In popular perception, the primary targets of dental care and oral hygiene are the teeth. More often than not, the health of gums is fortuitously relegated. Although the prevalence of gum diseases has considerably reduced in the past few years, it still affects 1 in 10 American adults by the time they reach 64. It is noteworthy to mention that a clean, cavity-free, and shiny set of teeth does not ensure that your gums are equally hale and well. As problems associated with the gums are painless and virtually invisible, people have no clue about what is wrong.

Importance of Gums Health

Being unmindful of the gums can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and cause plaque formation along the gum line. And what is plaque, you may ask? Well. It is a slimy and thin layer of substances filled with bacteria and fungi. Dental plaque can galvanize numerous gum diseases like tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Although they seem isolated, these two diseases can impact other body parts and cause serious health problems like heart diseases and so on. 

Studies show that gum health influences our overall health. Some of the ancillary challenges that gum diseases may trigger are:

• Gum issues like gingivitis and periodontitis can culminate in tooth loss, and it may become difficult for a person to munch on and consume food properly. As such, gum diseases may adversely impact a person’s nutritional health. 
• Research reveals that moderate to severe gum diseases can increase inflammation levels throughout the entire human body. As heart disease is also an inflammatory disease, its risk of a stroke multiplies when someone is suffering from severe gum problems like periodontitis. 
• There are various research papers that indicate that gum health is related to lung health for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Periodontal or gum diseases can also enhance the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia. There is the possibility of the bacteria in the mouth being inhaled and reaching the breathing tract.
• In addition to all the tangible physical detriments, gum diseases can shatter a person’s confidence and emotional health. Despite being a very superficial take, a beautiful smile and appealing teeth can increase the self-esteem of a person and vice-versa. A study revealed that 86 percent of the people who had lost a tooth considered social embarrassment their greatest challenge. 

Ways to Take Care of the Gums

Taking care of the gums is not rocket science. Consistently following some essential dental care tips are enough to keep our periodontal health in check. The most important part is to brush the teeth twice a day and follow this step with dental flossing. A good quality mouthwash can also be highly advantageous when caring for the gums and overall oral health. Abstinence from smoking and avoiding the consumption of sugary foods and drinks are extra steps that a person can take to take immaculate care of their gums and teeth. 

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