{"id":48,"date":"2021-02-22T19:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T19:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drennanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=48"},"modified":"2021-02-25T19:57:50","modified_gmt":"2021-02-25T19:57:50","slug":"top-reasons-why-you-should-take-care-of-your-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drennanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/22\/top-reasons-why-you-should-take-care-of-your-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Reasons Why You Should Take Care of Your Gums"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everyone wants a beautiful set of healthy, dazzling pearly whites. However, it takes much more than just sparkling teeth to keep your smile in good shape! Your gums play an essential role in the wellbeing of your teeth, your oral health, and even your overall health. Here are the top reasons why it\u2019s so important to take care of your gums<\/a> and how you can avoid serious issues like gum disease!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Unhealthy Gums Are Bad for Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever stopped to consider the purpose of your gums? This soft pink tissue encases the roots of your teeth and your jawbone, providing important nutrients while keeping out harmful particles. It also acts as the supportive connective tissues that help hold your pearly whites firmly in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If plaque and bacteria aren\u2019t cleaned off your gums regularly, you may develop a bacterial infection known as gum disease. Gum disease initially manifests as puffy, red gums that bleed easily. However, if the infection is left untreated, the bacteria will begin to spread through the gums and damage them. Eventually, gum disease can cause jawbone complications, gum recession, and tooth loss. In short, if you want your jaw to stay strong and your teeth to stay in place, it\u2019s essential that you have healthy gums!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting Gum Health to Overall Wellbeing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The impact of your gum health goes far beyond your mouth. If the dangerous bacteria at the root of gum disease were to escape into your bloodstream, it could travel to and infect other parts of your body, like the brain, heart, or lungs. Simultaneously, a prolonged inflammatory response from your body\u2019s immune system can cause inflammation to spread throughout your system, damaging tissues and restricting arteries. Experts have connected the presence of gum disease with all manner of serious systemic health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, memory loss, respiratory infection, and heart disease. Even if your pearly whites themselves are healthy, infected gums could potentially increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20%!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Keep Your Gum Health On Track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, a few simple precautions and healthy habits can go a long way in keeping your gums healthy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n