Take Care of Your Gums, Too!

Advanced gum disease affects over 47% of adults over 30 in the United States. To combat gum disease, you must practice superb oral hygiene. It is vital that you brush your teeth and gums twice a day, for two minutes each session. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gum tissues and tooth enamel–using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your tissues and open them up for infection.

It is extremely important to floss! Some people consider it not as important as brushing, but they are incorrect. Flossing cleans plaque from places your brush can’t reach. This includes between teeth and behind the back molars–both excellent breeding grounds for bacteria that cause gum disease.

Some signs and symptoms that could indicate you may have gum disease include:

–persistent halitosis

–loose or separating permanent teeth

–Any change in your bite pattern or the fit of dentures

–gums that have pulled away from the teeth

–red, tender, swollen gums

–gums that bleed easily

If you suspect gum disease, see your periodontist right away. The sooner you catch it, the sooner it can be treated. Be aware that sometimes you can have gum disease and not even know it–this is a big reason why it is important to schedule regular check-ups.

To schedule an appointment in Beverly Hills, California, call Beverly Hills Periodontal Arts and Implants at 310-360-7570. Dr. Sam Markzar and our team look forward to seeing you!