Recent data from the U.S. CDC shows that periodontitis (gum disease) affects 42% of adults aged 30 years or older. Nearly one in ten have severe periodontitis! 



Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that can wreak havoc on gum health and increase the risk of tooth loss. It damages the gums and the bones supporting the teeth, causing pain and reducing overall quality of life. 

All that makes learning how to improve gum health and avoid periodontitis imperative. Knowing what to do if you suspect you have gum disease can also help prevent it from worsening and affecting your overall health. 

So, join our caring experts at Smart Smile Dental, our family, cosmetic, and orthodontic dentistry office in Orange, CA, as we explore this guide discussing how to restore gum health and keep these soft tissues healthy.

Understand How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

When you know how gum and oral health can affect your overall health and vice versa, you're more likely to take steps and make lifestyle decisions that can help you improve both.

For example, as the NIH MedLine Plus Magazine explains, the harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease can travel from the mouth to the digestive system and bloodstream. When this happens, you may experience more health problems. Moreover, the tooth decay and gum disease these germs cause can result in chronic inflammatory conditions that affect many other areas of the body.

Conversely, some chronic or long-term physical health conditions can impact your oral health, too.

An example is diabetes. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, people with this condition are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Diabetes can also cause thrush, a fungal infection, and dry mouth, leading to more infections and tooth decay. In individuals with diabetes, gum disease makes controlling blood sugar levels more challenging.

Brush Twice Daily

Now that you know how health conditions can develop or worsen due to poor gum and oral health, you'll likely feel more motivated to care better for your teeth and gums. One of the best ways to do this is to brush at least twice daily for at least two minutes.

Regular and adequate brushing prevents plaque and tartar buildup. You don't want these in your mouth, as they're among the leading causes of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Plaque is a sticky film containing disease-causing bacteria that forms continuously on the surfaces of teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce acids that attack and destroy teeth, gums, and supporting bones.

So, to improve gum teeth health, always brush once in the morning and before bedtime. You can also ask your dentist specializing in periodontal dentistry to advise you about:

• The best mouthwash for gum health
• The best toothpaste for gum health
• Other gum health products, such as electric toothbrushes and interdental cleaning devices

Never Skip Flossing

Although brushing is crucial to removing plaque on tooth surfaces, toothbrush bristles can't reach and clean the areas between the teeth. For this reason, you must use interdental cleaning devices, such as: 

• Dental floss
• Interdental brushes
• Oral irrigators

An article published in the MDPI journals says the American Dental Association's (ADA) recommendation for interdental cleaning practices is at least once daily. Consider doing it just before you brush before heading to bed. 

Monitor Your Gum Health 

Periodontal disease doesn't happen overnight. Instead, it develops in stages, with the earliest stages possibly reversible.

The first stage is gingivitis or gum inflammation.

If caught and treated early, you may be able to reverse gingivitis. For this reason, it's crucial to monitor your gum health at home and watch for symptoms like:

• Swollen, painful, or tender gums
• Shiny, red, or purple gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Discomfort or pain when biting down or chewing food
• Mouth sores

If you notice those symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your dentist in Orange, CA, as soon as possible. Your dentist can help treat and reverse gingivitis through professional dental cleaning, scaling, and root planing. They may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help control bacterial populations in the mouth.

Schedule Regular Periodontal Maintenance

With the help of your Orange dentist, you can prevent gingivitis from causing more severe problems, such as gum recession or periodontitis.

But what if you already have gum disease? Is it still treatable, and can you restore optimal gum health? 

Your dentist can help you achieve better oral health with periodontal maintenance treatments. They involve:

• Thorough gum health assessments using state-of-the-art technology like digital X-rays and intraoral cameras
• Comprehensive dental cleanings
• Tailored oral hygiene instructions and recommendations
• Periodontal charting
• Advanced treatments, including scaling and root planing

With periodontal maintenance, your dentist in Orange, CA, can prevent gum disease from advancing and causing more severe complications. Minimizing these risks can help you preserve your teeth and gums. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the better your oral and overall health and well-being.

Consider Chao Pinhole for Gum Recession

Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, a condition known as gingival or gum recession. In people with receding gums, the roots of their teeth become exposed, making them more vulnerable to cavities. The teeth can also become sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods or during brushing or eating.

In the past, treating gum recession involved gum grafting, an invasive procedure that requires surgically transferring healthy tissue from one part of the mouth to the affected area. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, thanks to the advent of the Chao Pinhole Surgery technique. It's much less invasive, causes less discomfort, and results in a faster recovery than traditional gum grafts.

Ready for Healthier Teeth and Gums? 

Because teeth and gum health affect oral and overall health, it is vital to keep your pearly whites and the soft tissues of your mouth in top condition.

Our caring dental team and highly experienced doctors at Smart Smile Dental in Orange, CA, can help improve and restore your teeth and gums to an optimal state. Our good doctors have decades of combined experience in general, periodontal, and surgical dentistry.

So, if you're ready to enjoy better oral and overall health, we encourage you to book a consultation today.