Your gums are every bit as important as your teeth! Not taking proper care of them can lead to multiple problems. Are you aware that nearly half of Americans age 30 and older have some form of gum disease?
Teeth are anchored into the jawbone, but it is the gum tissue that covers and protects the bone. Healthy gums are usually a light pink, uniform color. Bright-red gums and bleeding are a sign of inflammation caused by left behind bacteria. Poor brushing or flossing is the main reason bacteria linger. Think of your tooth as a box, with a top and four sides. Only flossing can effectively clean the sides. When bacteria remain on the teeth and cause inflammation, eventually the gum tissue shrinks away and leaves the bone underneath vulnerable to erosion. Teeth will eventually loosen and fall out.
In addition to efficiently brushing and flossing, a periodontal dental exam and a professional cleaning and flossing at 6 month intervals, will help remove the plaque and buildup you may have missed.