Why are gums so important in your mouth?

We’ve got a question for you:

When was the last time you paid any attention to your gums?

When we think of our oral health, many of us tend to think exclusively of our teeth. Unless they’ve been causing bother, we often overlook the role that our gums play in our mouths – but the truth is, you can’t have a healthy mouth without healthy gums.

In this article, our expert periodontists in Essex here at Al-FaPerio clinic explore four reasons why your gums are important to your oral health.

They keep your teeth in place

Your teeth could be in the best condition they’ve ever been in, but if you don’t have healthy gums to support them, issues will start to present themselves.

Your gums act as a seal around your teeth – providing a barrier against bacteria and helping to safeguard the more sensitive tissues underneath.

Without sufficient gum care, bacteria and food debris can find their way around your teeth. If left to accumulate, this can lead to plaque build-ups and gingivitis, which is the start of periodontal (gum) disease.

Once gingivitis has progressed into gum disease, the gums begin to recede, causing them to loosen and – in the worst-case scenario – leading to teeth falling out.

While extremely serious, gum disease is treatable, and in some cases, fully reversible – but without the correct treatment, the structure of your gums and the supporting bones will be destroyed.

If you have missing teeth because of gum disease, we have just the solution.

At Al-FaPerio, we don’t just specialise in gum disease treatment, but we also offer dental implants in Essex to help you regain confidence in your smile.

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Healthy gums can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

The link between gum disease and cardiovascular health is no secret.

People with gum disease are up to three times more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular incidents, according to Harvard Medical School, so it’s vital that you take your gum health seriously.

Gum disease, as we know, is a bacterial infection, and studies have shown that the bacteria that accumulates in the mouth can find its way into the bloodstream, causing inflammation of the blood vessels and increasing your risk of heart disease.

Healthy gums can contribute to better memory

Growing evidence suggests that poor gum health can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.

In a study by the American Geriatrics Society, people with gum disease and tooth loss were more at risk of cognitive decline and developing dementia.

The bacterial infection responsible for gum disease is known to increase systematic inflammation – which several studies suggest contributes to the development of dementia.

Gum disease is also the number one contributor to tooth decay and loss, which further increases the risk of such issues.

Unhealthy gums affect your overall health

Study after study shows a direct correlation between poor oral hygiene and poor health overall.

The bacteria responsible for gum disease, as we’ve established, can enter your bloodstream through the gum tissue and affect other parts of your body. Gum disease has proven to increase the risk of developing the following health conditions:

• Respiratory diseases – such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Diabetes.

Invest in your gum health with Al-FaPerio Clinic

Looking for a new dentist in Buckhurst Hill?

You’re in the right place.

Here at Al-FaPerio, our expert periodontists have years of experience in helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

To find out more about how we can help you prevent and treat gum disease, or for more information about dental implants in Essex, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Call 020 5506 0701 to chat with us directly.

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