Sore Gums Do Not Have To Be Part of the Golden Years

The presentation of sore gums in the advanced years of adulthood has become an almost proverbial condition and even though there is a plethora of creams and salves on the market, the complaints about hurting, sore, and even bleeding gums seems to increase rather than decrease. It is interesting to note that while most believe that this malady is brought on by the use of dentures, it is actually more of a combination of conditions.

For example, it has been estimated that half of today’s senior citizen population (55 and over) is suffering from periodontitis while one fourth of mature adults over the age of 65 is thought to have lost all of their teeth. Dental health professionals further report that the loss of these teeth is not due to the normal ravages of an aging body but instead is a byproduct of advanced gum disease and tooth decay.

These are a tip off that either oral care procedures are not followed as prescribed by the dentist’s hygienist or that too much time has elapsed between dental care appointments. While it is tempting to try and forget the look and feel of the oral cavity – and generally some painkillers will more than make up for any pain you might be experiencing – the fact that sore gums and the conditions they warn of also affect other parts of your body cannot be denied. For example, did you know that unsuccessful joint replacement surgery has been directly linked to infections which may have traveled from the oral cavity?

Although easy to forget, the fact that blood vessels traverse the entire length of the body is a surefire reminder that an infection that might be brewing in the mouth most certainly can travel through the body to areas that are prone to letting the infection take hold, such as sites of recent surgeries, chronic wounds, and even organ tissues, such as lungs. Physicians have tied gum disease to diabetes, heart disease, and also the contraction of pneumonia.

This is due to the fact that the body is continuously in a state of heightened alert since the infection indicated by the sore gums requires nonstop counteraction by the body’s immune system. As all energy is expended on fighting the bacteria and their effects on the oral cavity, precious little energy and resources are left to deal with other areas of the body that may also require the disease fighting power of the immune system.

The end result is a failing body which, sadly, will at times have lead to an untimely death. All of this may be avoided by practicing proper dental hygiene and keeping all of your dental health care appointments. Thus, no matter how tempting it is to ignore the pain, deaden it with painkillers or simply hope that a bit of extra brushing and rinsing will do the trick, remember that sore gums do not have to be part of the golden years and thus a visit to the dentist will take care of the problem quickly and decisively.