A General Dentist in Sacramento Describes Healthy Gums

One important fact every general dentist agrees with is that oral health is a crucial part of your general wellbeing. Certain habits contribute positively to gum health, and all of them revolve around excellent oral hygiene. In this article, a dentist explains the characteristics of healthy gums and how to maintain excellent oral health.

Characteristics of healthy gums

There are specific signs that indicate health gum tissues. The color of healthy gum tissue is hardly consistent, but it is usually coral pink or a darker color within that pigmentation. Pigment differences typically depend on the cultural background of the patient. Healthy gum tissues are free from inflammation and should feel tight and natural around the teeth without having any no pockets. The shape of the gum tissues is usually pyramidal or knife-edged and adopts a curved line around the tooth. Healthy gum tissues have a solid texture, and a stippled appearance on the outer gum (identical with the skin) is a variable element. Finally, healthy gum should not bleed spontaneously.

Causes of unhealthy gums

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the primary cause of periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial plaque. The gum tissue gets inflamed upon irritation by the plaque, which usually only happens when there is a significant amount of plaque accumulation on the gum line. Once the plaque is cleaned off, the inflammation goes away. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), other factors that contribute to advanced gum diseases include stress, genetics, smoking, age, medications, poor nutrition, or teeth grinding or clenching – especially while sleeping. Several studies have also linked periodontal diseases with systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease.

Warning signs of gum disease

Several symptoms can indicate gum disease in its early or advanced stages, including:

• Receding Gums
• Inflamed, red, or tender gums
• Bad breath
• Loose permanent teeth
• Gum pockets containing pus
• Alterations to the natural bite
• Noticeable changes in how other dental restorations fit

Gum irritation can also cause bleeding while brushing or flossing, but that is not enough reason to stop doing either. You can change your brushing techniques to minimize bleeding while brushing and ensure adequate cleaning.

Maintaining healthy gums

According to the general dentist, patients should take active measures toward improving their oral hygiene routine to combat gum disease and stay healthy. Patients should ensure that they brush at least twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce the number of bacteria and plaque in the mouth. Also, patients should floss at least twice daily to remove food debris between their teeth. Patients should be gentle with the flossing movement to prevent injuries to the gum.

Final note

You need to visit the general dentist at least twice per year, even if you do not feel any pain. Usually, once you start feeling irritation, chances are that the gums are already infected and have worsened into periodontitis. Consult your dentist about your oral health and have them examine your gums for infections. The key to maintaining excellent gum health lies in a proper oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits.

Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.

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