When it comes to brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene in general, the efforts are often focused on one thing: your teeth. In reality, your gums are equally as important. In fact, healthy gums keep your teeth in place and act as a shock absorber to protect the roots. On the other hand, if they are compromised due to a condition like gum disease, the harmful bacteria can wreak havoc on your oral and general health. Read on to learn more about gum health, how to take care of your gums, and how your dentist can help!
Gums and Your Overall Health
At first glance, your gums may not seem like they play an important role in your overall wellbeing. However, decades of research show just the opposite. Not only can conditions like gum disease lead to bad breath, but it also has been linked to heart disease, strokes, and lung disease. That is because the harmful bacteria associated with poor oral hygiene can easily gain access to your vital organs via your bloodstream. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by prioritizing the care of your gums!
How to Take Care of Your Gums
Since oral care is often centered around teeth, you may have one important question on your mind: How do I take care of my gums? Luckily, that task is relatively easy thanks to the below best practices:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day (making sure to gently scrub along the gumline)
- Floss daily
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Always clean your tongue
- Rinse with mouthwash regularly
- Eat a balanced diet
- Quit poor dental habits, like smoking and using your teeth as tools
How Your Dentist Can Help
When it comes to the health of your gums, your dentist is your greatest ally. Not only can they conduct a thorough checkup every six months to catch gum disease in the early stages, but they can provide your teeth and gums with an extensive cleaning to prevent an infection from developing in the first place. Plus, if they do find any red flags of gingivitis, like inflamed or bleeding gums, they can administer treatment before it has a chance to cause further damage.
Your gums play an important role in your oral and overall health, so make sure to take care of them! And, if you do begin to experience symptoms of gum disease, contact your dentist for an appointment right away.
About the Author
Dr. Gretchen Anjomi completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. In the last 20+ years, she has helped countless patients achieve pristine oral health, completed advanced training at the esteemed Pankey Institute, and maintained an active membership with the American Dental Association (just a few of her accomplishments!). If you are struggling with red, inflamed, or bleeding gums or are simply looking for a dentist in Newton, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her a call at 617-332-6232.
