Your gums are extremely important to the overall health of your mouth as they provide sturdy anchoring for your teeth and provide a protective barrier against oral bacteria entering the body. Over time, your gums can be exposed to damage in various ways and, without proper care, can grow weak and possibly diseased. Smoking, especially over a prolonged period of time, is a major threat to gum health as it decreases your immune system’s ability to fight infection. This means that the protective barrier that gums provide is affected and can not battle against infection as easily. This can lead to gingivitis, gum disease, and other issues that can put your oral and overall health at serious risk.
To protect your gums over the years, avoid smoking altogether. Gum disease can become more prevalent as you age, especially if you have not been carrying out a vigilant teeth cleaning regime. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice each day and flossingat least one a day are considered essential practice to carry on throughout your lifetime in the fight against plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that naturally forms in your mouth every day. If left uncleaned, this plaque, tartar, and bacteria can grow to unmanageable levels and lead to infection, tooth decay, and gum disease, all of which require serious care from a dental professional. Leaving gums wounds, inflammation, or bleeding to fester or go unchecked is another way to compromise your oral health. If something doesn’t feel right, always make an appointment for a checkup with your dentist right away.
