Healthy teeth and gums

We learn from an early age that we need to brush our teeth regularly to keep them healthy. But what about our gums?

The gum is a soft tissue that covers the bone of the jaw. It serves as a protective base for the teeth; by covering the roots, it protects them against germs. A healthy gum is pink and firm, adheres well to the tooth and does not bleed when brushing or flossing.

Here are some tips for maintaining good gum health:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush and your gums (always brush vertically from the gum to the tooth)
• Carefully clean the molars and premolars. (As these are located at the back of the arcade and are often overlooked, so more prone to plaque.)
• Take a look at your gums once a week to stay on top of changes in color or texture
• Daily flossing to dislodge food particles stuck between your teeth
• Adopt healthy eating habits, with a focus on fruits and vegetables and away from acidic and over-sweet foods
• Avoid tobacco

Many leave flossing due to the bleeding and pain that ensues after each use. Of course, stopping is not the answer. The situation is likely to fester rather than improve since the bleeding is precisely caused by the microbes present in the plate. This is why you must persevere in your good habits and consult a dental professional if the pain or bleeding persists after two weeks.

Moreover, it is imperative to regularly consult your dentist for a cleaning and periodic examination. This is an important step to make sure your teeth and gums are doing well. With no symptoms at an early stage, gum disease is a condition that can progress to the point of attacking the tooth support bone when left untreated. To avoid the complications and ultimately the extraction of a tooth, it is always better to adopt a preventive attitude and to be treated before the affection has grown too much.