Gums – How To Keep Them Healthy

What do those pink bits around your teeth do? Learn all about your gums and how to keep them healthy.

Healthy gums provide the support to teeth that enables them to function properly. They are generally light pink in colour, and have a rippled texture similar to that of an orange. When gums become unhealthy they tend to bleed, swell and recede. This not only can lead to pain, but also make it harder to speak, eat, drink and swallow.

What are receding gums?

Receding gums develop when bone of the mouth and gums moves away from the tooth itself.

They may be the result of:

1. Plaque accumulation/ poor oral hygiene, as the gum tissue is destroyed by toxic substances that are released from bacteria build-up on plaque.
2. Imbalanced bite (the way teeth come together), which may potentially traumatize the gums and bone.
3. Grinding and clenching.
4. Fillings/crowns that are fitted without adequately balancing the bite.

Receding gums can often go undiagnosed until changes around the gum and teeth are identified, and sensitivity is noticed.

How we can treat receding gums naturally

Factors such as stress and inadequate nutrition can directly affects gum health essential for the efficient functioning of teeth. Luckily, there are many holistic approaches and natural remedies available that help prevent and treat receding gums.

Many vitamins found in food sources and supplements may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of receding gums. Some of these vitamins include:

Vitamin D, whose anti-inflammatory qualities may decrease ones susceptibility to receding gums.

Vitamin C, whose powerful antioxidant capability assists in faster bone regeneration and in the repair of connective tissue.

Coenzyme Q10, another powerful antioxidant that assists in the repair of infected and damaged gum tissue.

The antibiotic properties of both Tea Tree oil and Cranberry may also useful in the treatment of receding gums. Cranberry may inhibit bacteria from sticking to the teeth, and tea tree oil may be beneficial in the treatment of symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding and gingivitis.

Recent scientific research has also shown that stress contributes to the accumulation of plaque on teeth and gums, which can often result in gum disease. So reducing stress levels would be an important aspect of maintaining healthy gums.

Tips To Keep Your Gums Healthy

• Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and professional gum care treatments to prevent or minimise gum problems.
• Replacing your old toothbrush with a sensitive or extra soft brush.
• Gently brushing and flossing your teeth, as often as possible.
• Avoiding strongly acidic foods such as juices, soft drinks and citrus fruits that can aggravate sensitive teeth and cause damage to the gums over time.
• Having your dentist correct the bite on old fillings and crowns that don’t meet properly.
• Switching to toothpaste that caters to sensitive teeth