Summary
Encompassing all aspects of oral, dental and gingival well-being , oral health contributes to the good general condition of the body. To preserve it, we must take care of each component of the mouth, including the gums. This structure must remain in good health to properly fulfill its function. 😉
To understand the full importance of your well-being, you must first know its role in the mouth. Here is all the information you need to know about gums and how to ensure that they always remain healthy.
Understanding gums and how they work
To take better care of your gums, you must control their situation and their functioning.
Anatomy and physiology of the gums
Also called gingival tissues , the gums are located at the base of the dental structure. Acting as a belt, they serve as an anchor point for the roots of the teeth , helping to keep them in place. ⚓️ Their anatomy is made up of different elements such as:
- The muco-gingival junction;
- The attached gum;
- The gingival furrow;
- The gingival papillae;
- The attached gum tissue.
Their physiology involves numerous blood vessels , ensuring a supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to the gingival cells. 🙏 Collagen fibers and the gingival epithelium are also involved in the normal functioning of the gums.
Relationship between gums and teeth
Sharing a close bond, gums and teeth interact to maintain good oral health . Healthy, firmly attached gum tissue provides strong structural support to the teeth. It protects the sensitive roots of the tooth against external attacks, such as hot or cold foods, and also reduces the risk of root caries. 😷
Misaligned teeth, faulty dental restorations, or poorly fitting dentures can lead to irritation of the gum tissue . In these cases, dental adjustments or corrections may be necessary to preserve gum health.
Causes and consequences of poor gum health
Poor gum health sometimes occurs due to a buildup of bacterial plaque along the gum line. The persistence of the biofilm can cause inflammation of the gums , hence the importance of eliminating it. 🦠
The formation of dental plaque generally results from inadequate oral hygiene . This involves improper treatment of the gums.
Signs of poor gum health
Certain apparent factors help identify diseased gums and adopt appropriate measures.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Diseased gums will tend to bleed often, in this case when brushing or flossing your teeth . It can also manifest as chronic bad breath , also called halitosis. Bacteria in periodontal pockets release malodorous gas, leading to persistent bad mouth odor . 🥴
As gum disease progresses, the gums recede , exposing the roots of the teeth. This gives the impression that the teeth are gaining length, so this is also one of the symptoms of gingivitis .
Common Gum Diseases
Common gum diseases include gingivitis, periodontitis , gingival abscess , recession and hyperplasia . Gingivitis is a mild form of disease caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque along the gum line. 👄
Periodontitis refers to a more advanced inflammatory condition, which affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the alveolar bones and periodontal ligaments. Gum abscess appears as a bacterial infection that manifests itself as swelling, redness and sensitivity of the gums .
Affected by recession, the gums retract, exposing the tooth roots. Gingival hyperplasia refers to excessive growth of gum tissue , resulting in enlarged gums.
Potential consequences of neglecting the gums
Prolonged neglect of the gums can lead to periodontal disease . It is a serious condition that involves infection and inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth , including the alveolar bones and periodontal ligaments. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. 😱
When gums become inflamed, swollen or painful due to neglect, it can lead to difficulty chewing food and speaking properly.
Good habits to maintain healthy gums
Maintaining healthy gums requires including certain treatments in your oral routine.
Good oral hygiene
To maintain healthy gums , you must start by adopting good oral hygiene, which includes different elements.
Importance of Regular Brushing and Flossing
The basis of good oral hygiene lies in regular and efficient brushing of the teeth to remove plaque. To do this, we recommend using MyVariations electric brushes , in this case the sonic references. Sonic technology promotes rapid, vibrating movements of the brush head, which promotes the effective removal of dental plaque . 😁
At the end of brushing, you will use dental floss or interdental brushes . The aim is to eliminate food and bacterial residues which are hidden between the dental gaps and along the gum line to escape the action of the brush. 🪥
Learn about the correct way to use interdental brushes beforehand.
Using antiseptic mouthwash
Using a well-chosen, antiseptic mouthwash is a useful addition to a good oral hygiene routine. Mouthwashes contain antibacterial agents that target the germs that cause plaque, bad breath and some gum diseases.
They eliminate stubborn bacteria that manage to escape brushing and flossing. The use of mouthwashes also helps freshen the breath . 🍃
Speaking of electric toothbrushes, at MyVariations we also offer a sonic electric toothbrush model that is particularly effective in removing dental plaque, but also super gentle on dental enamel and gums! 😉
Say goodbye to bleeding and other gum problems thanks to its 5 brushing modes that adapt to your sensitivity! 🖐
Its flexible soft nylon bristles perfectly reach every corner of the teeth, gently, thanks to 31,000 to 40,000 vertical movements per minute (depending on the mode). 🤗
Finally, an electric toothbrush suitable for all types of teeth, even people prone to gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding and rolling gums! 🙌
Healthy diet and its impact on gum health
Good health of the components requires a healthy and balanced diet. This involves favoring certain foods over others.
Foods to favor
Essential for healthy teeth and gums , fresh fruits and vegetables also contribute to your daily well-being. 🥦 Preferably consume those that contain a high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants .
Foods rich in vitamins C, D, omega-3 and calcium are among those that you should favor. Calcium helps strengthen the alveolar bones that support teeth. 🦷
Foods to avoid
Sugary foods are at the top of those that harm teeth and gums. This includes candy and soda, as they encourage bacterial growth that causes plaque. 🍭
Sticky foods , such as sticky candies, caramels, sugary gum, and dried fruits are also in the mix. This is explained by their tendency to easily adhere to the surface of the teeth, thus promoting the accumulation of oral biofilm .
Stopping smoking and alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol are notorious risk factors for gum problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Smoking reduces blood circulation in the gum vessels. 🚬 Which decreases the body's ability to fight infections and heal damaged tissues.
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption weakens the immune system , making the gums more susceptible to infections. Alcohol prevents the absorption of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which are necessary to maintain healthy gums . 🍷
Regular visits to the dentist
Why consult a dentist regularly
Everyone should regularly consult a dentist to ensure the good condition of their gums. This also aims to check the health of the teeth and other components of the oral environment. The frequency of consultation will essentially depend on individual needs and the specific recommendations of the dental health professional.
Most dentists recommend a check-up every 6 months . 👩⚕️ Consultations include a complete examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. Often, this is followed by a professional cleaning to remove plaque or tartar.
Preventive and curative treatments for the gums
The most basic means of preventing gum and dental disease is to brush your teeth regularly. Dentists and other oral care specialists recommend a minimum of two brushings per day , in the morning and in the evening. ☝️
Added to this is the use of dental floss and oral rinsing solutions. Regarding curative treatments applicable to gum tissue, they vary depending on the disorder.
Benefits of regular monitoring
Falling within the skills of the dentist or dental hygienist, regular follow-up aims to anticipate the risks of gingival problems . The doctor carries out complete examinations of the oral cavity aimed at looking for possible underlying pathologies. 🩺
The most common problems are cavities, gum infections, dental malocclusion and other oral conditions. 💥 Early detection helps address these issues at an early stage, making them easier to resolve and reducing potential complications.
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