Healthy Gums: 4 Issues That Affect Gum Health

Dentist Blog

One very important part of oral health is the gums. In order to keep your mouth healthy, you should work hard to keep your gums as healthy as possible. The following are some things that can have a negative impact on gum health.

Changes in Hormones

One health issue for gums is shifts in hormone levels. This typically occurs in girls and women, but hormone shifts can have an effect on men as well. Pregnant women or those reaching adolescence will notice the most changes. Hormones affect how the blood flows through the body, including the gums and all surrounding tissue. They also control how the body processes toxic material that can build up in the mouth. Since the mouth is a sensitive area of the body, it can become infected easily when toxins are introduced to the teeth and gums.

Tobacco Abuse

Smoking and using tobacco can put you at a greater risk for gum disease. Smoking can result in extra plaque build up along the gum line. This will significantly increase inflammation in the tissue. Tobacco products that stay in the mouth for a long time, such as snuff or chewing tobacco, can also have a very negative impact when held between the gum and cheek. This can lead to oral cancer, particularly in the gums.

Diabetes

Anyone who suffers from diabetes is also at risk for increased gum disease. This is largely due to the extra glucose that is held in the saliva. Glucose is basically sugar that the mouth uses to feed the bacteria in the mouth. This will lead to increase buildup of plaque. If you have diabetes, it is crucial that you see your dentist regularly at take your medication as prescribed to keep your glucose levels under control.

Certain Medications

If you take medication, it could be affecting your gums, as some cause the mouth to become too dry. Saliva is needed to keep the mouth and teeth healthy. It keeps them moist and provides antibiotic properties. It also guards your gums from sugars that can cause tarter and irritate the gums. If your mouth does not produce saliva, your gums can become unhealthy because the bad bacteria cannot be washed away.

Healthy gums are crucial to your oral health. Although you can have teeth repaired if they suffer damage, the gums cannot be fixed if they become damaged beyond repair. Always see your dentist in order to maintain your gum health.

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1 September 2016