Pay attention to your gums!
Pay attention to your gums!
Did you know that 50% of dental problems are caused by poorly maintained gums? The key to poor oral hygiene is the formation of bacterial plaque and tartar (formed by the accumulation of bacteria and food debris), which lodges on the teeth but also under the gums and leads to inflammation, gingivitis and other periodontitis. By gradually loosening them and causing a loss of bone support, these gum disorders can even lead to tooth loss in adults.
This article is part of a broader theme, which is dental hygiene. We have an article that covers this topic in a comprehensive manner: dental hygiene
Whether it is gingivitis (local inflammation of the gums) or periodontitis (deep inflammation that weakens the supporting structure of the tooth), the most important symptoms are bleeding gums and pain, which is more acute in the case of periodontitis.
If you have a habit of bleeding when you brush your teeth, if your gums are sore or if they are red and swollen, it is therefore important to consult your dentist quickly to establish a diagnosis and carry out any necessary treatments.
To enjoy thriving oral health, simply brushing your teeth after every meal isn't enough. Regular routine checkups with your dentist go a long way in preventing gingivitis, which, if left untreated, gradually develops into periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a minor gum condition that occurs in patients with poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that contributes to gum damage and, over time, destroys the bone that supports the teeth.
Gums: how to care for them on a daily basis?
To take care of your gums and maintain them on a daily basis, certain actions are necessary:
– Brush your teeth after each meal to remove plaque and prevent gum inflammation (at least twice a day).
– Choose a soft or medium toothbrush and change it regularly and don’t wait until it is damaged.
– Choose an antibacterial toothpaste suitable for sensitive gums.
– For effective brushing, clean your teeth from top to bottom (i.e. starting at the gums and moving towards the teeth) and not horizontally.
– Supplement your brushing routine with dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque from areas that a toothbrush can't reach. You can also occasionally use mouthwash to perfect your oral hygiene.
– Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption which promote inflammation.
– Have your teeth checked every year (even more regularly if you are pregnant, as pregnancy promotes the process of gum inflammation).
Gum care: what about scaling?
Despite regular brushing, plaque can persist and turn into tartar over time. Tartar also contributes to oral health problems and gum inflammation, so it's essential to remove it regularly. So, remember to visit your dentist frequently for scaling.
We obviously have several articles that cover this topic in more detail:
The importance of brushing your teeth twice a day
How long should you brush your teeth?
How to maintain your toothbrush
How to brush your teeth properly
We also wrote an article on how to avoid bleeding gums right here: Bleeding Gums
Our specific article on the benefits of dental flossing right here: dental floss
We wrote an article on how to make your own mouthwash: Making Your Own Mouthwash
If you are interested in this subject, discover our more specific articles: