If you type in “health” on the Internet, you will be immediately bombarded with millions of hits that claim to give you all the information you need to live a healthy lifestyle. As helpful as many of these web pages may be, they primarily focus on weight loss, diet, and exercise. While these three components are undoubtedly important to a healthy lifestyle, they are not all-encompassing. One crucial area of health is often overlooked: your gum health. Yet, it is vital that you understand that there is a direct correlation between the health of your mouth and the health of your entire body.
It is easy to forget that the gum tissues and teeth are living features inside the human body. Just as your heart pumps blood to and from organs and appendages, your heart also provides a direct blood supply to your mouth. It is essential to realize that the body’s bloodstream is a two-way system. If there is an infection inside the mouth, it can easily pass into the bloodstream and spread the infection to other areas of the body. In fact, gum disease (also known as gingivitis and periodontal disease) has been directly linked to hundreds of thousands of cases of heart disease, diabetes, miscarriage, and preterm birth.
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It typically involves red, puffy gums that bleed easily and are tender to the touch. Fortunately, there are ways to reverse the symptoms of gingivitis before it turns into periodontal disease that is irreversible. These steps can keep your gums healthy:
- Flossing daily
- Brushing the teeth at least twice a day
- Using a fluoride toothpaste
- Using an ADA approved mouthwash
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam
- Stopping smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
At Jefferson Dental Care, we want to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Posted on behalf of Jefferson Dental Care
