Why You Should Want to Keep Your Gums Happy and Healthy
A healthy smile doesn’t stop at the way your teeth look. You can have as pretty a smile as possible – white, straight, no cavities – and still, if you don’t care for your gums, they could destroy the whole situation. Gums play a major role in the health of your mouth; they protect the roots, nerves and jaw from the elements, and house un-erupted teeth as they’re developing. Plaque buildup at your gum line can lead to gum disease, and gum disease can lead to tooth decay and even damage to your jaw bone. What? Yeah. There are real consequences to letting gingivitis run rampant besides receding gums.
The Health Risks of Gum Disease
About 10% of Americans age 65 or less have some form of gum disease, anywhere from early signs of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. And while gum disease poses a real threat to the health of all the bones and tissues in your mouth, it has been shown to contribute to other health problems as well:
- Socio-emotional Health: An overwhelming majority of dentists report that embarrassment is the main concern in their patients that have tooth loss. In America, a healthy smile is vital to positive interactions in your social and professional life.
- Dietary Issues: If you’ve got painful gums, missing teeth, or weak, decaying, chipped teeth, it’s going to be hard to keep a healthy diet. You need an effective bite to consume fresh fruits and veggies.
- Respiratory Health: Periodontal disease can increase risk of pneumonia and exacerbate symptoms of COPD.
- Heart Health: Periodontal disease may play a role in risk factors for heart attack and stroke, because it causes inflammation throughout the body.
- Gum disease may also play a role in risk factors for diabetes.
How do you know if you’re showing early signs of gum disease? Gums that bleed often, are really sensitive, or show signs of recession like pockets between the teeth are just some of the signs of gingivitis and early periodontitis. If you’re worried, it’s never a bad idea to schedule a checkup and a dental cleaning with your family dentist.
8 Ways to Prevent Gingivitis and Periodontitis
The best intervention is prevention, so here are a few helpful tips on how to protect the health of your gums:
- Floss! Flossing not only removes plaque buildup and potentially harmful bacteria from food debris, but it stimulates the gum line, promoting healthy, stable gums.
- Choose the right toothbrush. Soft bristles of varying heights are perfect for gum health because you can target the gum line without irritating it. Over-brushing and brushing too hard can cause receding gums. When you brush, be thorough, not rough.
- Choose the right toothpaste and mouthwash. Your toothpaste should have fluoride in it, as it protects your enamel and discourages plaque buildup. Your mouthwash should do the same. There are mouthwashes available specifically for maintaining and restoring gum health with antiseptics that are gentle on sensitive gums. Make sure both your toothpaste and mouthwash is ADA-approved.
- Limit junk foods and sodas.
- Go see your family dentist for regular dental cleanings.
- Brush your teeth correctly. Yup, the way you brush your teeth can affect its effectiveness and whether you hurt or help your gums. Use short strokes and work at a 45-degree angle from the gum line. Brush twice a day and replace your toothbrush at least every 4 months.
- Stop smoking. Seriously. There’s, like, a thousand reasons to.
- Make sure your family dentist knows your health history and any medication regiment you may be on. Both of these can pose risks to your oral health, and knowing your risk factors will help your dentist create the best treatment and prevention plan for your specific needs.
Taking care of your gums correctly won’t add much time to your oral hygiene routine, and it serves to protect way more than just your gums. Questions? Ask your dentist anything; they’ll know exactly how to help.