Have you given your gums the love they need today? It’s simple if you know the steps. For the longevity of a dental implant, the gums are an essential body part to nourish.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. No exceptions.
- Floss daily. Brushing alone doesn’t remove plaque below the gum lines, which houses more than 500 different species of bacteria. It’s simple – You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep.
- Maintain good oral health habits. This is the only way to prevent symptoms like swollen gums, tooth loss, and bad breath.
These are the tools needed to determine whether dental implant treatment will be successful for you. Periodontal (gum) disease is incredibly common. The good news is it’s entirely preventable. Healthy gums mean a healthy smile.
Linking The Two
As dental implants are the wave of the future, your candidacy depends on the strength of the jaw and the health of the gums. The gums must be in good shape, not only for the sake of the whole of your body, but if you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth. When people think of oral or dental problems they usually think the problems are with their teeth. The truth is, the gums are actually where many serious mouth problems begin, including those that affect the teeth. Here’s more you need to know:
- Swollen and bleeding gums can not only be uncomfortable, but left untreated, they can lead to periodontal disease.
- Other gum issues include gum abscesses and receding gums. Both can destroy the teeth’s bony support structure, leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
- Your gums can also impact your health in ways beyond your mouth. There’s evidence that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and pregnancy complications.
Because a dental implant needs good oral hygiene prior to placement, taking care of your gums in and out of the bathroom is key. The good news there are simple steps you can take to maintain healthy gums before you see your dentist to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
- Pay attention to your diet – Include foods with omega-3, calcium, vitamin D, and honey in your diet. Foods such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, trout), soybeans, flax seed, and walnuts all have omega-3. For calcium, try dark leafy greens, cheese, low-fat milk, and yogurt. Your body and gums will thank you.
- Exercise – Healthy weight and overall fitness are linked to better gum health. Just one more reason to stay in shape.
- Manage your stress – When you’re stressed out, the body releases cortisol which can worsen gum disease. Also, when you’re stressed, you’re more likely to neglect your health.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking can cause gum disease and make it worse if you already have it. Stop smoking today.
- Pay a visit to your dentist – An exam and evaluation with your dentist can detect any problems with the gums, and also give you a consult on whether a dental implant is right for you.
How Dr. Majors Can Help
At our Brazos County, TX office, we have all the ingredients to ensure your dental implant treatment is a success. Assessing your gums and how it relates to your overall health is a vital step prior to implant placement. Dr. Majors and his team is poised to take your smile to the next level. Contact us and see what the buzz is about in Bryan, TX!