When it comes to oral health, most discussions tend to focus on achieving a bright, white smile or preventing cavities. However, the health of your gums plays an equally important—if not more significant—role in your overall oral hygiene and general wellness.
Drs. Rosen & Dworkin in Marlton, NJ, delve deep into the world of periodontal care, highlighting the often-overlooked aspect of gum health and the vital role periodontists play in maintaining it.
Call 856-983-7732 to make an appointment!
Understanding Periodontists and Their Importance
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as in the placement of dental implants. These professionals undergo extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school.
Periodontists are equipped to tackle complex periodontal cases that general dentists may not be able to handle. They offer a range of treatments such as scaling and root planing, root surface debridement, and regenerative procedures that help restore lost bone and tissue support. Dismissing periodontal care can lead to tooth loss and contribute to systemic health problems linked to periodontal disease.
The Overlooked Aspect of Oral Care: Gum Health
Despite its importance, gum health often takes a backseat in oral hygiene discussions. Yet, conditions like gingivitis and the more severe periodontitis are incredibly prevalent. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about 42 percent of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. These conditions don’t just threaten your teeth but are also connected to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.
The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Health
It’s not an exaggeration or a cliche to say that your mouth is a window to your overall health. With mounting evidence supporting a link between periodontal disease and systemic health issues, the significance of maintaining healthy gums becomes more apparent, beyond just avoiding bad breath or tooth loss.
Inflammation associated with periodontitis is believed to play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Recognizing this connection underscores the importance of visiting a periodontist regularly for more than just cleanings but for comprehensive preventive care. Contact Drs. Rosen & Dworkin to make your appointment.
Preventive Dental Care: More Than Just Brushing and Flossing
Preventive dental care is the cornerstone of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The ADA recommends a routine that includes twice-daily brushing, flossing, eating a balanced diet, and regular dental visits to aid in the prevention of dental diseases. While these steps are vital, they’re just the beginning when it comes to gum care.
A periodontist can provide personalized care plans that may involve more frequent cleanings, specific mouthwashes, or treatments designed to target and manage periodontal issues before they escalate.
Oral Hygiene Practices for Healthy Gums
To maintain healthy gums and prevent periodontal disease, integrate the following best practices into your daily routine:
Brush thoroughly twice a day
Using fluoride toothpaste is essential as it helps to prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. When brushing, pay close attention to the gum line, as plaque tends to accumulate there, leading to gum inflammation and disease if not properly removed.
Floss daily
Daily flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles that get lodged in places your toothbrush cannot reach, especially between the teeth and under the gumline. Regular flossing contributes significantly to the prevention of gum disease and cavities, promoting overall dental health.
Use a mouthwash
Incorporating a therapeutic mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can provide additional benefits for your dental health by reducing plaque, preventing or reducing gingivitis, and diminishing the rate at which tartar forms on the teeth. Mouthwashes should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing but as a helpful addition to maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases your risk of periodontitis. Quitting smoking helps improve the body’s ability to fight infection, including in the gums, making it one of the most significant steps you can take to preserve your oral and overall health.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can boost your immune system, helping your body to fight off the infections that contribute to gum disease. Foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can increase the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, so limiting these foods can also benefit your gum health.
Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth
Clenching and grinding your teeth can put excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these tissues break down. If you notice signs of clenching or grinding, such as jaw soreness or headaches upon waking, consult your dentist for solutions to mitigate this habit and protect your gums and teeth.
Attend regular dental checkups
Regular visits to the dentist allow for the early detection of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, making treatments more straightforward and less invasive. These checkups typically include professional cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar that can contribute to gum disease. Make your appointment today!
Consult your periodontist for specialized advice
For those with existing gum disease or complex dental needs, visiting a periodontist can provide access to expert care tailored specifically to gum health. Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and are skilled in the latest techniques for treating periodontal disease and performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Recognizing When You Need a Periodontist
Knowing when to seek a periodontist’s expertise is crucial. If you notice symptoms such as bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, swollen or red gums, gum recession, or loose teeth, it’s time to see a specialist.
A periodontist can provide treatments that not only improve the condition of your gums but also prevent more serious health issues that may arise from poor gum health.
Contact Drs. Rosen & Dworkin in Marlton, NJ
Gum health is an essential part of our oral and overall health, yet it’s often relegated to the shadows of dental discussions. The role of periodontists in maintaining and restoring gum health is invaluable. By understanding the connection between our gums and our greater bodily health, we can shift our approach to one that sees complete oral care as inseparable from our general care.
It’s time to give gum health the attention it deserves. Don’t wait for gum disease to knock on your door. Be proactive and schedule a consultation with Drs. Rosen & Dworkin today!