Natural Smiles • Apr 18, 2018
Take a look in the mirror and smile. Do your teeth look bright, white, and healthy? Good. Now, turn your attention to your gums. They should be pink, firm, and wrap tautly around your teeth, holding them in place.
Of course, gum disease is sneaky. Early-stage disease, or gingivitis, often occurs without presenting any symptoms at all. That’s just one reason why professional checkups are so important. Dr. Gill will examine your gums, and she will be able to detect a problem in its earliest stages.
To schedule a dental cleaning and exam in Louisville, KY, call Natural Smiles at 502-414-0146.
For Healthy Teeth, You Need Healthy Gums
Your gums may not be as noticeable when you smile as your teeth, but they are every bit as important. Your gum tissue is what supports your teeth and holds them in place. In fact, it’s not tooth decay that causes most permanent teeth to fall out. It’s periodontal disease.
Unhealthy gums can even lead to serious systemic problems. Studies have shown that bacteria from untreated periodontal disease can escape into the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. This may make you more likely to develop heart disease and stroke. If you have diabetes, it may become more difficult to keep your blood sugar under control, which increases your risk of complications.
Indeed, gum health is beneficial for overall health.
Minimize Your Risk
When bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up under the gumline, they cause the soft tissues to become tender, red, and inflamed. This is how gum disease begins ravaging your mouth. So two of most important ways to maintain your gum health are to practice excellent oral hygiene and to get professional cleanings and exams every six months.
While this is a disease that can afflict just about anyone, some factors increase your risk:
- Age
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Family History
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Stress
- Obesity or poor nutrition
- Some medications
Know the Symptoms
Unfortunately, you may have periodontal disease without any symptoms at all. But if you do notice any of the following issues, call us immediately.
- Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Gum tissue that is receding, or pulling away, from the teeth
- Pockets forming between the teeth and gums
- Sores or pus in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in your bite, or how your teeth fit together
At Natural Smiles, We Will Restore Your Gum Health
What treatment we recommend for your periodontal disease depends on how far it’s advanced. Gingivitis is often reversible with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. If you have more severe disease, we may recommend a treatment called scaling and root planing. Performed with local anesthesia, this deep-cleaning procedure removes all the plaque and tartar that’s built up under your gumline and smooths the tooth roots, enabling the newly healthy gum tissue to reattach.
If you live in or around Louisville, KY and have noticed gum disease symptoms, call Natural Smiles at 502-414-0146. Or fill out our online form and we will get back to you.