Although the teeth are typically the star of the dental care show, gum tissue plays a crucial role as well, including supporting teeth and protecting the jaw from bacteria. For these reasons, dentists recommend making gum care a normal part of your oral hygiene routine. Here are a few other ways healthy gums can improve the way you look and feel.  

How Healthy Gums Promote Overall Wellness

1. Improve Nutrition 

When gum tissue is healthy and strong, it enables healthy eating because you can enjoy crisp vegetables, crunchy grains, and chewy proteins. If your gum tissue is inflamed and painful, it becomes more difficult to eat the kinds of foods you should be consuming to maintain a healthy weight and proper energy levels. 

2. Avoid Disease 

If you don’t take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing them properly, it could lead to gum disease, which can allow oral bacteria to enter your bloodstream and spark systemic inflammation. This dangerous inflammation is shown to cause problems like heart disease, cancer, and respiratory distress, potentially shortening your life. 

3. Protect Immunity

Researchers have even tied gum disease to poorer immune system response since your body may be busy battling other microscopic pathogens. People who have unhealthy gums might struggle with more infections, contributing to poorer quality of life and time away from work. Taking care of your gums helps your body focus on fighting off other infections and bacteria. 

Are you ready to make 2018 your year to return to dental health? Talk with Teresa Wade, DDS - Family Dentistry to find out what you can do to improve your smile. As a Texas-born, -raised, and -educated dentist, Dr. Wade has been working with families throughout the greater Andrews, TX, area for more than 38 years. To learn more about her dental care services, visit her website, or call (432) 523-7782 to make an appointment.