When was the last time you looked at your gums? I mean really looked at them. Theyβre covered by your lips and unless you have a huge smile or stretch your lips out with your fingers, you generally donβt notice them.
They don’t bother you, right? Why should you even care?
The best way to answer this question is to consider heart attacks. Itβs estimated by researchers that 22%-60% of all heart attacks are silent! This means there may be no signs or symptoms, yet people may suffer life-threatening or life-changing consequences.
The point. You shouldnβt ignore it, just because itβs not hurting!
Tip 1 – Gums are an indicator of your overall health.
Decades of research exists, correlating the health of the mouth, and gums in particular, to a personβs overall health. A few examples include:
- Diabetes – There is evidence that people with diabetes are at a much higher risk of having gum disease and also that having gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, making the diabetes worse.
- Heart Disease – I’ve personally had many cardiologists refer patients to me with a request to improve their patient’s gum health prior to surgery for their heart. Research has indicated a link between cardiovascular disease and gum disease.
- Pregnancy Complications – preterm birth and low birth weight have both been associated with gum disease.
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Some specific bacteria which are normally only found in the mouth and are associated with gum disease (Porphyromonas gingivalis) have been found in Alzheimer’s disease brains. There is more research needed to identify a cause as well as why and how. Nevertheless, why would you risk something you can prevent?
Tip 1 Action Item. Gum health is important. Inspect your gums regularly to ensure they look pink & taught not red & swollen.
Tip 2 – Gums are home to many types of bacteria.
Over 700 different species of bacteria have been found to reside in the mouth and there can be millions or billions of bacteria living there.
There are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria which form a micro-ecosystem in the mouth. Of note, they can also form little ‘communities’ or colonies in and under the gums. The health or infectiousness of these microscopic communities is related to many things such as the type of bacteria present and how many there are. Other factors such as diet, saliva and smoking will also have an influence.
Tip 2 Action Item. Balance is important here. Create an environment which is protective rather than harmful by paying attention to oral hygiene (brushing & flossing regularly), medications (which dry mouth), habits (avoid smoking/vaping) and diet (less sugar) to name a few.
Tip 3 – Gums may become a pathway for germs to enter your blood stream and body.
The main purpose of the gums is to protect the bone around your teeth. It does this by creating a tight seal around each tooth and serves as a barrier to injury and infection. The gums contain immune cells and anti-microbial substances to fight infection.
When the germs (bacteria and other micro-organisms) overpower the protective mechanisms of the gums the result is infection and inflammation. We call this gum disease or periodontal disease (periodontitis). When this occurs, the gums can recede, the bone around the teeth can ‘dissolve’ or be ‘eaten away’ and the teeth can get loose.
Healthy gums do not bleed. The first sign of gum disease is bleeding and interestingly, it is usually not painful.
Bleeding of the gums, without trauma, indicates there is inflammation – likely caused from infection. When this occurs the barrier may become ‘overpowered’ by the germs which can then get to the bone under the gums and into the blood stream where they may cause other issues.
Tip 3 Action Item. Don’t ignore bleeding. When brushing and flossing your teeth (gently), the gums should not bleed. Some people may wake in the morning and have blood in their mouth. Don’t ignore either of these.
What to do if your gums are red or swollen or bleed or become tender.
Start by brushing and flossing twice a day.
After 2-3 days the symptoms should resolve.
Sometimes most of the bleeding may stop but there may be a smaller persistent area such as in between the back teeth when you floss.
If, after 3 days there is still any bleeding, and you didn’t hurt yourself with the toothbrush or floss, then you really should come in and see one of our dentists or hygienists.
The sooner the better. The earlier you act and get on top of things:
- It is easier to fix
- It is cheaper to fix
- There is less long-term damage
- It is easier to maintain and prevent from coming back
Have you been in for your dental checkup and clean lately? A six-month gap is a good rule of thumb to say you’re probably due! The best place to start is by booking an appointment at Define Dental. Located in Benowa on the Gold Coast, Define Dental’s team are committed to helping you achieve your best health. Book an appointment online today or give us a call on 5597 2100.