Odds are that when it comes to your smile, you pay more attention to your teeth than the gum tissue around them. And while preventing cavities is certainly important, you don’t want to ignore your gums; they play a more important role in your oral and overall health than you might realize. Here are 4 reasons why you should make sure that you’re maintaining good gum health in Belmont.
1. Unhealthy Gums Can Lead to Tooth Loss
The gums and the jaw bone around your teeth hold the teeth in place while also protecting their roots from harmful irritants. However, if you don’t keep your gums clean and free of bacteria, they may eventually suffer from inflammation and infection known as gum disease. Untreated gum disease can eventually lead to gum recession and bone loss; this can cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out.
Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic problem. Without your teeth, you’ll have trouble chewing certain foods, which can lead to malnutrition. Furthermore, your teeth stimulate the jawbone to keep it functional; if teeth are missing, the underlying bone will start to atrophy. In short, tooth loss is an oral health issue that you want to avoid at all costs – and to do so, you need to keep your gums healthy.
2. Unhealthy Gums Can Contribute to Heart Disease
People with gum disease tend to have a higher risk for heart disease. This is attributed to the fact that bacteria in the gums can escape into the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout your body. If your blood vessels become inflamed, you’ll be much more likely to suffer from a heart attack or a stroke. Thus, preventing gum disease can go a long way toward protecting your cardiovascular health.
3. Unhealthy Gums Can Lead to Breathing Problems
The bacteria that contribute to gum disease can accidentally be inhaled. If that happens, they could contribute to bronchitis, pneumonia, and several other respiratory problems. You can minimize the risk of breathing in harmful oral bacteria by keeping your smile free of gum disease.
4. Unhealthy Gums Can Make Diabetes Worse
Research shows that gum disease can contribute to higher blood sugar levels. Naturally, this means that if you’re suffering from diabetes, gum disease could potentially make your symptoms even more severe. Maintaining healthy gums can make it easier to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Are you noticing potential signs of gum disease such as red or swollen gum tissue? It’s best to have the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it leads to even more serious health issues. Call your periodontist today if you have concerns about your gum health; they can check your smile for signs of gum disease and offer a variety of treatments to stop it from advancing any further.
About the Author
Dr. Alexander Schrott has been board-certified by both the American and German Boards of Periodontology. His Belmont practice, Schrott Perio Implants, offers various services for treating gum disease, from scaling and root planing to pocket reduction and periodontal regeneration surgery. If you think you might have gum disease or have questions about periodontal health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Schrott by visiting his website or calling (617) 484-9240.