What You Need to Know About Your Gum Heath

It is important to maintain good gum health, for a number of reasons. Gum disease affects one’s overall health, from heart disease to bone loss.  Keeping one’s teeth clean can actually improve the health of the entire body. There are three things to keep in mind when thinking about gum health:

• A regular dental checkup actually includes a screening for signs of oral cancer. It is a serious dental disease that pertains to not just the mouth, but the lips and  throat as well. It is usually curable, but only if it’s diagnosed and treated in its early stages, making it very important to get regular dental checkups. Visit Dr. Kristen Ritzau, a San Clemente dentist, for a free consultation and check-up.

• Additionally, note that bad breath can be a result of poor dental health. Over 85 percent of those who have bad breath actually have a dental condition that is to blame for their bad breath.  Mouthwash does not cure bad breath, it only masks it.  Brushing the teeth and tongue, as well as flossing regularly can combat bad breath, but it is always best to speak with a dentist like Dr. Kristen Ritzau about any concerns about your oral health.

• Poor dental health like stained and yellowing teeth could be a sign of a poor diet.  Sugar from foods and soft drinks combine with oral bacteria to produce acids in the mouth that can actually attack tooth enamel. This is what leads to both cavities and gum disease.  If one has either, or both, of these conditions, it would be wise to evaluate diet. Limit soft drinks, candy and other foods that are high in sugar in order to maintain good dental health. And most importantly, make a visit to the dentist to get those stains removed before they create permanent damage to your gums.

Dental problems will not go away without the proper treatment.  Seeing a dentist every 6 months is imperative for maintaining good oral health. Make an appointment with Dr. Kristen Ritzau today to keep your gums healthy and get an update on your oral health!