Safeguarding Your Gum Health

Routine brushing and floss, as we’ve discussed in recent blogs, helps protect your teeth from painful decay or infection. But what about your gum health? Taking regular care of your gums helps prevent the onset of serious trouble, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists discuss protecting your periodontal health from home!

The Causes of Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, often forms when we don’t take proper care of our smiles. Lack of proper brushing and flossing, combined with a diet high in sugar and starch, could allow food particles to remain stuck between and on the teeth, where bacteria consume them. This process coats the teeth in plaque, a bacterial byproduct that inflames gum tissues. Soon, the gingival tissue could feel sore, bleed easily, or appear more red than usual. Over time, lack of treatment could allow the inflammation to grow more severe, and the gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets for bacteria to infiltrate. This allows gum disease to form. Other possible factors behind inflammation include inflammatory illness, certain medications, family history of periodontal issues, and the use of tobacco products.

Preventive Actions

To avoid gingivitis, we suggest enjoying a healthier diet to avoid feeding harmful bacteria. Consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and enjoy snacks like yogurt, cheeses, nuts, and whole grain crackers. Make time to brush your teeth when you wake up and again before bed, and floss before bed too. These actions help remove food particles and deny bacteria a meal. Remember, gingivitis can be reversed, but once gum disease forms there is no cure, and treatment to manage the disease will be necessary to prevent tooth loss due to periodontitis, the advanced stage of the disease.

When to Contact Our Team

At the moment, we can only see people for emergency visits, such as treatments for cracked or chipped teeth, or untreated cavities or infection. However, when we open our doors, we want you to let us know if you experience any the warning signs we discussed in today’s blog, such as redness, soreness, or bleeding in your gums. We will then offer periodontal treatment to help manage your oral health issue and protect your smile’s stability! If you have any questions about treating periodontal issues, or keeping your smile healthy while you’re sheltering in place, then contact our team today.

AUSTIN, MN, DENTISTS DISCUSS GUM HEALTH

We want to make sure you protect not only your teeth, but your gingival tissues as well! To schedule an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312. Our office welcomes patients from Austin, MN and surrounding communities.