Our body functions as a whole. When something goes wrong, there is a risk of damaging the entire mechanism. And this rule applies to all organs. Most often people talk about the consequences of problems with the heart, blood pressure, stomach, liver…
What do the gums tell you about the health of your body? Are they somehow connected with the entire human body or only with the oral cavity?
The answer may surprise you, but the affected gums may be the first signs that something is wrong with your body.
Most often, people associate gum problems with poor oral hygiene, plaque, or certain oral infections. And they are perfectly right. But there are also other causes of gum disease that are less talked about, including:
- Vitamin deficiency;
- Diabetes;
- Metabolic disease;
- Weakening of immunity;
- Diseases of the digestive tract;
- Endocrine disorders
- Mental pathology.
In these cases, gum treatment will not be enough, an individual approach is required depending on the health problem that the patient has.
What can happen if the gum problem is neglected and not treated? Most often, dentists answer that we can lose teeth or cause a jaw infection. Serious enough, right? We would not like to face any of these situations.
But I will tell you even more, which may also surprise you. Untimely gum treatment can lead to more serious issues, such as:
- Heart diseases;
- Stroke;
- Diabetes;
- Premature birth;
- Respiratory tract (lung) diseases;
- Dementia.
How are your gums? Do they give you any sign that something is wrong with them? Here are the common signs that your gums are not healthy:
- The gums swell and turn red, when you touch them with a toothbrush or fingers, you feel excessive softness of the tissues;
- Inflammation of the gums causes weakness and fragility of blood vessels, which is manifested first by slight traces of blood on the toothbrush or floss, and then by the release of blood even when the tongue is passed over the gums;
- You feel increased sensitivity, the gum drops, the neck of the tooth is exposed – an area less protected than the crown with its relatively thick layer of enamel;
- The sensitivity of the gums increases to the extent that even eating food causes discomfort or pain, especially when sour, sweet, hot or cold food or drink gets on the inflamed area;
- The gums become loose, their surface and contours look uneven;
- Bad breath appears, which is not eliminated by brushing your teeth.
Now that you know about the consequences, I don't think you have any doubts as to why you should take care of your gums and not overlook any of the symptoms mentioned above.
What to do if the gum is swollen and sore? You should definitely see a doctor.
But, how to treat gum at home if there is no pharmacy nearby and you can't go to the doctor?
For these special cases, here are some tips for you. In an emergency, you can use medicinal decoctions, rinses, which have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect:
- Sage – application: a spoonful of dry inflorescences in a glass of boiling water;
- Calendula – brew a teaspoon in 200 ml of water, leave for half an hour;
- Oak bark – boil 2 tablespoons in 0.5 liters of water, let stand for 10 minutes, then strain;
- Yarrow – add 2 tablespoons of flowers to 0.5 liters of water, boil for 15 minutes, then cool;
- Chamomile – 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes.
Rinses are performed 3-6 times a day, usually after a meal.
Also, you can rinse your mouth if the gums are swollen with propolis. As a multicomponent substance containing biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can serve as a potential chemotherapeutic, chemopreventive and antitumor agent. To prepare a rinse solution, take 20 drops of propolis alcohol tincture and mix with 200 mi of pure water, rinse your mouth two to three times a day.
It is very important to take care of our gums not only to have a beautiful smile, but for the health of the whole body.
Smile and take care of yourself!