Maintaining healthy teeth is essential to living a satisfying life. After all, without teeth, everyday things like eating and even talking can be challenging, to say the least.
But did you know that a key component of keeping teeth healthy and avoiding tooth loss includes taking diligent care of your gums? With proper care of the gums, you can help to keep your teeth strong for life. Read on for more.
Gum care is essential
We often think about caring for teeth when considering attaining a healthy mouth. However, caring for your gums is equally important.
Gum disease can occur when plaque builds on the gum line, which can, in turn, infect your gums and the bone structure that keeps your teeth secure. In its initial stages, this is referred to as gingivitis. Luckily, gingivitis can be avoided or treated by daily brushing and flossing.
As gum disease progresses, it is known as periodontitis, which has to be treated by your dentist. If left untreated, periodontitis can deteriorate the supporting bones, gums and tissue of your teeth. And, in severe cases, teeth are removed or lost.
Warning signs of gum disease include swollen or red gums, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and painful chewing. Gums can also start pulling away from the teeth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Preventing gum disease is quite simple, actually.
This starts with brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It is also key to see your dentist for your regular cleaning and checkup as your dentist can identify any potential warning signs that you may not realize you have.
Further, eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your gums in good health. And if you smoke, this increases your risk of developing gum disease. Consider quitting.
An experienced, respected dentist
Dr. Mitchell Milan of Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has been caring for the teeth and gums of patients for over 20 years. He takes pride in restoring smiles from lackluster to lustrous and from broken to fully-functional.
As a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry in Michigan, Dr. Milan understands exactly what it takes to achieve a healthy smile. And his patients are consistently pleased with his ability to offer customized dental solutions for their unique concerns.
Dr. Milan is highly experienced in not only cosmetic dentistry, but also preventive, advanced and restorative dentistry. His experience is vast, and his education and training are top notch, which is why his patients come to him from all over the state and country.
His focus always remains on patient safety, comfort and satisfaction and, as such, prioritizes remaining at the forefront of the latest dental procedures, tools and techniques. Dr. Milan considers his job not only a science, but also an art to be able to curate gorgeous smiles for his patients.
If you are searching for a well-regarded dentist in southeast Michigan to step your dental health up, contact Dr. Milan’s office for your appointment. He looks forward to helping you.