We spend a lot of time thinking about and taking care of our teeth.
Brushing them twice per day, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting regular dental checkups are all a part of most people’s normal routines.
However, what most people fail to pay enough attention to is their gums.
Your gums are an equally important part of your mouth and keeping them happy and healthy is vital to your overall dental health and hygiene.
Healthy gums support healthy teeth helping them to stay firmly rooted in the mouth.
In fact, the health of your gums has an even bigger role to play that goes beyond simple oral health.
Several studies have shown links between unhealthy gums and overall health, including an increased risk of a number of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
So we asked our experts here at Rocky Ridge Dental for some tips on how to spot healthy Vs unhealthy gums, and why it matters.
How To Tell If Your Gums Are Healthy
Luckily, there’s a fairly easy way to tell if your gums are healthy or in need of some attention.
Most of the time, the appearance of the gum line is enough of an indicator to help us understand their condition.
Take a close look at your gums in the mirror the next time you brush your teeth. Your gums should be firm and pink.
Early warning signs of potential gum issues are redness in the gums, inflammation, and visible pockets of discoloration appearing between the teeth and the rest of the gums.
If you’re spotting any of those signs when you’re brushing your teeth, then chances are your gum health may be neglected.
While it’s great to be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms, there are also some more obvious signs of potential gum problems. Things like bleeding gums, increased sensitivity in your teeth, and soreness are all indicators of possible unhealthy gums.
As plaque builds up on the gums and they become more swollen and inflamed, they naturally become more susceptible to bleeding when brushing. The affected area can also sometimes become sore and cause you pain or discomfort when brushing.
Other potential warning signs include: bad breath, receding gums, and loose or shifting teeth.
If you’re suffering from gum disease in Calgary, make an appointment with Rocky Ridge Dental today to talk to one of our expert dentists and let us help get your gum health back on track.
How To Reverse Gum Problems
Luckily for us, your gums can also be fairly forgiving, and if you catch the early warning signs of gum distress, you can easily reverse the condition and restore your gums back to good health.
Paying particular attention to your gum line when brushing your teeth is the first step.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure – chances are your gums are already sore, so the last thing you want to do is to make that worse. However, it’s important to make sure that your brushing extends down to the gum line and that you are doing an effective job of removing bacteria and food that builds up and causes decay. Removing this is the key to preventing any further damage.
You may also want to try using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Mouthwash can help to kill any bacteria that you might have missed, which will again help to prevent any further irritation of the gums.
Another important step that is frequently overlooked is flossing. Regular flossing helps to remove leftover food and plaque from the gaps between the teeth where brushing is ineffective.
One final step to consider is to make regular visits to your dentist for a routine dental checkup. You should be doing this anyway, but if you’re not, now is the time to start. Your dentist can not only help to advise you on how to reduce and reverse the signs of early gum disease, but they can often help you to spot the signs in the first place.
If you’re concerned about your gum health, it’s always best to consult with a professional dentist. For a reliable and experienced dentist in Calgary, make an appointment with us here at Rocky Ridge Dental today.
