Many people think about their teeth when they think about their smiles, and healthy teeth are an important aspect of a beautiful smile. The gums are just as important as the teeth, though, when it comes to maintaining a healthy and attractive smile. Yet they are often overlooked. So what is necessary to keep the gums healthy? Much like caring for the teeth, regular preventive care is necessary to maintain healthy gums. From brushing and flossing, to preventive checkups, make sure you’re taking great care of your entire smile by ensuring your gums stay healthy!
Preventive Care Is Key
Your daily dental hygiene routine should include both brushing and flossing, which are important for the teeth but also the gums. Flossing, in particular, can help keep the gums healthy by removing bacteria and food particles brushing alone will leave behind between the teeth.
Many people worry that if they see bleeding as they floss it is because of the flossing. On the contrary, flossing is rarely a cause of bleeding. If you notice your gums bleed easily it is likely due to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, a condition caused by inflammation of the gums. It is important to schedule a dental checkup if you notice inflamed or irritated gums.
What Does Periodontal Therapy Include?
Dental hygiene needs to be combined with regular preventive checkups and cleanings, in order to keep plaque buildup to a minimum, and to help prevent gum disease and other dental issues. During a cleaning the dentist can remove tartar buildup which can damage the teeth’s enamel and lead to inflammation of the gums.
However, if gum disease is already present, the dentist may also recommend periodontal treatment, such as scaling or root planning. These procedures can help restore the gums’ healthy by more thoroughly removing the bacteria responsible for causing gingivitis and subsequent systems.