Healthy gums are the foundation of good oral health. Pink, firm, and not likely to bleed, when you brush or floss. But when gum health goes bad, it can cause things like gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) which is periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease) and receding gums.
There are a few factors that have an effect on gum health including smoking, a diet including foods with a lot of sugar, and even genetic predisposition. If you ignore the initial stages of gum disease, you don’t just run the risk of suffering from dental problems, you also run the risk of significant health problems.
Systemic Health and Gum Health
1. Cardiovascular Health
A link between gum disease and heart disease has been proven. Gum disease leads to chronic inflammation which has been linked to hardened arteries and the risk of heart attacks and stroke. This is because the bacteria of infected gums can travel up into the blood stream and begin an infection all over the body.
2. Diabetes
It’s a two-way relationship between gum health and diabetes. The reverse is also true – if your gum health is poor, you are likely to have a harder time controlling your blood sugar levels, and if you have uncontrolled diabetes, so will your gum health. Diabetes patients must properly manage their oral health because oral infection, if not treated, can complicate the condition. Visiting the best dentist in Lahore can help ensure that gum infections are promptly treated, reducing the risk of complications for diabetes patients.
3. Respiratory Health
It also can cause bacteria from gum infections to enter the lungs and enter into respiratory infections such as pneumonia. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are most at risk, and are especially vulnerable to problems related to gum health.
4. Pregnancy and Maternal Health
During pregnancy, some components of the pituitary gland and high levels of estrogen can also make your gums more susceptible to inflammation. Thinking about gum disease in pregnancy, pregnant women are more at risk to have adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth or a baby that is small for their gestational age (low birth weight).
5. Cognitive Health
The studies are pointing to a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The hallmark of gum disease – chronic inflammation – may contribute to brain inflammation and cognitive decline. More research is needed, but maintaining gum health may also be important to keep your brain in good shape.
The Signs and Symptoms of Poor Gum Health
Knowing the symptoms of gum disease early, can avoid it from increasing in serious consequences. Common symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Brushing or flossing and bleeding.
- Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away.
- Making teeth look longer, such as receding gums.
- Changes in the way teeth line up (bite alignment).
How to Keep Your Gum Healthy
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. As you don’t forget to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth.
- Professional Cleaning & Dental Check Up: Schedule routine professional cleanings and dental check up with the best dentist in Karachi every six months. They can detect early signs of gum disease and help to bring it under control.
- Fruits, vegetables and whole grains support gum health along with lean proteins in a healthy diet. Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges and strawberries bring down the inflammation, whereas dairy products including substances rich in calcium can improve teeth and bones health.
- Smoking weakens the immune system, it’s harder for your body to fight gum infections. Stopping smoking greatly improves your oral health and health in general.
- Regular use of Antimicrobial Products: Mouthwashes containing antimicrobial agents will help reduce premature plaque and bacteria. Choose an oral care product recommended by your dentist for better results.
When Should You Get Professional Help?
If you are having recurring gum problems even after practicing good oral hygiene, see a dentist. Professional treatments for gum disease include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: The deep cleaning to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line.
- Gum Grafts: Measures for treating the receding gums and protecting the exposed root surfaces.
- Surgical Interventions: In advanced cases of periodontitis, surgery is required to return gums to health.
However, the longer you wait to treat it, the worse off your situation becomes, with eventual tooth loss and even more complications.
Conclusion
It is true that your gum health plays a key role in your overall wellness. Keeping your gums healthy can lower your risk of heart disease, and help your pregnancy have a better outcome. Eating a balanced diet and adopting good oral hygiene habits, and scheduling regular dental visits include things you can do to help protect your gums and your general health.
