Your gums are an important part of your dental anatomy and play a bigger role in your oral health than you may realize. With simple routine dental care, however, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile beautiful. To learn more about how crucial it is to keep your gums healthy and how your cosmetic dentist can help, keep reading.
Importance of Gum Health
Your gums are an essential part of the structure of your mouth. Healthy gums hold your teeth in place and protect their roots from tooth decay and irritation. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can build up around the gum line, irritate your gums, and lead to periodontal disease. Left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause permanent damage to your gums and the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. If you lose teeth due to weakened gum tissue, the bone in your jaw will begin to deteriorate. Lost teeth can also cause difficulty speaking, and dental implants or other dental appliances may be your only option if poor gum care causes you to lose teeth.
Proper Hygiene for Healthy Gums
Your cosmetic dentist can show you how to properly brush and, just as importantly, floss your teeth. You should make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, using a fresh piece of floss and taking care to floss between each tooth and behind your back molars. Despite your best brushing and flossing efforts, plaque can still build up on teeth, so it’s important to visit your Chicago dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations. Never hesitate to ask your dentist about your gum health and if there’s more you can do at home to care for your gums—your dentist will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Get more information about gum and tooth health by visiting University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago . We can help you maintain or restore a healthy, beautiful smile with the latest technology and dental treatments available. Check us out on the web or call (312) 704-5511 to schedule an appointment.
