A healthy smile involves more than just daily brushing and flossing—it also hinges on proper care for your gums and the structures surrounding your teeth. Comprehensive periodontal care is crucial for preventing gum disease and maintaining long-term dental health. Discover why focusing on this essential aspect of oral health, especially through periodontal care in SE Calgary, is the key to a vibrant, lasting smile.
What Is Periodontal Care?
Before diving into periodontal care’s importance, let’s start with the basics.
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What does “periodontal” mean?
The word “periodontal” comes from the Greek words “peri” (meaning around) and “odontos” (meaning tooth). Periodontal care refers to preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
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What does periodontal care involve?
It includes regular and deep cleanings when necessary and treatments targeting gum infections and inflammation. Your dentist or periodontist (a gum health specialist) will monitor your gums’ condition and offer treatments to keep them healthy.
Why Is Periodontal Health Important?
Your gums play a critical role in your overall oral health. Without proper care, they can become infected, leading to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. This condition not only affects your gums but can also impact your teeth and even your overall health.
Here’s why gum health matters:
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Gums Protect Your Teeth
Healthy gums form a protective seal around your teeth, preventing bacteria from getting inside and damaging the roots and bone. When your gums become inflamed or infected, they lose this protective ability, making it easier for bacteria to attack your teeth.
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Gum Disease Can Lead to Tooth Loss
If gum disease is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can cause your gums to recede, your teeth to become loose, and eventually lead to tooth loss. When it comes to losing teeth, gum disease is the main cause for adults.
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It Affects Your Overall Health
Believe it or not, gum disease has been linked to severe health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. This is because the bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body, causing inflammation and other health problems.
What to Watch For: Signs of Gum Disease
Taking care of your gums is really important because gum disease can develop without any pain or obvious symptoms. But don’t worry—some warning signs can help you spot problems early. Here’s what to watch for:
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Red, swollen, or tender gums
Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink. If your gums are red or puffy, it’s a sign of inflammation.
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Bleeding gums
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing are not normal and are often an early sign of gum disease.
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Bad Breath? It Could Signal Hidden Gum Problems
Persistent bad breath may indicate bacterial growth beneath the gum line, signalling potential gum health issues.
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Receding gums
If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, leaving the roots exposed, it’s a sign of gum recession, which often occurs in advanced gum disease.
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Loose teeth
As gum disease progresses, it can damage the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place, leading to loose or shifting teeth.
How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
The good news is that gum disease is preventable with proper care. Regular periodontal maintenance is essential for keeping your gums healthy and lowering your risk of gum disease, ensuring that your oral health stays on track.
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Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily are the cornerstones of oral hygiene. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, focusing on cleaning along the gumline to remove plaque buildup.
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Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Look for a mouthwash that’s designed to fight gum disease.
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Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams are crucial for catching gum disease early. Your dentist will check the health of your gums and provide professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking impacts your gums by weakening your immune system, making it hard for them to heal. If you quit smoking, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your gum health and overall smile.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
Fill your plate with foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and calcium, to keep your gums healthy. Try to cut back on sugar, as it can encourage the bacteria that cause gum disease.
What Happens if You Need Periodontal Treatment?
If you already have gum disease, don’t worry—treatments are available to help restore your gum health.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach.
- Medications: Sometimes, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help control infection and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgical options like flap surgery or bone grafts may be necessary for advanced gum disease to repair the damage to your gums and supporting structures.
Take Control of Your Gum Health
Taking care of your periodontal health is crucial for your general health and smile. At Inglewood Family Dental, we ensure your gums stay in top shape to protect your teeth and prevent serious issues. With our expert guidance and proactive approach, you’ll address any signs of gum disease early and maintain lasting oral health.
Ready to enhance your gum health? Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Calgary today and let Inglewood Family Dental guide you to a brighter, healthier smile!
