How To Keep Your Gums Healthy

Dental care is not limited to your teeth alone. A dentist in Thornton is as concerned with your teeth as they are with your tongue, neck, jaw, salivary glands, muscles of the head, and even your gums. Your gums are an essential part of your oral health as much as your teeth. The gums, also known as gingiva, are part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. They are the tissues of the upper and lower jaws that surround the base of the teeth. The gums are made of soft skin that covers the bones of the mouth and teeth. The gums form a tight seal around the teeth to keep them in place and protect them from bacteria.

The gums are designed to protect the teeth and prevent diseases from developing in the mouth. A severe dental disease that threatens the gums and should be avoided is gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gum caused by slimy films of bacteria that attach to the surface of the teeth and the gums called bacteria. Dental plaques are formed due to the interaction between sugary/starchy food particles in the mouth, saliva, and bacteria in the mouth. These plaques can produce acids that are harmful to the dental health of an individual.

Gum disease is referred to as gingivitis at an earlier stage. It occurs when a heavy buildup of bacteria from dental plaques leads to inflammation of the gums. Inflammation of the gums can lead to bleeding, especially while brushing or flossing. When gingivitis is left untreated, it becomes worse and becomes periodontitis. There is damage to the gum tissues, which can destroy the bones that support the teeth. Periodontitis can lead to the teeth being loose and unstable in their sockets. It can even cause you to require extraction of the teeth.

Even worse is the ability of periodontitis to lead to spread the bacteria throughout the body. Gum diseases can put you at a higher risk of having diabetes, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, etc. The effects of gum diseases on your gums and teeth include:

• Gum abscesses. This occurs when there is a pocket of pus in the gum. This can be very painful.
• Loss and damage to bones in the jaw.
• Loose teeth.
• Halitosis (bad breath).
• Loose teeth.
• Loss of teeth.
• Receding gums. This occurs when the gums begin to recede and expose the tooth root.

Can Gums Regrow?

No, after gums recede, they cannot regrow naturally. However, there are treatment methods that can help to restore and reattach gum tissues around the teeth. Also, you can stop your gums from receding by practicing good oral hygiene habits and attending regular dental checkups.

Does Mouthwash Help Receding Gums?

Yes! While mouthwash can be used to reduce dental cavities and control bad breath (halitosis), it can also be used to halt receding gums, plaque buildup, and gingivitis. Your dentist might prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash for you since killing bacteria is the first step in slowing down and even halting receding gums.

How To Keep Your Gums Healthy

You can keep healthy gums by abiding by the following:

• Floss Regularly. Flossing regularly helps to get rid of food particles and dental plaques that are beyond the reach of your toothbrush.
• Stop Smoking. Smoking is a major cause of gum disease. It also weakens your immune system and renders it powerless in fighting gum diseases.
• Go for regular dental examinations and cleanings. Comprehensive dental cleanings help to get rid of plaques, food particles, and bacteria in the mouth. Your dentist can also pick early telltale signs of gum disease and treat it before it becomes worse.
• Brush twice. Always brush before and after meals.
• Use mouthwash regularly.

How Can I Strengthen My Teeth And Gums?

You can keep healthy gums and healthy teeth through the following ways:

• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Avoid grinding and clenching of the teeth.
• Brush and floss regularly.
• Avoid smoking.