Your gums are an important part of your smile. They protect your tooth roots against bacteria, prevent sensitivity, and keep your smile looking great.

Because your gums serve many functions, there are many benefits to periodontal care. At Smiles for Life Dental Care serving Bridgewater, Staunton and Harrisonburg, VA, we offer advanced periodontal care to help you maintain good oral and overall health.

Here are four reasons why periodontal care by Drs. Joe McIntyre, Dan Whiting, and Bryant Ash is essential.

1. Overall Wellness

According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, gum disease can affect your whole health. Patients with periodontal disease are proven to be at a higher risk for: 

• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy complications

Researchers believe that this is a reciprocal relationship rather than cause-and-effect. For example, treating periodontitis lessens the severity of diabetes and vice versa. Therefore, regular professional periodontal care can help improve your overall health and lengthen your lifespan. 

To protect your overall health, our dentists try to prevent periodontal disease before it develops. At Smiles for Life Dental Care, our dentists will examine the state of your gums during your first comprehensive checkup. After examining your smile and conducting any necessary imaging, our dentists may recommend additional treatment to restore the health of your gums.

To keep your oral health and overall health in check, continue to care for your gums at home by:

• Brushing and flossing twice daily
• Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash
• Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco
• Consuming a nutritious diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Attending dental checkups twice a year

2. Beautiful Smile

Healthy gums can also help you maintain a dazzling smile.

You may feel self-conscious about your smile if your gums are affected by periodontal disease, since gum disease can make your gums look swollen or bloody. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and tooth loss can lead to the erosion of the jaw bone. At this point, you would need a dental implant and possibly a bone graft to restore your smile permanently. Please take care of gum disease at the earliest stage possible, so that you can avoid restorative dental surgery.

If you have gum recession as a result of gum disease, restorative periodontal care can restore and strengthen your gum line. 

3. Fresh Breath

Halitosis (bad breath) is generally caused by remaining food particles and bacteria accumulation on your teeth, gums, and tongue. After performing a professional cleaning, your dentist may prescribe a special mouthwash to help break down the build up of bacteria. A consistent oral care routine is the key to fighting bad breath.

4. Pain Relief

Infected gums can feel sore, inflamed, and sensitive. They are also predisposed to bleeding. As periodontal disease is treated, these symptoms should disappear. 

Book an Appointment Now to Check Your Periodontal Health

Gum health is an essential component of great overall health and a healthy-looking smile. During a check-up at our office, our dentists can screen for periodontal disease and recommend ways for you to maintain good gum health for years to come. Call (540) 828-2312 or message us online to schedule a comprehensive oral health exam.