The dangers of inflamed gums
Every six months you’ve got a dentist appointment for a check-up and fortunately no cavity! It’s unfortunately not the case that, if you don’t have cavities, you are spared from gum problems. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, certain medications, an unhealthy diet, obesity, hormonal fluctuations and ‘your genes’ are factors for inflammation of your gums. Since this is often a painless process, many people don’t realize that something is wrong. Our dental hygienist Tessa discusses the risks of gum disease and gives you some advice.
Inflamed gums: An assassin of your teeth
There can be a lot wrong. Inflamed gums may result in bone loss if it stays undetected. If your jawbone breaks down, then you lose the foundation in which your teeth stand fixed with their roots and you might lose them. By early detection, you reduce the risk of tooth loss drastically.
So, when you’re experiencing red, swollen, bloody or sensitive gums let a professional have a look at it. Gingivitis is an assassin. But what are the most important causes and how can you prevent it?
Poor oral hygiene, main cause for bone loss
The most common cause is the presence of bacteria on your teeth that cause inflammation. On average the Dutch brush two times a day and that’s enough, provided you also clean the space between teeth and molars during your routine: interdental cleaning it’s what it’s called by professionals. But if don’t remove the plaque between our teeth and molars daily, chances are that there’s gum inflammation brewing. 80% of the Dutch population older than the age of thirty, experience some extent of inflamed gums! But how do you know that something is wrong exactly?
Prevent that gingivitis results in periodontitis
Inflamed gums are also called gingivitis. It’s caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar around teeth and molars. Red and swollen gums characterize it. When the gums are touched, it bleeds easily and sometimes feels painful. In addition, often it’s associated with bad breath (halitosis). Applying a good oral hygiene can cure gingivitis and with the necessary discipline you can turn back the clock (professionals call that reversible). However, if the inflammation continues long-term, this will usually extend into the deeper tissues and also the jawbone. Then we speak of periodontal disease and bone destruction.
What can you or your dental professional do about inflamed gums?
Your dentist or dental hygienist can give you advice and instructions about the upkeep of your oral hygiene. This way you can clean/cleanse daily plaque as much as possible from your teeth and molars by using a toothbrush, toothpicks, interdental brushes or water. It’s also important to clean/cleanse the bacteria and food off of your tongue that have accumulated on there. If you use the blue®m oral care products with active oxygen, lactoferrin and xylitol, you ensure that your gums will be transforming back into optimum condition. The less plaque you have, the less tartar occurs. Tartar is hardened plaque you no longer can remove by brushing. To remove it, you preferably go to a dental hygienist who performs a dental cleaning with special instruments. By doing this your gum inflammation can disappear and be healthy again down the road. The gums can pull back some during healing under the influence of bone loss but if you remove plaque daily, potential new inflammation is prevented and it stops the process of bone destruction.
6 tips to prevent inflammation of your gums
Tip 1: Good daily oral hygiene
In the first place make sure you’ve a good daily oral hygiene with the right products. blue®m products contain active ingredients such as oxygen, lactoferrin and xylitol. The best choice when you want to improve the condition of your gums.
Tip 2: Take the signals from your body seriously!
If you suffer from red, swollen, bleeding or sensitive gums, be sure to have a dentist or dental hygienist look at it.
Tip 3: Stay critical!
Keep a critical eye on your medicine use and study the side effects. Be especially alert if the medicine can cause a dry mouth. Always have a conversation with your general practitioner or doctor and ask the right questions.
Tip 4: Give your mouth some extra care
Are you pregnant, experiencing menopause or having any other hormonal discomfort? Make sure you take extra care of your daily oral routine. Brush with an ultra soft toothbrush and keep your mouth mucous membranes moist. Drink lots of sips of water throughout the day. The use of sugar-free xylitol chewing gum can also help you.
Tip 5: Try to prevent stress.
Try to avoid stress. They say that sometimes it’s better to eat junk food every day than to experience stress every day. Make sure you continue to move, do a course in mindfulness or find a fun hobby as an outlet.
Tip 6: Get plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Unfortunately you currently don’t get enough from inadequate nutrition. Eat organic as much as possible and in any case, take additional supplements. blue®m has a balanced formula, on the base of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3 and K2. These contribute to a better condition of the mouth.