The secret to a healthier life: How caring for your gums can prevent chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a silent enemy that, although often unnoticed, can trigger serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. However, the solution to preventing this type of inflammation may be closer than you think: taking care of your gums. According to current scientific evidence, maintaining good oral health can play a fundamental role in preventing this problem and, consequently, improving your quality of life.

To understand the impact of oral health on chronic inflammation , it's important to distinguish between the two types of inflammation. Acute inflammation is the body's temporary protective response following an injury or infection and typically resolves within days. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is a prolonged, low-grade immune reaction that can last for months or even years, damaging tissues and organs in the process. Worryingly, this long-standing inflammation often doesn't present obvious symptoms until serious complications have already developed.

Experts point out that one of the leading causes of chronic low-grade inflammation is periodontitis, a gum disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Initial symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding gums when brushing, bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums that make teeth appear longer. While these symptoms may seem minor, their long-term effects are alarming: periodontitis not only affects oral health but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, premature birth, and erectile dysfunction, among other serious health problems.

The mechanism behind this connection is that when gums are inflamed or bleeding, bacteria and harmful substances can enter the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response throughout the body. For this reason, preventing chronic inflammation begins with solid oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing or using interdental brushes, and, above all, preventing gum bleeding are essential measures for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious problems.

In addition to oral care, a healthy lifestyle is another key pillar for combating chronic inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in leafy greens (such as spinach, kale, and arugula), cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower), and antioxidant-rich foods (such as carrots, beets, and avocados) can make a significant difference. It's also recommended to include probiotics, found in fermented foods like unsweetened yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha, to strengthen the gut microbiota. Prebiotics, found in fruits like green apples and mangoes, as well as vegetables like garlic, onions, and leeks, are also recommended.

On the other hand, ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, excessive alcohol, and tobacco should be avoided, as these promote inflammation in the body. It's also crucial to maintain an active lifestyle, get enough sleep, and manage stress to reduce the factors that promote inflammation.

Taking care of your gums not only protects your smile, but is also an investment in your overall health. The key is to adopt simple but effective habits that not only prevent tooth loss but also significantly reduce the risk of developing serious diseases related to chronic inflammation. So the next time you brush your teeth, think about this: you're doing much more than taking care of your mouth; you're taking care of your life.

This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from La Nación.