7 common questions about long-term healthy gums

What is the importance of healthy gums for overall health?

Healthy gums are a crucial factor in good oral health. They protect the teeth by stabilising them. It also provides a barrier against bacteria, preventing various types of infections in the mouth. Gum recession and inflammation can affect the entire immune system in the long run, which can increase the risk of periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

What do healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums are light pink, smooth and firm. They cover the jawbone, keep the teeth stable and fit snugly around the neck of the teeth. Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. They also don't feel swollen or have pockets where bacteria can collect. If your gums are healthy, you will not normally have bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Pressing on them with your finger should not cause bleeding gums or pain. However, if you notice that symptoms of gum disease like your gums are bleeding, swollen or prone to bleeding, you should come in for an Oral Health Checkup at our Studio. Screenings can reduce long-term problems.

How can you improve your gums?

To improve gums, regular oral and gum care is essential.

Dental care

Brushing your teeth every day and using floss and mouthwash to clean between your teeth helps to remove food particles, keep the periodontium healthy and fight discolouration. To do this, you should use fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. You should also pay attention to the correct brushing technique. Brushing and flossing remove plaque and bacteria that build up on the tooth, in the spaces between the teeth and at the gumline. Cleaning can help reduce tooth decay and gum problems such as gingivitis.

Eating a healthy diet

A balanced diet helps to reduce inflamed gums.

Consumption of sugary foods and drinks should be reduced as they damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of gum problems. A healthy oral flora and mucosa also help to reduce the risk of gingivitis. For this, a balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals is important and you should make sure you drink enough fluids.

Important vitamins and nutrients for good dental health include:

• Vitamin A
  
• Vitamin C
  
• Vitamin D
  
• Vitamin K
  
• B vitamins
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  
• Calcium
  

Read more about tooth-healthy eating in this blog post.

Regular Oral health checkups at the ALPINE WHITE Studio

To help you prevent any form of gum disease in its early stage, come to our ALPINE WHITE Studio for regular Oral Health Checkups.

We also recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist for example. This removes stubborn plaque and bacteria and keeps your gums healthy. However, if it is already inflamed, dental hygiene can heal it. Early treatment of signs of gum disease is important to avoid visits to the dentist's office, serious complications and health problems.

You can also take care of your gums with our Whitening Toothpaste Sensitive Relief.

Are very light gums healthy?

Very pale gums can be a sign of anaemia or another condition that affects blood flow. Normally, healthy gums are a pale pink colour, but the colour can vary from person to person. However, sudden lightning should be investigated to rule out any health problems. In addition, very pale gums can also be caused by excessive use of mouthwash or by spicy and acidic foods. A temporary change in colour is not usually a cause for concern but should be monitored. If you are concerned about the appearance of your gums, contact our professional healthcare staff at the Studio.

How long do healthy gums last?

Healthy gums last a lifetime with the right care. Regular oral care and dental check-ups can help keep gums healthy and detect and treat problems early.

What effect does smoking have on my gum health?

Smoking is known to be a bad risk factor for your overall health, and this includes the health of your gums. Smokers have a higher risk of developing unhealthy gums and are less likely to respond to treatment, as smoking increases inflammation in the body and hinders blood circulation. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva in the mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria and plaque to accumulate and cause damage. Finally, smoking can also lead to increased tartar build-up, which also increases the risk of gingivitis.

Can receding gums regenerate?

Yes, gums can regenerate if they are properly cared for and there is no serious damage. Good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and a healthy diet can help.

However, if the gums are already inflamed or have receded, we recommend that you have dental hygiene performed. In bad cases, especially advanced periodontitis, dental treatment is needed to rebuild the gum tissue. This can be achieved through gum grafting or the use of growth factors and bone substitutes.

It is important to note that gum regeneration is a gradual process and takes time. But with proper care and treatment, gum infection as well as loose teeth and even tooth loss.