Holistic and Cosmetic Dentist Chad Blog Series: What’s inside the mouth? (Part 2)

This blog series “what’s inside the mouth” is going to explore the various parts of the inside of the mouth and what roles they play for chewing, digestion, and speaking.  The mouth and its surrounding tissues are considered a “chewing system” all must work together for proper function to occur.

In Part II of this series of blogs, I will be discussing the role of the gum tissue.  This tissue is also covered by the oral mucosa.  Gum tissue is tough as it is made with the collagen material keratin.  The reason for its resilience is to help with chewing food along with protecting the teeth that they cover.    Its role is to protect and cover the root and bone surrounding the tooth.  It also makes up the tissue that is in-between the teeth.  When the gum tissue is healthy it remains firm to touch.  Proper oral hygiene and preventative dental care will help to reduce one’s risk for gum infection.

What happens when gum tissue is infected?

When the gum tissue is infected, it bleeds and is soft in texture.  The very beginning of gum tissue infected is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by lack of oral hygiene.  When plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, it eventually builds-up along and underneath the gum line.  Gingivitis is treatable and reversible.  However, when left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontal disease.  When the gum tissue is infected, the bacteria go underneath the tissue releasing toxins.  These toxins create an inflammatory response in our body which  causes bone and tissue destruction.  When infected gum tissue goes untreated, tooth loss can occur.  Infection of the gum tissue can also lead to more serious infections such as heart disease and diabetes.

How to prevent gum infection:

1. Brush and floss regularly.

2. Visit your dental hygienist at least twice a year.

3.  Eat food rich in Vitamin C, B6 and B12, D, and supplement with a high quality fish oil.

4.  Switching to all natural fluoride-free toothpaste.  Many individuals are allergic or have reactions to the ingredients in over the counter toothpastes.  Constant irritation to the gum tissue can cause destruction to occur.

5.  Maintain a healthy lifestyle adequate sleep and stress reduction will help to keep the inflammatory response from occurring.

6.  Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking.  Both can cause oral cancer along with suffocating the gum tissue.

If you are interested in a more holistic approach while visiting the dental hygienist, please visit my Inland Empire Cosmetic Holistic dental office.  My dental hygiene team is very knowledgeable and highly skilled in maintaining oral health.  Through the use of natural products and dental laser therapy, your gum tissue is in good hands.  Call (951)686-3666 to schedule an appointment.