When it comes to oral health, taking care of your teeth is only half the battle. Many patients visit our dentist in Bloomingdale or West Loop with complaints about swollen or tender gums. If you are in this boat, it’s great that you are taking the first step: seeking treatment! A study titled Prevalence of Periodontitis found that roughly 47.2 percent of American adults suffer from either mild, moderate or severe periodontitis. Our team at Pure Dental Spa wants to ensure that you are not part of that statistic!
Here are some helpful tips on how to give your gums the TLC they deserve.
Floss
It sounds simple because it is! Flossing at least once per day can help remove plaque and other food particles that are out of reach for your toothbrush. This will prevent buildup from occurring and keep all areas of your mouth clean. If you don’t floss at all, try to set a goal of three times a week and slowly work your way up to flossing every day. When you first start your daily routine of flossing, think about when you first started working out. In the beginning, your muscle were sore and aching. After a few more gym sessions, your soreness became minimal. If you haven’t been flossing, you’ll experience the same “gym soreness” at the beginning. As you continue to incorporate flossing into your daily routine, you’ll experience less discomfort and soreness. Remember: consistency is key!
Regular Dental Cleanings
Make sure to schedule regular reservations with our team! The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning at least three to twice per year. This is one of the only ways to remove built-up tartar and plaque that regular brushing and flossing cannot. Traditional toothbrushes to not have the capability to remove stubborn tartar and calculus that naturally calcifies on your teeth from saliva. Our dentists in Bloomingdale and West Loop Chicago are fully equipped with the best dental equipment on the market to ensure you receive the best dental cleaning. Through the use of Ultrasonic Scaling we are able remove most staining and calculus on the surface of your teeth. Ultrasonic Scaling involves using the energy of ultrasonic vibrations to remove hard calcified tartar and staining.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, but it is also strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Plus, if you were to get a gum infection, it may be harder for your body to fight it off because smoking weakens the immune system. If your gums have already been damaged, continued smoking makes it more difficult for them to heal. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers are twice as likely to have gum disease compared to nonsmokers. Ultimately, the best way to combat the deterioration of your gums is to quit smoking.
Gum health plays a key role in your oral health! Please schedule a reservation with our dentist in Bloomingdale or West Loop to check on the status of your gum health!