What Do Your Gums Say About Your Oral Health

Many persons are aware of the sign to look out for that indicates a cavity but do not know what the condition of their gums says about their oral health. The condition and health of gum reveal a lot of things about the overall oral health. Gum diseases such as gingivitis can affect both your teeth and gums, increasing the risk of cavities.

Below is information to educate you on whether you have been taking proper care of your mouth and when you need professional dental care to improve your gums and teeth health.

Signs of healthy gums

Having healthy gums contribute to your overall oral health, and several signs occur which indicate healthy gums. Healthy gums usually have a light to medium pinkish colour. They also feel and look firm, fitting snugly against the teeth instead of appearing spongy or soft. Healthy gums do not pull away from your teeth or leave gaps that make cleaning difficult.  If your gums are healthy, you will not experience discomfort while flossing, brushing, and eating cold foods such as ice cream.

Signs of unhealthy gums

Unhealthy gums increase the risk of cavities and different oral health conditions. The gums show several signs to help you know when they are unhealthy and need professional dental care. These signs are usually present at the early stages when the gums disease is still reversible.

Unhealthy gums tend to appear red and puffy. They bleed and cause pain, especially when eating cold or hot foods, flossing, or brushing the teeth. When the gums are diseased, they pull away from the teeth or recede, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Although these symptoms are minor at first and easy to ignore, getting immediate professional dental care is important. When you ignore signs of unhealthy gums, they accumulate bacteria in the mouth, resulting in severe tooth decay or tooth losses which are difficult to treat.

Gum diseases and treatment

The good thing about gum diseases is that they are treatable. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, and different treatment options are available to reverse the symptoms and prevent further gum or teeth damage.

Taking your oral health hygiene seriously can help to improve your dental health. Brushing and flossing your teeth is an important step in restoring your gums. Ensure you use the right toothbrush and rinse your mouth with a mouth wash twice daily to improve your oral health.

Dental experts recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months to reduce the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth and prevent frayed bristles from damaging your gums. Using a soft toothbrush is preferable if you have receding gums.

You need to prioritise your oral health as it helps to prevent gum disease and other dental conditions. Besides caring for your gums and teeth at home, you need routine care from a dental hygienist to maintain your oral health.

You can see a dental hygienist in London. Call 020 3137 5055 to schedule an appointment to prevent gums disease and maintain your oral health.