Gum Disease
Why are healthy gums so important?
Everyone knows how important it is to have healthy teeth. Keeping teeth clean helps prevent plaque and decay. However, many people may not know that it’s just as important to maintain healthy gums. When a person brushes their teeth it’s important that they focus on their gums as well. Healthy gums help to ensure healthy teeth, healthy bones, and healthy bodies.
When gums become diseased, it can cause many problems with the mouth and teeth. However, this disease doesn’t just stay contained in the mouth. This infection can spread to the rest of the body and cause severe health problems. This is why it is so important for a person to make sure they maintain healthy gums, not just for the health of their mouth but also for their overall health.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease doesn’t show up overnight and it affects 50% of adults. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease and leads to bleeding, inflamed, and irritated gums. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with good at-home oral hygiene. However, if gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to a more severe gum disease called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is very serious and can eventually lead to many serious oral and overall health problems. Periodontal disease can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to diabetes, gastric ulcers, premature childbirth, stroke, lung disease, a weakened immune system, and osteoporosis.
With all the oral and overall health problems that can be associated with gum disease it is important to make sure to maintain healthy gums. Having good oral hygiene habits is so important to keep the gums clean and healthy. Making sure to brush three times a day as well as flossing once a day is a great way to avoid plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is one of the main contributors to gum disease.
The bacteria in plaque causes infection and inflammation in the gums. Brushing and flossing help reduce plaque buildup but if plaque is left it hardens into tartar and cannot be removed with bruising and flossing. Tartar needs to be removed by a hygienist, a dental professional. Having routine cleanings done by the hygienist and checkups done by the dentist, every 3 to 6 months, will help remove plaque and tartar buildup and avoid the progression of gum disease.
There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease. These factors include:
* diabetes
* poor oral hygiene
* smoking
At Prescott Dental Arts we know the importance of maintaining healthy gums. Our hygienists: Laurie and Stacy are trained in the latest techniques to help each patient achieve healthy gums and smiles. They work to teach each patient the importance of healthy gums and are always happy to answer any questions their patients may have. If you are wanting to know more about the importance of healthy gums and want to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and exam contact our Prescott AZ Dentist Office today.
Call us at (928) 445-8980
Prescott Dental Arts
1787 Willow Creek Rd.
Prescott, AZ 86301
Request Your
Appointment Online
$150
EXAM, CLEANING & X-RAYS
Non-Insured, New Patient Coupon
1787 Willow Creek Rd
Prescott, AZ 86301
Implant Dentistry
Dental Implant Dentures
Dental Implant Bridges
Teeth in a Day
Dental Implant Crowns
Dental Implant Cost
Zirconia Dental Implants