GUM & ORAL HEALTH

You probably think of your family dentist as a tooth doctor. When you clean your mouth, you likely mostly think about brushing your teeth.

But your mouth is more than your teeth, and proper care of your gums and other soft tissues is the most important thing you can do to make sure you keep your teeth.

The same bacteria that attack your teeth can attack your gums. When this occurs, you can develop gum disease that will ultimately lead to infection and tooth loss.

To protect your mouth from gum disease, remember to brush your teeth twice daily. Make sure you are flossing every day as well. To be sure you’re removing as much bacteria and food particles as possible, angle the brush so that the bristles reach down to touch the gum line. Floss your teeth daily and make sure you’re curving the floss around each tooth and reaching down to the gum line.

Don’t forget to brush your tongue, which can harbor a bacterial population that speeds up the return of bacteria throughout your mouth. An antiseptic mouth rinse can also limit bacterial growth and help you keep your gum and mouth healthy.

Regular visits to your family dentist are also important for keeping your mouth healthy. Your family dentist can give your mouth a thorough cleaning and remove hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, that can protect bacteria and contribute to gum disease. Your family dentist can also check for other oral health problems.

For an appointment with a family dentist, please contact Chapnick Dental in Barrie, Ontario.