Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Why You Have To Go To The Dentist More Often Than Your Cat

27 April 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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You and your cat share some major features. Why is it that you have to go to the family dentist, like Richard L. Myers, DDS, once or twice a year and your cat can avoid it altogether? Dental disease is not a big problem in cats but is often one in people. The differences between you and your cat emphasize why you need to see your dentist more often than your cat.

Eating Habits

Your cat and its larger, wild cousins are all primarily meat eaters. The large canines in the cat's mouth are for tearing large chunks of food out of prey, then swallowing the chunks whole. They chew their food very little.

Your teeth and digestive system are designed for tearing food into small bites, and chewing each bite several times before swallowing. This chewing action creates smaller food particles than can become wedged in between teeth. This leaves you more open to plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Processed Foods

A good cat food contains animal protein and a little grain. Manufacturers of pet foods don't have to add sugars and salt to improve the taste. Consequently, your cat doesn't have to worry about sugar causing tooth decay. Your cat also gets the same food every day. Wet or dry, your cat prefers consistency in their diet.

You, however, prefer a variety of food types and items. Many of your foods have additives that make them more appealing. Sugar and salt are added to processed foods to make them tasty and increase their shelf life. They also increase your risk of dental disease with these foods.

Snacking

Your cat doesn't have bowls of candy and bags of chips laying around for snacking. They rarely have between-meal treats, unless you free feed dry food. If your cat has a snack, it is probably a special cat treat that you give them for being a good kitty.

You can snack all day on foods that aren't good for your teeth. Many snack foods are high in sugars and salts and you can reach out any time of the day for a handful.

Smoking

Cats don't smoke. Period.

The National Institutes of Health says that smoking is one of the major causes of dental disease for people. The smoke can cause erosion of tooth enamel and inflammation of gums and other soft tissues. Smoking is also a major cause of stained teeth.

Stress Responses

While cats do react to stress in many ways, teeth grinding is a behavior they do only if they have a painful dental issue.

People who are under a lot of stress at work or home may grind their teeth, causing irritated gums and possible misalignment of the teeth. The stress also reduces the effectiveness of your immune system. A healthy immune system is important for fighting off the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay.

You and your cat have many differences when it comes to dental health. You must be more disciplined about your dental care and aware of what you eat. Your cat's lifestyle prevents them from having frequent tooth and gum issues. Make sure your lifestyle isn't increasing your risk of dental problems.