When it comes to dental care, much of the focus is on healthy teeth. However, we should never forget about our gums. After all, the gums are what’s keeping our teeth in place! Therefore, it makes sense to keep them in the best possible condition too. Here’s a little bit more about how healthy gums make for healthy teeth.

What Gums Do

Gums are one of those parts of the body that people rarely stop to think about. Now’s the time to appreciate their hard work! Gums are soft tissue that support the teeth and hold them in position. If your gums are unhealthy, it’s possible that your teeth can start to loosen and even fall out. If you didn’t have gums at all, then it would be quite easy for bad bacteria to get into those inner, deeper parts of the teeth. You can think of gums as a kind of seal around your teeth to keep food particles and bacteria at bay.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Not only are the health of teeth and gums tied together, but your gum health also affects your total body wellness. There have been studies that link periodontal disease to heart conditions since bad bacteria in the gums can actually travel through your bloodstream to other areas of your body.

Signs of Healthy Gums

Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Unhealthy gums are swollen, red, and bloody when you brush or floss. Good oral hygiene will keep gums healthy and reverse mild gum disease. The mouth has an amazing ability to heal! Receding gums are a sign of more advanced gum disease which will need treatment from a dentist in order to heal.

Treating Gum Disease in Louisville, KY

If you need some help getting your gums back into healthy condition, Middletown Commons Family Dental is there for you. We offer comprehensive dental care at our Louisville practice. We can treat gum disease and offer tips on how best to brush to protect your gums. Call or email us today and a member of our friendly team will be there to assist you!