How You Can Love Your Gums This February

February is a month for love, so why not extend that love to your gums? Your gums are the foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile, yet they’re often overlooked in daily oral care routines. At Dr. Wayne Suway’s practice in Marietta, we’re all about helping you achieve and maintain excellent gum health. Let’s dive into why your gums deserve some love this Valentine’s season and what can happen if they don’t get the care they need.

Why Gum Health Matters

Your gums play a critical role in supporting your teeth and maintaining your overall oral health. Healthy gums form a protective seal around your teeth, keeping bacteria and plaque at bay. They also contribute to a confident smile and fresh breath. Neglecting gum care can lead to serious issues that affect not only your mouth but your overall health.

What Happens When You Neglect Your Gums?

Plaque Buildup and Gingivitis
When gums aren’t cleaned daily, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—accumulates along the gumline. Plaque hardens into tartar if not removed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing.

Progression to Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and even systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 47% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease.

Bad Breath
Bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar release foul-smelling compounds, causing persistent bad breath.

Gum Recession
Neglected gums may recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. This not only makes your teeth more sensitive but also increases the risk of decay and tooth loss.

Show Your Gums Some Love

Taking care of your gums doesn’t have to be complicated. Incorporate these simple steps into your daily routine to keep your gums healthy:

Brush Twice a Day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and gums. Pay extra attention to the gumline, where plaque tends to accumulate.

Floss Daily
Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and below the gumline—areas your toothbrush can’t reach.

Rinse with Mouthwash
An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath, giving your gums extra protection.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Professional cleanings and checkups are essential for maintaining gum health. At Dr. Wayne Suway’s office in Marietta, we provide thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, as well as screenings for gum disease.

Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, while a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy gums.

Gum Treatments We Offer

If your gums need extra care, Dr. Suway offers advanced treatments to restore their health and protect your smile:

• Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Laser Gum Therapy: A minimally invasive treatment for gum disease that targets and removes infected tissue.
• Gum Recession Solutions: We offer treatments to restore receded gums and protect exposed tooth roots.

Love Your Gums, Love Your Smile

Healthy gums are the secret to a lasting, confident smile. By giving your gums the care they deserve, you’re not only protecting your teeth but also promoting overall wellness. This Valentine’s Day, show your gums some love—because a healthy smile starts with healthy gums.

Contact Dr. Wayne Suway in Marietta today to schedule your next dental checkup and let us help you achieve the gum health you’ll love. Your smile deserves it!