You often think about the health of your teeth but what about your gums?

Because teeth are often the first thing people notice, we may forget that our gum health is just as important. After all, our gums help support our teeth so that we can show off that beautiful smile. Find out what you can do to keep your gums healthy and why our Waterbury periodontist Dr. John Gagné recommends giving your gums a little regular TLC if you want to maintain good oral health.

How do I care for my gums and why is it important?

As we mentioned above, gums cover the bones and teeth to protect them from bacteria. Therefore, it’s just as important to clean your gums between meals and at least twice a day to remove food particles and plaque. Even if you can’t see it, plaque does build up along the gum line, which can turn into tartar and eventually gum disease if left untreated. With gum disease being a large cause for tooth loss (and with about half of American adults having periodontal disease) isn’t it time you started doing everything you can to keep your gums clean?

What trouble can gum disease cause for my smile?

Besides red, unhealthy gums, and the threat of tooth loss, research has also found that those with gum disease are also at an increased risk of developing many chronic and serious health conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Acute bronchitis
• Pneumonia

If you want to protect your gums, then this means flossing daily. It is best to do it before brushing your teeth at night. Also, make sure that you spend enough time brushing your teeth each day. Our Waterbury periodontist can also provide you with some pointers for how to keep your gums their healthiest on a day-to-day basis, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Experiencing gum pain, swelling or tenderness? Concerned about gum disease? Then it’s time you called our Waterbury office today to schedule your next appointment. Unfortunately, gum disease is often a silent problem, so keeping up with those routine dental cleanings will go a long way to keeping your smile healthy.