Neglecting Your Gums
If you need yet another reason to brush and floss every day, here’s one: Having unhealthy gums may make you more vulnerable to heart disease. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease caused by a bacterial infection in the gums. If this infection spreads to the blood, it can trigger inflammation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Research suggests that people with gum disease have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without gum disease. So, by taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re also taking care of your heart. The best way to prevent periodontitis is by treating gum disease early or preventing it from developing in the first place.
Some signs that you might have gum disease include red, sore, puffy, or discolored gums, gums that bleed especially when you floss, pus or brown buildup around the gum line, and gum pain when chewing. Gum disease is very common and completely preventable. Make sure you’re brushing correctly; twice a day (and possibly after every meal). Floss every day, NO exceptions. Don’t skip your regular dental cleaning. You need to make sure that you give your dentist an opportunity to remove your tartar buildup. That buildup is what causes gum disease. Use mouthwash; it prevents plaque and buildup. And quit smoking. For multiple reasons. Just quit smoking.
