What is Gum Health and Why is It Important?

Did you know that the wellbeing of your teeth actually starts with your gums? If you want a healthy, radiant smile, it’s important to maintain good gum health. This is because healthy gums are the foundation of healthy teeth.

Unhealthy gums can lead to tooth decay and bone loss, and some studies even suggest that poor oral and gum health can affect other areas of your body — such as your immune system, lungs, heart, and brain.

 

What Causes Gum Issues?

Plaque is the leading culprit of poor gum health. This thin layer of film covers your teeth and can harden over time, turning into tartar. Tartar then becomes a playing field for bacteria, which produces acid and erodes your tooth enamel. This also causes tender and irritated gums — a condition called gingivitis.

Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, and even inflammation in other parts of your body. This is why it’s vital to clean the plaque off of your teeth every day.

How To Improve Gum Health

Luckily, there are some simple ways to improve your gum health. Good oral care starts with a few daily habits that keep your gums happy and your smile bright.

Here are five tips to improve gum health:

  1. Use a soft bristled brush. Softer bristles are gentler on your mouth, and better for getting into the crevices of your teeth and gumline where plaque and food particles linger.
  2. Brush With Circular Motions. Use small, circular motions as you go over your teeth and gumline.
  3. Brush for at least two minutes. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes for thorough cleaning. Using a timer while brushing can help you meet this mark.
  4. Don’t Skip Flossing. Flossing before you brush helps remove food particles from between your teeth that your brush couldn’t otherwise reach. To floss well, slide the string up and down your tooth 2-3 times, or use a floss pick if preferred.
  5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly. While all of these daily habits can improve or maintain your gum health, experts recommend visiting your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups. Even if you have no symptoms of gum problems, your dentist can detect problems before they start.

 

Start Improving Your Gum Health Today

Fortunately, you can greatly improve your gum health through daily proper brushing and flossing. If you’re noticing sore, puffy, dark red gums, it could be a warning sign of gum issues, and time to talk to your dentist.

Dr. David Evans in Boulder, Colorado provides check-ups to ensure your oral health is on track. He can help you come up with an action plan to optimize your overall gum health, and also treats gingivitis if it should occur.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, you can call our office at 303-442-0990 or schedule an appointment online. We’d love to hear from you!