A smile is one of the most powerful things in the world. It can indicate something as simple as a common greeting to a feeling that literally cannot be put into words. That’s why it’s a shame that many people neglect to properly take care of their gums. When most hear the phrase “dental hygiene” they think of their teeth. While it is important to take good care of your teeth, dental hygiene also concerns your gums. In this article, we will explore the top causes of gum disease, gingivitis, and healthy gums preventative tips. If you’re concerned about your gums and would like to ensure they are healthy, schedule a consultation with our best oral surgeon in downtown Los Angeles today.
What Exactly are Gums?
Your gums are the structural tissue that anchor your teeth. Gums, or gingiva, are made up of mucosal tissue that coats the skeletal ridge of tooth sockets in the oral cavity. Think of them as a covering sealant for the bones of your teeth. There are two kinds of gingiva, marginal and attached. Marginal gingiva is the thin band of inner gum tissue that forms a delicate barrier around the neck of the tooth. Marginal gingiva is soft and flexible. Attached gingiva refers to the mucous membrane bound atop the tooth. This is often what you picture, when you think of gums.
Working in conjunction with other soft tissues in the mouth, your gums keep your teeth in line, self-cleanse your mouth, and double as a shock absorber for your pearly whites.
Causes of Gum Disease
Our mouths are absolutely filled with bacteria. When you think about how vulnerable the inside of our mouth is and just how exposed it is to the contaminants of the outside world, it’s shouldn’t come as surprise. Over time, this can cause plaque buildup on the teeth. While nobody likes discolored teeth, this can lead to much more serious problems. Gum disease is not necessarily age-specific but after the age of 35, the risks increase. Doctors believe that over 2/3 of Americans may have gum disease and likely don’t even know it.
Gingivitis
When plaque buildup occurs on the teeth and is left uncared for, it becomes much more damaging. This plaque can lead to the inflammation of the gums or, Gingivitis. While Gingivitis is not uncommon and generally doesn’t cause too much discomfort, it can lead to problems that do. Often caused by insufficient dental hygiene habits, Gingivitis is one of the leading causes of gum disease and produces swollen gums that become red and are prone to bleed easily. Many people are not even aware that they have this condition until their gums begin to be physically irritated. It is always best to stay ahead of these circumstances, as left untreated, can get out of hand over time.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis, or Periodontal Disease, is what happens when Gingivitis gets out of hand and is one of the leading causes of gum disease. As we know, Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to bacterial exposure. When these toxins are able to advance below the gum line and spread, it causes the gums to recede. When the gums separate far enough, they form pockets that most typically become infected. Since the body’s natural response to foreign bacteria is inflammation, it causes chronic swelling and irritation beyond the gum line that begin to break down and subsequently destroy the connective tissue and supporting bones of the teeth themselves. Surprisingly, symptoms can be quite mild but eventually lead to loosened teeth that need to be removed. The most common forms of Periodontitis are:
- Aggressive- Patients who are otherwise healthy experience an expeditious loss of bone.
- Chronic- More frequently occurring in adults, slower and progressive destruction of bone and tissue.
- Necrotizing- Characterized by the death of gingival tissue and prevalent in those with HIV and immunosuppression.
Patients with Periodontitis are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 64 million Americans above the age of 30 have Periodontitis. If you notice receding gums when you look in the mirror, it may be time to act.
There are several risk factors for developing gum disease, the most significant being smoking. Hormonal changes in women can make their gums more sensitive and susceptible to cultivating gingivitis. Additionally, Diabetics are at a higher risk of gum disease infections.
Keep on the lookout for these potential signs of gum disease:
- Swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Painful chewing
Myths
Flossing Every Day is Not Necessary
It’s estimated that under 15% of Americans floss every day, so it’s not surprising that gum disease is such a widespread issue. Considering not flossing is one of the largest causes of gum disease, flossing should be done daily.
Tooth Loss is Permanent
Tooth loss is a potentially consequence of more severe gum diseases but that doesn’t mean you must live with its effects forever. Periodontists can easily administer permanent dental implant made up of an artificial tooth root and tooth. It’s permanent and restores confidence.
