Why Are Your Gums So Important To Your Health?

Gum health is a crucial aspect of oral health. It also plays a significant role in the overall health of your body. Unhealthy gums are an avenue to developing chronic diseases.

Gums cover your teeth, roots, and jawbone. They are the shielding layer against bacteria that damage gum tissue and cause degenerative diseases. Once bacteria accumulate on the flaps, they cause periodontal disease.

KK Dental – Somerset understands the importance of gums to your overall health. They recommend regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. By maintaining oral hygiene, you avert many health problems that arise as a result of gum diseases.

How Gum Disease Starts

The mouth is an ecosystem of bacteria known as the oral microbiome. Different types of bacteria compete for space, achieving a perfect balance. Your gums are protected as long as the balance exists. Any distortion to the ratio opens room for pathogens to invade.

Once pathogens invade, the gums start swelling, thereby destroying the tissues. The body’s immune system senses the existence of the disease-causing bacteria and produces substances that destroy the bacteria and damage the gum tissue.

Gum Disease’s Effects Throughout the Body

Periodontal disease causes several effects ranging from mild redness and swelling of gums to destruction of the tooth’s framework. Once the entire tooth framework is damaged, you begin to lose teeth. Periodontal disease affects your whole body in various ways.

Heart Health

Gum disease has a direct effect on your heart health. It causes inflammation in your entire body. Some studies have found that severe gum disease links to heart disease. Heart disease is an inflammatory disease that multiplies the probability of a stroke, especially when a person suffers from gum disease.

Lung Health

Periodontal health promotes lung health for persons with obstructive pulmonary disease. Periodontal disease increases the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia due to inhaling bacteria in the respiratory tract.

Nutritional Health

Meanwhile, gum disease is the foremost cause of tooth loss. Tooth loss makes eating certain healthy foods like crisp fruits and vegetables more difficult. Lack of teeth also causes chewing problems resulting in poor nutrition, which in turn causes problems such as dizziness and fatigue.

Emotional Health

People first notice your smile when in public. It is therefore essential to have a friendly smile, which is not the case for individuals with gum disease. Lack of teeth leads to substantial social problems leading to reduced emotional health.

Overall Body

Periodontal disease causes a surge in the bacteria present in your mouth. The increased bacteria in your mouth increases their chance of getting absorbed into the bloodstream, which may lead to more severe infections. For instance, some researchers have identified a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Using an antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce the bacteria and thus lowers the probability of getting gingivitis.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Being ahead of the game is ideal for taking care of your gums. You can maintain optimal gum hygiene and avoid challenges associated with gum diseases. There are several tips to prevent bacterial infection.

• Brush and floss – brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing them before sleeping is advisable. If you have dental implants, braces or bridges, or wide gaps between the teeth, you might use an interdental brush with tiny bristles on one end to clear any trapped food.
• Eat a healthy diet – Once you adhere to brushing and flossing your teeth daily, you can supplement your gum health by taking healthy foods that provide essential nutrients. They include nuts, legumes, fruits, oils, and fatty fish.
• Don’t smoke – smoking increases the chances of developing gum disease. You can avoid smoking and stay clear of periodontal disease.

Tips for Keeping Healthy Gums

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
• Ensure you rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily.
• Replace old toothbrushes that are worn out.
• Adhere to regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid eating sugary snacks and drinks.