September is Gum Care Awareness Month. It’s the perfect reminder that a healthy smile is about more than just teeth. Your gums play a vital role: they keep your teeth secure, protect your jawbone, and act as a barrier against harmful bacteria entering your bloodstream. The tricky part? Early signs of gum trouble often go unnoticed until they become more serious. That’s why we’re taking this month to share everything you need to know about keeping your gums happy, healthy, and strong.
What should I be on the lookout for?
Some people experience light bleeding when brushing their teeth or flossing. While this can be caused by a variety of reasons such as, hormonal changes, aggressive brushing, medications, or vitamin deficiencies, oftentimes it is an indication of the onset of gum disease.
Conditions such as gingivitis can cause inflammation and irritation due to plaque building up in the nooks and crannies of your gum line. You may also experience tenderness around the base of your teeth and gaps forming at your gum line.
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can have many causes, but it often reflects the overall health of your mouth. Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue, between teeth, or along the gums can produce an unpleasant odor that can be hard to shake, especially if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
Why Does this Happen?
Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and can lead to bacteria growth.
Smoking can dry out the inside of your mouth and further cause mouth and gum diseases. According to a 2014 study, approximately 80% of those who smoke also have bad breath regularly.
Dry mouth can be caused by medications, dehydration, stress, or diseases. When saliva production is inhibited for whatever reason, your mouth has difficulty cleansing itself leading to a quicker and more aggressive bacteria accumulation.
Poor diet or a diet high in sugars and acidic foods can increase inflammation in the gums and weaken immune and bone health.
Should I really be concerned about this?
Yes. Your gum health affects your whole body’s overall health. By neglecting your gums, you invite a world of trouble. You may end up experiencing:
- Receding gum lines (this can expose tooth roots, ouch!)
- Pain and sensitivity when eating or drinking
- Bone loss in your jaw
- Gum diseases or other diseases of the mouth
- Decreased tooth health, ultimately resulting in rotting teeth
This is just what can occur in the mouth. Your oral health plays a crucial role in the rest of your body’s health, too. Gum disease bacteria can enter your blood stream and lead to:
- Heart disease, stroke, dementia, and some lung conditions
- Worsen rheumatoid arthritis pain
- The heightened risk for serious infections such as endocarditis or even a brain abscess
How Can I Keep My Gums Healthy?
Prevention is key. Taking care of your gums by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will go a long way. Follow up this practice with a rinse of fluoride mouth wash and visit your dentist every 6 months for your routine dental cleaning.
If you notice any signs of your gum health being on the decline, contact Zöe Dental immediately! By preventing gum disease from progressing and treating symptoms early on, you can prevent expensive treatments later.
Healthy smiles don’t only include your teeth, your gums are just as important so remember to take good care of them.
