By all means, follow a regular oral care routine of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day to maintain healthy gums. In other words, some dentists may recommend an antibacterial rinse or mouthwash.
Especially, to help preserve healthy gums after you are treated for gum disease like gingivitis. As a matter of fact, if you suspect you have gum disease and are experiencing some of its symptoms such as sore gums, it may help to compare your gums. Particularly, to the pictures of healthy gums and gum disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
Of course, if your gums look like they’re in the early stages of gum disease, bring it to the attention of your dentist and hygienist at your next visit. When it comes to your mouth’s health, it’s not all about how straight your teeth are or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget about your healthy gums!
Even if you’re cavity-free and have the pearliest chompers in town, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to gum disease. Since it’s usually painless, most people have no idea that anything is wrong with their gums.
What are Healthy Gums?
The gums, or gingivae, are composed of pink tissue in the mouth that meets the base of the teeth. There is one gum or gingiva for each set of teeth. The gingival tissue is dense. It has a good supply of blood vessels beneath a moist surface, otherwise known as a mucous membrane.
The gingival tissue connects with the rest of the mouth lining but is pink instead of shiny red. And the gums are firmly attached to the jawbone and tightly cover each tooth up to the neck. When intact, the gums cover the roots of the teeth and protect them.
A gingival recession happens after a person has experienced a loss of tissue in the gum. It exposes the fragile roots of the teeth to bacteria and plaque and can lead to decay. Since the gingival recession has direct causes and predisposing factors, orthodontic treatment is able to prevent a recession.
And even contribute to its treatment, with or without a periodontal approach. Depending on the type and severity of gingival tissue damage. However, there is no evidence on the fact that orthodontic treatment alone might induce a gingival recession.
Although it might lead the affected teeth (usually mandibular incisors or maxillary canines) to be involved in situations that act as predisposing factors. Allowing direct causes to act and, therefore, trigger recession. Especially when the buccal bone plate is very thin or presents with dehiscence. Learn more about How can orthodontic treatment help?
How do Gums Become Unhealthy?
First, if you have healthy and strong gums, they will look firm and pink.
Secondly, some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth. Furthermore, there are a few factors that can undermine healthy gums. Including,
- tobacco use,
- malnutrition,
- poor oral hygiene, and
- poor immunity (due to more severe medical problems).
Also, certain medications, including some types of antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers, can cause dry mouth, which can promote gum disease. It’s important to remember that healthy gums aren’t just important for your oral health.
Not forgetting, maintaining your gums can also be important for your overall health. Numerous research studies suggest an association between periodontitis and other more serious chronic health conditions. Such as diabetes and heart disease.
In fact, there are now several studies that suggest an association between advanced gum disease and heart disease or stroke.
Why is it Important to Have Healthy Gums?
Because as can be seen, from our previous and elaborate article on gingivitis, periodontal or gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line.
Whereby, plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, as can be seen, from the above statement, plaque can also cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Eventually, plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums. Of course, this can cause the gums to become inflamed, making them red or puffy, or causing them to bleed. Equally important, this harmful plaque bacteria can even lead to issues beyond gingivitis like weakened tooth enamel.
Even with regular brushing, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your gum line. Learn more about Tooth Plaque Causes, Prevention, and Treatments.
What are Early Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Important to realize, the beginning signs of gingivitis disease are often seen when we perform dental cleanings. And we have found that many people haven’t been taking the signs seriously. Because gingivitis doesn’t often cause pain, many people don’t know they have it.
In fact, as many as 75% of all Kenyans will experience some degree of gingivitis during their lifetime. That’s why it’s important not only to know what to look for but also to see your dentist and hygienist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Using an anti-gingivitis toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean helps reverse early signs of gum damage and gives you clinically proven healthier gums. But, serious gum disease, known as periodontitis, requires more sophisticated treatment to restore healthy gums.
Several symptoms you can look for as warning signs are:
- Tender, red and swollen gums which tend to bleed when you brush and floss.
- Your gums pulling away from your teeth.
- Pus developing between teeth and gums.
Your dentist may use one of these techniques to treat severe gum disease;
- Root scaling and planing: Removal of the plaque and tartar on your teeth above and below the gum line.
- Gingivectomy: Removal of diseased gum tissue, and elimination of any pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can easily grow.
- Extraction: Removal of loose teeth, or removal of teeth that are badly decayed or damaged.
- Flap surgery: Cleaning the teeth roots and repairing any bone damage.
As your gums are the site of the infection, they are where you will likely first see the damage created by gingivitis. If you have mild gum disease (gingivitis), you can regain healthy gums by paying attention to oral hygiene. Here is the complete guide on Gingivitis and related early signs & symptoms.
How do you Maintain your Healthy Gums?
If you don’t maintain healthy gums, you are more likely to have gum disease, which can progress to a number of problems with your teeth and oral health. And as we talked about above, other long-term, chronic health conditions can be associated with periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease.
In order to help keep your gums healthy, there are several easy steps you should take on a daily basis. Below is a checklist you Need to Consider:
1. Toothbrush
When selecting a toothbrush for healthy gums, look for a soft-bristle brush that has bristles of varying heights to reduce irritation. This will help the toothbrush stimulate your gums and get into hard-to-reach areas.
Also, if your toothbrush is broken or worn out, please consider a replacement.
2. Toothpaste
Comprehensive all-in-one formulas such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste can provide a number of benefits that help care for your teeth and gums for a healthy mouth. You may also want to consider a toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean which is formulated specifically for your gums.
It can reach and neutralize the plaque bacteria built up around the gum line that can cause bleeding gums and even gum disease.
3. Dental Floss
Flossing may be one of the most important things you can do to help prevent gum problems and maintain healthy gums. There are also types of soft floss that make flossing easier, so people with sensitive gums can have healthy gums.
Another option: interdental devices such as dental picks and flossers can be used to clean between the teeth and promote healthy gums.
4. Mouthwash
Using an anti-gingivitis mouthwash as part of your oral care routine can help kill the bacteria that cause plaque to maintain healthy gums and teeth. And mouthwashes may offer you additional benefits like whitening, enamel protection, or cavity protection.
5. Gum Stimulator
Available at most drug stores, a gum stimulator can help you keep clean and healthy gums. This simple device features a rubber tip that is used to gently clean and stimulate gums for good circulation and to help prevent gum disease.
6. Regular Dental Visits
Regular visits to a dentist are important for your gums too. Simply, because the dentist can identify problems early before they become serious. Follow a regular oral care routine of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day to maintain healthy gums.
Finally, below is a video tutorial on 5 Effective Home Remedies for Gum Disease.
I hope you enjoyed reading the revised guide above on how to maintain healthy gums, therefore, help us share with other readers online. If you have additional contributions, suggestions, and recommendations, please Contact Us. Or even, leave them in the comments box below this post. All in all, below are more useful and related topic links.
- What Causes Dry Mouth?
- Periodontitis Symptoms & Causes
- 6 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy
- Gingivitis » Treatment & Preventive Measures
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