Your Teeth Are Clean, How About Your Gums?

When you think about oral healthcare, it can be easy to focus on the teeth. Your teeth are the focal point of your smile. Having bright, healthy teeth can provide a big confidence boost when interacting with others. There’s a lot more to oral health than just the state of your teeth, however. True oral health is about caring for all of the mouth’s tissues, including the gums. Your teeth may be clean, but what are you doing to care for your gums? Failure to take care of this portion of oral health can lead to some serious consequences. Gingivitis turns into periodontitis over time, and that leads to conditions like tooth loss and an increased risk of stroke. So if you haven’t been showing your gums some love, now’s the time to start.

You Can Care for Your Gums and Teeth with Good Brushing and Flossing Habits

The good news about adding your gums to the priority list is that the cleaning procedure isn’t much different. It mainly comes down to a matter of technique. By focusing your brushing around the gum line, you can disrupt bacteria formation and keep your gums healthy. While cleaning the surfaces of your teeth is important, you should dedicate time to your gum line as well. Flossing is another huge step. Flossing allows you to reach and clean areas of your mouth that you can’t reach with your brush.

When You Don’t Focus on Your Gums, There Are Consequences

If you don’t keep your gum line clean, plaque can form and sink beneath the gum line. This may result in prolonged redness and inflammation — also known as gingivitis. If your gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a condition that is not reversible. Periodontitis increases your risk for other bodily health issues like heart disease and stroke. It can also weaken the jaw bone and cause tooth loss. That’s why it’s vital you show some love to your gums!

Trust Elm Creek for Your Scaling and Root Planing Needs

If your gums require a deep cleaning, Elm Creek can help. Dr. Carter and his talented staff provide accurate and comfortable scaling and root planing treatment with the use of dental lasers. It’s time to treat your gums as well as you treat your teeth. Make an appointment with Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN by calling 763-416-0606.