Think of your gums as the bodyguards of your smile. They stand watch around each tooth, working day and night to keep dangerous germs from causing trouble. But when these tiny invaders break through your gum’s defenses, the damage can spread far beyond your mouth to your heart and other vital organs.
Building healthy gums in Edgewood, KY means stopping these problems while they’re still manageable.
Call 859-474-7830 to plan your visit to Edgewood Dental Care.
How Gum Problems Begin
Picture millions of bacteria setting up camp along your gum line every single day. These unwelcome guests create a soft, sticky coating called plaque that clings to your teeth. When plaque isn’t cleaned away, it transforms into a rock-hard substance called tartar that becomes impossible to brush off at home.
Your gums respond to this invasion by swelling up and turning red, like a warning signal that help is needed.
Gum disease comes in two forms. The first stage, gingivitis, causes your gums to become tender and bleed when touched. Periodontitis is the serious form that destroys the tissues holding your teeth, causing them to become loose or fall out.
Spotting the Warning Signs
Your mouth will tell you when something is wrong:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing
- Bright red or purple-colored gums
- Gums that feel tender to touch
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that look longer because gums are shrinking
- Pus between teeth and gums
Getting Back to Healthy Gums
Step One: Deep Cleaning
Your dentist will perform a special cleaning that goes deeper than regular cleanings. This treatment, called scaling and root planing, removes all the bacteria hiding below your gumline. It might take more than one visit, but it gives your gums a fresh start.
Step Two: Home Care That Works
Once your gums are clean, keeping them healthy becomes your job:
- Brush gently but thoroughly for two minutes, twice daily
- Clean between teeth with floss or special brushes
- Rinse with therapeutic mouthwash
- Eat foods rich in vitamins C and D
Step Three: Stay Connected with Your Dentist
Regular checkups let your dentist catch problems while they’re still small. Most people need cleanings every six months, but those with gum disease history might need them more often.
Advanced Options for Tough Cases
Sometimes gums need extra help to heal:
- Antibiotics to kill stubborn bacteria
- Laser therapy to remove infected tissue
- Surgery to repair severe damage
- Grafts to replace lost gum tissue
Your Gums & Your Health
Healthy gums do more than make your smile look good. They protect your whole body from infection. Research shows that gum disease connects to heart problems, diabetes, and other serious health issues. Taking care of your gums means taking care of yourself.
Building healthy gums in Edgewood takes teamwork between you and your dental care provider. With the right treatment plan and daily care habits, you can stop gum disease and keep your mouth healthy for life.
Start Your Healing Journey
You want your gums to be healthy. With proper care, they can heal from disease. Every day you wait makes treatment harder and more expensive. The caring professionals at Edgewood Dental Care understand gum disease and know how to help you get back to healthy gums in Edgewood.
Call 859-474-7830 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with us.