Tips from Your Arcadia Dentist to Keep Gums Healthy

Gingival (gum) health supports your dental health and your overall well-being, too. So, how do you keep this soft, pink oral tissue healthy? Read some tips from your dentist in Arcadia,

Dr. Kenneth J. Canzoneri. Simple preventive steps are taken now prevent a world of gum problems down the road.

What is Gum Disease and Its Symptoms?

Healthy gum tissue forms a collar around the neck of each tooth–very much like how a turtleneck sweater covers and hugs your neck. If soft plaque and hard tartar (also called biofilm), and their associated bacteria, build-up within that little collar, a deep periodontal pocket forms. The result is very destructive, advanced gum disease, or periodontitis,  with:

• Redness and soreness
• Bleeding upon brushing and flossing
• Gum and bone recession
• Persistent bad breath
• Change in dental bite or in the fit of a partial denture or bridgework
• Mobile teeth
• Tooth loss

Yes, that’s right tooth loss results from gum disease. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology states that a vast number of teeth lost by adults in the United States is due to gum disease.

Other Harmful Effects of Periodontitis

In addition to the above symptoms, gum disease is linked to various systemic health issues. It all stems from the bacteria contained in our biofilm. Research shows it has an inflammatory effect all over the body–from our joints to our major organ systems, contributing to:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Type-2 diabetes
• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Kidney and liver problems
• Pregnancy issues, including pre-term labor

Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Obviously, gum health is as important as tooth health. What can you do to have the best gums possible? Dr. Canzoneri and his team strongly suggest these lifestyle practices:

• Stop smoking as the toxins in cigarettes inflame and burn gums
• Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove biofilm and stimulate gum tissue
• Drink plenty of water to wash teeth and gums and increase antibacterial saliva
• Eat a nutritious, low carb diet high in fiber, low-fat protein, and calcium
• Get six-month check-ups and cleanings with Dr. Canzoneri and his team

Laser Gum Therapy

To combat encroaching gum disease, Dr. Canzoneri uses traditional tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar. This is a simple, in-office procedure which is sometimes called deep cleaning.  He also employs Waterlase dental laser therapy to gently debride infected gum tissue without cutting, pain or excessive bleeding. If you are diagnosed with periodontitis, Dr. Canzoneri will tell you which gum disease therapy in Arcadia is right for you.

Learn More

At your next routine visit, please ask us more about keeping your all-important gum tissue healthy. Contact Kenneth J. Canzoneri DDS today for an appointment.