When it comes to oral hygiene, it is not about how straight a person's teeth are or how impressive their smile is. The health of a person's gums is essential to their smile but also to their overall health. It doesn't matter if a person does not have a single cavity. They are still susceptible to gum disease, which usually doesn't hurt and most people won't know when something is wrong.
There are consequences associated with an individual not taking care of their gums. A person will begin to experience gum disease when plaque begins to build up along and under their gum line. Plaque is filled with bacteria and is a substance that is a sticky film. Plaque build-up can result in gum infections that damage the gum as well as bone. It could also cause tooth decay as well as gum disease. Gingivitis can result from plaque build-up. This is the earliest stages of gum disease. The symptoms include a person's gums being swollen, prone to bleeding, inflamed, tender as well as red. It is possible for this damage can be reversed with proper treatment.
Common Problems
Not having a proper dental care routine could lead to many long term problems, some being very life threatening.
Coronary Artery Disease: Physicians believe there is a connection between people having gum disease and coronary artery disease. It could happen when bacteria in a person's mouth enters their bloodstream. This bacteria will attach itself to the arteries in a person's heart. This could result in inflammation and an increased risk of blockages and clots resulting in a heart attack.
Pregnancy Complications: Expectant mothers with poor dental hygiene will have children with an increased risk of being a preterm birth, develop cavities as well as having a lower birth rate and more. Bacteria from the mother’s mouth could colonize in placenta and the mother’s bloodstream.
Dementia: It has been shown individuals who don't regularly brush their teeth have over a 64 percent greater chance of developing dementia. It is believed the bacteria from gum disease could spread to a person's brain.
Pneumonia: When an individual does not regularly brush their teeth, it can result in significant dental hygiene problems like a buildup of bacteria in their mouth. It is possible for someone to inhale this bacteria into their lungs. A hospital reported when some patients improved their oral hygiene, it decreased incidences of pneumonia by more than 39 percent.
Getting Healthy Gums
It is possible for a person to not develop gum disease. There are certain things that can be done to make this happen.
Brush Teeth Twice Daily: If possible, a person should brush their teeth after every meal. It will remove plaque and food trapped between a person's gums and teeth. Regardless, it is recommended to brush minimally twice daily. It is also recommended for a person to scrub their tongue; it can harbor bacteria. The toothbrush used should have soft bristles and comfortably fit into a person's mouth.
Regular Dental Cleanings: Good oral health involves a dentist detecting symptoms of early gum disease with patients they see regularly. This makes it possible for symptoms to be treated prior to them developing into something more serious. Tartar is removed from a person’s teeth during a professional cleaning. It is an effective way to eliminate any plaque missed from flossing and brushing. Should someone have gingivitis, regular dental cleanings combined with flossing and brushing could reverse it.
Stop Smoking: Smoking is strongly associated with a person developing oral health problems including gum disease. Smoking weakens a person's immune system. This makes it more difficult for their body to fight gum disease infection. Smoking also makes the healing of gums more difficult once damage has occurred.
Therapeutic Mouthwash: This is often able to be purchased over the counter. It can help decrease plaque, improve dental hygiene as well as reduce and prevent gingivitis. A rinse with this mouthwash will help take out debris and food particles from a person's mouth. It should be done in combination for brushing and flossing.
It is not completely understood why gum disease is connected to chronic health conditions. Some researchers believe bacteria from gum disease can destroy a person's gum tissue as well as the bone structure designed to support their teeth. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa knows how to properly treat gum disease and significantly decrease the bacteria in a person's body. This can result in a person having improved oral health as well as overall health. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn more about keeping gums healthy.
