I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
If you don't spend much time thinking about your gums, you're probably not alone. They do play an important role in both your oral and overall health, though. Learning more about them and how you can keep your gums healthy can go a long way toward avoiding unnecessary trips to the dentist.
Gums Provide Protection
Your gums support your teeth and protect them. When they're healthy, they stop bad bacteria from reaching your teeth roots. In their most effective state, they can reduce your risk of dental infections and prevent you from needing to undergo procedures such as root canals. Healthy gums also prevent bad bacteria from entering your bloodstream. When bacteria enter your bloodstream, there's a risk of infections developing in tissues elsewhere. All of this means that keeping your gums healthy is important.
Keeping Gums Healthy is Simple
Fortunately, you don't need to go to wild extremes to ensure your gums remain healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes per day is crucial. In doing so, you remove sources of sustenance for any bad bacteria that linger in your mouth. A good oral hygiene routine ensures your oral microbiome remains in balance. Your good bacteria will continue to outweigh the bad bacteria, allowing your gums to stay healthy. It's also important to see your dentist twice a year, or more often if they feel it's necessary. They can identify early signs of gum disease and offer interventions that stop it from getting worse.
Gums Should Look Pink
Your gums should look pink and should rest against your teeth. When they start to become red or adopt other colours, it's a sign that you're suffering from a gum infection. As the infection starts to set in, you may notice that your gums bleed when you brush them. Even a tiny amount of blood after brushing your teeth isn't normal, so if you spot some you should make an appointment with your dentist. Every so often, check your gums to make sure they're not pulling away from your teeth. Gums that pull away may be in the latter stages of an infection.
Healthy Gums Protect Your Body
Gum disease doesn't just affect your teeth. It increases your risk of developing certain forms of arthritis and it may affect your heart too. If you have diabetes, you may find that gum disease makes it harder to control your blood sugars. Regularly visiting your dentist is a great way to ensure you don't encounter gum disease that affects your overall health.
For more information, visit a local dentist.
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