Why are healthy gums important to oral health?
Not only is gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but recent studies have indicated that oral health directly impacts our overall health and can be linked to conditions such as diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and others.
Our mouths are home to a complex array of bacteria, known as the oral microbiome. When this oral microbiome is balanced, our gums are protected from disease-causing bacteria. However, if this balance is disturbed, disease-causing bacteria can invade, causing periodontal disease which, in turn, can cause further infections in your body, impacting your overall health.
Gum disease, in its early stages can cause swelling and bleeding of the gums, known as gingivitis. If left unchecked, this can develop into the more serious and damaging periodontitis, which ultimately damages the tooth's bony support structure, leading to tooth loss.
This is why maintaining healthy gums is essential for preserving not only good oral health but also our overall wellbeing. In this article, we’ll identify the signs and symptoms of gum disease, how to improve gum health, promote healthy gums and look at available treatments for gum disease.
Symptoms and signs of gum disease
Swollen gums, tender gums and bleeding gums are the most common early signs of gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar. As the condition worsens, receding gums become more obvious, making teeth look longer. This might also be accompanied by bad breath, caused by bacteria. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, the teeth will start to become loose, your bite may change, and you may start experiencing mouth pain, indicating that there’s damage to the supporting bone structure.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see your dental professional. They can evaluate the health of your gums and recommend appropriate treatment to help restore their strength and prevent further damage.
How to improve gum health and prevent gum disease
Strengthening gums and preventing gum disease involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to help strengthen gums, improve gum health and prevent gum disease:
Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles that can irritate your gums. You may want to consider using meridol Gum Protection Toothpaste, which has been specifically formulated to target and fight the root cause* of bleeding gums and inflammation.
Use a mouthwash: Use a mouthwash with an antibacterial effect to help kill the bacteria that cause gum disease. Our meridol Gum Protection Mouthwash is a great option as it has a dual-active formula made with zinc and amine fluoride, two key ingredients that work together to deliver effective antibacterial action*.
Use the right toothbrush: A toothbrush with bristles that are too hard and stiff can irritate and damage sensitive gums. Our meridol Gum Protection Toothbrush has been developed in cooperation with professionals and has a microfine bristle end that provides a thorough, gentle clean of your teeth and gumline.
Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of gum disease.
Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and wash away food particles.
Regular dental checkups: Regular dental checkups can help identify gum disease in its early stages when it's easier to treat.
Foods that promote healthy teeth and gums
Dairy products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt are rich in calcium and protein, which is important for maintaining strong teeth and bones.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are high in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums, including calcium and folic acid.
Apples
Apples are crunchy and fibrous, which helps to scrub your teeth and stimulate your gums.
Carrots
Carrots are also crunchy and fibrous, and they contain vitamin A, which is important for healthy tooth enamel.
Celery
Like apples and carrots, celery is crunchy and fibrous, which helps to clean your teeth and gums.
Nuts
Nuts are a good source of protein and minerals that are important for healthy teeth and gums, including calcium and magnesium.
Salmon
Salmon contains a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help make your mouth more resistant to gum infections. Salmon is rich in vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong teeth and bones.
Green tea
Green tea contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums.
By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can help improve gum health and maintain healthy gums. Additionally, it's important to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
Treatments for restoring gum tissue around the teeth
There are several treatments available for restoring gum tissue around the teeth, depending on the severity of the receding gums and the underlying cause of the problem. These are some common treatments available for treating gum disease:
This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. This can help reduce inflammation and promote gum tissue regeneration.
In this procedure, a small amount of gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth and grafted onto the receding gum line. This can help cover exposed root surfaces and promote tissue regeneration.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small hole in the gum tissue and using special instruments to gently stretch and reposition the tissue over the exposed root surfaces.
These procedures involve using bone or tissue grafts, growth factors, or other regenerative materials to promote tissue regeneration and bone growth around the teeth.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to reposition the teeth and improve the alignment of the bite. This can help reduce stress on the gum tissue and promote tissue regeneration.
It's important to note that the success of gum tissue restoration treatments depends on maintaining good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups.
On a final note, as we highlighted at the beginning of this article, your gum health is important, not only to your oral health but for your overall health. So, good dental hygiene, together with a healthy lifestyle all work together to ensure a healthy you.
*Treats plaque bacteria, with continued use.
