How to Protect Your Heart By Caring For Your Gums?

Answer 1

Most of us know how important good oral hygiene is for preventing cavities and making sure our teeth will be healthy and strong throughout our lives. After getting the brushing-and-flossing routine down pat, however, what many of us don’t know is how very important good gum health is to our overall well being. It turns out that avoiding gum disease means more than just keeping your teeth throughout your life – healthy and disease-free gums may also reduce your risk of long-term heart problems. Common theories for this link include the fact that oral bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream and travel to your heart, or that gum inflammation may trigger harmful inflammation elsewhere in your body. Whatever the exact connection, it’s clear that gum health is important to overall health. Following a few simple steps can help you care for your gums properly and protect your health.

-Step 1: Evaluate your current dental situation. Are you going to the dentist often enough? Have you taken pretty good care of your teeth and gums throughout your life, or do you have a lot to make up for? If you know it’s been too long, schedule a dental appointment right away.

-Step 2: Take a good look at your gums. Are they receding? If so, you may need to take extra good care of them to prevent the beginning of gingivitis. Do they bleed easily, or look swollen, bright red, or shiny? Are they painful to touch, itchy, odorous, or do you get frequent sores? Any of these can be indicators that you are already suffering from gingivitis. See your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible to consult on how to care for your gums properly and halt or reverse the trend towards serious gum disease.

-Step 3: If your gums are receding or bleed easily, but seem free from other signs of gingivitis, start taking extra good care of them. If you brush vigorously, you may be using too hard a toothbrush – switch to a softer one that will be gentler on your gums, and you may start to see improvements. Make sure you are brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly, to kill bacteria along the gum line. Consult with your dentist as to the best products and methods for promoting gum health.

-Step 4: Make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet. Proper calcium intake may be beneficial for prevention of gum disease.

Gum disease is one of the most common worldwide diseases. Nearly half of the U.S. population suffers from at least mild gingivitis, and about ten percent eventually develop more severe periodontitis, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss and may cause or contribute to heart problems. In severe cases, dental procedures may be required to repair damage along the gum line and prevent further disease progression. As with many diseases, prevention is much easier than treatment, so take steps today towards protecting your teeth and your heart by taking better care of your gums.