Your gums are just as vital to your oral health as your teeth! That’s why it’s important to know their function and how to properly care for them. Here are 10 useful facts about your gums that will help you understand your oral hygiene routine better!
- Gums are made up of soft skin that covers the bones in your mouth and the crowns of your teeth.
- They anchor your teeth in place, but they also provide a barrier of protection against bacteria.
- Gums prevent food particles from reaching the roots of your teeth which could cause permanent damage.
- While brushing your gums is important, brushing too hard can lead to gum recession and leave your mouth more susceptible to bacteria and disease. So, be careful with that toothbrush!
- Using a gum stimulator to massage your gums can help increase blood flow without risking gum recession. This additional oxygen to the gum tissue will help kill bacteria and strengthen gum tissue.
- Gums can be many shades of red, pink, brown and black. The color can help indicate how healthy your oral health is.
- Based on genetics and recent sun exposure, shades of brown and black gums may be considered healthy and normal.
- If your gums have a gray film over them, this is a sign of a bacterial infection or weakened immune system. This color is most common among smokers or those under a lot of stress. In this case, it is best to visit a dentist as soon as possible.
- Gums have many tiny blood vessels close to the surface, and can be an indicator of circulatory health. Although there is not a direction correlation, data shows that people with gum disease are two to three times more at risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The dentist can help you catch the early signs of gum disease, and give you advice on how to care for them! Be sure to visit every 6 months to ensure your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape. Book an appointment with Jackson Dental by calling (573) 243-5200 or stopping by our office at 3100 E Jackson Blvd., Jackson, MO.