Gum health is an essential part of your oral health and overall well-being. Maintaining gum health depends heavily on preventive measures, the ideal balance of at-home care and professional care.
Periodontal care focuses on the health of the gums and support structure for the teeth. Non-surgical periodontal care can go a long way toward preventing and treating gum disease, but consistent oral hygiene is the first line of defense.
Can you maintain healthy gums without surgery? Absolutely. Here’s what you need to know about non-surgical periodontal care and the crucial role it plays in oral health.
Understanding the Basics of Gum Health
Healthy gums are typically light pink with consistent color across all of your teeth. They should cover the proper amount of each tooth without significant gaps between the teeth.
However, early warning signs of gum issues include bleeding, swollen, or tender gums. You may also notice that your gums have receded, or pulled away from your teeth. You can often see a line where your gums once covered the tooth and now part of the root is exposed.
If you notice any of these early warning signs you should talk to your dentist. Schedule a consultation to have your gum health evaluated. Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have high risk factors for gum disease or if it has progressed to a more severe stage.
Daily Habits That Keep Gums Healthy
The following steps should be taken at home to maintain gum health:
- Brush your teeth. By brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time, you can remove a significant amount of food residue and plaque before they can lead to gum disease.
- Floss your teeth. Flossing once a day removes food and plaque from between your teeth and the pockets between your teeth and gums. It also helps keep your gums strong and resilient.
- Rinse with mouthwash. Using an anti-bacterial mouthwash can prevent gum disease by reducing bacteria levels in your mouth that lead to infection.
- Eat a balanced diet. Eating a diet rich in nutrients helps to maintain your oral health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables naturally scrape plaque off of your teeth. Dairy foods high in calcium help to keep teeth strong.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and to ensure adequate saliva production that naturally rinses your teeth.
Professional Steps to Prevent Periodontal Issues
Professional treatment is also essential for preventing periodontal issues. This may include:
- Regular dental cleanings and exams. For people with good oral health, regular dental cleanings and oral exams every 6 months are crucial for maintenance.
- Deep cleanings. Patients with early to moderate stage gum disease should have periodic deep cleanings. This involves scaling and root planing, which cleans the roots of the teeth under the gums.
- In-depth treatment. For patients with gum disease that has progressed to the advanced stages, more in-depth periodontal treatment may be needed. This is when surgical endodontics comes into play, to repair damage caused by gum disease in order to prevent it from worsening.
Lifestyle Choices That Support Gum Health
Your lifestyle is an important factor in your gum health. Smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease by 85%. This is because it slows the healing process and inhibits circulation to your gum tissues, making them more susceptible to infection and making it more difficult for your body to fight off.
Another factor is stress. The more stress you experience in your life, especially when unmanaged, increases your risk of infection and slows your rate of healing. If stress affects your sleep, the negative impact is even higher. Immune health is also related to stress and sleep.
Studies have found a correlation between gum disease and diabetes. If you have diabetes, especially if it is not well managed, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease due to the excess sugar in your saliva.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If you experience any of the symptoms of gum disease (such as bleeding gums, swelling, tenderness, or recession) it is important to seek professional guidance. You can start with your general dentist, or contact a periodontist directly. A periodontist specializes in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, making them uniquely qualified to provide care.
Early intervention is crucial in stopping gum disease before it progresses. Don’t wait to talk to a professional. The sooner you begin treatment the better the outcome for your oral health. Call 609-953-3700 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care
What are the first signs of gum problems?
The first symptom most people notice is bleeding gums. If you notice blood in the sink, even a slight pink tint to your toothpaste after you spit, you may have early stage gum disease, called gingivitis.
Can regular cleanings prevent gum disease?
In many cases regular dental cleanings are all that is necessary to maintain gum health and keep gum disease at bay. However, if you are already practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and going to the dentist regularly and still experience symptoms, it may be time to see a periodontist.
At Medford Periodontics we believe in the power of prevention. Dr. Ben Calem and his team are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health through non-surgical treatments whenever possible, and surgical intervention when necessary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.