Did you know that 47.2% of Americans are dealing with gum disease? It could be mild, moderate, or severe.

What is astonishing is the fact that almost half of the population is dealing with a disease that could worsen with time. But more so, this could be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes and habits.

Periodontal diseases are a significant cause of concern in Americans after diabetes and cardiovascular health. These study results only highlight the importance of following up with regular dental examinations and being aware of how you should be treating your gum care.

You will be shocked to know that Gum diseases can impact other parts of your body too!

When most people think about oral care, they think of flashing pearly whites and aligned teeth. There is so much more to oral care that we should be paying attention to, especially now that the statistics show that almost every one in two Americans might be dealing with gum disease.

Want to know more? Keep reading!

But why should I be worried about my gums?

When it comes to our physical well-being, we take a lot of things for granted. Gums are at the top of that list.

Good gum care should be at the top of your priorities when it comes to oral care and hygiene. You can never know which body parts will be affected by bad gum health. Some of those are:

• Heart: Poor gum health leads to higher inflammation throughout the body. Several studies suggest the increased risk of inflammatory heart diseases such as strokes and heart diseases to be associated with bad gum health.
• Nutrition: Did you know that you can even lose a tooth due to poor gum care? This is seen only in severe cases but this is a very much possible outcome if gum care does not start as early as possible.

If you do lose a tooth in such a case, it will be hard to break down certain foods in your mouth which could further have an impact on your nutrition.

• Emotional well-being: In the well-being spectrum, emotional well-being also plays a major role. Tooth loss and overall oral hygiene are not just important to maintain your physical health, they are also important to take care of your emotional well-being.

This is because smiling and engaging in social situations have an impact on our emotions. Maintaining oral hygiene is known to reflect confidence in most people.

• Lung health:

Optimum gum care can reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and improve your lung health. Several studies show the impact of gum health on pulmonary diseases. Moreover, your respiratory tract is a major part of the gut, so gut health is also one of the affected regions when it comes to bad gum care.

What is periodontal disease?

Now that we know what can be affected by periodontal disease, we should also know what exactly is a periodontal disease.

Any infection or inflammation of your gums is considered a periodontal disease. This can also spread to surrounding tissues and bones, in severe cases.

The most common cause of periodontal disease is bacteria. The bacteria first creates a thin film on the tooth surface, called the plaque, which then hardens to make a layer of tartar.

To clean up tartar, you will need professional dental help.

This is why good oral hygiene can be a savior at first. Regular dental examinations can help further.

Several underlying factors can further increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Smoking tops the list, with a huge number of smokers around the world developing gum disease.

Genetic causes also have a role to play. If you have any other underlying immunodeficiency issue such as AIDS, then that also can trigger gum disease issues. Stress and medications are also leading causes.

In females, phases of major hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause could trigger gum infections.

How to keep my gums healthy?

Include these tips as daily habits and see your gum health skyrocket.

1. Brush at least twice a day- You have probably heard this a million times and are bored by now.

But brushing twice a day is such an underrated tip to keep your teeth as well as your gums healthy. Brush along the gum line and pay special care to teeth at the backs and corners of your mouth because that is where bacteria tend to get accumulated the most.

2. Floss – This will help remove the plaque-causing bacteria stuck between your teeth. If floss is not your thing, you can opt for an intra-dental cleaner also.
3. Opt for a good antiseptic mouthwash- A good antiseptic mouthwash that is also gentle, it should rinse out the harmful bacteria but also not hurt the sensitive inner lining of your mouth.
4. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Sugar consumption is one of the most compelling causes of bacteria accumulating in your mouth.
5. Do not miss out on your dentist appointments! It is recommended that you visit your dentist and get a regular dental checkup done at least twice a year.

What to look out for

You should rush to your dentist if you spot any of these warning signs, and get a dental examination done-

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Toothache
• Swelling in gums
• Tender gums
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Loose teeth

Afraid of visiting your dentist? Don’t worry, we have got you covered!

Treat your gum diseases with a friendly dentist

At Berkers Family Dentistry, we provide endodontic as well as periodontal services to care for your pearly whites.

February being gum disease awareness month, we urge all our friends to visit us and schedule a routine checkup to keep themselves and their families healthy and smiling!

We provide a variety of other dental services also. From routine cleanings to cosmetic dentistry, visit us for all concerns!

We would love to get in touch with you and Let’s brighten your smile!

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