Healthy Gums Can Lead to a Healthy Body
Healthy gums are a major component of a healthy smile. While you make an effort to take good care of your teeth, it is also essential that you do not neglect the health of your gums. Unhealthy gums can pose a threat to your oral and general wellbeing. It can cause serious problems for the mouth and eventually lead to large-scale tooth loss.
When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well supported by the gum tissue and your chances for lifelong dental health are significantly improved. If you fail to keep healthy gums, you are more likely to suffer from gum disease. Your dental team can do a lot, but it is up to you to make sure your oral health is in great condition and ensure you keep up the excellent work.
Gums and Body Connection
The health of your mouth could affect the health of your body. New findings show that infections in the mouth can be connected with problems in other parts of the human body. Medical researchers believe that people with gum disease may have an increased risk of developing respiratory infections and cardiovascular infections.
People with gum disease may be at higher risk for respiratory infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia or acute bronchitis, as indicated by a new study. That is because when you have gum disease, you also have more bacteria in your mouth, which makes you more susceptible to experiencing chest infections. Bacteria chest infections are deemed the result of inhaling fine droplets from the upper throat and mouth into the lungs.
Moreover, several studies have indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. When the oral bacteria can get into the bloodstream, it produces a protein that causes the platelets in the blood to stick together in the heart’s blood vessels. This leads to clot formation and can possibly obstruct the normal blood flow to the heart. If the blood is seriously affected, this could result in heart attack.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy
You can prevent gum problems and other oral health issues that can be harmful to your wellbeing and promote one of a kind gum health in six easy steps.
- Mouthwash – to help get rid of the most bacteria in your mouth, use a good oral antiseptic to integrate into your daily oral care. A good mouthwash can kill the remaining bacteria in your mouth, helping you keep your gums and teeth healthy and clean.
- Right toothbrush – hard toothbrush bristles can harm your gums, so pick ones with soft and fine bristles. Your dentist may prescribe an electric toothbrush to help you clean your teeth and remove plaque more effectively.
- Thorough brushing – regular, thorough brushing is a crucial step in preventing dental problems and gum disease. Spend a few minutes brushing your teeth thoroughly. Clean the gums above and below your teeth, and scrub your tongue to get rid of the bacteria that can transfer back to your teeth and gums.
- Floss – it’s a good idea to floss after meals and before going to bed, to stop the built-up food from fostering bacteria in your teeth and gums. Flossing helps eliminate bad breath as well as prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Healthy diet – diet can affect your oral health. Starches, sugary foods and beverages can harm your teeth and gums as plaque breaks them down to produce acids that promote dental caries. Fiber-rich fruits and leafy vegetables can help improve gum health and promote blood flow.
- Regular dental check-up visit – you may not always know what’s happening to your teeth and gums until something goes wrong. Your dentist can detect, diagnose and treat oral health issues you may not know through a comprehensive check-up and examination. A regular visit to your dental team helps ensure long-term oral health wellness.
Have Healthy Gums for Life!
Good gum care doesn’t only involve simple oral hygiene at home. It takes effort and commitment to an effective oral hygiene routine so you can keep your gums in top shape. To improve your gum health and prevent the threat of gum disease to your wellbeing, schedule your next appointment with us, here at Bondi Dental. We are family dentists who provide general dental care for you and your family using the latest equipment and technology. Keep in mind that healthy teeth depend on healthy gums.
Contact us today to claim your FREE Dental Consultation on a dental check-up, smile makeover, and dental implants.
Call your Bondi dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or book your appointment online.
Visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.