10 Things You Should Know About Your Gums

Your gums are an important part of your mouth and require you to take extra special care of them. Here are ten things you should know to protect your gums.

1.     Gums are soft tissue that can be impacted by bacteria from food and certain drinks.

2.     Your gums can last a lifetime if you take care of them. As long as your brush, floss and visit the dentist on a regular basis you can avoid most major dental problems.

3.     Brushing and flossing removes bacteria from the mouth that can damage the gums. Bacteria is found in the mouth in mass quantities. By brushing and flossing regularly you are not going to remove all of the bacteria, but you will be able to manage it.

4.     Fruits and vegetables with a high concentration of water can remove leftover food from your gums.

5.     Gums help protect your teeth from damage.

6.     Decay can go beneath the gum line to cause additional damage.

7.     If your gums begin to recede due to bacteria, it can cause problems with your teeth, as most likely the bone is being lost as well.

8.     Unhealthy gums can cause sensitivity for teeth.

9.     Healthy gums do not bleed and are not red or swollen.

10.  When unhealthy bacteria taken care of, your gum health can improve.

3 Secrets From Your Periodontist

           

Do you spend time chatting with your periodontist? Well, we did. We sat down with periodontist Dr. Rice in order to see what advice she gives to patients.

Your gums are a precious commodity that can help keep your smile looking fantastic. Don’t take for granted you’ll always have healthy gums.  

1. "Brush in circles - not back and forth", says periodontist Dr. Denine Rice. It is critical in taking care of your gums. Back and forth may cause recession. You have to be gentle with the tissue, they are not made of hard enamel like your teeth. 

2. Bacteria is normal in the mouth - but bacteria can grow out of control if not held in check. There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the entire world. If you don’t keep brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist, this bacteria can take over in your mouth, causing you major problems down the line. 

3. Flossing can add years to your life. While flossing not only ensures the health of your gums, it allows you to keep your teeth. Flossing ensures you keep your gums healthy and in the best shape of your life. Bacteria and food can build up between your teeth causing periodontal disease.