People often forget how important it is to take care of their gums for their general health. A lot of people think that oral health only affects the teeth, but it really does affect a lot more than that.
Having healthy gums not only keeps your teeth safe but also keeps your body safe. Ignoring gum health can lead to problems that are worse than losing teeth. Knowing how your gums affect your general health can help you take better care of yourself and avoid getting chronic diseases.
Let us learn more about this link and how to take good care of your gums. Check out our services if you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Plymouth who can help you keep your gums healthy.
What is gum disease?
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, which is the first sign of gum disease, also called periodontal disease. At this point, the gums are red and swollen and may bleed when you brush or floss.
Gingivitis turns into periodontitis if it is not managed. Periodontitis harms the bones and muscles that hold the teeth in place. This can cause tooth loss over time.
Plaque buildup leads to gum disease. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. If you do not brush and floss your teeth, plaque turns into tartar, which damages your gums.
Bad breath, bleeding gums, and sore gums are all early signs of gum disease. In the worst cases, the gums pull away from the teeth, making deep holes where bacteria can grow.
The connection between the heart and gum health.
Heart health and gum health go hand in hand. It is possible for bacteria from gum diseases to get into the bloodstream and spread to the arteries. This process leads to inflammation and may play a part in atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries and makes them harden.
Atherosclerosis makes it harder for blood to move, which raises the chance of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease as people whose gums are healthy.
The impact on diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to gum disease and vice versa. Having gum problems makes it harder to keep blood sugar levels in check.
This happens because gum disease can make the body’s inflammation worse, which makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly. On the other hand, people who have high blood sugar are more likely to get gum diseases.
In general, people with diabetes are more likely to get infections, which makes gum health even more important for controlling the disease. Taking care of your gums can help lower your blood sugar and make your health better in general.
The respiratory complications that come with gum disease.
Your gums can also damage your lungs. When your gums are inflamed, bacteria can get into your lungs and cause illnesses like pneumonia.
This is especially dangerous for older people or people who already have lung illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you take good care of your gums, you can avoid getting these infections and keep your lungs healthy.
The connection between pregnancy and gum health.
Hormones during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and more likely to get inflamed. This makes getting gum disease during pregnancy more likely. Tooth infections during pregnancy can cause babies to be born early or with low birth weight.
Babies who are born too early or underweight can have major health problems. To avoid getting gum disease, pregnant women should be extra careful with their oral health and go to the doctor regularly.
Gum health is important for general health, and ignoring it can lead to serious illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Early detection and treatment are key, so do not skip your regular dentist appointments.
