This article will offer advice on how to take care of your gums.

If gum disease is allowed to go untreated it can cause a number of health issues. Gum disease can lead to deterioration of the jaw bones, loss of teeth, and other damage that will need to be corrected with surgery.

Gums are often ignored. Half of the people over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. Gum disease can be prevented with proper oral care.

Are you worried about how your gums are doing? You can learn how to tell if your gums and healthy and the steps to take to improve the health of your gums and your overall oral health.

The early signs of gum disease are mild and they may be hard to notice. Many people do not know that they even have gum disease. There are some signs and symptoms that will help you tell if your gums are healthy or not.

Healthy Gums

• They are firm and have a pinkish colour
• They are tight around the teeth
• The teeth do not wiggle and are firm
• The gums will not bleed easily
• The gums are not swollen or tender

Unhealthy Gums

• They are bright red in colour and swollen
• Are painful when touched
• Bleed easily during brushing, flossing, and eating
• Are receding and leaving behind dents in the mouth
• May look pale or white in colour

How To Make Gums Healthy

The best ways to get healthy gums is to brush and floss daily. Doing so will prevent gum disease as well as tooth loss.

Gum disease is a result of plaque and tartar in the mouth. Plaque is sticky and it forms on the teeth. Plaque is made from bacteria, mucus, foods, and other particles that get stuck in the mouth. If plaque is not removed it becomes hard and turns into tartar. According to the American Dental Association, tartar attracts bacteria and can cause the gums to become inflamed. Once the gums are inflamed this condition is called gingivitis. A dental professional can remove the tartar from the teeth.

Brushing and flossing twice a day can prevent infections and tooth loss. A dental professional should clean and check the teeth at least one time during the year. Even if you brush regularly plaque and tartar can still form on your teeth and cause health issues to your gums.

Tips For Healthy Teeth And Gums

Brushing Correctly:

• The teeth should be brushed in the morning and again before going to bed.
• A soft-bristled toothbrush is best. The toothpaste should have fluoride in it. An electric toothbrush is even better for the teeth.
• The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle and should touch the gums. Each tooth needs to be brushed between 15 and 20 times.
• The brush should be moved in a gentle manner and short strokes are needed. Do not scrub the teeth.
• Back and forth strokes should be used on the outer surface of the teeth.
• The inner and upper teeth need to be brushed with the brush held against them in a vertical manner. The strokes need to be short and downward. The lower inside teeth should be brushed with short upward strokes.
• The chewing portions of the teeth should be brushed with back and forth strokes. The toothbrush should be replaced when it shows signs of wear or every three to four months. If you had strep throat, a cold, or other illness you need to replace your toothbrush.
• Do not put a cover on the brush or keep it in a closed container. This will allow microorganisms to grow.

How To Take Care Of Your Gums

The food that you eat can lead to gum problems especially when mixed with the bacteria found in the mouth. To protect your teeth you should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium. This includes milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
  Calcium can help the bones where the roots of the teeth are found. This is very important for the elderly. It is also important for children when they are developing their baby teeth as well as transitioning to adult teeth.
• Do not eat sticky, sweet, and soft candies. This includes toffees and pastries. If you do eat something sweet you need to rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth right away.
• If you like to chew gum get the sugarless brands.

What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Teeth

After eating bacteria found in the mouth will break down any sugars on the teeth. When sugar breaks down it will turn into an acid. This acid can damage the tooth enamel and create holes or cavities.

If your teeth are not brushed on a regular basis bacteria can cause a film known as plaque to form on the teeth. Brushing the teeth on a regular basis will help to remove plaque. Plaque can lead to the decaying of the teeth as well as gingivitis.

How To Get Rid Of Black Gums

There are several things that can cause the gums to turn a dark colour. They include:
Genetics

• Certain medications
• Smoking cigarettes
• A great deal of stress
• Lack of proper oral care
• Improper diet
• A buildup of plaque and tartar

There are some medical conditions that can lead to the gums darkening:

• HIV/AIDS
• Addisons disease
• PeutzJeghers disease
• Von Recklinghausen disease

If you have a disease there is nothing much you can do to keep your gums from becoming a dark colour. There are some things you can do to help reduce the chance of this from happening. Gums will help with the smile and the beauty of the face. Here are some ways to keep them looking great:

• Brush twice a day, every day
• Floss everyday
• Do not drink carbonated beverages
• Do not use tobacco products
• Limit the consumption of alcohol

How To Have Healthier Gums

Gum disease leads to tooth loss. This is very preventable. As a person ages, the loss of teeth can complicate their life. It is important to follow these tips to keep the gums healthy

1. Change the toothbrush on a regular basis
2. Brush properly
3. Use a toothpick to remove food left behind on the gums
4. Floss daily
5. Rinse the mouth out with mouthwash
6. Eat healthy foods including cheese, celery, and apples
7. Limit sugar in your diet
8. Visit the dentist every six months

Regular dental checkups will detect early signs of gum disease and treat it before it gets worse. The dentist will clean the teeth and check for signs of gum disease and other issues.

Your gums have an important role in the mouth. Getting the proper dental care will help make sure you have a great smile for many years to come.

References:

https://mydental.guardianlife.com/blog/2017/07/how-to-take-care-of-your-gums/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=1409
https://beautyhealthtips.in/how-to-get-pink-gums-and-causes-of-dark-gums-and-home-treatment/
https://www.alpersdental.co.nz/eight-amazing-tips-for-healthy-gums/