Posted: February 14, 2023
The appearance of your gums and the gum line around your teeth can have a significant effect on the appearance of your smile. However, your gums play a much more important role than just the aesthetics of your mouth, and keeping healthy gums can help prevent many other health conditions unrelated to your teeth.
The primary function of your gums is to provide a tight seal around the base of each tooth. This protects the delicate root area from food particles and bacteria while also helping to keep each tooth in place.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, begins as the gum becomes irritated and can appear red or swollen. If left untreated, they can start to bleed easily and, in more moderate or extreme cases, can begin to recede. At this point, the seal around each tooth can loosen, allowing food particles and bacteria to enter and become lodged around the roots.
If these particles and bacteria are not removed, they can create localized infections that can not only kill the root of the tooth but may cause tooth loss. In some cases, this infection can reach the upper or lower bone structure of the jaw and prevent the use of implants as a replacement for lost teeth.
Recent studies have also determined that gum disease, allowed to progress or remain untreated, raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and diabetes. Although some people may be genetically predisposed to gun disease, a proper brushing and flossing regimen, with mouthwash, can help keep your gums healthy.
A routine visit to a dentist can also help remove bacteria and other particles that have become trapped between the gums and teeth that flossing or brushing was unable to remove. There are also treatment options that can help slow the progression of gum disease. However, these are most successful when started in the early stages.
Dr. Evola and the team at Forestream Dental in Depew, NY, have the experience and knowledge to identify and begin treatment on even the earliest stages of gum disease. This will help prevent more significant issues later. Call the office at 716-656-8686 or visit www.forestreamdental.com to schedule a periodontic exam.
