Healthy vs Unhealthy Gums

woman suffering oral pain from gum disease

Are your gums healthy?

We all know that our gums are pink, inside our mouths, and they hold our teeth together.

The gums (also known as the gingival) are actually a sort of tissue that hold the teeth in place inside the mouth; they are a support tool for the teeth and very important for oral health. They also cover the jawbone by creating a protective barrier.

It is essential that the gums are well taken care of by flossing as well as brushing the teeth twice daily, so as to avoid tooth loss caused by gum disease.

Gingival recession

Also known as gum recession, takes place when the root of your tooth starts to show.

It may be a sign of gum disease which destroys the structures that support your teeth. It leads to greater tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.

When the roots are exposed, the teeth are more sensitive to hot/cold food and acids, making it quite uncomfortable to eat.

missing teeth from gum recession

Effective gum disease solutions

Leaving gum disease untreated can leave long-lasting effects on your smile.

Long-lasting effects include:

  • Bad breath (Halitosis) 
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Gums become loose 
  • Teeth fall out

Possibly the worst outcome of gum disease is lost teeth, it can take a detrimental effect on your smile and confidence. Finding effective solutions for lost teeth in London can be challenging – look no further.

patient being checked for gum disease

Causes of gum disease

Causes include: Heredity, Teeth grinding or misalignment, brushing too hard at the gumline, Tobacco.

Treatments: When you find out that you have receding gums, you need to trace the cause and maybe try to reduce those things which make your gums recede, e.g., reduce smoking, or improve your oral hygiene procedures. You can also visit your dentist who may use different techniques to improve the appearance of your gums including – Deep cleaning, Gum grafting, and Regeneration (severe cases).

Gum recession could take place over a couple of years. It is very difficult to notice especially if you don’t experience pain or sensitivity because it is a very slow process.