What are your gums saying about your health?

What are your gums saying about your health?

Do you pride yourself on the healthy appearance of your pearly white teeth? But what about your gums? Did you know that the health of your gums can be one of the first indicators of poor health in other parts of your body?

Studies have found that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions than people with healthy gums. Aside from indicating your general oral health, problems with gums could be the very first signs of problems with other disease like diabetes. Poor gum health also indicates other health problems like:

• Heart problems – bacteria can travel from the mouth into the blood vessels and can cause inflammation in your arteries. Even if you only have a problem around a single tooth, the bacteria still get shed into your bloodstream.
• Diabetes – diabetes reduces your body’s ability to heal and to fight infection, plus, if you have elevated blood sugar, you have a much greater risk of developing gum disease.
• Premature birth – it is theorized that the toxins released by the oral bacteria may reach the placenta through the mother’s bloodstream, interfering with the growth and development of the fetus.
• “Pregnancy Gingivitis”-oral bacteria love it when you’re pregnant! Natural and normal Hormonal production during pregnancy increases and bleeding gums can be the result. Occasionally more sever gum problems develop. Think you might be pregnant? Why not schedule a pre-birth check-up now, while you still have some free time!
• Rheumatoid arthritis – people with rheumatoid arthritis are up to eight times more likely to have gum disease. Conversely, treating any inflammation and infection in the gums can help to reduce pain and inflammation within the joints.

Some common signs of gum disease include:

• Red, puffy or inflamed gums
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing
• Receding gum line
• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth when you wake
• Recurring mouth infections or ulcers
• Loose teeth

Our friendly and professional Dentists at Moss Vale Dental are here to help you with any concerns about the health of your gums. If you would like advice regarding the prevention or treatment of gum disease please call our caring team on 02 4869 3111 to schedule an appointment.