You might think that your teeth are the most important part of your mouth. Without your teeth, you wouldn't be able to speak properly, smile, or chew your food. However, there's an argument to be made for your gums being just as important as your teeth, if not more important. Your gums represent the framework of your mouth. Your gums supply blood and nutrients to your teeth. If you take good care of your gums, you and your teeth will be healthier. Here are some ways you can take better care of your gum tissue.
Clean Your Gums Daily
While you're brushing your teeth twice a day, don't forget to clean your gums. You need to brush your gums along your gumline. The act of brushing keeps the number of bacteria in your mouth down and also cleans away food residue from the area. Not only should you brush, but you need to floss as well. Both brushing and flossing stimulate blood flow in your gums and eliminates extra food particles in your mouth. This is a way to keep plaque (the liquid film on your teeth) and tartar (the hard, crusty remnants of bacteria along your gumline) off your teeth.
Watch for Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease starts out small, but if you aren't careful, gum disease can become very serious. In the earliest stages of gum disease, which is called gingivitis, your gums might bleed whenever you brush or floss them. You might also notice your gums look puffy or swollen, and they might be bright red. The dentist will be able to tell you ways to combat gingivitis. However, once you have periodontitis, your gum infection can't be cured completely. That's why it's so important to watch your gums and get them checked twice a year by a dentist.
You might think that your teeth are the most important part of your mouth. Without your teeth, you wouldn't be able to speak properly, smile, or chew your food. However, there's an argument to be made for your gums being just as important as your teeth, if not more important. Your gums represent the framework of your mouth. Your gums supply blood and nutrients to your teeth. If you take good care of your gums, you and your teeth will be healthier. Here are some ways you can take better care of your gum tissue.