth and overall health.
What does it mean if you see hints of pink or red after rinsing your mouth? This is a sign you may be experiencing bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can be caused by something as simple as food that has become trapped between the teeth and caused slight damage to the gums, or perhaps you ate something and it accidentally cut open your gums. However, if you notice your gums are bleeding regularly, you may be experiencing a problem with your oral health that needs attention from us. Some causes of bleeding gums include:
Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. Did you know that approximately half of American adults suffer from gum disease? When you visit our office for routine hygiene examinations, we do more than just thoroughly clean your teeth and look for signs of decay. We also check your gums for gum disease or an indication that you could potentially suffer from this condition in the future. Luckily, it is possible to prevent gum disease. Read on to learn about the importance of caring for your gums.
When patients visit our office for a routine examination, one of their biggest concerns is whether they have tooth decay. There is another serious issue we look for besides tooth decay when we inspect your teeth: periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease occurs when the gums become irritated and infected. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe complications with your oral health, such as tooth loss. It can also lead to serious issues with your overall health, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and can lead to pregnancy complications.