Your smile is not only an expression of happiness but also a reflection of your overall health. Behind those pearly whites, your gums play a vital role in your oral health. Healthy gums are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing common dental issues such as gum disease that can cause discomfort, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Fortunately, there are simple yet powerful ways to protect your gums and keep your smile healthy. In this article, we will explore the essential strategies and habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to safeguard your gums and oral health. So, join us in discovering the importance of oral hygiene in maintaining healthy gums.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. The accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gumline, is the primary cause of gum disease. If not removed through regular oral hygiene practices, plaque can harden into tartar or calculus, leading to gum inflammation and infection.

Types of Gum Disease

There are two main stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterised by gum inflammation. Common signs of gingivitis include red, swollen, and tender gums that may bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth are not yet affected, and the damage is reversible with proper treatment and oral care.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to a more advanced stage known as periodontitis. Periodontitis involves the inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone and tissues. As the disease advances, pockets form between the teeth and gums, providing a space for more bacteria to accumulate. This leads to further destruction of the supporting structures, causing symptoms such as receding gums, tooth mobility, and, in severe cases, tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages as it is often painless and has few visible symptoms. This makes it particularly dangerous, as many people are unaware that they have the condition. Often, symptoms of gum disease are attributed to minor oral hygiene issues and are not considered a serious concern. Some of the common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums: When the gums become inflamed, they may appear red, swollen, and tender to the touch. In some cases, they may also feel warm.
• Bleeding gums: Healthy gums should not bleed when you brush or floss. If you notice bleeding, it may be a sign of gum disease.
• Persistent bad breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common symptom of gum disease. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can produce an unpleasant odour.
• Receding gums: As gum disease progresses, the gums may start to recede, or pull away from the teeth. This can make the teeth appear longer than normal.
• Loose or shifting teeth: Gum disease can cause the bone tissue that supports the teeth to break down. This can lead to loose or shifting teeth.
• Changes in bite or difficulty chewing: As the teeth become loose or shift, you may notice changes in your bite or have difficulty chewing.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Gum disease is preventable and can be treated if detected early. A proactive approach towards your oral hygiene can help you avoid plaque buildup, and a partnership with your dentist can ensure that your teeth and gums are well-protected and maintained. Here are some helpful tips to keep your gums healthy:

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth twice a day is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine and an effective way to maintain healthy gums. Here are some tips to ensure that you brush your teeth properly:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed, to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid tooth and gum abrasion. Harder bristles can cause damage to your enamel and gums.
• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, aiming the bristles towards the gumline.
• Use circular motions to clean the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth, brushing back and forth on the molars.
• Glide the brush gently along the gumline to remove any plaque and bacteria that may have accumulated there.
• Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean your tongue and remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Flossing

While brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for maintaining oral health, it is important to remember that our mouth is more complex than just the front and back of our teeth. Neglecting to clean between our teeth can result in the buildup of small food particles that attract bacteria and contribute to the formation of plaque, infections, and gum disease. Thoroughly cleaning between your teeth is important for achieving optimal oral health and increased protection against bacteria. You can achieve good interdental hygiene with proper flossing. Below is the proper way of flossing:

• Take about 45 cm of floss and wrap the ends around your fingers, leaving a little bit to work with.
• Gently insert the floss between two teeth, using a gentle back-and-forth motion.
• Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape, sliding it up and down along the sides of the teeth.
• Repeat this process for each tooth, including the back teeth, using a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Interdental Brushing

Small bristles of interdental brushes clean spaces between the teeth promptly. Here are some tips for using an interdental brush:

• Select an appropriate-sized brush that comfortably fits between your teeth or ask your dentist for a recommended size and brand.
• Gently insert the brush between the teeth, moving it back and forth a few times.
• Repeat this process for each space between your teeth, using a new brush when the bristles become frayed.

Mouthwash Rinsing

To maintain healthy gums and reduce plaque buildup, incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can be beneficial. Consult with your dentist to determine the best mouthwash for your needs, or select one specifically formulated for gum health and bacteria elimination. Follow these steps for effective use of mouthwash:

• Pour the recommended amount of mouthwash into the cap or a measuring cup as indicated on the product label.
• Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash for the recommended amount of time, usually around 30 seconds, and spit it out.
• Avoid eating or drinking for a few minutes after using the mouthwash.
• Use the mouthwash twice daily or as instructed on the label to achieve optimal oral health.

Regular Dental Visits

Getting regular dental checkups and cleanings is essential for maintaining healthy gums. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth and gums, leading to gum disease. A dental practitioner can provide a deep cleaning that removes any buildup and helps prevent the progression of gum disease. Additionally, a dental checkup can assist in the early detection of gum disease or other oral health issues that could otherwise lead to complications.

Tailored oral Hygiene Guidance at Heathcote Dental Surgery

At Heathcote Dental Surgery, we provide thorough oral hygiene instruction that involves assessing your current oral care routine to determine areas that may require additional attention. Our team is dedicated to identifying and addressing any areas that might be overlooked to ensure that you receive the required care for achieving optimal oral health.

We offer tailored guidance to help you gain valuable insights into the correct brushing and flossing techniques for properly cleaning your teeth and gums, removing plaque and bacteria, and maintaining a healthy mouth. In addition, we also guide you with the right oral care products tailored to your individual needs, so you can easily care for your teeth and gums between visits.

To receive our dental hygienist’s personalised consultation, book an appointment with us today.