{"id":446,"date":"2019-09-01T17:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-09-01T17:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistelreno.com\/blog\/?p=446"},"modified":"2019-09-16T15:05:43","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16T15:05:43","slug":"why-your-gums-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistelreno.com\/blog\/why-your-gums-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Gums MATTER"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You don\u2019t need a degree in dentistry to know that there is a\nlot more going on in your mouth than just your teeth, but they tend to grab all\nthe attention\u2026when\u2019s the last time you saw a picture of gums on the sign for a\ndental office? In truth, your gums are just as important as your teeth when it\ncomes to your oral health, but they are often overlooked, which frequently leads\nto a multitude of serious dental problems. This September is actually National\nGum Care Month, so in that spirit, we\u2019re going to cover the best ways to\nprotect the unsung hero of your smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Taking Care of Your Gums is Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever really thought about what your gums do<\/em>? As in, you know your teeth help\nbreak down food, your tongue ensures you\u2019re able to taste and speak\u2026but where\ndo your gums fit in? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primarily, your gums perform two important functions.\nFirst, they support your teeth and keep them stable. Your teeth are already\nrooted firmly within the jawbone, but the added strength thanks to the gums\nensures that your teeth don\u2019t ever drift or shift as you eat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also protect the roots of your teeth as well as the\nnearby jawbone. The enamel around tooth roots is actually thinner and more delicate\ncompared to the crown, meaning it\u2019s more vulnerable to decay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if You Ignore Your Gums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without consistent brushing and flossing as well as routine\ndental checkups, plaque and tartar can begin to build up on the teeth below the\ngum line. These substances are filled with bacteria that can harm and break\ndown the gum tissue, leading to an infection called gum disease. By far the\nmost common dental problem in the world, it is the source of many nasty\nsymptoms: <\/p>\n\n\n\n