When it comes dental health, teeth often steal the limelight, but beneath these pearly whites, the gums play an integral role. Healthy gums support stable, healthy teeth, and their role in general wellbeing extends far beyond that.
Poor gum health is renowned as a contributing factor for a variety of medical conditions, including dementia, heart disease and even some cancers.
In short, healthy gums equals a healthy smile with a whole host of general health benefits on the side. So, here’s a quick guide to looking after your gums…
What are healthy gums?
Healthy gums are:
- Firm and pink (but vary in complexion)
- Fit snuggly round the teeth
- Hold teeth securely in place
- Don’t bleed during normal brushing
- Are not tender and swollen
What are unhealthy gums?
Unhealthy gums:
- May be prone to tenderness and bleeding
- Have a red or swollen appearance
- Recede around one or multiple teeth
- Can be painful or tender to the touch
Brushing
Good dental hygiene plays in integral role in ensuring the health of gums. This includes brushing teeth twice daily and incorporating gentle, circular sweeps of the gumline into this routine. Remember to use a soft or medium brush and don’t scrub too vigorously as this can irritate the gums.
Flossing
Flossing helps remove plaque and food reside from between your teeth, but it’s important to use the right technique. Gently saw between the teeth without cutting into your gums.
Regular dentist checkups
Regular dentist checkups are designed to make sure your teeth and gums are in optimum health. Often a dentist checkup can identify potential problems like gum disease, and the sooner this is recognised the better it can be managed.
Estimated to affect half of all adults over the age of 30, untreated gum disease can go on to have major ramifications for your dental health and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
If diagnosed early, the initial signs of gum disease can even be reversed. That makes an annual dental appointment imperative to good gum health.
Regular rinsing
Mouth wash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but rinsing daily with mouthwash can help eliminate the bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. Regular rinsing, even with water, can also help flush away food debris and restore the pH balance of your mouth
Quite smoking
Smoking can have devastating effects on both your teeth and your gums, with evidence indicating people who smoke have twice the risk of developing gum disease. In addition, tobacco also leaves a residue on your teeth which can make them more prone to the build-up of plaque.
About Brite Dental
Brite Dental is a community-focused dental practice, committed to ensuring you and your family receive the highest quality of care in a warm and professional environment.
Offering a full range of dental services ranging, from children’s dentistry through to high-end cosmetic dentistry, we are conveniently located in central Panania.
You can learn more about our dental services, or contact us to book your next appointment.
