Your gums are an essential part of your mouth. They help to support and protect your teeth. But important as they are, they are quite prone to disease and infection. Maintaining adequate oral hygiene is crucial for healthy gums and a healthy mouth overall.
One of the main functions of gums is to protect your teeth. Now, the teeth already have a defense in their hard layer of enamel. This works to keep bacteria out of the inner sensitive layers. But the roots of teeth don’t have this protection. Instead, gums cover them so that they can perform their function.
If gums become diseased, however, they start to recede and pull away from teeth. They form pockets where bacteria accumulate. Tooth roots are then exposed and in the open, vulnerable to attack from bacteria and acid.
Those pockets are a great place for bacteria to flourish, and soon toxins begin to spread through gum tissue down deeper. Over time, bone and connective tissue is damaged, and ultimately teeth can be lost. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in this country.
It is best to prevent gum disease entirely by practicing effective oral hygiene. An important part of your routine should be biannual cleanings at Scott J. Ferguson, DDS. If you do develop gum disease, early treatment is best. It can only be reversed in its early stages. Dr. Scott Ferguson can perform deep cleaning procedures to remove built-up plaque and stop the progress of infection.
To learn more about gum disease, including its treatments and causes, please call our office in Kimball, MI, today.