Except for when you develop a painful canker sore or notice bleeding into the sink after flossing, you probably don't spend much time thinking about your gums. Teeth tend to get more of the attention. However, it's your gums and the underlying tissues that anchor your teeth to your mouth. Knowing a little bit about them and how to keep them healthy will go a long way towards ensuring you keep your teeth in place as you age, rather than falling prey to tooth loss and periodontal disease. To start your gum education off on the right foot, here's a look at five useful facts about these often-neglected tissues.
Your gum tissue is sensitive to toxins.
Like all other cells in your body, the cells in your gums carry out a very specific set of functions. They anchor teeth in place, fight off dangerous bacteria in the mouth, and transport nutrients to and from the roots of your teeth. Exposure to toxins, such as those found in tobacco smoke, can inhibit your gum cells from completing these tasks, leaving you prone to infections and loose teeth.
Gum tissue is very vascular, so it swells easily.
Your gums are pink because they contain many blood vessels. Because they are so vascular, it's also easy for them to swell up. Swelling occurs when fluid leaks from the small blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. When your gums swell, they become sensitive to touch and they bleed easily. Swelling often happens in response to infection, so if your gums are feeling tender and are bleeding easily, that means that the bacteria that cause gum disease are having a heyday in your mouth. It's time to fight them with a little good-old-fashion brushing, flossing and antiseptic mouthwash.
Your gums can recede away from your teeth.
If you think your teeth are starting to look larger, it may not just be in your head. Prolonged bouts of gum disease can cause the gums to recede, leaving more of the teeth exposed. If you think your gums may be receding, it's important to see a dentist, since this condition leaves you prone to tooth decay and eventually loose or missing teeth.
Gum disease and tooth loss are not just normal parts of aging.
Many people believe that everyone will eventually lose their teeth – it's just a matter of when. This is not the case. Patients who lose their teeth have typically suffered from untreated gum disease for a long time. The gum disease eventually progressed to the point that there was not enough gum tissue left to support the teeth, and they fell out. By caring for your gums properly with regular flossing and dental visits, you can avoid gum disease and keep your teeth until you die.
Unhealthy gums can lead to a host of other medical issues.
Gum disease does not just cause problems in the mouth. Research has shown that patients who have gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and dementia, among other ailments. The link between gum disease is well researched; it is thought that the bacteria that cause gum disease cause damage to the heart tissue once they enter circulation. The systemic inflammation that occurs due to the presence of these bacteria is also thought to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and dementia. Even patients who don't develop full-blown dementia may suffer from impaired cognitive function as a result of severe gum disease.
Your gums serve a very important function for your body and your overall health. Without them, you cannot have strong teeth that allow you to enjoy your favorite foods and flash your brightest smile.
Share