The Connection between Infected Gums and Heart Disease

When you brush your teeth and look in the mirror after all is said and done, you most likely enjoy the sight of healthy, pink gums and white, clean teeth. Did you know that even though the twice a day routine oral hygiene regimen is vital there is a much overlooked component? You may be surprised to learn that healthy gums require saliva to remain healthy in between brushings!

Everyone knows saliva to be the watery substance in the mouth that seems to collect as the scent of delicious treats reaches the nostrils, but it is much more powerful than just being useful for proper digestion. As a matter of fact, the spittle in the mouth may be mostly water, but in addition to that it also contains electrolytes and – most importantly – enzymes that are known to attack, fight, and destroy bacteria.

If you have ever noticed that there is a reflex of sticking a bleeding finger into the mouth, you should take note that this apparent automatic reaction has been passed down since time immemorial and is one of the few instinctual traits human beings are still conscious of. Antibacterial properties protect shallow wounds from any bacteria that might have invaded them and since the hands are at the highest risk of inviting dirt and bacteria into wounds, this instinct may have been the difference between life and death in centuries gone by.

Of course, for the sake of healthy gums and overall oral health, the necessity of saliva goes further than simply having antibacterial fighting properties. Since saliva is directly a part of the digestive process, it serves to break down food, and frequently minute food particles are lodged between teeth. Without the aid of saliva, these particles may remain in between the teeth and there have the opportunity to provide fodder for bacteria. With the saliva, however, these particles are being at least partially digested to such an extent as to permit dislodging from their dangerous locale; when the time for your next routine oral hygiene activities rolls around, these particles may already be gone.

Unfortunately, healthy gums are sometimes sacrificed when saliva drying medications are ingested and before long a patient may notice that the gums are not as pink and healthy as they used to be. In addition to the foregoing, the teeth may feature an angry yellow shade that is indicative of plaque buildup. Failure to have this plaque professionally removed by an oral hygienist in your dentist’s office will only continue to make the situation worse and before long your gums will turn from pink and healthy to red and bleeding.

To this end, it is wise to inquire about medications you may receive from your doctor if one of the side effects is dry mouth, and if this is indeed the possibility, do not hesitate to point out to your doctor if you experience this side effect. Other medications may be useful, and even if you must continue on with them, there may be things your doctor can suggest that will prevent dry mouth from continuing. Do not take your healthy gums for granted! They require saliva to stay that way!