Are Your Gums Healthy? Let a Dentist in Chevy Chase Explain How You Can Tell

When you look in the mirror, do you see a bright, shining smile with sparkling teeth and gums? Or, do you see red, puffy, irritated gums protruding from between your teeth? How about when you brush? Does your toothbrush turn from white to red because your gums start bleeding? Keeping your gums healthy is an important part aspect of good oral health, but if you’re having problems, let a dentist in Chevy Chase explain how you can tell if your gums are in good shape or not and why it’s important to keep them healthy gums.

The Importance of Healthy Gums

There are many steps to maintaining good oral health, but one is keeping your gums healthy. This precious tissue helps to not only hold your pearly whites in place, but it prevents bacteria from forming around the gum line if properly treated. If you develop bad dental hygiene habits, you could be putting your oral health in jeopardy.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

If you are noticing your gums are becoming red or irritated, you may be developing a mild case of gum disease known as gingivitis. With proper brushing and flossing, you can fix the issue. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can result in an infection known as periodontitis. This damages the bone that supports your teeth and can potentially lead to tooth loss. Your Chevy Chase dentist may suggest scaling and root planing, soft tissue laser therapy, or antibiotic treatment to address periodontal disease.

Signs You Need to Call Your Dentist

Do you know how to tell if your gums are healthy or not? Don’t worry, we can help. Healthy gums are pale, firm, and fit tightly around your teeth. If you’re looking and the mirror and not seeing the qualities listed above, you may want to check out the list below to see if you may have gum disease:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bad breath that lingers even after brushing/flossing/using mouthwash
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth appearing longer than normal (receding gum line)
• Gums that are tender

Ways to Keep Them Clean

Okay, so you know you’re not giving your gums the attention need (or deserve), but you want to make a change. Here’s how you can keep them clean and healthy:

1. Brushing and Flossing: Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing. Use proper flossing techniques to prevent damage to your gums.
2. Regular Dental Cleanings: Don’t chicken out on your regularly scheduled cleanings. You should be visiting your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning.
3. Kick the Habit: If you smoke, stop! Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, but it weakens your immune system, making it harder for your gums to heal or fight off infection.
4. Use Proper Oral Hygiene Products: There’s plenty of options when it comes to toothpaste and mouthwash. If you have gum disease, make sure you are using the right kinds of products to address the issue. Your dentist can provide recommendations, if necessary.

About the Author
Are you looking for a dentist who is interested in establishing trust with his patients, and who provides the highest quality dental care? Then Dr. Ronan Freyne is the dentist for you! Attending Georgetown University for his undergraduate degrees, he enrolled at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, earning a Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Dr. Freyne stays abreast of all the latest dental technologies and current concepts of evidence-based medicine. Contact us at (301) 986-0700 to find out how we can help you achieve a beautiful smile.