Importance of Taking Care of Your Gums

Our team of registered dentists & dental hygienists can help keep your teeth, mouth and gums healthy for a beautiful, white smile. 

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Taking good care of your mouth and visiting your dentist regularly is extremely important and plays an important part in both your oral and overall health. It can prevent a number of issues including:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Bad breath
• Oral cancer
• Gum disease

At Marlborough Dental Centre, our team of qualified dentists and dental hygienists provide a wide range of affordable services including teeth cleaning, whitening and direct billing to make your oral health care as easy and simple as possible.

Importance of Gum Health

When people think of dental care, most simply think of the health of their teeth and neglect their gums. However, your gums as essential to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your oral wellbeing. It can also lead to systemic health problems including Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which is why it’s so important to take good care of every aspect of your mouth.

Signs You May Have Gum Disease

Regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist will ensure that any signs of gum disease will be detected and treated early. However, in between your dental check-ups, here are a few signs you should watch out for that could indicate you have less-than-healthy gums:

Bleeding Gums

If you find that your gums bleed regularly, this could be a sign of gum disease.

Receding Gums/Loose Teeth

If you notice any loose teeth or changes in your bite, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

If bad breath persists, you may have gum disease.

Why You Should Look After Your Gums

Unhealthy gums can lead to serious problems for your mouth, eventually leading to large-scale tooth loss or several other health problems.

Here are just some of the reasons why looking after your gums and scheduling regular cleanings with your dental hygienist is so important:

Periodontitis

Gingivitis refers to an inflammation of the gums and, if left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a damaging form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Periodontitis has also been linked with several other problems including:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Certain types of cancer

Increased Risk of Oral Cancer

Gum disease results in an increase in the number of bacteria found in the mouth. It also causes a spike in gastric acidity and the number of nitrosamines in the mouth. Because these substances are cancer-promoting agents, your risk of oral cancer increases.

Higher Risk of Heart Disease

Several studies have shown that gum disease and heart disease are linked. Gum disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels, leading to blood clots and heart attacks.

Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

There are numerous steps you can take to prevent gum disease and ensure the health of your mouth and your overall well-being. Some of these include:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Using mouthwash
• Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist & dental hygienist
• Eating a well-balanced meal that contains plenty of Vitamin C and calcium
• No smoking or using any tobacco products
• Eliminating sugar from your diet
• Be cautious when consuming hot or cold food/drinks

Call Today

To find out more about our affordable dentistry services, including teeth cleanings, check-ups, seniors dental care and direct billing, contact our Calgary dental clinic today at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.