Why You Need Healthy Gums

Many people don’t realize just how important it is to keep your gums healthy. A disease such as gum disease doesn’t only affect the health of your mouth, but can also put a person at a higher risk for other bodily diseases, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Healthy gums are a vital part of a person’s overall well-being, so don’t try to write them off as a smaller concern of your body.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gums

Healthy gums appear as pink in color. You won’t be able to move them around much either, and they won’t look as though they aren’t fitting tightly around your teeth.

Unhealthy gums, however, can appear different ways, depending on what’s going on inside your mouth. They may look red and swollen, or bleed when you floss. In some cases, your gums may even seem like they’re pulling away from your teeth.

What Can Cause Unhealthy Gums?

A lot of things can cause your gums to be unhealthy, including tobacco use, some medications, or a poor immune system. Of course, the biggest known cause of unhealthy gums is poor oral hygiene. Not going to the dentist, not brushing your teeth, or eating/drinking things that corrode enamel can all lead to some type of gum disease.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums

Maintaining healthy gums isn’t hard. There are only a few things you need to do that often require little effort, unless one of those things is to quit smoking, as addiction can be hard to overcome.

To maintain healthy gums, you should:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Remember to floss
• Get regular dental cleanings
• Quit smoking
• Use fluoride toothpaste, or another toothpaste recommended by your dentist

Wytheville Dental Group

If you’re concerned about your gum health, want to schedule a cleaning, or have any other dental related needs, contact us at Wytheville Dental Group. We’ll be sure to take care of you and your mouth as well as we would our very own family.