When you’re performing your oral care routine, you may not be thinking too much about your gums. You’re focused on getting those teeth brushed. Here at Mid Michigan Smiles, a dentist in Mount Pleasant, MI, we know how important gum health is. Do you?
Gums Keep Your Teeth In Place
It doesn’t matter if your teeth are perfect if your gums are in poor shape. Gums protect some of the more sensitive aspects of the tooth. If bacteria settle on the gums, they can slowly erode the soft tissue away. This exposes nerves and other sensitive parts of your teeth to these bacteria as well. The more the gums are eroded, the more likely you are to get cavities or risk tooth loss.
Gum Disease Can Mean Heart Problems
Studies have shown that gum health can be an indicator of heart health. Patients that suffered from heart attacks or strokes frequently have had gum disease. This shows a promising link between the gums and the cardiovascular system. Keeping your heart healthy is extremely important, so keeping your gums healthy is too.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Your mouth is the place where food and other things enter to be dispersed throughout the body. Poor gum health means that the bacteria from gum disease is being spread throughout your body as well. Gum disease means that your gums are more likely to cut and bleed. This creates openings for bacteria to get in the bloodstream and raises the risk of inflammatory-related diseases and conditions.
Keeping Your Self-Esteem
Gum disease can affect the health and the appearance of your smile over time. Not only that, but it also contributes to having bad breath. Keeping your gums will support your dental health and your smile confidence.
Gum Disease Treatment
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing your teeth
- Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath
- Mouth sores
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your Mount Pleasant, Michigan dentist office right away or schedule an appointment online. It’s not something to wait on!