Why Your Gum Health Matters
While we all know it’s essential to take good care of our teeth, the health of our gums is something that we tend to neglect. But as we explain in this article, your gum health is vital and can affect many different parts of your body, including your heart, lungs and the very structure of your teeth. Let’s look at some of the reasons why it’s so important to look after your gums and what to do if you think your gums need a little bit of work.
Healthy gums may lower your risk of heart disease
Gum disease, which is also known as periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease in some patients. This is because unhealthy gums and poor oral health in general increase the risk of bacterial infection in the mouth and bloodstream, which can then directly affect your heart valves. As such, it’s vitally important that you keep your gums healthy to reduce the risk of bacteria affecting your heart.
Damaged gums can de-stabilise your teeth
Your gums serve as a layer of protection for the deeper parts of your teeth, preventing bacteria and food debris from entering. Your oral cavity is home to more than 700 bacterial species already, which could cause your teeth’s entire structure to break down if too many of the bad bacteria pass through your damaged gums. By penetrating your gums, bad bacteria would cause your teeth to loosen and eventually detach from the jawbone.
Bad gums cause bad breath
One of the leading causes of halitosis, or bad breath as many of us know it, is poorly looked after gums. If you don’t care for your gums, excess bacteria can collect along the gum line, in between your teeth, and on and around your tongue. When bad bacteria become trapped in your mouth, it causes your breath to smell. So, looking after your gums and maintaining good oral health, in general, will reduce the risk of you developing bad breath.
Gum health is linked to lung health
Research suggests that the health of your gums is directly linked to the health of your lungs. If you suffer from periodontal disease, your likelihood of succumbing to respiratory infections such as pneumonia also increases. This is because you run the risk of inhaling bad bacteria into your respiratory tract, which is something that you almost certainly want to avoid. What’s more, people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are likely to see an improvement in their symptoms if they maintain healthy gums.
Are you giving your gums the attention they deserve?
It’s impossible to understate the importance of maintaining healthy gums when it comes to your overall health and wellbeing. Routinely brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and regular flossing are all essential steps you need to take to ensure your gums are in good health. Be sure to browse through our guidance on gum health and hygiene to ensure you’re giving your gums the care and attention that they require, and consider booking an appointment with one of our dental hygienists to breathe new life into your teeth this year.
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