Your gum health matters more than you think

Did you know that good dental hygiene not only gives you fresh breath and healthy, attractive teeth, but is also good for your gums and your overall health? Since your gums help support your teeth, and the risk of developing certain diseases rises when they are in poor shape, it is very important to keep them healthy.

The two main gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a minor inflammation of the gums that heals fairly easily, while periodontitis is a worsening of the first condition. Without proper care, periodontitis can even eventually lead to tooth loss. That is why it is essential to watch for the physical signs of gingivitis before it gets worse.

Some signs that may point to gingivitis:

• Red and/or swollen gums
• Unusual pressure between the teeth after meals
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Chronic bad breath (despite good dental hygiene)

As mentioned above, even though gingivitis is a mild disease, it must be treated quickly, since it can develop into periodontitis and bring its share of unpleasant consequences. Caught early, periodontitis responds fairly well to treatment, but once it reaches a more advanced stage (e.g. gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss), treatment is likely to be more demanding.

In recent years, scientific research has also tended to show that several general health problems can result from inadequate dental hygiene. It appears that cavities and gum disease can contribute to serious conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and type 2 diabetes. Joint problems (e.g. arthritis) or tendon pain (tendinitis) would also be more likely. Some experts even argue that pregnant women with poor oral health are at greater risk of giving birth prematurely or to low-birth-weight babies. These babies are then more prone to developmental delays, asthma, behavioural problems and sudden infant death syndrome.

In short, many complications could be avoided by following these basic rules: brush your teeth at least twice a day; floss daily; eat healthy foods; keep up with regular dental checkups; and go to your dental clinic without delay if you notice any of the signs described above.

For any question about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact Clinique dentaire Bossé Marois at 418 875-0888. It is always a great pleasure to serve you!