First things first! You are to be commended for the excellent brushing and flossing that you do at least twice a day. By performing these tasks daily you’ve joined an elite group of people, as only 50% of the population brush and floss their teeth daily. But, like everything else in life, there are levels to your oral care. Thus, the next summit for you to climb is that of excellent gum care. Learn why this is so important and how to go about it the right way.
Why Your Gums are So Important
A simple analogy that explains the importance of your gum health is soil. It is the rich earth that the roots of a plant rely upon for its nutrients, and to provide a foundation for them to sprout healthy buds. Your gums have a similar function. They provide the stability for the roots of your teeth to embed in, grow and maintain healthy “pearly whites.” Thus, any oral care that excludes gum health is flawed from the start.
Issues that Arise from Neglectful Gum Care
There are some serious problems that can occur when gum care is overlooked. They include:
- Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, where inflammation occurs. This is caused by a buildup of plaque at the gum line. You may also notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing, but the damage is still reversible at this point.
- Periodontitis – At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. You may also begin to develop a pocket below the gum line, trapping food and plaque.
- Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, where the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, causing them to shift or loosen. If treatment can’t save them, your teeth may need to be removed.
The Silver Lining
The great thing about all of this, is that your proactive efforts can prevent the more severe conditions. That means that you are empowered. By continuing to practice the effective brushing and flossing that you’ve been doing, and making sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and examinations, you will be sure to maintain healthy gums and teeth for years to come.
About the Author
Karl Arakelian, DMD received his undergraduate degree in Biology from McGill University in Montreal and his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He went on to complete a general practice residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center and continued to teach at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He practices at Karl Arakelian, DMD and can be reached for more information through his website.
