What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
We are all trying to keep our teeth healthy so we sometimes forget that our gums need constant checking too. This is not only vital to the appearance of our teeth but also for our overall oral health. However, at times you can't even pinpoint if there's something wrong with your gums based on appearance, not unless it's painful.
It's funny how we rush to the dentist whenever our tooth hurts or we need some cleaning and dental surgeries too but unhealthy gums or gum disease still go unnoticed.
With this being said, you need to learn the exact way of identifying what healthy gums look like and you can learn them below!
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Healthy Pink Color
Healthy gums are pink in color however these vary from the skin color of an individual. Dark pink gums are for people with dark skin. But it's not normal to have dark gums if you have fairer skin, it indicates unhealthy gums that could lead to gum disease.
If you have noticed that the color of your gums has changed over time, then you need to have it checked in order to know if it's a serious gum disease.
Firm Gums
Soft gums are another indication of unhealthy gums because healthy ones are firm so they can hold your teeth together. If you notice that they are soft causing some of your teeth to lose they may need extraction.
No Bleeding
If you brush your teeth gently and your gum starts to bleed, it is a sign that you have gum disease. Gums are sensitive, that's why it tends to bleed a lot even when you chew something.
It’s like tooth decay because the discomfort it can give you is difficult to bear. It will also affect your confidence to speak and smile, afraid that people might notice your bleeding gums. Aside from plaque, the other thing that triggers gum bleeding is how harshly you brush or floss your teeth which affects the soft tissues in your gum line. Damaged gum may also result in inflammation, making your gum very red and swollen.
Fresh Breath
Chronic bad breath could be due to different mouth problems such as tooth cavities. However, unhealthy gums could also lead to bad breath. The bacteria produce bad-smelling toxins that's why your breath has a foul smell. This is very common especially if you don't have cavities and you think your breath still stinks after brushing your teeth or using a mouthwash.
No Pus Around Gums
People with gum disease have noticeable pus around their gums and sometimes in between their teeth and gums. This is the #1 indication of unhealthy gums because this is where the bacteria resides to pull the gums away from the teeth.
How to Avoid Gum Disease
Brush Using Soft Bristle Toothbrush
It is important to get a toothbrush that is gentle to use both for your teeth and gums. If you use the ones with hard bristles, it will likely irritate the gums since gums are made up of tissues. So for you to brush your teeth without hurting your gums, you need to use a soft bristle toothbrush. You also need to make a habit of brushing your teeth twice a day as recommended by dentists.
Stop Smoking
The toxins from cigarettes are one of the things that cause gum disease. That is the reason why people who smoke are more prone to oral cancer. If you are a smoker, it is time to stop it today before it gets late for you to save yourself from gum disease or worse oral cancer.
Less Consumption of Sugar
It is not only your teeth that will be prone to bacteria-causing cavities when you eat food that contains sugar but also your gums. These bacteria will have the chance to reside on your gums too, leaving them inflamed and irritated. You need to make it a habit to consume less of this sugary food since you really can't cut them off on your diet. Make sure to brush your teeth instead and floss too which you will further learn in the next step.
Use Water Flosser
Flossing is vital to have healthy gums, however, it is difficult to floss your teeth using a string floss because it triggers gum bleeding or damaged gums if the string is harshly pulled towards your gums. Indeed, it is harmful and tedious since you need to be careful in flossing your teeth.
Switch to a water flosser instead to make sure that you get your teeth cleaned thoroughly. It is very convenient to use because it is portable and the streaming water that removes the food stuck in between your teeth won't hurt your gums at all unlike string floss.
Steps in Using Water Flosser- Fill the reservoir with warm water before placing it on the base.
- Water flossers come with different tips so choose the one that you favored the most.
- Click the tip on the handle.
- Turn on the water flosser and set the control dial too high to let the water flow. (The next time you will use it, you can set the control dial to any type of pressure you want.)
- In a sink, you have to lean over so that the water won’t stream down to your clothes.
- Place the tip at the gumline and let the water flow to clean each tooth.
- Move it from one gum to another.
- Once you have finished flossing your teeth, turn the water flosser off and remove the tip.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.
