Recommit To Your Gums

Periodontal disease can cause major damage to your smile, your gums and your self-confidence. The first time you brush and your gums bleed it may be easy to blow it off. You might think a little bleeding is normal, but it is not. Any bleeding at all is a sign of gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal disease. 

Your periodontal health is critical for the health of your entire body. If you have periodontal disease, the infection can lead to damage to the rest of your body, including your heart, lungs, and liver. This month recommit to the health of your gums by following these three rules. 

Brush your teeth 2x a day for at least two minutes. When you brush you should do so in small circles. Vigorous brushing can cause damage to the gums and cause further problems. Pick out a new soft toothbrush every six months, as the bristles of the brush lose their effectiveness over time. 

Floss 1x a day. Flossing is the only way to remove any food from between the gums. When you floss, you want to wrap the floss around your fingers about 1-2 inches apart. Move gently between the teeth. Dr. Denine Rice states, “You should avoid pushing hard.” If you are struggling with breaking the floss, you can try waxed floss as this helps it glide between the teeth. 

Visit the periodontist if you're experiencing bleeding and swollen gums. Once you have periodontal disease, treatment is the only way to fix the problem. Don’t let time pass where you do nothing.   

Call Dr. Rice & her team today for more information.