SAVAGE, LAKEVILLE AND SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA – What comes to mind when you think of the term “oral hygiene?”
For many people, thoughts of brushing their teeth and ridding themselves of bad breath are the big concerns. But you need to consider something else: healthy gums.
Think of your gums as the foundation of your smile. Unhealthy, diseased gums can lead to tooth loss if you’re not careful. And caring for your gums actually relies partially on your parents, because it should begin in infancy.
Parents should wipe their infant’s gums after each feeding with a gauze pad or a clean, soft, damp washcloth, says Dr. Trudy Bonvino, a Savage, Lakeville and Shakopee orthodontist. Doing so ensures that bacteria isn’t left to linger and potentially cause oral health trouble later.
As children grow and later become adults, investing in a quality toothbrush is as important to your gums as your teeth. Electric toothbrushes such as the Sonicare by Philips do a superior job when it comes to plaque removal and gum health, Dr. Bonvino says. If you opt for a manual toothbrush, be sure to select a size that is proper for your mouth, and select a model with soft bristles for your gums.
“Flossing also is important in terms of gum health,” says Dr. Bonvino, who is an Invisalign Teen provider. “People often just think of it as getting food that is lodged between teeth removed, but flossing correctly actually involves going slightly beneath the gumline to remove plaque and food particles.”
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings also an important factor when it comes to promoting periodontal health and overall oral health.
So what are the consequences of not caring properly for your gums? They aren’t pretty, says the orthodontic care expert. Unhealthy gums might bleed after brushing or flossing. They can become red and swollen. This is referred to as gingivitis. Many children’s orthodontistssee this in patients, including those who are new to braces.
“Braces can leave teeth feeling a bit tender at first, and some patients may not brush as often as they should during this period because of that,” Dr. Bonvino says. “Also, brushing around braces can prove a bit challenging until patients get the hang of it.”
The key to combatting gingivitis is getting the plaque removed properly. Plaque that is not removed can lead to full-blown periodontal (gum) disease, which causes gum tissue to break down and creates periodontal pockets.
Food particles and bacteria can become trapped in these pockets, and the bacteria begins to excrete toxins that cause the gum tissue to break down further, creating a vicious cycle.
Periodontal disease has a number of telltale signs, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. If you have any of these signs, consult your dentist:
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath that persists
- Changes to the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If you experience these symptoms, it is best to address them sooner, rather than later, Dr. Bonvino says. Periodontal disease does not go away on its own.
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