Why Are Gums Important to Your Overall Health?
Your gums, or gingiva, are directly correlated to your overall physical health. They are made of a very soft tissue created to provide cover for the bones of your teeth. Your gums form to create a tight-fitting seal that provides each tooth a natural impediment from bacteria and plaque that gather when you neglect to regularly brush or floss. When plaque accumulates, toxins that irritate and inflame the gums are released, often resulting in gingivitis.
Evidence suggests a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular and respiratory issues, especially in adults over 35 years old. This happens when oral bacteria enters the bloodstream through the gums and attaches to fatty plaque and forms artery clots, which can decrease or even block blood flow to the heart. People with gum diseases are at a higher propensity to suffer from COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis, cardiac arrest and more.
Taking Care of Your Gums
Practicing excellent dental hygiene goes a long way in preserving gum health. Be sure to:
– Brush twice per day with toothpaste containing fluoride
– Floss daily
– Visit your dentist regularly
– Lower your sugar intake
– Avoid tobacco
– Drink alcohol in moderation.
At Lans Family Dentistry, we offer both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy options for our patients.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
– Regular maintenance cleanings
– Soft tissue biopsy and oral lesion diagnosis
– Bite (occlusal) adjustment
– Deep Cleaning (root planing and scaling)
– Localized antibiotics delivery below the gumline.
– Periodontal appliances (such as nightguards or biteguards)
Surgical Periodontal Therapy
– Soft and hard tissue regeneration surgeries
– Bone graft surgery (to prepare for implants)
– Pocket reduction surgery – minimizes space between your gums and teeth when deep cleaning doesn’t cut it.
– Soft tissue grafts
– Dental implants
– Ridge augmentation (soft or hard tissue-buildup), or restoring the natural shape of the jawbone by filling indentations left by missing teeth.