Why You Should Love Your Gums — How to Protect Them

Are you in love with your gums? You should be. They provide the very foundation of your teeth and overall oral health. In fact, they play a surprising role in your health in general. Studies show that gum disease can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. The good news? Simple habits go a long way to keeping your gums strong and healthy.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The mouth is a complex ecosystem of bacteria. Some kinds of bacteria are beneficial and help fight disease. Others do just the opposite. Pathogenic bacteria can trigger inflammation that damages tissue. We used to think it was bacteria that outright damaged the gums, but it’s the body’s immune response — white blood cells reacting to the bacteria cause inflammation that damages the gums.

The degree of periodontal disease can vary, from mild redness and swelling of the gums (gingivitis) to complete destruction of the tooth bone. Severe periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose and even fall out. At this stage, infections can develop, and aggressive treatment is needed.

Are Your Gums Healthy?

Healthy gums are pink and firm without signs of puffiness or pulling away from the teeth. They don’t bleed or hurt, even while flossing. Gums that show signs of periodontal disease are red, swollen, tender, or bleeding. People with gum disease may have bad breath or a bitter taste in their mouth. Chewing may be painful.

The Importance of Flossing

Flossing once a day is an easy way to minimize your risk of gum disease. Even if you’re a great brusher, you can’t skip this step. Flossing removes plaque, food, and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t. You should floss whenever it’s convenient — in the morning, at night, after lunch, when you get home from school or work. It doesn’t matter when you floss, just that you do it regularly. Water flossers, floss picks, dental tape, or good old-fashioned thread floss will all do the trick.

Have Regular Dental Checkups

Regular checkups and cleanings are important. First, they remove the plaque that builds up between the teeth, causing inflammation that leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Second, your Cincinnati dentist can spot and treat problems before they become serious concerns. It always pays to be proactive with your oral health — especially when it comes to gum disease. Gingivitis is curable when treated early, but can turn into periodontitis if left unchecked. Once that happens, permanent bone loss is underway.

Brush Your Gums

We tell you to brush your teeth twice a day — but we really mean to brush your teeth and gums. You don’t have to scrub hard (in fact, brushing too hard can cause gum recession). Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, massaging in a circular motion. This removes plaque-causing bacteria and stimulates blood flow to the gums

Rinse with Mouthwash or Salt Water

Mouthwash does more than just freshen your breath. It contains fluoride and antimicrobial agents that fight gum disease, strengthen teeth, relieve pain, and prevent acid erosion. Some mouthwashes also contain whitening ingredients that can help lift stains. If you have advanced gum disease, your dentist might prescribe you a more therapeutic mouthwash than you can get over the counter.

Salt water rinses are naturally disinfecting, easy to make at home, and are effective at combating plaque when paired with brushing and flossing. They’re also gentle and can be soothing after dental surgery. Ask your dentist how to make a salt water rinse.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a direct cause of gum disease. The smoke from cigarettes or marijuana can inflame the gums and lead to periodontal disease.

Even nicotine gum, pouches, and vaping pose serious oral health concerns. Nicotine in all forms constricts blood vessels in the gums, slows healing, and weakens the immune system. It also erodes gums, making tooth loss more likely.

See your primary care doctor if you need help quitting. You can do it!

Eat a Healthy Diet

The bacteria that cause gum disease feed off sugars and produce acids that strip enamel and trigger gum inflammation. Eat a diet lower in sugar. This means cutting back on soda, candy, and pastries. Starches found in foods like pasta, rice, cereal, and potatoes are converted into sugar, which feeds the same bacteria that cause cavities and irritate the gums. There’s no substitute for healthy foods. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, plain yogurt, and nuts.

Healthy Gums for Life

Following these steps will help make sure your gums are happy and healthy — and very lovable. Taking good care of your gums shows, and you will feel the difference.