How Are Your Gums Doing?

“How are your gums doing today?” may not be a question that you ask a neighbor on the street, but it should be a question that you ask yourself and your family members on a regular basis.

It is easy to focus on your teeth when you think about taking care of your smile. Your teeth are most visible when you smile, speak, and laugh, so they are often the “star” of the show when it comes to your mouth. Yet, your gum health plays an integral role in your oral health.

One way to think about your gums is that they work similarly to your skin. Your skin is the outer covering of your body that protects your bones, muscles, organs, and internal systems. Well, your gums are the protection for the roots of your teeth and jawbone. If your gums’ health is compromised, then the health of your entire smile is compromised. It is also crucial to understand that the health of your gums is a direct link to your overall health. Studies have proved a direct association between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and miscarriage.

Keeping your gums healthy requires that you take daily steps in your oral health care routine. If you are brushing at least two times a day, every day, then that is a good step. However, do you floss every day? If you are not flossing and your gums are swollen, then there is a direct correlation. Dental floss is the only tool designed to remove dental plaque from the teeth and dislodge food particles that are stuck between the teeth. Without flossing, plaque, tartar, and food particles can wreak havoc on your oral health.

Besides at-home care for your gum health, it is imperative that you make and keep regular dental visits. Your mouth needs to be deep cleaned twice a year to keep it healthy. An annual exam by your dentist will also allow your dentist to catch any concerns early before they become severe.

If you are concerned with the health of your gums, please contact Montevallo Family Dentistry today. We want to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Posted on behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry