Your gums are an essential part of your oral health. Not only do they support your teeth, but they also help keep your mouth free of bacteria. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to your gums and take care of them just like you would your teeth. Here are five signs that your gums might be unhealthy and what they could mean.
Red, Inflamed, or Swollen Gums
One of the first signs that something might be wrong with your gums is if they look red, swollen, or inflamed. This could be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by plaque on your teeth, irritating your gums and making them more susceptible to infection.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are another sign that something might be wrong with your oral health. In some cases, bleeding gums can be caused by brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with too stiff bristles. However, bleeding gums can also signify gingivitis or another gum disease.
Receding Gums
When you brush your teeth, do you notice that your gum line seems to be receding? This is another sign that something might be wrong with your oral health. While receding gums can sometimes be caused by brushing too hard, it can also signify periodontal disease—a severe gum infection that damages the tissue and bone supporting your teeth.
Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is usually nothing to worry about and can often be caused by eating spicy foods or not brushing regularly enough. However, if you have bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how often you brush or use mouthwash, it could be a sign of periodontal disease—the same gum infection mentioned above.
Loose Teeth
Loose teeth are another severe sign that something might be wrong with your oral health—particularly if you’re not currently experiencing pain in your mouth. While an injury or trauma can sometimes cause loose teeth in the mouth, it’s more often a sign of advanced periodontal disease. Periodontal disease causes the tissue and bone supporting your teeth to break down, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Your gums play a fundamental role in order help. That’s why there’s a good chance of gum disease if you’re experiencing all the things above. Thankfully there are ways to prevent that from happening. Here are some of them.
Dental Implants
The pockets between your teeth are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Dental implants help to keep these pockets clean and free of bacteria. These implants are made of titanium and are placed in the jawbone. They act as a support for false teeth, bridges, or dentures. The best part about them is that they don’t need extra care compared to dentures, making them an excellent choice for convenience’s sake.
Healthy Oral Habits
Of course, one of the best ways to prevent gum disease is to practice healthy oral habits. This means brushing and flossing regularly. However, if you want something more advanced, here are some great options:
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice used for centuries to cleanse the mouth and body. The process is simple: swish oil around your mouth for 20 minutes, then spit it out. This helps to remove toxins from the body and improve oral health.
Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is another great way to cleanse the mouth and body. The process is simple: you scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper (or even a spoon), then spit out the debris. This helps to remove toxins from the body and improve oral health.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another great way to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria. Just make sure to choose a natural, alcohol-free option to avoid drying out your mouth.
Healthy Diet
What you eat more often than not affects your oral health. For example, a diet high in sugar and processed foods is more likely to cause cavities and other oral health problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods is more likely to promote oral health. So make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And limit sugary drinks like soda and juices.
Additionally, you can try these natural remedies for gum disease:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular home remedy for various skin conditions, but did you know that it can also be used to treat oral health problems? Aloe vera contains aloin, a substance shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply aloe vera gel to your gums and teeth twice daily.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another great natural remedy for gum disease. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective treatment for gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothbrush before brushing, or add it to your mouthwash.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, see a dentist as soon as possible. However, the best way is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Following the tips above, you can keep your gums healthy and avoid gum disease altogether!
