Gum Health Basics

Maintaining Proper Gum Health: The Basics of Healthy Teeth

Your gums are made of soft skin that covers the bones of your mouth. They protect the roots of your teeth. Good gum health is critical for maintaining a healthy set of teeth. They provide protection against bacteria and keep your teeth in place. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious problems if not treated quickly.

Stages of Gum Disease

There are four stages of gum disease. It is important to learn and understand what they are so that you can know the signs before it is too late. 

The first stage is Gingivitis. Gingivitis is irritation of the gums that can cause bleeding and swelling. For example, if you brush your teeth or floss with normal pressure and notice blood along your gumlines, you probably have gingivitis. Gingivitis can be fixed by regular brushing and flossing or by a deep cleaning done by a dentist.

The second stage of gum disease is periodontitis. It is during this stage that the beginning of bone and tissue loss happens around the tooth. The gum line begins to recede.

The third stage is moderate periodontitis. The advanced stage of gum disease shows severe gum recession surrounding each tooth. 

The last stage of gum disease is severe periodontitis. Because of the excessive tooth and gum erosion, teeth become loose and may even fall out.

Oral Health Habits

Maintaining proper gum health can be done by following some simple steps to take care of your gums and oral hygiene routine. 

Brush Regularly

First, you should brush at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing your teeth not only helps fight cavities and the bacteria that cause bad breath but also prevents gum disease. And brushing your teeth regularly can help prevent some serious dental problems. Plaque naturally builds up on your teeth every day, and brushing helps to limit that build-up. Not only does that build-up of plaque cause erosion in your teeth from bacteria, but it can also get stuck in between your teeth and gums and cause infection. For more about how to brush your teeth correctly, check out this blog post!

Floss Every Day

Flossing is often skipped by many people in their oral health routine. However, it is one of the most important steps. Flossing is a necessary part of oral hygiene and maintaining a healthy mouth. It helps to remove deeply embedded bacteria in between your teeth and gums. Make sure to floss every night before bedtime. 

Limit Sugar and Acidic Food and Drinks

We all know that sugar is bad for your teeth. Yet, it's hard to avoid sugary foods and drinks when they are everywhere these days. To reduce the risk of gum disease or periodontal disease, it’s also important to avoid sugars, fruits, or drinks that are known to cause cavities.  Sugary and acidic food and drinks eat away at the gums and the protective layer of your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. If you are worried about your gums and possibly having periodontitis or gum disease, give us a call! If you are looking for the best dentist near me, Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg, Idaho has what you need. We can check for signs of gum disease and erosion, as well as preventive and restorative care. Our friendly staff and knowledgeable dentists are eager to help you get your oral health on track. 

For more tips on how to keep your gums healthy, click here!