Recent data from the World Dental Federation (FDI) reveals that gum disease is among humanity's most common diseases affecting up to 90 percent of the global adult population.
Even in the absence of any noticeable gum inflammation, poor oral hygiene and failure to clean the plaque accumulated between gums and teeth can put you at a risk of gum disorders, periodontal disease, and gingivitis (gum inflammation).
This article will help you recognize how gums form an essential part of your oral health and what you can do to keep them healthy.
The Significance of Gum Health:
Gums reveal a lot about your oral health. Keeping gums clean and healthy is critical as they support the teeth and reduce the proliferation of sulfur-producing bacteria that cause bad breath. The points mentioned below will help you understand how gums affect your well-being.
1) Poor Hygiene Increases the Risk of Periodontal Disease
Your gums are designed to cover and support your teeth and the underlying bones. Poor oral care can cause food particles to accumulate between the teeth and the gums and form plaque and calculus (bacterial films that accumulate on teeth). Over a period of time, this plaque releases toxins that damage the gums, causing gingivitis, which further progresses into a periodontal disease, a low-grade infection of the gums.
Your teeth are anchored in the gums and supported by the adjoining bones. Poorly-maintained gums can weaken the foundation of the tooth, eventually causing it to be lost.
2) Gums and Heart Have a Direct Connection
Recent research reveals that if you have a moderate or advanced stage gum disease, you are at a huge risk of developing heart ailments. Oral health and heart conditions are connected because the bacteria in your mouth spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream. When they reach the heart, they attach themselves to the inner walls and the lumen of the blood vessels, causing inflammation and a condition called endocarditis. This soreness often leads to the formation of clots, increasing the risk of other heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or clogged arteries and hypertension.
Oral bacteria are also proven to elevate the C-reactive protein levels in your blood, significantly increasing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases and stroke.
3) Gum Disease Is a Risk Factor for Diabetes and Respiratory Infections
Diabetes has long been considered as a risk factor for gum disease; however, researchers say that the reverse may also be true. Several studies point out that periodontitis raises the blood sugar level in individuals with or without diabetes.
Scientists believe that the bacteria from the infected gums leak into the bloodstream and trigger a variety of harmful reactions in the body, one of which is elevated blood glucose levels.
Furthermore, research indicates that individuals with gum diseases are at an increased risk of respiratory infections, namely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and bronchitis. Often, the bacteria in the oral cavity are inhaled into the respiratory tract, causing the above-mentioned respiratory tract infections.
Caring for Gums:
Neglecting the health of your gums can cause harmful and expensive dental issues down the line. Oral health is not merely about managing the health of your teeth. Even if your dentist has declared you cavity free, you are surely not immune to gum disorders. Consider using the below mentioned tips to ensure that your gums are in a good condition.
1) Think beyond the Toothbrush
Any gum disorder starts with plaque build up along the gum line due to poor oral hygiene and improper diet. Brushing alone is not enough as a single brushing session can get rid of merely 43 percent of the plaque, leaving the rest to cause tooth decay and gum diseases. Moreover, our modern eating patterns (increased intake of sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and junk food) can adversely affect gum health.
Apart from brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, you should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from areas that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. Use a therapeutic mouthwash that can help reduce the speed at which the soft plaque converts into hard calculus.
Include food rich in vitamins and minerals, and limit your junk food intake. Choose nutritious food items, such as milk and milk products, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and fruits to boost your immune system and reduce the risk of gum disorders.
2) Manage Stress Effectively
Stress is the root cause of a variety of health disorders, including gum disorders. Chronic stress downregulates the body's immune and hormonal response, and increases the salivary Cortisol (a stress hormone) level, thereby increasing the risk of periodontitis and other gum diseases.
Though stress is an inseparable part of the modern life, a few positive changes can help you address it before you face serious dental issues. Effectively manage stress by developing a hobby, exercising regularly, and practicing yoga or meditation.
3) Kick the Cigarette Butt
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum diseases. Smoking also affects your immune system, making you prone to gum infections.
To control your urge to smoke, get rid of smoking reminders like cigarettes, ashtrays, matchboxes, and lighters. Identify things that remind you of smoking. These can include specific situations, activities, feelings, and even people. Try and distract your mind when you come across any trigger. For instance, if you resort to smoking under stress, engage your body and mind in some productive activities like exercising or solving a puzzle instead of lighting up a cigarette.
4) Go for Regular Dental Cleaning
Meeting your local dentist or a periodontist regularly can help in the early diagnosis and management of several dental issues. Visit a local dental expert that offers a wide range of dental services that can be customized as per your needs. For instance, citizens of Marietta, GA, can look for Marietta family dental services for expert advice on general and preventive dental care.
Owing to the link between dental and overall health, several dental clinics assess your risk for gum disorders with respect to associated health conditions, such as chronic inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Consequently, it is wise to consult a professional who can help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum diseases.
Take Home Message
Oral health is not merely about caring for your pearly whites. Gums support your teeth and act as barriers that protect the roots and the adjoining bone tissue from infectious bacteria. Use the information shared in this article to keep your gums clean and healthy.