When we think of general health, we probably don’t first think of oral or gum health. Unfortunately, gum disease is more common than most people understand; and it can become a worse problem as aging progresses. The way someone takes care of their mouth their entire life will affect their gum health as they get older, so sometimes by the time they realize they need to care for their gums better, it’s a bit too late.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when plaque is built up in the area between the gums and teeth. When plaque is not properly cleaned away from this area, it will harden over time and eventually cause inflammation. This inflammation can then lead to shrinking gum tissue and infection.
Whether you live in Vellore Woods or beyond, taking care of your teeth and gums should be of the highest priority. Need further evidence as to why you shouldn’t overlook the health of your gums? Keep reading to find out:
Gum Problems Are Difficult to Detect
Unlike some other dental issues, gum disease in its early stages is extremely difficult to detect. This makes it much harder to recognize that there is a problem while there’s still time to get ahead of it. Without assurance from your dentist that your gums are, in fact, healthy, you won’t know until they reach a certain point of unhealthiness.
You Probably Want Your Teeth
If you’re happy with your adult smile, that’s a great reason to start caring more about the health of your gums. This is because serious periodontal disease can cause serious bone loss surrounding your teeth. When there’s not enough bone to support your teeth on top of them, your teeth can become loose, unstable, and eventually fall out. In fact, gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss among adults.
It Can Affect Pregnancy
One thing you may not have known about gum disease is that it actually increases the risk of having an underweight baby, delivering early, or developing gestational diabetes. These are all serious pregnancy concerns that can be avoided if proper gum disease prevention is taken: brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups.
It Helps Your Heart
In several studies, doctors have found that inflammation in the gums can greatly increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Why? This is because inflammation in the mouth can increase the level of inflammation throughout the body, leading to cardiovascular disease and the problems mentioned above.
Breathe Easier
When someone has periodontal disease, it means they have a high level of bacteria breeding in their mouth. Because of this heightened presence of oral bacteria, they are also more likely to breathe in these germs, which can lead to issues like pneumonia or other chronic lung problems. If breathing is already difficult for someone due to a problem like COPD, gum disease can exacerbate the symptoms.
Help Your Gums, Help Your Blood
While having diabetes will increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, getting the gum disease under control will, in turn, help control diabetes as well. Recent research has supported a two-way relationship between these diseases. Doctors have learned that by controlling the inflammation in the gums, the blood’s glycemic levels can also become better controlled.
The Best Way to Care for Your Gums?
The best way to care for the gums is to combine proper home care routines such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with regular professional dental checkups. By seeing a dentist regularly and sticking to a dedicated home oral health routine, you can decrease your chance of developing gum disease and increase the beauty and health of your smile.
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