How Gum Health Affects Your Entire Body

Gum health has far-reaching effects that impact the body as a whole. Many patients have heard of gum disease, which is also referred to as periodontal disease. Gum disease can lead to gum soreness or bleeding, receding gums, and tooth loss. However, gum disease also creates other health issues and disrupts patients’ general wellbeing. At Gardena Dental Care, we want to see our patients live healthy and fulfilling lives. That is why we will discuss the connection between gum health and general wellness, conditions to be aware of, how to keep gums healthy, and signs you need to make an appointment at our friendly dental office in Gardena, CA. 

How is Gum Health Connected to General Wellness?

The connection between gum health and general wellness is intricate. For example, gum disease develops due to an accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the oral cavity. The body can have an inflammatory response that begins to affect the heart and brain’s blood vessels. In addition, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and circulate to other areas of the body. Overall, poor gum health has been associated with different physical conditions. 

What Conditions Can I Develop Due to Poor Gum Health?

Poor gum health has been associated with potentially serious conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy complications, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory issues, some cancers, heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and so forth. In some cases, bacteria from inflamed or infected gums may even travel to the optic nerve, causing glaucoma. There is no shortage of reasons to keep your gums clean and healthy!

Does Diet Play a Role in Gum Health?

Yes, diet most certainly plays a role in gum health. Sugar-filled foods and drinks give oral bacteria something to feast on and allow them to multiply. Limiting your sugar intake is essential for oral health, and it will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Likewise, acidic foods and drinks can wreak havoc on the teeth and gums. Tooth enamel begins to erode, and the gum line is compromised. Therefore, Gardena Dental Care recommends a mindful diet with low acidity and sugar levels.

What Foods Does Gardena Dental Care Recommend for Gum Health?

Foods filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals do wonders for oral health. Examples of foods with plenty of fiber include salad greens, celery, cooked beans, raw spinach, and so forth. Dairy products are packed with calcium, which helps to build strong bones that support teeth and gums. If you cannot tolerate dairy, there are other ways to get the calcium your body needs. For example, broccoli and kale contain calcium. 

How Does Gardena Dental Care Recommend I Care for My Gums?

Gardena Dental Care maintains the importance of a thorough oral hygiene regimen to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing once will help keep plaque and bacteria from building up in the oral cavity. It will also help prevent the development of gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. 

Can I Brush My Gums?

In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also brush your gums. A heavy emphasis is typically placed on the teeth, but the gums are just as important. However, you do not want to brush your gums too rigorously since this can irritate them and cause tears or bleeding. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, begin at a 45-degree angle to your gums and make small, circular motions with your brush. This will help catch plaque and bacteria hiding between the teeth and gum line.

Does Mouthwash Contribute to Gum Health?

Some patients prefer to use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing. Perhaps the most important thing to remember concerning mouthwash is that it complements brushing and flossing, but it is not a substitute. However, if you are traveling or not at home, using mouthwash until you can brush and floss is better than nothing. Some mouthwashes actively work to prevent plaque, bacteria, and gingivitis, thereby contributing to gum health. Many types of mouthwash also help prevent tooth decay and keep cavities from forming.

How Can I Determine if My Gums Are Healthy or Unhealthy?

Healthy gums will be pink and will not be swollen, sore, or bleed. It is a good sign if you are not experiencing bleeding, pain, or tenderness during brushing and flossing. Having routine dental exams and cleanings while sticking to a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen at home is one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy. On the other hand, unhealthy gums will be red or white versus pink, and they will be tender and bleed easily. Other signs of unhealthy gums include loose teeth, a receding gum line, tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, pockets of pus, and bad breath, which is also called halitosis. 

What Should I Do if I Experience Symptoms of Poor Gum Health?

Symptoms of poor gum health should be taken seriously since early treatment is essential. For example, gingivitis is more easily reversible than advanced gum disease. Gardena Dental Care can often treat gingivitis with a professional dental cleaning, and an extensive oral care regimen at home can keep it from returning. In the case of advanced gum disease, a deep cleaning and more frequent dental visits may be necessary. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you are taking good care of your teeth and gums at home, as well as keeping up with your routine appointments at Gardena Dental Care in Gardena, CA. 

Are You Experiencing Sore or Bleeding Gums?

Gardena Dental Care is committed to helping our patients live healthy and satisfying lives. Gum health and general wellness are intricately connected, making it imperative to brush, floss, and keep up with your dental exams and cleanings. Poor gum health has been linked to other serious health issues, so having a healthy and balanced diet in addition to an oral hygiene regimen is vital. It is also important to remember that healthy gums do not hurt or bleed. If you are experiencing sore or bleeding gums, the best course of action is to reach out to our dental office in Gardena, CA. Early intervention is necessary to stop gingivitis before it turns into gum disease. 

If you have gum pain or bleeding, do not hesitate to contact our dental office in Gardena, CA by calling (424) 295-7885!