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You’ve probably heard your dentist talk about the importance of flossing, but one equally important concern is gum disease. Your gums will not only affect your smile, but they’ll also play a role in your overall health. In your mouth alone, they support your teeth and other bones while blocking sensitive areas from bacteria.

Why Dentists Warn of Gum Disease

In Your Mouth

dentistThe soft, pink skin that makes up your gums forms a tight seal around the base of your teeth. Your dentist will explain how they hold your teeth in place while protecting the underlying bone of your jaw. When your gums are healthy, they protect teeth from bacteria and contribute to a straight, shiny smile. But when you have gum disease, your gums can’t do their job effectively. Gum disease ranges from mild symptoms, including slight redness and swelling, to the complete deterioration of the tooth’s support system. Infected gums will bleed more easily and feel tender. As the disease progresses, they’ll start to recede away from the teeth. Without that firm support, teeth are exposed to more bacteria and will eventually decay.

The Rest of Your Body

Besides destroying your smile and causing painful dental issues, gum disease has been linked to several cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. With no healthy gums to act as a barrier, more bacteria enters the bloodstream. Those invisible threats travel through the body to collect on coronary artery walls. This contributes to cardiovascular disease by narrowing arteries and obstructing blood flow to the heart. If the bacteria doesn’t enter the bloodstream, it can be inhaled through the respiratory tract.

 

Taking proper care of your gums will add only minutes to your daily routine, but it will have long-lasting effects on your everyday life. If you’re concerned about the health of your gums, trust William B. Collier Jr., DMD, in Enterprise, AL. This family dentist has been serving the area for 35 years, ensuring all his patients have a happy and healthy smile. Call (334) 347-5026 to schedule your appointment today. You can also learn more about teeth cleaning on their website.

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