September is Gum Care Month and we want to take this time to celebrate all of those who are taking extra care of their gums! Our mouth is the gateway to the rest of our body. If we do not have good oral health, it will affect us systemically and cause a mountain of other health issues.
Poor gum health lets bad bacteria in your mouth flourish. This will cause a series of negative side effects such as bleeding and swollen gums, loose teeth, pain when brushing, difficulty chewing, and bad breath. Not only that, but it can affect your entire body! Research studies show links between poor gum health and heart infections, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease, low birth-weight babies and Alzheimer’s, just to name a few. If your gums are tender when brushing, flossing, or eating, this can be a warning sign. They may also be sensitive to dental cleanings.
For those that may be struggling, you still have time to establish healthy habits. The best way to take care of your gums is to brush your teeth every morning and night for at least two minutes per session, and to floss daily.
Your diet also has a huge effect on your gum health. Whole, organic foods are good for our gum health. Overly processed and genetically modified are bad for our gums as they can cause inflammation.
If you have any more questions about how you can take care of your gums, feel free to reach out to us to schedule an appointment!