Gum disease is a widespread health issue that affects many people. It begins as an infection in the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. If ignored, it can lead to more severe problems, including tooth loss. But here’s the surprising part: gum disease doesn’t only affect your mouth. It can also harm your overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Good oral hygiene is also crucial in maintaining general health.
What Are Gums?
Your gums are the soft pink tissue that holds your teeth in place. Imagine them as the protective cushion around your teeth and the bones that support them. Healthy gums are firm and pink, but when they are not in good condition, they can become red, swollen, and sore.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease happens when harmful bacteria build up in your mouth and affect your gums. It starts with gingivitis, which is when your gums bleed after brushing. If not treated, it can turn into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can affect your teeth and bones. Early gum disease treatment in Wetaskiwin is crucial to prevent it from worsening, protecting your oral health and overall well-being.
Gum Disease Symptoms
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- Your gums are red or swollen instead of pink
- You have bad breath that won’t go away
- Your gums feel sore or tender when you touch them
- Your teeth feel loose or different when you bite down
How Gum Disease Affects Your Whole Body?
Your mouth is closely connected to the rest of your body through your bloodstream. When there are unhealthy gums, the bacteria that are present in the plaque or tartar can get access into the bloodstream and then proceed to the other organs of the body thereby increasing the risk of many other health diseases.
That’s why dentists always emphasize, “A healthy mouth means a healthy body!” Keeping your gums in good shape not only protects your smile but also helps protect your heart, lungs, and other vital systems.
What Does Gum Do To Your Body?
Here’s how gum disease can affect other parts of your body:
- Heart Health: The bacteria from gum disease can travel to your heart and make it work harder. Hence, treating gum infections may alleviate further complications of the heart in the future. Therefore, the maintenance of proper oral hygiene is of utmost importance.
- Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, this type of disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. It’s like a two-way street—diabetes might make gum problems worse, and gum problems can make diabetes harder to manage.
- Breathing: Bacteria from infected gums can spread through your bloodstream and reach your lungs, getting blocked and resulting in some health complications. That’s why a dentist at a dental clinic near you can collaborate with other specialists to help people with breathing problems.
- Brain Health: Studies have shown that maintaining healthy gums can help protect your brain as you age. It’s incredible to think how our oral health is linked to so many other parts of our body and how taking care of our gums can have a positive impact on our overall well-being.
How to Keep Your Gums Happy and Healthy?
Taking care of your gums is easy if you follow these simple steps:
Brush Like a Pro
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Brush for two minutes, at least twice a day
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue too!
Floss Every Day
- Floss is like a tiny cleaning string that reaches spots your toothbrush can’t
- Make it a daily habit, just like brushing
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
- Have a dental check-up every six months
- Let your dentist clean the oral issue earlier
- Ask questions if you’re worried about anything
Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
- Crunchy veggies help clean your teeth naturally
- Drink lots of water to wash away bacteria
- Limit sugary snacks as they feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, so choosing healthier snacks helps protect your teeth and gums from damage.
If you do experience signs of gum disease, like swollen, bleeding gums, be sure to contact your dentist at once. Taking action now can help prevent more serious health problems in the future.
For Quality Gum Care, Visit Wetaskiwin Family Dental Today!
Wetaskiwin Family Dental is committed to providing excellent care for all ages. Our friendly team of dentists in Wetaskiwin offers services ranging from routine check-ups to the most advanced treatments in a safe and welcoming environment. We focus on helping families maintain healthy smiles. Book your dental appointment at Wetaskiwin Family Dental today!