Tips and Tricks to Great Gum Health

Published: 09-30-2022 | 1 MIN READ | Author: Prism Health North Texas

In April 2022, Prism Health North Texas acquired Community Dental Care of Texas and expanded our services to include dental care. September is National Gum Care Month so we would like to highlight why dental hygiene and gum care is essential to your overall health!

Why is Gum Care Important?

Your gums are the gateway to important roots and nerve endings inside the gums and connected to your teeth. Like other parts of your body, the bacteria in your mouth need to stay in a healthy balance to keep bad germs and bacteria from infecting your gums.

Any problems you have in your mouth will more than likely be described as periodontal disease. This can range from minor and easily addressed problems like gingivitis (redness and swelling of gums) to severe problems like advanced periodontitis (destruction of tooth bone structure leading to tooth loss).

These diseases can be reversed and prevented with good gum care and oral hygiene.

How Does Gum Disease Affect Overall Health?

Inflammation of the gums is the most common periodontal disease, and it has a range of how severe the inflammation is. Studies suggest inflammation in one part of the body promotes inflammation in other parts of the body. In particular, severe gum inflammation has been linked to strokes and heart disease, which is another form of inflammation in the heart.

If gums are not kept healthy and invasive bacteria are causing gum disease, these bacteria can infect other parts of the body, especially the lungs. Your lungs are directly linked to your mouth so any bad bacteria in your mouth can find its way into your lungs through air passages.

If gum disease progresses to advanced periodontitis and teeth can be lost, you may find it hard to eat foods like fruits and vegetables. The loss of teeth can take a toll on your psychological and emotional health as you worry about your appearance and how you may look to others.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

Non-serious gum disease is treated by teeth cleanings and antibiotics. Serious cases may call for oral surgery.

How Do I Keep My Gums Healthy?

  • Brush teeth twice a day
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Rinse mouth with mouthwash
  • Do not smoke
  • Eat good foods and maintain a healthy diet
  • See your dentist for teeth cleanings twice or more a year.

Visit our Dental Care page to find out how PHNTX can improve your oral health!

 

Sources:

Why Your Gums are so Important to Your Health

Top Reasons to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Periodontitis

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Author: Prism Health North Texas

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