Guidelines for healthy gums

When most people think of oral health, the first things that come to mind are the color, shape and arrangement of our teeth. There is usually a tendency to overlook an important part of our mouth, namely the gums.

When it comes to oral hygiene, gum care should not be neglected. Because it is not enough to have cavity-free, white and pearly teeth. Your gum health should also be monitored and protected.

Gum disease is initially painless and develops over time. Therefore, it can only be detected at an early stage by a dentist.

We always advise our patients to never ignore gum problems as they can lead to tooth loss and other dental problems.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts with the formation of plaque along or below the gum line. Plaque is a sticky layer full of bacteria. This damages the gums and bone and can cause infections that lead to cavities and gum disease.

Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. It causes the gums to become tender, red, swollen, inflamed and prone to bleeding. Fortunately, this damage is reversible and can be treated without permanent scarring, as the bone and tissue holding the teeth are not affected.

Periodontitis

An advanced form of gum disease that affects the bone and fibers that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can destroy the gums, bones and tissues attached to your tooth and the affected tooth can start to wobble. If your teeth need to be extracted for this reason, dental implants are the most commonly used treatment option. Other alternatives are bridges and palatal prostheses

Symptoms of gum disease

Here are some symptoms that may suggest you have gum disease:

-Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth,

-Swollen, tender or bleeding gums,

Red-colored gingival margins,

-Widening gaps between the teeth,

-White colored inflammatory formations,

-Swaying of the teeth

-Bleeding when brushing or flossing even though it doesn’t hurt,

-Hypersensitivity to hot or cold foods,

-Shrinking gums,

Prevention is better than cure

Gum disease can be prevented and good oral care and regular check-ups are important for this.

Here are some tips for preventing gum disease:

-Brush your teeth gently for at least 2 to 3 minutes twice a day and remember to brush along the gum line. For good results, use a medium-hard bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.

-Floss daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach.

-Mouthwash may not be a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it certainly reduces plaque buildup significantly. You can use a mouthwash that is known to be effective and safe.

-Maintaining a healthy diet is not only good for your physical health, but also for your oral health. Avoid starchy and sugary foods that increase plaque buildup. Instead, focus on diets that provide foods rich in Vitamin A and C and the nutrients needed to prevent gum disease.

-Avoid smoking and tobacco as they are very harmful to your oral health. Not only do they contribute to gum disease, but in some cases they can even lead to oral cancers.

Schedule regular dental check-ups. This is one of the surest ways to detect early signs of gum disease.

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