{"id":30295,"date":"2022-06-20T14:45:57","date_gmt":"2022-06-20T19:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wholehealthchicago.com\/blog\/?p=30295"},"modified":"2022-11-14T13:48:05","modified_gmt":"2022-11-14T19:48:05","slug":"longevity-medicine-your-gums-and-your-lifespan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wholehealthchicago.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/20\/longevity-medicine-your-gums-and-your-lifespan","title":{"rendered":"Longevity Medicine: Your Gums And Your Lifespan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last week, we chatted about how your microbiome affects your longevity. Now let\u2019s meander to the other end of your 30-foot-long alimentary canal, up to your mouth, specifically your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WholeHealth Chicago patients know we do a check on the health status of their mouths during the physical exam, asking about their dental visits or lack thereof. The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc as far as dental health goes. Patients have postponed cleanings, repair work, and so forth. Dentists report an epidemic of increased tooth decay and gum disease from postponed appointments as well as cracked teeth from jaw clenching and long outworn night guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the process, lots of dentists have permanently closed shop, so if you do have a good dentist, call for an appointment and open wide. By the way, their offices are meticulously clean. You might get COVID buying your toothbrush at a Walmart, but it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll get it from your dentist (who will give you a freebie anyway).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recently felt a personal swelling of pride when my dentist stuck his (gloved) fingers in my mouth, pulled my lips back to my earlobes, and announced that I had \u201cyouthful gums\u201d, \u201cyouthful\u201d never being an adjective ever applied to any of my otherwise decrepit body parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFank foo!\u201d I cheerily answered. Then he removed his fingers. I was about to launch into a brief informative lecture about gum health and longevity, but he was back in a flash with more fingers and more equipment so instead I\u2019ll just write this Health Tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first stage of gum inattention and neglect leads to gingivitis. <\/strong>While on the subject, gingiva is simply the medical term for gums. Yes, the condition could be called \u2018gumitis\u2019, but it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis <\/strong>is an inflammation of the gums. It is very common, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. The main symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums. Other symptoms may include red, swollen, or tender gums. Gingivitis is typically caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of the teeth and gums. If this sticky plaque is not removed by regular brushing or a dental hygienist, it can harden into tartar, which can further cause irritation of the gums, resulting in bleeding. Gingivitis is completely preventable and treatable. If it is not treated, gingivitis can result in periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis <\/strong>follows untreated gingivitis and can be serious. It can destroy the supporting structures of the teeth, including the alveolar bone. Periodontitis is one of many major causes of tooth loss in American adults and is entirely preventable with proper oral health habits. Since the dental specialists<\/a> who treat this condition, periodontists, are quite expensive, as you refinance your condo to pay your bill, you\u2019ll think, \u201cIf I had only brushed and flossed, none of this would be happening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of periodontitis:<\/p>\n\n\n\n