What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
We all want to believe that we look after our teeth and gums. Most people brush their teeth twice a day and visit the dentist once a year. Some of us go so far as to floss.
Although a toothache may cause a trip to the dentist, a little redness in our gums or a whiff of bad breath may go unnoticed. So, to help you keep your mouth in top form, here are six warning signs to look out for:
Red or swollen gums
Gums should be pink and firm to the touch in the early stages of gum disease (known as gingivitis), but they can become red, swollen, and even painful in the early stages of gum disease. Plaque build-up along the gum line at the base of the tooth is often to blame, as the bacteria found in the sticky residue settles in, causing inflammation and infection.
Inflamed gums can quite easily be treated to reverse early gum disease. You can start treating the inflammation by reading our top tips throughout this blog post.
Bleeding gums
Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing are a symptom of gum disease. Bleeding can occur when plaque builds up at the base of the tooth, causing it to become red or swollen. A better brushing regimen and more dedicated flossing will usually solve the problem, but it's best to see a dentist and see if the disease has progressed and is on its way to more severe complications.
Bad breath
According to the NHS, one in every four people suffers from chronic bad breath. Not only is halitosis an uncomfortable condition (especially for those around you) but it may also be a symptom of gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene is often to blame, with any food caught between your teeth causing a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Toxins and foul-smelling gasses are produced by these bacteria, which can cause bad breath and gum disease.
A metallic taste in your mouth
Remember how we spoke about bleeding gums earlier? After you finished brushing your teeth, not all of the blood made it to the drain, and it's that blood that may be triggering the metallic taste in your mouth.
Loose teeth
If left untreated, gum disease will quickly progress to periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. Not only can this aggravate the symptoms mentioned above, but it can also damage the bones in your mouth and jaw, resulting in loose teeth that could fall out.
Excess saliva
Saliva is a normal part of a healthy body that aids in tasting and swallowing as well as fighting germs in the mouth and preventing bad breath. Too much saliva, on the other hand, may suggest an unhealthy bacteria buildup that could lead to gum disease.
What You Can Do To Help
Brush up on your brushing technique - Brush with a gentler stroke to avoid damaging the tissue around your teeth, which can cause gum inflammation. Gum harm can also be prevented by using a brush with smooth, nylon bristles, according to experts. Finally, make sure to brush in a gentle back-and-forth motion.
Rinse regularly - Rinsing the mouth removes food particles and dirt, as well as the sugars that cause plaque and gum disease. So, no matter where you are, rinsing your mouth after - meal or snack is beneficial. It's also necessary to use a mouthwash designed specifically for your gums; try using Mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine. It assists in the neutralization of plaque bacteria and the prevention of early symptoms of gum disease such as gingivitis.
Floss, Floss, Floss! Flossing removes food particles trapped between your teeth, which can lead to plaque and tartar build-up, which can worsen gum disease and inflamed gums. To prevent inflamed gums, be careful when flossing. Instead of pressing the floss down and damaging your gums, gently slip it between your teeth.
Brush with a gum care formula - Clean your teeth with a Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste if you have tooth sensitivity. The special formula targets the root of the problem by treating your gums, providing immediate relief. Since a healthy mouth begins at the gum line, it's crucial to pay attention to this location.
Improve your nutrition - Gum wellbeing can be improved by eating a well-balanced diet. Be sure to get enough of Vitamin C and calcium, as these nutrients will help to reduce the risk of swollen gums.
De-Stress - High levels of stress, especially the hormone cortisol, can affect your hormone levels. Inflammation and probably swollen gums may be caused by cortisol. As much as possible, try to de-stress.
Are your gums in good shape? If you believe they aren't, make an appointment with your dentist right away!
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