Dentist in Southlake Says Your Gums Matter More Than You May Know

The most important contributors to your health and wellness are often relegated to an existence of near anonymity. They get little fanfare while they quietly go about their business of maintaining your health. One of these unsung heroes is the gum tissue in your mouth, which is just as integral to your oral health as soil is to the growth of plants. So given that February is gum awareness month, it’s a good time to discuss how vital this structure is and understand the dangers of not caring for it properly. Furthermore, your dentist in Southlake will provide information on how to treat your gums when there are issues.

Why are Your Gums Important?

Gums are important because they act as the mother to your teeth, providing a womb for them to gestate in when you’re a young child and eventually emerge from. Then when you’re of age, you’re responsible for caring for your mother the way she cared for you when you were.

The equivalent of this in your mouth is to practice excellent oral care, which helps to protect your gums from harmful attacks from bacteria, which can lead to gum disease. It’s important to prevent this from happening because just as a mother continues to show you love after you’re an adult, your gums do the same by holding the precious roots of your teeth in place and transferring vital blood throughout your mouth and the rest of your body, which sustains your health.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the prolonged growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. These critters form plaque on the teeth and gums and begin to bore acidic holes in every surface they make contact with. The disease progresses in three stages:

• Gingivitis – This is the stage that you want to catch the condition in, where there is puffiness and slight bleeding in the gums. In this phase, your dentist can advise on changes you can make in your oral hygiene that can reverse the damage.
• Early-Stage Gum Disease – At this stage, there will be permanent damage to the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place, but the attack can be halted with such gum disease treatment protocols as a prescription mouthwash or a new antibiotic available called Arestin, that can stop the infection through several applications.
• Advanced Gum Disease – Advanced gum disease results in the destruction of bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. As a result, they could fall out due to the destruction of your roots. In situations like this, the treatment protocol will vary depending on your specific needs.

What Causes Gum Disease?

As stated earlier, gum disease is mainly the result of negligent oral hygiene and lack of professional care. Below is a full list of the causes:

• Poor Oral Hygiene – Your oral hygiene serves as a major defense against bacteria and plaque. The main methods are brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. When these disciplines are not followed, they allow the agents of chaos to fester and cause problems.
• Unhealthy Eating – A diet high in processed foods will create a toxic environment inside of your mouth, whereas healthier eating raises your pH level, something that bacteria don’t like.
• Failure to Maintain Dental Visits – Another culprit of gum disease is a failure to maintain semi-annual visits with your dentist for cleanings and checkups. These appointments are your best opportunity to stay ahead of impeding diseases or illnesses.

So as you go through the month of February, take the time to show your gum tissue some extra love by ramping up your oral hygiene and being sure to contact your local dentist to schedule your first visit.

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Dallas Baptist College and then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. A member of the American Dental Association and several other professional organizations, he practices at J. Lee Pettigrew D.D.S., PA and can be reached for more information through his website.