An Essential Part of Oral Hygiene and Overall Well-Being
In addition to having clean and cavity-free teeth, oral hygiene also includes looking-after your gums. Gum health is a very essential, to say the least, as it serves as a strong foundation upon which the rest of your dentition is based and subsequently will enable your health to improve. In fact, neglecting gum care can subject you to gum disease, tooth loss, and even some systemic health conditions. In the following sections, this article will investigate gum health and will emphasize such issues as why it is important and practical tips on how to take care of it.
What is Gum Health ?
Gum, or gingiva, is the pink take of soft tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Healthy gums are usually gingiva mashed by teeth, swell red and bleed on brushing or flossing. Unhealthy gums look red, swollen, and may bleed on brushing. Gum health involves the general state of tissues, keeping them in good health and free from any disease.
Health of the Gums-Why Do They Matter ?
Prevention of Gum Diseases
Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infectious disease of the tissues holding your teeth. It begins as has been postulated as gingivitis-inflammation of the gums, which can then progress to periodontal disease. The untreated gum disease can result in the loss of teeth, damage to bone, and even infect other organs.
Support for The Teeth And Jawbone
The healthy gums work to cushion the teeth and surround the bony structures towards their connection stability. A diseased gum will recede, thereby exposing the root surfaces and consequently compromising the supportive structure of the teeth. As the gums recede, the resulting tooth mobility becomes increasingly prone to shifting that may in turn require treatments of no corrective nature and, in worst cases, extraction.
Effect on Overall Health
Research has shown associations between gum health and different systemic health issues. Poor gum health has been associated with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, and even cancers. Gum disease-inflammation enters the blood system, making one of the chronic health conditions championed by humankind worse: hence the dental care.
Signs of Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Gums
If one seriously knows how healthy gums appear and feel, he or she will catch any developing issues early.
Healthy Gums :
- Firm
- Pink (Normal to vary slightly with skin tone)
- No bleeding when brushing or flossing
- No pain
Unhealthy Gums :
- Red (or bluish red), swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeds at the slightest provocation
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums (teeth seem greater in length)
- Loose teeth
If you find yourself with any of these signs and symptoms, you will do well to see a dentist without delay, as early treatment can head off more serious complications.
The frequently found causes of gum problems
An understanding of what can damage the gums is critical for gum disease prevention.
- Poor oral hygiene
When you do not brush or floss regularly, plaque-a sticky film of bacteria-accumulates on the teeth and around the gums. As this plaque accumulates over time, it hardens, forming tartar. Only a dental technician can remove tartar. Finally, plaque and tartar build-up is the cause of gum disease.
- Smoking and tobacco use
Smoking weakens the immune system, which makes it hard to fight gum infections. In addition, people who smoke suffer from gum disease more frequently and do not seem to heal well from this condition.
- Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and even menopause may cause the gums to become sensitive and predisposed to inflammation and infection. One group in particular that needs to be careful is pregnant women because of the fairly frequent occurrence of pregnancy gingivitis, which may place both the mother and the fetus at risk.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for gum disease. High sugar levels impair blood flow to the gums, making it much harder for the body to fight infections. More so, gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood glucose level, creating a dangerous circle.
- Poor diet
An inadequate diet mire for antioxidants, vitamins C and D can weaken gum tissue. Consuming processed foods and sugars increases plaque accumulation and, therefore, the risk of gum disease.
Keeping the Gums Healthy
A regular oral hygiene program-a routine in which mothers set their children a regimen of dental care-and regular checkups often can be beneficial to good gum health:
- Brush Twice a Day in the Right Manner
Use any soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush gently twice a day. Angle the brush such that the bristles sweep along the gum line at 45 degrees. Avoid using force, as not to ruin gum tissues with time.
- Floss Every Day
Flossing helps in removing food residues and plaque that brushing has not reached, especially between the teeth and under the gum line. Invidious notification that again raises the odds that plaque can build up and gum disease will develop.
- Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps in the reduction of the bacteria and provides breath freshening. Some contain actual ingredients for the prevention of gingivitis by killing bacteria along the gum line.
- Viz Sufficiently Balanced Diet
A further reason there should be a proper feed provided-this may include fruits and vegetables, not excluding proteins-which characterizes the nature of gums.Apart from that, get covered in vitamin C sources, including strawberries and bell peppers.
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco
Tobacco put one on a fast track towards serious oral problems, gum disease being one of them. This list should convince any reason to quit smoking-gums will improve in health and overall anything benefits.
- Visit The Dentist Regularly
The professional cleaning of dental cavities is critically important for the removal of tartar material-a matter beyond the reach of ordinary hygiene. Routine checkups allow dentists to detect gum disease in its early stages. Their timely interventionmost oftenis in the way of specialized treatment, preventing its further progression.
Home Remedies for Healthy Gums
Dental profession care cannot replace some natural methods to keep your gum health under check.
- Salt Water Rinse
Salt water rinse reduces swelling and bacteria in the mouth. You need to swirl half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water in your mouth for roughly 30 seconds on a couple of occasions a week. This helps soothe irritating gum tissue.
- Oil Pulling
The process known as oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes and later spitting it out. It is thought to possess properties to fight bacteria and may help with plaque buildup.
- Aloe Vera Gel
Derived from the herb Aloe, this naturally anti-inflammatory gel is an excellent treatment for sore and swollen gums. Ensure you do use a pure aloe vera gel that’s safe for use in the mouth.
Conclusion
Healthy gums contribute not only to the well-being of the teeth but also to the general well-being of a person. Driven by the motifs for oral health and regular dental checkups, you will keep the gumline healthy and minimize the risk of gum diseases. A balanced diet, tooth brushing, flossing, avoiding smoking, and natural remedies can heighten gum health. Healthy gums are, there is much more at stake than just your smile; you are not only talking about one part of the body, but the entire being is focused. To ensure you pay attention to gum care today for its future benefits.
