Gum Health and General Health: The Surprising Connection
When we think of keeping healthy we often think of diet, exercise and regular medical check-ups. But there is an oft neglected area of health we must think about: gum health! You may be stunned to learn that gum health significantly influences well-being! Gum health and cleanliness is intertwined with many systemic conditions (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s). In this post we will examine the powerful connection of your gums to your general health and, as a reminder, why taking care of your mouth is so much more than having fresh breath and a beautiful smile. The Role of Gum Health in the Body Gums (or gingiva), the soft tissues that line and support the teeth, should be firm, pink, and fit snugly around the teeth. Healthy gums protect the bone below and are less likely to become infected. If plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) isn't removed from the teeth through brushing and flossing, it will infect the gums and lead to gum disease. Gum disease progresses in st...