No Cavities, No Problem
While being cavity free is very beneficial for your teeth, that doesn’t quite mean you’re immune from gum disease. Gingivitis can often bring little to no discomfort or pain and go unnoticed. This shouldn’t stop you from brushing your teeth however!
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
If your gums can withstand a routine brushing (as you should be doing after every meal and before bed) without bleeding, then that is usually a sign they are in good health. Gums in good condition will typically be snug and held tight against your teeth. Looser fitting gums don’t allow for a proper seal against bacteria. Swollen, red, or receding gums are usually a sign of bacterial inflammation and mean you should give more attention to your dental hygiene. Ideally healthy gums are a light pink.
Achieving Healthy Gums
Usually, we think of food as the culprits of compromising our dental health. However, just like the other processes in the body, our gums need nutrients too. Foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and kale. Lucky for you, (most of) these are delicious! Antioxidants are also your best friend when it comes to fighting gum disease. Apples, raisins, beans, berries, grapes, and nuts are all rich in antioxidants and are bacterial assassins. Yes, the goal of promoting healthy gums is to rid the mouth of bacteria, don’t forget there is good bacteria as well. Yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha and other fermented foods contain probiotics that may help decrease plaque formation.
More specifically, milk and cheese are huge helpers in the fight against long term gum disease. Super high in calcium and able to lower acid levels in your mouth, both can aid you in plaque defense. Believe it or not, water does more than just hydrate you. Though it doesn’t offer much in the way of ingredients, H20 stimulates and maintains a high saliva level and saliva is the real threat to toxins in your mouth. Your saliva has naturally occurring minerals and proteins that are excellent at keeping your teeth and gums clean. The best news is, your mouth is always making more it! Sugar-free gum is also fantastic for this reason.
Some of the more obvious choices for gum-friendly foods are leafy greens, which are rich in folic acids and calcium, along with Fish, which are rich in vitamin D. Unsweetened teas and fresh cranberries are rich in fluoride and generally known for being bacteria-fighting. Remember, keep the sugars to a minimum! Strawberries are superstars when it comes to dental hygiene (and teeth whitening). They’re rich in antioxidants, malic acid, and vitamin C. It may be surprising to some, but garlic and ginger also have antimicrobial properties making bacteria growth tougher.
More recently, it is thought some of these nutrients could also contribute to a healthier mouth. Anthocyanins (found in eggplants, plums, cherries, and grapes) can potentially help fight plaque and oral cancer. Arginine (found in soy, nuts, and meat) reduces cavities by killing off bacteria. Polyphenols (found in flaxseed, cocoa, and teas) help with bad breath and again, are effective plaque destroyers.
If you can begin to implement these foods into your diet, you can drastically improve your body’s defense against toxins in your mouth and fight receding gums, not to mention all the other nutritious benefits that come along with many of these enjoyable foods.
In summation, focus on these nutrients:
- Calcium- Critical for teeth and bone health. Promotes a strong “anchor” for stronger teeth and gums.
- Vitamin A- Exceptional at building a resistance to infections, which can be devastatingly unhealthy in cases of Periodontitis.
- Vitamin C- Discourages bacteria growth, bolsters gum tissue healing, and packed with antioxidants.
- Vitamin E & Folic Acid- Master healers of gum inflammation or bleeding.
Alternative health conscious and mouth-friendly drinks include: Chamomile tea, wheatgrass juice, and calendula leaf tea.
Considering both the hygienic and aesthetic benefits of maintaining healthy gums along with now having a knowledge refresher on dental health, there is no reason you should not be putting in the effort to keep your gums as bacteria-free as possible. Flossing isn’t easy to remember and many of us skimp on how long we brush our teeth but the importance of keeping up on these essential hygienic functions are critical to preserving a clean and healthy mouth.
Prevent Gum Disease
David Kao, DDS is an expert periodontist and dental implant specialist for the greater downtown Los Angeles area. Contact us to schedule a consultation today to prevent gum disease and improve your overall oral health!
