When it comes to dental health and taking care of yourself, most of us usually only think about teeth – making sure they’re white, no cavities, right? But, our gums are just as important as our teeth are. Gums play an extremely vital role in both holding our teeth in place, and acting as a barrier against infections that can impact our overall health and wellbeing. 

If your gums aren’t healthy, the rest of you isn’t healthy either. Recent studies show a potential link between gum disease and other health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. 

At Ballwin Dental Care, we CARE about your gum health. That’s why we want to make sure you understand what gum disease is, the consequences if left untreated or unchecked, and how you can prevent and address the issues if they arise. After we give you an understanding of what it is, we will go over how you can get gum disease treatment in Ballwin, MO.

What Is Gum Disease?

Have you ever noticed that your gums hurt? Are they bleeding when brushing your teeth? Or maybe they look a little more red than usual? All of these can be signs of early gum disease.

Gingivitis

• Gingivitis is the “initial” phase of gum disease. It’s usually identified by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums during brushing or flossing. At this stage of gum disease, the damage can be reversed, as long as the bone and tissue that holds your teeth haven’t been affected yet. 

Periodontitis

• If gingivitis isn’t treated in time, it can advance into periodontitis. This is when things can get severely painful and irreversible. Your gums start pulling away from your teeth, which can be ground for bacteria and infections in your mouth. These infections can destroy tissue and bone that support your teeth. Over time, your teeth can become loose and even have to be professionally pulled. 

Recognizing these vital signs of gum disease before it gets worse is key to preventing progression and making sure you keep your healthy and beautiful smile.

Causes and Risk Factors of Gum Disease

If you want to prevent any gum diseases, the first step is understanding the causes. There are multiple factors that can cause gum trouble in your everyday life: 

Plaque Buildup

Having plaque buildup on your teeth is usually the first culprit behind gum issues. When plaque is gathered on your teeth, and isn’t removed during regular teeth brushing, it can harden into tartar on your gum line. Tartar acts as a shield for bacteria, which makes it harder to remove and causes infections. 

Smoking

Smoking is a significant factor when it comes to gum issues. It lowers chances for treatment and makes it harder for gums to heal when they are treated. 

Hormonal Fluctuations

With hormones, women usually notice gum sensitivity more than men during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. 

Illnesses

Certain illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, or even HIV can affect the overall health of your gums. 

Medications

Some drugs, especially those that reduce the production of saliva in your mouth can cause dry mouth, which in turn, can affect gum health. Dry mouth leads to bacteria. 

Poor Diet

Diets that are low in vitamin C or calcium increase the risk of infections. 

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Treating any gum issues, before it’s too late, is essential. It ensures that your gums stay healthy and saves you discomfort. Here are steps to prevent gum diseases from starting: 

Daily Oral Routine

Brushing

Using a good quality toothpaste, brush your teeth twice daily, especially before and after eating food or drinking anything that can stain teeth, such as coffee. Always brush for at least 2 minutes, reaching every nook and cranny of each tooth. 

Flossing

As you’ve probably heard from your dentist every time you go, flossing is important. It removes food particles from in-between teeth that a toothbrush can’t get to. 

Mouthwash

Mouthwash assists in giving you fresh breath along with eliminating any additional bacteria. 

Diet

Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables boosts your overall health, as well as benefiting your mouth and gums. Always make sure to include vitamins and minerals in your diet, as they do help prevent gum diseases. 

Limit sugary snacks and sodas in your diet to avoid plaque buildup. 

Avoid Smoking/Tobacco

Smoking is detrimental to your teeth and gum health. All forms of oral Tobacco use raises your risk for gum disease. 

Regular Dental Check-ups

Everyone should have a routine when it comes to oral health. Having check-ups can prevent gum disease from occurring, or even spot any issues very early on. 

Stay Hydrated

Water is important. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your mouth remains moist, as it should be. 

When you add all of these into your daily routine, you’ll be taking the necessary steps to maintain and enhance your gum health. 

Gum Disease Treatment in Ballwin, MO

Even with the best preventative care for your gums, individuals can still have to deal with unwanted gum issues or disease. That is why here at Ballwin Dental Care, we offer a range of treatments that prevent and treat gum disease. We are committed to keeping your gums healthy. 

Oral health is a vital component of wellbeing, and your gums are an important part of that. Maintaining gum health should be just as important as maintaining the health of your teeth. Come ask about gum disease treatment in Ballwin, MO to hear what the experts say about your teeth!