Since childhood, people are told how brushing your teeth twice a day is the key to perfect oral health. The truth is that it is the bare minimum and if you do not do even that, your teeth will not only deterioriate but your bad breath will become a problem for people around you. Healthy gums are as important for oral health as healthy teeth are.
Brushing your teeth is important but it does nothing for your gums and extra effort needs to be put in if you want healthy gums.
Gum diseases are very common but since they are relatively painless in the initial stages, gum diseases can easily remain undetected for some time. People’s carelessness or the general fear of going to the dentists can delay the diagnosis even more.
Known also as ‘Pyorrhea’, gum diseases refer to gum line inflammation that might damage the bone surrounding gums and teeth if allowed to progress further, even resulting in tooth loss in advanced cases. Seriously affecting people in and over their 30s and 40s, young people can often develop the milder version, i.e. Gingivitis.
In this article, we will be explaining some of the ways that can help you not only achieve healthy gums but also maintain them, but first an explanation of how gum diseases actually occur is in order.
Table of Contents
How Do They Happen?
Gum disease is caused by the swelling of gums and ‘pocket’ formation beneath the tooth due to bacterial ‘plaque’ deposits and buildup along or below the gum line. With regular, unchecked plaque deposits, the pockets continue to deepen, eventually leading to teeth loosening and fall-out.
Gum conditions may also be attributed to smoking, female hormonal changes, diabetes or as a result of other serious illnesses and their treatments, e.g. AIDS and cancer.
What are the Types?
Gingivitis
This first stage of gum disease is characterized by red, swollen, easily bleeding gums. It can, however, be reversed by proper brushing and periodic dental cleanings by dentists.
Periodontists
Untreated gingivitis changes into Periodontists; identifiable by red, swollen and receding gums, blood-spotted spit, and regular bleeding while flossing, brushing and eating. Pocket formation begins at this stage, making it irreversible and demanding urgent treatment.
Advanced Periodontists
Gums recede even further-bleeding without provocation-along with rapid tissue and bone loss, eventually causing tooth loosening in this final stage of periodontists
Are Your Gums Infected?
Along with red, sore and bleeding gums, other indicators of Gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Gum Recession
- Loose and sensitive teeth
- Visible pus around the teeth and gums
- Changed appearance of teeth when joined
Are There Any Preventive Methods?
Since untreated gingivitis and periodontists can be detrimental to oral health and the appearance of your smile, these simple routine adjustments can help prevent these diseases altogether:
1- Diet Additions
Regularly eating crunchy, raw vegetables and sugar-free gum is good for stimulating saliva production and gum circulation whereas cheese, yogurt and tea prevent tooth and enamel decay as well as plaque buildup. Minty herbs fight bad breath and vitamin C-rich foods boost immunity.
2- Brush Properly
Brush twice a day, taking special care to clean the gumline-the origin of gingivitis-at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, along with scraping your tongue 10-15 times from back to front to remove hidden bacteria and toxins.
3- Toothbrush Care
Do not store toothbrushes in closed containers and separate multiple brushes to avoid germ growth and transmission, respectively. Alternate use of 2 toothbrushes is also recommended by dentists.
4- Build Bone Strength
As calcium strengthens the alveolar bone responsible for holding the teeth in place, avoid smoking and consume the recommended 800 mg of calcium a day via supplements, dairy products, salmon and leafy green vegetables to reduce the chances of severe gum diseases.
5- Anti-septic Mouthwashes
They help control bacterial reproduction and reduce dental plaque. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes as they cause burning sensations and dry mouth, which can promote the growth of gingivitis-causing bacteria.
6- Natural Supplements
Almonds, Spearmints, Peppermint, Eucalyptol, Menthol and Thyme are known to remove gingivitis-causing bacteria and alleviate the symptoms of gum disease.
 7- Home Remedies
Swishing a half-and-half mixture of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution 3 times a week for 30 seconds each prevents bacterial growth. Whereas, the daily application of water-mixed plain baking soda along the gum-line prior to brushing cleans, polishes and deodorizes the teeth along with neutralizing the acidic mouth environment.
Along with these protective measures, deep cleanings performed by dentists are necessary for all-round dental care and healthy gums. It should also be kept in mind that these are preventive measures and can only help you avoid gum diseases. They cannot cure you if you have already developed a gum disease. For treatment of the gum disease you will have to consult a dentist if you want to avoid tooth loss and further damage.
You can book an Appointment with a top Dental Specialist in Multan, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your dental needs.
