Gum health is crucial to maintain healthy teeth and bone structure. Our oral health plays a vital role in our overall health so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and if you ever notice swollen and/or bleeding gum tissues, it could be an indication of gum disease. Early stages of gum disease are easily treated and even reversible but can only be caught and treated with regular visits to your Dentist and notifying them as soon as anything comes up!
Gum Health and Oral Hygiene
During your oral care routine, it is important to not only brush and floss, but to do so properly. Using a toothbrush that is too rigid can damage tooth enamel or cause red and swollen gum tissue. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, the bristles should be soft nylon, not medium or hard. Brush your teeth using gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth and massage your gum tissue. A back-and-forth motion can irritate and damage your gum tissue, making them sore and more prone to bleeding or recession.
Flossing is another important step in maintaining good oral hygiene. It can be difficult to reach some teeth in the back but there are a number of tools available to help you properly clean your teeth. Dental floss helps remove plaque from between teeth in places that your toothbrush just can’t reach. When you floss, gently slide the floss between teeth, using a C shape to work the floss up and down. If your teeth have tight contacts, it can be difficult to get the floss between them but your hygienist can recommend flossing aids that can help!
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a very common problem for adults. Mild gum disease presents as gingivitis which, left untreated, can progress into advanced periodontal disease called periodontitis.
Poor oral hygiene is not the only reason a person may have gum disease. Some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease while others may take certain medications that cause dry mouth and gum issues. Even pregnancy can cause gingivitis.
When plaque forms on the teeth and is not removed regularly with proper brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar and harbor bacteria in the gum pockets which can result in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gum inflammation is not usually painful and if caught early, gingivitis can usually be treated and any damage reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis and can eventually lead to bone and tooth loss.
What other factors can affect gum health?
Patients who use cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products can greatly increase the risk of developing gum disease. Hormones can also have a profound effect on gum health. Women may develop gum issues during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. A rise in hormones can cause an increase in blood flow to the gum tissue causing them to become red, swollen, and sensitive. In women who are pregnant, this usually subsides after birth.
Medications and underlying health issues can also cause a change in gum health. Chemotherapy treatment can cause gum issues as well as its other negative side effects. Many patients undergoing cancer treatment often have a number of oral problems during and after treatment is complete and may require more diligent oral care.