When was the last time you took a close look at your gums?
You probably pay a lot of attention to your teeth, but rarely think about your gums. You’re not alone. A lot of other people do the exact same thing.
Unfortunately though, neglecting that part of your mouth can lead to big problems, like receding gums — and that can affect your overall health. This is why we make your gums a priority at every dental cleaning appointment at 32ology.
The Importance of Gum Measurements
During every dental cleaning, our hygienists examine your gums using a calibrated instrument to measure the pocket between the gum and the tooth (or root). We then take measurements of the pocket depth to get a feel for the health of the gum tissue. Healthy gum tissue will usually yield numbers of less than 4 mm. Higher numbers indicate that the tissue is inflamed and some dental treatment may be necessary.
Typically, 1 – 3 mm is healthy, 4 is a warning and anything over 5 is a call to action to prevent disease.
When a 5 or 6 mm pocket is recorded, a deep cleaning may be recommended. In rare instances when numbers are higher, gum surgery may be required.
Why Do Gums Recede?
Gums recede and become inflamed or infected due to a buildup of bacteria. All food and drink pose a threat to your gums IF their particles are not removed properly. Toothbrushes and floss are critical for sweeping out this type of buildup.
Gum disease and tooth decay account for about 90% of tooth loss. The good news is that it is largely preventable. The bad news? Not many people like to brush and floss their teeth.
Get Serious About Your Gum Health
Dental work can be expensive and take time away from work and other activities. This is why we continue to stress preventive measures such as brushing, flossing and routine dental visits, in hopes of avoiding costly and time consuming procedures.
32ology offers expert, pain-free services in general dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Contact us today to have your teeth, mouth, and gum examined by a kind, caring team of professionals.