Why Your Gums Must Be Good!

Gums often go unnoticed within the mouth, but they are actually an essential part of your oral and overall health.  The gums act as an anchor for our teeth and other oral structures.  People often tend to focus on their teeth when it comes to dental care, but we are here to remind you to remember to give those gums some loving too!

Just because you have a shiny, white, pearly smile doesn’t necessarily mean your teeth are healthy.  Although color and texture of the enamel are very important factors, their base is essential too.  If you experience any discomfort or bleeding when brushing the gums, it is important to consult your dental professional right away, because this can be a serious sign of periodontal pathology, or as we call it, gingivitis.

Beyond The Gums! 
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, which begins in a mild stage. If you do not treat this at the source, it can further progress into a more advanced form of gum disease.  This will cause many unpleasant side effects, such as: bad breath, severe bleeding gums, bad taste in the mouth, visible pus within the mouth and even tooth loss.  In addition to tooth loss, it may be difficult to even place dental implants, because the roots, or gums, are compromised and unable to support the structure.
There are a variety of different patients which must look out closely for any signs of gum disease. Those suffer from underlying cardiac issues, diabetes or even several forms of respiratory disease are extremely prone to the complications which periodontal disease may cause.  Although the connection is not obvious to most patients or their families, gum disease will actually increase the risk of clogged arteries.  In some cases, this may even lead to a stroke.
Patients who are diabetic often have difficulty controlling their glucose levels when they have compromised gums and this may even affect their ability to digest certain foods.  Those who suffer from Upper Respiratory Infections may worsen their chances by leaving their gums undiagnosed and untreated, as this is an opportunity for their bacteria to grow and develop within the body.
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Periodontal Disease
There are several conditions and diseases which can unfortunately predisposition people to have gum disease.  These include, but are not limited to, diabetes and even certain medications.  In some cases, medicine can dry out the mouth, including the tongue and gums.  In turn, less saliva is produced and pathology can develop.
So keep your gums looking and feeling great this winter! Call the team at Finley Dentistry, the gum experts, at (419) 472-6645 or visit FinleyDentistry.com

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