Let’s talk about gums–the pink flesh that covers our teeth. It’s not surprising that we often forget about them. But in fact, this cushy substance is more massive than we can see and plays a vital role in our overall oral health.
The proper term for gums is gingivae, the pink tissue inside the mouth that connects to the base of our teeth. Every single tooth has one gingiva (or one “gum”) to keep the tooth in place and protect its root. Its issue is dense and has an incredible supply of blood from the vessels beneath the surface. That surface we know as a moist layer in the mouth is a mucous membrane that has a quite complex job to balance the inner workings of the mouth. The gums are attached to the jawbone and snuggly cover every tooth all the way to the neck. What a fascinating, yet often overlooked, job the gums have to enable our teeth to what they do best.
Gums Need Love, Too
The worst thing is to neglect the gums. What you don’t want is the gums to recede, exposing bacteria and plaque to the roots of the teeth. The outcome of such exposure is decay and disease. In some cases, when the tooth is in an abnormal position, the gums can recede around that tooth. The only way to cut down the risk of decay, infection, and tooth loss, is by treating the gums early to curb or possibly reverse the recession.
In more severe cases, we see gum recession leading to sensitivity of the teeth, pain, and even infections. As a mitigation effort, we rely on deep cleanings and treatment of infection to improve the health of the gums. And if you’re gums are healthy, keep that that way by having your teeth examined and cleaned properly every six months. Prevention is the long game!
A Gummy Situation
It’s surprising, but receding gums is a pretty common dental condition. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware that their gums are receding until a very late phase in the game. The sooner we can assess the health of your gums and apply proper treatment, the longer you can have strong gums that protect your teeth and your smile.
Treating Receding Gums
So, the next time you go to brush, give your gums some extra TLC. Spending just a few more moments, gently brushing the gums with a soft bristle to remove any bacteria and plaque. And if you notice that your teeth appear longer or the space between teeth seems larger, have your gums examined as soon as possible. Remember that early care and prevention is the key to keeping your gums healthy and strong.