Any dentist will tell you that your gums are just as important as your teeth. But if you are looking to learn more about why gums are so important, exactly, then you have come to the right place. Your gums protect the roots of your teeth and provide necessary blood flow and nutrients. But there is a lot more to it than that. Below, your dentist in Mission Viejo will explain more about the function of the gums and how you can keep yours healthy to avoid future oral health problems. Below, we look at why gums are so important.
Why Gums Are So Important
Gums and the Mouth
Your mouth is a portal to the rest of your body. Everything that you eat or drink must first pass through your mouth, with your teeth and gums standing at the front lines. Any substance that touches your gums has a chance of infecting your teeth and possibly your entire bloodstream. Oral healthcare is so imperative because it can help you keep harmful substances away. The more unhealthy sugars, bacteria, and debris that get stuck in your teeth, the more at risk you are of infecting your gums. They will eventually absorb these substances, and an infection can quickly spread throughout your mouth.
You need to make sure that your teeth and gums stay clean every day. Daily oral maintenance will reduce bacteria and plaque in your mouth. You should also visit your dentist regularly to get deep cleanings and to assess your oral health. Neglecting the care of your gums and teeth can be devastating.
How Unhealthy Gums Lead to Unhealthy Teeth
Unhealthy and infected gums have nearly fatal effects on your whole body. Not only can it spread infection through your teeth, but it can also infect your blood. Once an infection gets into your bloodstream, it can reach the other parts of your body. Untreated gum infections can lead to much more serious issues, such as heart disease and sepsis.
Not to mention, infected gums will develop into a disease known as periodontitis. The first phase of gum disease is described as gingivitis, which is still treatable as symptoms start to appear. But this will progress into a more serious form of gum disease without proper treatment. Periodontitis is much harder to treat, and its effects cannot be reversed. Infected gums will recede and appear red and inflamed.
How to Care for Your Gums
There are plenty of ways for you to stay on top of your oral health and take care of your gums. At-home routines can get you in the habit of prioritizing your own dental care. When you brush and floss your teeth every day, make sure to rinse your mouth out when you are done. This can wash away any remaining bacteria and other harmful particles. You should do this immediately after you eat so that no leftover food morsels have a chance of reaching your gums.
Investing in a toothpaste with a lot of fluoride might help protect your teeth further. Fluoride adds protective chemicals while helping to strengthen your enamel. Your enamel is the thin layer around your teeth that catches debris and protects them from damage. The right toothpaste can strengthen both your teeth and your gums through its focus on enamel care.
Schedule Your Next Checkup Today
If it has been a while since you got your gums looked at, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Whether or not your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, you may still be in immediate need of gum treatment. If this is the case for you, we encourage you to get in touch with our periodontist in Mission Viejo today.
