The importance of keeping up with your oral health and its effect on your overall health is well known. 93% of adults in the U.S. consider oral health as important or more important than their physical health.
While oral health is top of mind gum health can often be overlooked. Yet it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall wellbeing and preventing oral infections which can lead to systemic health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
That’s why Gum Care Month is the perfect time to talk to your patients about the importance of healthy gums. Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30, yet many don’t know how to prevent it—or that it’s even happening.
As a dental provider, you can guide patients with confidence using clear, simple education that empowers them to act.
Key Takeaways:
- Gum Health Basics: Gums protect teeth and support bone structure. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and serious health issues.
- Talk Simply: Use everyday comparisons and ask open-ended questions.
- Use Visuals: Show problem areas, use diagrams, and offer printable resources.
- Prevention Made Easy: Brush, floss, use mouthwash, visit the dentist regularly.
- Make It Personal: Tailor advice based on smoking, diabetes, poor diet, stress, pregnancy, be supportive, not judgmental.
- Whole-Body Connection: Explain how gum disease affects overall health through inflammation.
Why Gum Health Matters
Gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. They protect teeth, support bone structure, and help prevent infections. Gum disease starts with gingivitis—red, swollen gums that may bleed—and can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone and can lead to tooth loss.
But gum disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. It’s linked to serious health conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Pregnancy complications
Helpful Resource:
Gum Disease: How It Can Harm Your Health
Speak Their Language
When speaking with your patients about gum health, avoid medical jargon. Use everyday words and relatable comparisons:
- “Your gums are like the soil that holds a tree in place. If the soil is unhealthy, the tree can fall.”
- “Gum disease is like a silent infection—it often doesn’t hurt until it’s serious.”
Be sure to ask open-ended questions to start the conversation:
- “Have you noticed bleeding when you brush?”
- “Do your gums ever feel sore or swollen?”
Helpful Resources:
Health Literacy Guide for Your Patients
New Patient Package eBook
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Visuals make a significant impact. In fact, 65% of the population are visual learners. They prefer visual aids over verbal or written communication. So, be sure to use:
- Intraoral cameras to show problem areas.
- Diagrams of healthy vs. unhealthy gums
- Printable brushing calendars and gum health checklists
Helpful Resources:
Download patient-friendly materials from HRSA
Explore the ADA’s MouthHealthy resources
Teach Prevention in 4 Simple Steps
For many people it seems daunting to even start when oral health isn’t part of their everyday routine. However, once you build a habit into your day you don’t even think about it. Talk to your patients about the four key steps they can take to help prevent gum disease:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gums.
- Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
You can recommend floss picks or water flossers for patients who struggle with traditional flossing.
The earlier you build a habit the easier it will be later in life. Check out our Patient Resources for Helping Kids Build Healthy Habits (includes an educational poster, social media graphics, and a patient tipsheet).
Personalize the Message
People are more likely to engage when they learn about how something directly affects them. As you get to know your patients and their health history, you can tailor gum health advice based on risk factors that impact them like:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy)
Along with providing relatable examples, let your patients know that you’re here to help—not judge. For example:
“I noticed some deep pockets around your teeth. That’s a sign of gum disease, but the good news is we can treat it and prevent further damage.”
Connect Gum Health to Whole-Body Wellness
Patients are also more likely to care about their gum health when they understand the bigger picture. That’s why it’s important to explain how gum disease can increase inflammation throughout the body and affect other health conditions.
Gum health is more than just a dental concern—it’s a gateway to whole-body wellness. By using simple language, engaging visuals, and personalized guidance, you can help patients understand the importance of healthy gums and take meaningful steps toward prevention. This Gum Care Month, be the trusted voice that turns awareness into action and empowers your patients to protect their smiles—and their overall health.
Interested in joining the Solstice dental network?
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