Healthy gums are a prerequisite for healthy teeth. Not only do they provide the support needed for your teeth to function as they should, but they also act as a barrier that covers and protects the bones of your teeth from harmful bacteria. Unhealthy gums provide an environment for these bacteria to reproduce in, multiply and eventually compromise your teeth.
At Crofts Dental Practice, we understand that healthy teeth and gums not only give you a beautiful smile, but also indicate good oral health and hygiene. Our experienced dentists will help you avoid or reverse gum disease with thorough preventive care that allows us to identify gum issues early and treat them accordingly. Even, if you are diagnosed with gum disease, our dentists will help you overcome it in order to maintain your healthy smile for longer.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a condition that affects the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum disease is usually the result of plaque build-up above or below the gum line. Common causes of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, crooked and misaligned teeth which are hard to clean, pregnancy, diabetes, certain medications as well as genetic predisposition. Gum disease causes the gums to swell and bleed. If left untreated, a serious gum disease known as periodontitis can infect your gums and the bone underneath your teeth causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.
Healthy gums in Essex
Fortunately, gum disease is easily avoided by taking care of your teeth and gums at home as well as with regular dental check-ups. Basic oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with an antiseptic mouth wash and staying in good physical health, are all great ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a deep cleaning, including scaling and polishing, is also important, since no matter how diligently you brush and floss your teeth at home, plaque tends to build up on your teeth over time.
Protect your smile
Keeping your gums strong and healthy is a great way to maintain your overall health. If you suffer swollen of bleeding gums, please contact us today.