Why Having Healthy Gums Matters

So much emphasis is placed on having clean, strong teeth that the gums are often overlooked. Take it from Dr. Chris McDonald, a trusted dentist in Urbandale, Iowa: your gums are of critical importance to your oral and overall health. In this blog, Dr. McDonald explains some of the reasons why you should take extra good care of your gums.

How the Gums Affect Your Health

The health of your teeth and the health of your gums are interconnected. Gums support your teeth and help to hold them in place. If your gums become infected, this can cause teeth sensitivity and discomfort when you chew. Left untreated, gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. It can also cause chronic bad breath.

You may not realize that gum disease (also known as periodontitis) is not just harmful to the health of your mouth, but also your entire body. Research has found that people with gum disease have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as giving birth to premature babies. Many experts believe this occurs because the infection can enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc in other areas of the body.

How to Take Care of Your Gums

Now that you understand that improper gum care can lead to bloody gums, bad breath, missing adult teeth and even possibly a heart attack, the next important thing to learn is how to protect your gums. When you brush, don’t focus exclusively on the teeth. Be sure to brush gently along the gumline where bacteria can easily accumulate. Flossing is equally as important because it also pulls out plaque from the gums. If you notice your gums bleed when you floss, this is a sign that you need to floss more often, not stop altogether.

If you notice early symptoms of gum disease, please visit Dr. McDonald for scaling and root planing (sometimes called “a deep cleaning”). This treatment is an effective way to clean plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline. Once cleaned, your gums can more easily reattach to the tooth roots for better protection and health.

Make an Appointment

Dr. McDonald enjoys forging relationships with his patients so he can help them to maintain strong oral health for the rest of their lives. If you would like to receive attentive, personalized care from a professional who is affiliated with the Iowa Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, please make an appointment by calling (515) 334-3838.