How Do I Keep My Gums Healthy?

When maintaining a healthy smile, we tend to focus primarily on the teeth. After all, they are the most noticeable part of your smile. However, to continue to keep your smile attractive and whole, you also need to care for your gums. How do you keep your gums healthy? What steps can you take to protect your gums from gingivitis and gum disease?

Try Our Healthy Gums Quiz

1. True or False: Gum disease is linked to other health issues.
2. True or False: Brushing and flossing can help protect your gums.
3. True or False: A dental cleaning can prevent inflammation.
4. True or False: We have periodontal treatment to treat/manage your gum issues.

Answer Key

1. True. Studies have shown that gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, preeclampsia, and even premature birth in women who have the disease. As a result, we always encourage people who exhibit the symptoms of gum disease to seek treatment right away. Early symptoms may include redness in the gums, soreness, or bleeding when you brush or floss.
2. True. When you brush and floss your teeth you help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing limits the severity of plaque buildup. Plaque can infame the gums, leading to gingivitis and eventually, the onset of periodontal disease.
3. True. You should have your teeth cleaned once every six months to completely remove plaque from the surface of your teeth.
4. True. In the gingivitis stage, the problem can be reversed with a scaling and root planing or other treatment options. However, once the disease forms it can’t be cured, which means we will need to employ scaling and root planings, antibacterial rinses, antibiotics, or laser dentistry to manage the issue and prevent it from worsening.

ABOUT YOUR EVANSTON, IL, COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and our highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.