If you suspect you have gum disease and are experiencing some of its symptoms such as sore gums, it may help to compare your gums to the pictures of healthy gums and gum disease below, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. If your gums look like they’re in the early stages of gum disease, bring it to the attention of your dentist and hygienist at your next visit.
GingivitisThe most common way to identify gingivitis is to look for gum inflammation and bleeding.
Early Periodontitis PicturesDuring the early stages of periodontitis, symptoms include noticeably receding gum and pockets between gums and teeth.
Advanced PeriodontitisAs periodontitis progresses, tissue and bone that support teeth are lost, causing loose teeth.
If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. Some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth. There are a few factors that can undermine healthy gums, including tobacco use, malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, and poor immunity due to more severe medical problems. Also, certain medications, including some types of antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers, can cause dry mouth, which can promote gum disease.
It's important to remember that healthy gums aren’t just important for your oral health. Maintaining healthy gums can also be important for your overall health. Numerous research studies suggest an association between periodontitis and other more serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In fact, there are now several studies that suggest an association between advanced gum disease and heart disease or stroke.
If you have mild gum disease (gingivitis), you can regain healthy gums by paying attention to oral hygiene. Using an anti-gingivitis toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean helps reverse early signs of gum damage and gives you clinically proven healthier gums. But serious gum disease, known as periodontitis, requires more sophisticated treatment to restore healthy gums. Your dentist may use one of these techniques to treat severe gum disease and promote healthy gums:
- Root scaling and planing: Removal of the plaque and tartar on your teeth above and below the gum line.
- Gingivectomy: Removal of diseased gum tissue, and elimination of any pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can easily grow.
- Extraction: Removal of loose teeth, or removal of teeth that are badly decayed or damaged.
- Flap surgery: Cleaning the teeth roots and repairing any bone damage.
Because a healthy mouth starts at the gums, maintaining an oral health routine focused on the health of your gums in crucial to the overall health of your mouth. When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well-supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. If you don’t maintain healthy gums, you are more likely to have gum disease, which can progress to a number of problems with your teeth and oral health. And as we talked about above, other long-term, chronic health conditions can be associated with periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease.
In order to help keep your gums healthy, there are several easy steps you should take on a daily basis. Here is a checklist you need for healthy gums:
- Toothbrush: When selecting a toothbrush for healthy gums, look for a soft-bristle brush that has bristles of varying heights to reduce irritation. This will help the toothbrush stimulate your gums and get into hard-to-reach areas.
- Toothpaste: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Comprehensive all-in-one formulas such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste can provide a number of benefits that help care for your teeth and gums for a healthy mouth. You may also want to consider a toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean which is formulated specifically for you gums. It can reach and neutralize the plaque bacteria built up around the gum line that can cause bleeding gums and even gum disease.
- Dental Floss: Flossing may be one of the most important things you can do to help prevent gum problems and maintain healthy gums. There are also types of soft floss that make flossing easier, so people with sensitive gums can have healthy gums. Another option: interdental devices such as dental picks and flossers can be used to clean between the teeth and promote healthy gums.
- Mouthwash: Using an anti-gingivitis mouthwash as part of your oral care routine can help kill the bacteria that cause plaque to maintain a healthy gums and teeth. And mouthwashes may offer you additional benefits like whitening, enamel protection, or cavity protection.
- Gum Stimulator: Available at most drug stores, a gum stimulator can help you keep clean and healthy gums. This simple device features a rubber tip that is used to gently clean and stimulate gums for good circulation and to help prevent gum disease.
- Regular Dental Visits: Regular visits to a dentist are important for healthy gums because the dentist can identify problems early before they become serious. Follow a regular oral care routine of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day to maintain healthy gums. Some dentists may recommend an antibacterial rinse or mouthwash to help preserve healthy gums after you are treated for gum disease.
Sources:
- http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth/
- http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums#1
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908203017.htm
- http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/gum-disease-topic-overview#1
- http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-teeth-gums
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?pg=2
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453
