September is Gum Care Month, which means it’s the perfect time to refresh your knowledge of gum health. Just like your teeth, your gums need diligent attention to stay healthy.

Otherwise, you may develop bleeding gums, gingivitis, or full-fledged periodontal disease. So, how can you best care for your teeth and prevent these serious (and tooth-threatening) conditions? In this article, Casa Dental’s dentists in Mississauga explain!

The Consequences of Poor Gum Health

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums is a frightening experience and a common symptom of poor gum health. There are a number of potential causes, ranging from poor hygiene to severe infections.

Neglecting your at-home dental hygiene habits can lead to gum irritation, gum inflammation, and, ultimately, gum bleeding. Without thorough and consistent brushing and flossing, plaque builds up along the gumline and calcifies into tartar. Over time, this irritates your gums and can cause inflammation and bleeding. This is why you should never skip flossing!

If you have skipped flossing, especially for a significant amount of time, just be aware that your gums may bleed a little once you restart this crucial habit. This bleeding should be minor and disappear after a few sessions. If it doesn’t, consult with your dentist.

Other causes of bleeding gums include: vitamin deficiency, gingivitis, periodontitis, ill-fitting dentures, faulty dental restorations, certain medications, and smoking.

In most cases, your gums will stop bleeding when you step up your oral care routine. However, you should contact your dentist in Mississauga if your bleeding gums persist for two weeks, if your gums are swollen, or if you experience severe bleeding.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis causes gum irritation, redness, swelling, and bleeding. It’s also the first (and mildest) stage of gum disease, which is a bacterial infection located in the gums.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious health condition that requires immediate attention. It’s vital to act quickly before the disease progresses. Gingivitis can be reversed before it permanently damages your gums, soft tissues, and jaw bones.

Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene, allowing tartar to build up along the gum line, causing inflammation and infection. Your gums feel tender, appear swollen or puffy, and are darker than usual. They also bleed easily when you brush or floss. If you notice any of these signs, contact your emergency dentist in Mississauga.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis goes untreated, it worsens into periodontitis—full gum disease. At this stage, the gum infection is severe and begins to permanently damage the bones and soft tissues in your mouth.

Your gums are inflamed, bleed easily, and begin to pull away from your teeth. This causes pockets to appear between your teeth and gums where more plaque, tartar, and bacteria can accumulate.

As periodontitis attacks the bone and soft tissues supporting your teeth, your teeth begin to loosen. Wobbly teeth, therefore, are a symptom and consequence of gum disease.

Periodontitis can also cause persistent bad breath, pus between your teeth and gums, and painful chewing. Without proper treatment, periodontitis will only get worse. Eventually, it will completely destroy your gums, jaw bones, soft tissues, and ligaments.

Tooth Loss

Because gum disease attacks the soft tissues, ligaments, and bones that hold your teeth in place, tooth loss is a real possibility. There’s simply nothing left to anchor your teeth into your mouth.

The consequences of poor gum health are not restricted to the gums; they also affect the teeth and the very structure of the mouth and may require you to consult your emergency dentist in Mississauga.

8 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

1. Brush your teeth properly

Your at-home oral hygiene routine is vitally important for gum health. Of course, this includes brushing your teeth! Orthodontists in Mississauga recommend making sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush since hard bristles can hurt your gums and wear down your tooth enamel. Gums are made of delicate tissue, so even brushing too vigorously can damage them.

Brush twice a day for two minutes. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and make gentle, circular motions that massage your gums and clean your teeth. Don’t move the toothbrush back and forth as this can irritate your sensitive gums.

2. Floss your teeth daily

Flossing removes plaque and food debris that’s impossible to reach with brushing alone. Specifically, it allows you to clean the spots between your teeth and along the gumline. Plaque and tartar buildup in these areas can lead to gum inflammation and, ultimately, gum disease.

You should floss once per day using the proper flossing technique. Slide the floss up and down the curve of the tooth, rather than forcing it down between your teeth.

3. Rinse with mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your mouth healthy. It washes away food debris that would otherwise promote plaque buildup. Plus, it eliminates bacteria and combats bacterial overgrowth that can cause gum disease. Mouthwash also keeps your mouth moist, stimulates the production of saliva, keeps acidity levels in check, and prevents dry mouth.

4. Stop smoking and using tobacco products

Smoking and tobacco products are horrendous for your gum health. They significantly increase your risk of developing gum disease. When you smoke, blood flow to your gums is diminished, depriving them of the necessary oxygen and nutrients. This leaves your gums vulnerable to the types of bacterial infection that cause gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral health issues.

5. Eat a balanced diet

You can eat your way to good oral health by consuming a balanced, healthy diet full of vegetables, grains, whole fruits, and healthy proteins. By consuming lots of vegetables, you ensure that your teeth and gums get the nutrients and vitamins they need. High-fibre fruits and vegetables also help scrub your teeth as you eat. Keep sugar to a minimum, as this feeds the bacteria in your mouth and accelerates plaque buildup.

6. Stay hydrated with water

Water is crucial for a happy and healthy oral environment. Every time you take a sip, the water rinses away bacteria, acids, and lingering food particles. It also keeps your mouth moist and your body hydrated, preventing dry mouth in the process.

Whenever you’re thirsty, reach for a glass of water instead of a sugary beverage. Drinks that are high in sugar, such as pop and sports drinks, lead to more bacteria, plaque, and acidity in the mouth.

7. Pay attention to your gums

You should monitor your gums for signs of inflammation, infection, and disease. Bleeding gums are an obvious sign that something is wrong; however, so are swollen, dark red, or splotchy gums! Receding gums also indicate that you should see your dentist in Mississauga as soon as possible.

8. Visit your Mississauga dentist every six months

Every time you visit Casa Dental in Mississauga, we check your gums and teeth for signs of trouble. For example, we look for early symptoms of gingivitis, tooth decay, or oral cancer.

Our hygienist team also performs a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth and along your gum line. This helps keep your mouth healthy in between visits.

Take Care of Your Gums With Casa Dental in Mississauga

Casa Dental is an experienced dental clinic in Mississauga, with a second clinic on Dupont Street in Toronto. Our knowledgeable and welcoming team of Orthodontists in Mississauga is ready to assist you with your dental needs.

We take pride in providing the highest level of dental care in a pleasant and comfortable environment. From your gums to your teeth, we’re here to support your oral health.

To book an appointment with our dentist in Mississauga, call Casa Dental at 888-270-8793 or contact us here.