Did you know that without healthy gums your entire mouth suffers? Think of your gums and teeth as rich soil and tree roots, respectively. If you don’t care for the soil by watering and weeding it, your planted tree won’t survive. Your gums and teeth function in a similar manner. Without proper oral hygiene, your gums will eventually become diseased potentially causing tooth loss. To help you avoid this possibility, you should visit your Rochester dentist twice a year for routine checkups to ensure you’re maintaining a sound oral hygiene regimen.
Questions: Do You Have a Healthy Smile?
- True or False: Gum disease isn’t preventable.
- True or False: The early onset of periodontal disease is called gingivitis.
- True or False: Gum disease only affects your mouth.
Answers
- Answer—FALSE. The most common cause of gum disease is oral neglect, however, hormonal changes, diseases and certain medication may also cause gum disease. Throughout the day, food collects along your gum line and between your teeth. Those remains feed the bacteria that creates plaque, which will harden to tartar withing 24 hours. This tartar separates your teeth from the gum line to create a periodontal pockets. These pockets widen, moving past the enamel, and exposing the underlying dentin. There, bacteria collects and expands, deepening further into the roots. What ensues is the inflammation and infection called gum disease. To avoid this gum destroying disease, brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visiting your Calcagno dentist twice a year.
- Answer—TRUE. If you have swollen or bleeding gums and persistent bad breath, you’re displaying tell-tale signs of gingivitis. When these symptoms arise, make an appointment with your Rochester dentist right away to begin a treatment plan immediately.
- Answer—FALSE. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and Alzheimer’s. It can even cause preeclampsia, a condition in which pregnant women deliver preterm, low-weight babies, diabetes and respiratory disorders
Calcagno Family Dentistry Provides Exceptional Dental Care
Remember, you can’t have healthy teeth without healthy gums. With the help of your 55902 dentist, you can learn the proper brushing and flossing methods to protect your mouth from bacteria and disease. To schedule an appointment call us at (507) 281-3659. Also visit our website to learn about our services, see before and after photos, and read testimonials. We look forward to treating patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington and surrounding communities.
