Strong foundations win championships (and healthy smiles)
March is a fun month around here.
There’s a little more green in the air, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations popping up, and—if you’re anything like me—college basketball quietly (or not-so-quietly) taking over your evenings. 🏀
And while brackets, buzzer-beaters, and lucky charms are all very March, there’s something else I want to talk about this month that doesn’t get nearly enough attention:
Your gums. Because just like basketball (and life), the strongest outcomes are built on strong foundations.
The real foundation of a healthy mouth
When most people think about oral health, they think about teeth. But here’s the truth: Healthy teeth depend on healthy gums and bone. Your gums and the bone underneath them are what hold your teeth in place. When they’re healthy, everything works the way reinforcing defense should—quietly, effectively, and without drama. When they’re not? That’s when problems sneak in.
Let’s talk perio (short for periodontal disease)
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting bone around your teeth. It is also correlated with several health problems, like premature labor, heart disease, diabetes ,and Alzheimer's disease. It often starts quietly, with symptoms like:
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Puffy or tender gums
Persistent bad breath
And then it can progress to:
Gum recession
Bone loss
Loose teeth
Here’s what makes periodontal disease especially tricky: It’s the hardest disease in the mouth to control. Not because it’s rare—but because it’s easy to ignore. It doesn’t hurt, until it's very late in the game.
Why gum disease is so stubborn
Unlike a cavity, which often hurts and gets your attention, gum disease can progress painlessly for a long time. By the time something feels “off,” it may already be doing damage under the surface. That’s why regular cleanings and exams are so important—and why daily home care really matters here.
Flossing: the MVP nobody wants to draft
I know. Flossing isn’t exciting. It’s hard for me too! But it’s cheap And periodontal disease can get very very expensive to treat. But if gum health were a basketball team, flossing would be the quiet, reliable player who never makes the highlight reel—but wins games.
Daily flossing:
Removes plaque where your toothbrush can’t reach
Reduces inflammation between teeth
Helps control the bacteria that drive gum disease
Once a day makes a meaningful difference. Its the bulgarian split squat for your mouth. Getting it in shape to take on that next tortilla chip. The self care your body needs.
Enter the Waterpik (a very solid sixth man)
If traditional floss isn’t your favorite, water flossers (like a Waterpik) can be a great addition—especially for people with braces, crowns, bridges, or dexterity challenges. They don’t replace brushing, but they do help disrupt bacteria below the gumline and improve gum health when used consistently. Think of them as extra support off the bench.
Prevention is always the winning strategy
The good news? Periodontal disease is manageable—especially when caught early. Regular professional cleanings help remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you simply can’t remove at home. Exams allow us to monitor gum health, measure changes over time, and step in before bigger problems develop. No scare tactics. Just smart, proactive care.
A gentle March reminder
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, cheering through March Madness, or just trying to survive the tail end of winter, this is a good month to check in on your foundation. Healthy gums support:
Healthy teeth
Comfortable chewing
Fresh breath
Long-term oral health