You don’t need a degree in dentistry to know that there is a lot more going on in your mouth than just your teeth, but they tend to grab all the attention…when’s the last time you saw a picture of gums on the sign for a dental office? In truth, your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to your oral health, but they are often overlooked, which frequently leads to a multitude of serious dental problems. This September is actually National Gum Care Month, so in that spirit, we’re going to cover the best ways to protect the unsung hero of your smile.

Why Taking Care of Your Gums is Important

Have you ever really thought about what your gums do? As in, you know your teeth help break down food, your tongue ensures you’re able to taste and speak…but where do your gums fit in?

Primarily, your gums perform two important functions. First, they support your teeth and keep them stable. Your teeth are already rooted firmly within the jawbone, but the added strength thanks to the gums ensures that your teeth don’t ever drift or shift as you eat.

They also protect the roots of your teeth as well as the nearby jawbone. The enamel around tooth roots is actually thinner and more delicate compared to the crown, meaning it’s more vulnerable to decay.

What Happens if You Ignore Your Gums

Without consistent brushing and flossing as well as routine dental checkups, plaque and tartar can begin to build up on the teeth below the gum line. These substances are filled with bacteria that can harm and break down the gum tissue, leading to an infection called gum disease. By far the most common dental problem in the world, it is the source of many nasty symptoms:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Swollen, red, and tender gums
• Frequent bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Gum recession
• Loose/shifting teeth
• Tooth loss

As gum disease bacteria attacks the soft tissues of the mouth, this actually causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This exposes that sensitive enamel around the tooth roots we mentioned earlier. When tooth decay occurs at the root, it’s much easier for a tooth to quickly fall out. This sequence of events is a big reason why gum disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss around the globe.

How to Protect Your Gums

You probably haven’t thought about specifically taking care of your gums before…so what all does it entail? Are you going to have to do a whole separate routine for them in addition to brushing your teeth? Fortunately, looking after your gums can easily be incorporated into your existing oral hygiene. Just be sure to make a few small adjustments:

• When brushing your teeth, be sure to clean along the area where your teeth meet your gums. This is where gum disease bacteria tends to gather first, and regular brushing will easily remove it.
• Be sure to floss slightly below your gum line. Don’t do it too hard and hurt the tissue, but doing this will break up plaque deposits before they turn into tartar, which you can’t remove on your own.
• Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a checkup and cleaning like normal, but if you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule a visit right away. Your dentist can likely take care of gum disease during its early stages using a deep cleaning and topical antibiotics. Waiting will allow the infection to worsen, so you might have to be referred to a specialist for more advanced treatment.

Taking excellent care of your gums basically requires little to no extra time out of your day, but it can make a dramatic difference in the long term health of your smile. This September onward, be sure to look after your entire mouth, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for decades to come.

About the Author

Dr. Adam Cohlmia is a family dentist based in El Reno who was born, raised, and educated in Oklahoma. During standard checkups, he and his team always look for the initial signs of gum disease so they can begin treatment as soon as possible. Are your gums feeling more sensitive lately? Does someone in your household always see pink in the sink after brushing and flossing? If so, we’re ready to help, and you can quickly schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohlmia by clicking here.