{"id":170,"date":"2022-05-13T09:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T09:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonbeachperiodontics.com\/blog\/?p=170"},"modified":"2022-06-21T21:49:12","modified_gmt":"2022-06-21T21:49:12","slug":"periodontist-in-huntington-beach-explains-why-to-care-for-your-gums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonbeachperiodontics.com\/blog\/2022\/05\/13\/periodontist-in-huntington-beach-explains-why-to-care-for-your-gums\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Health-Related Reasons to Care for Your Gums"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Patient<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Teeth aren\u2019t the only part of your mouth that require proper care. As it happens, your gums\u2019 health<\/a> needs to be supported too. Though not as eye-catching as a pearly white smile, they greatly benefit your body when they\u2019re doing well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a summary from your periodontist in Huntington Beach of four reasons to care for your gums. Read on so you\u2019ll appreciate the pink stuff around your teeth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Should You Care for Your Gums?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In terms of function, gums work to protect the non-visible portions of your teeth from germs and injury. They also help you to bite and chew your food efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, your gums might contract periodontitis if you don\u2019t tend them well. Also known as gum disease, the latter is caused by a bacterial infection that leads to gum inflammation. As it spreads, it can damage several aspects of your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In its moderate to severe forms, gum disease increases the inflammation levels throughout your body. Several studies have linked said inflammation to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease, especially as the latter is an inflammatory condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lung Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some research suggests that gum health promotes lung health for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other end, periodontal disease increases the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia. Such may occur from inhaling bacteria into the respiratory tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss. People often find it harder to eat healthy foods such as crisp fruits and vegetables when that happens. Chewing problems can also lead to poor nutrition, which then causes issues like fatigue and dizziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotional Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tooth loss stemming from gum disease can hurt confidence in one\u2019s smile. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, dentists pull 20 million teeth yearly in the U.S. alone. From there, it\u2019s stated that eighty-six percent of dental practices say social embarrassment is one of the biggest problems people report after noticeable tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Improve & Preserve Gum Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are ways to keep your gums from developing periodontal disease. From now on, regularly practice the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n