Why Healthy Gums Matter

Part One: Why Healthy Gums Matter – Understanding Gum Disease

Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, lasting smile. While most people focus on brushing and flossing their teeth, gums often get overlooked. Neglecting gum health can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even impact overall health. In this article, we’ll explore why gums are so important, what gum disease is, and why regular professional teeth cleaning is essential. We have a big focus on prevention and general health at our Brisbane CBD dental clinic.

What Are Gums and Why Are They Important?

Gums (gingiva) are the soft tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Healthy gums:

  • Protect the roots of your teeth and underlying bone.

  • Act as a barrier against bacteria.

  • Keep teeth stable and prevent them from shifting or loosening.

When gums are unhealthy, they can recede, bleed, and develop pockets where bacteria thrive. This can eventually lead to gum disease (periodontal disease) and, in severe cases, tooth loss.

brisbane cbd dentist

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth caused by plaque and tartar buildup. There are two main stages:

  1. Gingivitis (early stage)

    • Symptoms: Red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.

    • Often painless, which is why many people don’t notice it.

    • Reversible with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene.

  2. Periodontitis (advanced stage)

    • Symptoms: Gum recession, deep pockets between teeth and gums, bad breath, loose teeth.

    • Can lead to tooth loss and affect overall health (linked to heart disease, diabetes, and more).

    • Requires deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing periodontal care. This may be done by our Brisbane CBD Dentist or we may need to refer you to a specialist (a periodontist).

Brisbane CBD Dentist

Why Regular Teeth Cleaning Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Professional teeth cleaning is more than just polishing your teeth—it’s a critical preventive step for gum health. At our Brisbane CBD dental practice, your dentist or hygienist will:

  • Remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss.

  • Check for early signs of gum disease and other oral health issues.

  • Offer tailored advice for your smile.

Regular cleaning reduces the risk of gum inflammation, infection, and the need for more extensive treatments later.

Brisbane CBD dentist

Special Considerations for Gum Health

Certain areas are particularly important to keep clean to prevent gum disease:

  • Along the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate.

  • Around dental work, including crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers.

  • Hard-to-reach back teeth.

Maintaining these areas with professional care ensures gums stay strong and healthy, even if you have cosmetic or restorative dental work. At our Brisbane CBD dentist clinic, we take extra care when cleaning around veneers or dental implants to protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best.

Dental Implants Brisbane

Next Steps

If you haven’t had a dental checkup recently, or if your gums bleed or feel tender, it’s time to book a consultation. In our next blog, we’ll explore preventive versus deep cleaning, explaining the treatments available for maintaining healthy gums and managing gum disease.

📞 Call us on (07) 3211 1155  or
💻 Book your appointment online here

Your smile deserves the care of a gentle Brisbane CBD dentist—we look forward to seeing you soon.

If you would like to read further.