People tend to focus their teeth at the thought of oral health. However, that is just half the story. Gum health is essential to oral health and plays a critical role in preventing numerous systemic conditions. Caring for your gums and teaching your children good oral practices can have rewarding and lifetime advantages. Now, let’s talk about the reasons for taking care of your gums and how they can enhance your general health eventually.
Why Take Care of Your Gums?
While gum disease is less common now than before, it still affects most adults, particularly when they reach age 64. But with constant care and maintenance, this may be prevented even when you get past that age. You can enjoy the following benefits below by keeping your gums healthy.
1. Lowers the risk of heart disease.
Do you know that periodontal disease is connected to cardiovascular problems like stroke and heart disease? Studies show that an individual’s gum health can predict heart health. Moreover, most stroke and heart attack patients tend to have gum disease.
2. Aligns your teeth in place
Despite your teeth’s health, they still need healthy gums to hold and support them. Gums protect the sensitive tissues below your teeth and function as a seal around them. Bacteria that rest on teeth and gums for too long might lead to the formation of small pockets, giving more space for plaque to hide.
The continual erosion of gum tissues can expose teeth eventually, increasing the risk of cavity development and even loose teeth. This is why flossing every day is essential, as it can help reach the areas your toothbrush could not. In addition to practicing consistent dental care at home, having your teeth professionally cleaned every five to six months by the best dentist in Bethlehem PA, to ensure gum health is in optimal condition.
3. Promotes emotional health
A smile is an individual’s calling card to the world, and most people feel more confident when they have an appealing one. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, U.S. dentists take out 20 million teeth yearly. Additionally, 86% of dentists state that social awkwardness is a primary concern many people report after noticeable tooth loss.
So always be proactive in caring for your and your children’s gums. Teaching them to brush daily and routinely bringing them to a pediatric dentist nearby for teeth cleaning can ensure their gums and teeth are in good shape.
4. Keeps your breath fresh
Persistent halitosis, tooth pain when chewing, and bad taste in the mouth could be warning indicators of gum disease. If you’re experiencing these, you may need to book an appointment with a periodontist for tooth pain.
Foul breath is generally caused by plaque accumulation and food particles on the gum line and teeth, as these release toxins with a nasty and strong smell. Caring for your gums can save you from this embarrassing situation. If you find yourself in an accident affecting your teeth, immediately consult an emergency dentist in your area.
5. Avoids tooth loss
Neglecting gum health leads to tooth loss due to gum disease. Moreover, gum disease is also the number 1 reason adults lose their teeth. When gum disease gets serious, gums might pull away from the teeth, making them loose. Without steady support from the gums, tooth loss will become more likely. Keeping your gums healthy can improve teeth support and prevent loose teeth.
