Why Taking Care of Your Gums is Vital

Why Taking Care of Your Gums is Vital

Oral health is more important than most people realize. Fixing broken teeth and filling cavities isn’t the only way to have a healthy mouth. Here’s what taking care of your gums can do for you.

For Your Teeth

Healthy teeth depend on the healthy gum surrounding them and holding them in place. The soft tissue covering your teeth normally has a small mote shaped area surrounding each tooth called a sulcus. This sulcus is fluid filled and should only be 3mm deep. You may not feel the negative effects from when you skipped over flossing last week, but deep below the gumline is a collection of thousands of disease causing bacteria getting ready to attack. Germs that organize themselves within this sulcus begin to damage the lining of their home. In the early stages of gingivitis, you may not notice bleeding and/or swollen gums, but eventually those are the first symptoms. Extended periods of neglect lead to the bacteria destroying the bone around the teeth. Open spaces may form, gums detach and teeth may even start to move around a little bit. Advanced periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

For Your Dental Work

After investing your time and money on fillings or crowns, wouldn’t you want to ensure they are going to last a long time? Brushing twice a day and flossing really well around your dental work will help to prevent germs from eating away at the cements and man made material we use to repair teeth. Keeping your gums plaque-free also means that your teeth and dental work will stay clean too.

For Your Body

Since bacteria can travel from your mouth to other parts of your body, taking care of your gums will have amazing health benefits too. The oral-systemic link is well documented so spending some time keeping your tissue in tip top shape will keep your other body parts in better shape too.

For Your Friends

That’s right, folks! We are talking halitosis. Infected tissue does not smell good and teeth with heavy plaque tend to look dark and dirty. Another benefit of flossing and brushing really well is that your breath will be fresher and your teeth will stay brighter over time. Conversations with friends and family are much more relaxed when no one is trying to hand you a mint or back away, not to mention, it will save you the embarrassment! So come and see us today or call to make an appointment, we will be glad to help!

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