Gums are a crucial part of your oral health. Healthy gums support your teeth and ensure your smile and mouth are healthy. Healthy gums also help you avoid periodontal disease, which can lead to gum recession and eventual tooth loss. These conditions, while treatable, lead to expensive procedures to help treat or reduce side effects. More than that, periodontal disease can lead to other more serious health issues such as increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. So, while gums can be an afterthought as far as our overall health is concerned, they deserve our care in order to remain in the best health.
What Makes Healthy Gums?
To start, healthy gums are pale pink, firm, and fit snugly around teeth. If gums look red, swollen, or bleed easily after brushing or flossing, those are signs that your gums are unhealthy and may need some professional help from a trained periodontist.
Naturally, the best thing for maintaining healthy gums is a strict oral hygiene regimen for daily brushing and flossing. In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine, there are several things you can do on your own to foster healthy gums.
- Vitamin C Rich Foods. Vitamin C helps the connective tissue between your teeth and jawbone remain strong and healthy, which helps prevent gum recession and tooth loss. Vitamin C is also rich in antioxidants, which can help fight off problems such as gingivitis and can reduce inflammation in those suffering periodontal disease. So, introducing more citrus fruits or other foods rich in Vitamin C is a great way to promote healthy gums.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups. Going to a dental professional or periodontist at least once a year is important for ensuring your gums remain healthy. Seeing a professional on top of your at-home dental routine safeguards against periodontal disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss.
How Elkhart Periodontics Fosters Healthy Gums
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment to see a periodontist about your oral health:
- Excessive Bleeding Gums
- Chronic Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth
All of these are signs of gum disease or periodontal disease, and require the expertise of a periodontist. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact the professionals at Elkhart Periodontics. Make an appointment today, and they will provide you with solutions to your gum health needs, helping you stave off or even treat your oral health issues.
