Healthy Gums = Healthy Mouth

Ever wonder why dentists and dental hygienists make such a big deal about your gums? The reason is because healthy gums are vital to healthy life!

The mouth is the gateway to the body, and what happens in your gums is not isolated to the gums. Not only does the health of your gums have a huge impact on the health of your mouth overall. It can affect other important systems in your body.

A recent study showed that flossing increases the average life span by up to six years! This is mainly because it prevents gum disease, and therefore, also prevents the negative effects of gum disease on the rest of your body.

When gums become unhealthy, the first stage is gingivitis, which literally means inflammation of the gums. This primary cause of this inflammation is always plaque, the soft buildup of bacteria, food debris and dead cells that collects on teeth between brushings. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue, and the body's response to that irritation is inflammation. The gums swell, turn red, and bleed very easily.

Gingivitis is easy to treat. It will involve one or more professional teeth cleanings and good home care. Your dental hygienist will give you specific instructions on how to best clean your teeth at home between your teeth cleanings.

Author