Taking excellent care of your gums is absolutely essential when it comes to your oral health. If your gums are not in good shape, this could cause not only severe issues with your oral health, but your health overall. If you are not brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your Kirkland dentist regularly for check-ups, you could be causing severe damage to your teeth and gums.
If your gums are in poor condition then there are tell-tales signs that they will provide for you. When your gums talk, you better listen or it could be detrimental to your health. Taking proper care of them is a crucial part of excellent oral hygiene. So, what are your gums trying to tell you?
Puffy, Red, or Swollen Gums
If your gums are puffy, red, or swollen, this is a clear cut sign of inflammation in the gums and could also be gingivitis. Sometimes a bacterial or viral infection can cause swollen gums as well as hormonal changes. Gingivitis is generally caused by improper oral hygiene. Brushing is important for the teeth just as flossing is for the gums. If you are not flossing regularly you could be gearing up for gum inflammation.
Receding Gum Line
When gum tissue begins to wear away, this is when the gum recession occurs. This exposes more of the tooth and on some occasions even the root. Gum disease is the common cause of a receding gum line. If you are brushing your teeth too hard this can also push back your gums. If you grind or clench your teeth at night this can also cause your gums to recede. If you are clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep you need to see your dentist right away.
Bleeding Gums
If your gums are bleeding this is not normal and can be a sign of brushing too hard or even gum disease. If you recently added flossing to regimen it is possible that your gums could bleed for a bit at first but it should not be consistent for any more than a week. If your gums are consistently bleeding then you need to make sure you see your dentist for a checkup as soon as possible.
Changing Colors
If your gums are healthy they should be a light pink in color and has a consistent shade unless they are unhealthy. Distinct color changes can mean you have a piece of tartar that has made its way below your gum line or it could be some form of oral cancer. Instead of playing a guessing game with your gums, if your gums are changing colors, you need to see your dentist right away. A thorough examination can determine whether or not the discoloration of your gums is serious.
Gum Disease Prevention
If you are experiencing any of these issues with your gums then you are not practicing proper oral hygiene. It is important that you are brushing twice a day and flossing in between your teeth once a day to keep your gums clean and healthy. See your dentist for regular checkups and try to cut as much sugar out of your diet as possible. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can make a big difference in your oral health as well as your overall health.
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