It is absolutely important to take excellent care of your gums when it comes to your oral health. If your gums are not in good condition, it can cause serious problems not only with your oral health, but with your health in general. If you don’t brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups, you can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums.
If your gums are in bad shape, then there are tell-tale signs that they will provide for you. When your gums talk, you better listen or it can be detrimental to your health. Taking proper care of them is a very important part of excellent oral hygiene. So what are your gums trying to tell you?
Puffy, Red, or Swollen Gums
If your gums are swollen or red, it’s a sure sign of inflammation of the gums, and you may have gingivitis as well. Sometimes a bacterial or viral infection can cause swelling of the gums as well as hormonal changes. Gingivitis is often caused by improper oral hygiene. Brushing is just as important for teeth as flossing is for gums. If you don’t regularly floss, you may be preparing for gingivitis.
Gum Line
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue begins to erode. This exposes more of the tooth and in some cases even the root. Gum disease is a common cause of gum line recession. If you brush your teeth too hard, this can push your gums back. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, this can also cause your gums to recede. If you are clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping, you should see your dentist immediately.
Gum Bleeding
If your gums are bleeding, this is not normal and may be a sign of brushing too hard or even gum disease. If you’ve recently added flossing to your regimen, your gums may bleed a little at first, but this shouldn’t be consistent for more than a week. If your gums are constantly bleeding, you need to make sure you see your dentist as soon as possible for a checkup.
Changing Colors
If your gums are healthy, they should be light pink in color and have a consistent shade unless unhealthy. Significant color changes may mean you have a piece of tartar that has gotten under your gum line or you may have some form of oral cancer. If your gums are changing color instead of playing a guessing game with your gums, you should see your dentist immediately. A thorough examination can determine if the discoloration of your gums is serious.
Preventing Gum Diseases
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your gums, you are not practicing proper oral hygiene. It’s important to brush twice a day and floss once a day to keep your gums clean and healthy. See your dentist for regular checkups and try to cut out as much sugar from your diet as possible. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can make a big difference in your oral health as well as your overall health.
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