One thing most of us have in common is that we want to look and feel our best! Whether it’s a new hairstyle, time set aside for the gym or new clothes, the intent is the same ... to maintain self-esteem. And an important part of self-esteem is having great-looking pearly whites! But there are more important reasons to keep your teeth and gums healthy than just good looks.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported that inflammation found in gum disease causes the liver to produce C-Reactive protein, which is an indicator for future heart problems. Diabetics with gum disease are in danger of higher mortality and pregnant women with a high level of periodontal bacteria in their mouths are at risk for delivering pre-term, low-weight babies, according to The Journal of Periodontology. Gum disease (periodontitis) can occur at any time, and by age 35, three out of four adults have some form of it. “The news about gum disease and its connection to our overall health continues to come up again and again in research and medicine,” says Dr. Chris Kammer, DDS www.aboutcosmeticdentistry.com. “It’s time to get serious about the disease that most Americans still do not take seriously.”
There are two stages of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis:
- The first, gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque (the sticky stuff you feel on your teeth when you haven’t brushed for awhile). If plaque is not removed every day, it builds up and hardens into calculus (also called tartar), which causes the gums to become red, swollen and to bleed when brushed.
- If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, an infection caused by toxins and volatile sulfur compounds that come from the bacteria living in the calculus surrounding the teeth. The toxins begin to destroy the gum and bone that support the teeth, and will continue insidiously and painlessly until treated or the teeth fall out.
Gingivitis and periodontitis can be prevented easily by regular visits to your dentist followed by proper and consistent flossing and brushing at home. Experts recommend brushing and flossing at least twice a day and no more than three times. Use a soft-bristle brush and hold it as you would a pen to help avoid the tendency to brush too hard, which can make the gums begin to recede over time. Using an electric toothbrush removes plaque more efficiently. And
brushing for at least two minutes at a session is also advised, so turn on your favorite tune and brush until it ends, or buy an electric brush with a built-in timer. Check out www.colgate.com or www.mayoclinic.com/dental for more tips on proper technique.
“Just as you must exercise your body to keep it in shape, you must exercise your gums to keep them healthy. You do that best by brushing and especially flossing. You don’t have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep,” says my friend Myron Bromberg, DDS with a smile.
For more information click on www.ada.org or www.kidshealth.org.
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