What is more important? A healthy set of teeth or gums? If you ask us, that would be the gums. That is because it holds the teeth in place, and once that goes, everything else in your mouth goes with it! Put simply, good oral health starts right from the gums themselves. For this reason, you might be wondering how you can tell between healthy versus unhealthy gums and what you can do to ensure that your gums stay healthy? We will answer those questions right here in this article.
What are the signs of unhealthy gums?
While many signs show that one's gums are unhealthy, here are some of the most common ones.
The most common symptom of unhealthy gums would be bleeding. If you experience bleeding when you brush your teeth, or that you find a red or pink stain on your toothbrush, the chances are that your gums are going through its early onset gingivitis. Another common sign of unhealthy gums would be inflammation, which, in most cases, is paired with bleeding.
With that said, there are a few other signs that also tell you that your gums are becoming or already are unhealthy. For instance, gaps between the teeth and gums and a receding gum line are both signs that your gums are in trouble. Other symptoms also include loss of tissue and bone, both of which points toward severe gingivitis.
How do I maintain healthy gums?
The best place to start is with your oral-cleaning habits. This includes regular brushing and flossing of your teeth, along with ensuring that any food bits and plaque are removed that could hurt your teeth and gums.
If you are already doing that, that is great! Another thing that can do now, which is extremely effective, is to eat healthy food. For example, apples, also known as nature's flosses, are naturally built to clean your teeth. Put simply, it brushes your teeth and flosses for you. Plus, apples taste great, so it is an excellent treat to have when maintaining your teeth.
Other food items that can seriously benefit your gums include calcium-rich products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Just be sure that these items are sugar-free, and you are good to go.
As you know, vegetables are packed with all sorts of nutrients that strengthen your entire body, including your gums. That said, the fiber found in veggies (also fruits) forces you to chew these food items a bit more. As a result, you produce more silva, which washes away food bits, plaque, and bacteria away from your gums.
Conclusion
With that, now you know the signs of an unhealthy set of gums as well as what you can do to improve your health. However, in any case, if you are worried enough that you want to visit the dentist, by all means, do so! They will take a look at your gums and check their conditions. If they do discover any problems, they will let you know, including what you can do to improve the health of your gums to avoid any future complications.
In need of a local dentist in Ann Arbor to address your gum problems? Dental House MI can provide you the necessary service to get back the smile you deserve! Get in touch with us today.