I often think of gums as the cuticles of your teeth. That’s because both of these things have a similar function: They seal off the tooth or nail and prevent bacteria from entering the body. The gums also protect all of the tissues beneath them, as well as the bones in which your teeth are anchored. Effectively, then, gums prevent things like tooth decay and loss—but the gums need to be healthy in order to do all of this properly. This is why it’s a serious issue when you experience bloody gums, gum recession, or even gingivitis. Put another way: it's not great to have discomfort or bleeding when you floss. (And let's back all the way up: you are flossing, right?)
“Periodontal disease also puts patients at a higher risk for other medical conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes, “ points out Jeffrey Rappaport, DDS, founder of Lavaan Dental in New York. And in [pregnant] women, it can also lead to premature birth.” He adds that gingivitis is itself the mild precursor to more serious irritation, called periodontitis. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. Rappaport says that healthy gums feel firm and look pink. Thus, any redness, swelling, and bleeding should be the first sign of a problem.
1. Fight plaque
Plaque is the primary offender when it comes to periodontal disease. It begins to form quickly after eating, Rappaport says, and if it’s not properly and regularly removed, it begins to calcify and spread below the gum line, which is when the bigger problems start. “The bacteria from plaque and tartar causes the gums to swell and bleed as our immune systems kick in to try and fight it,” Rappaport says.
The best way to fight plaque is obvious: Brushing 2-3 times a day, thoroughly (an electric toothbrush will help there) and ideally doing so after each meal. Flossing at least once a day (ideally in the evening before bed). “Don't skip flossing because you claim that it ‘wakes you up’ before bed, or only brush for a few seconds when you’re rushing out the door,” Rappaport warns. “And ignore the anti-flossing rumors."
He says that adding a mouth rinse is a nice punctuation on a good oral hygiene regimen, and that it’s important to floss below the gum lines in order to remove any food debris and plaque where brushes are unable to reach them.
2. Go to the dentist, seriously
We can all be better about this one: It’s imperative to visit the dentist twice each year in order to get routine cleanings. The hygienist, while potentially making your mouth cry for mercy during that semi-annual cleanup, will be doing you a huge favor with a hard reset on plaque and tartar. Some folks might need to go quarterly to the dentist, too: “Patients with crowded teeth or hard-to-reach areas, active orthodontic patients, smokers, and tobacco users are at higher risk for gum disease and may need to have their teeth cleaned every three months,” says Rappaport.
He also recommends having X-rays taken every 1-2 years if you are an otherwise-healthy patient. “Not only do X-rays help check for cavities between teeth, but they can also spot tartar below the gum line, check bone levels, and scan for early stages of periodontal disease called ‘pockets’.”
