Most of us grew up being told to brush our teeth twice a day. Everyone sees our teeth when we smile, and keeping them white and strong feels important. But teeth can’t do their job on their own. The real unsung heroes are the gums. They might not get as much general attention, but without healthy gums, even perfect teeth won’t last as long as they should.
Gums are like the foundations of a house. If the foundation is weak or damaged, it doesn’t matter how good the building looks – eventually problems will show. At the Smile Dental Practice Bromley, we spend a lot of time talking with people about gum health because it’s an area that’s so easy to ignore, and yet so important.
Healthy gums are normally a pale pink colour and fit neatly around each tooth. They don’t bleed when you brush them or use dental floss. You shouldn’t really notice them much at all really, and that’s a good thing.
When gums start to appear red or swollen, or if you see blood in the sink after brushing your teeth, that is not ‘normal’. It is usually a sign that gum disease is on the horizon. Many people shrug it off as nothing serious, but bleeding gums are like a warning light on a car dashboard – ignore it, and you’ll soon have a bigger repair on your hands.
The main culprit is plaque. Plaque is a thin, sticky film that builds up on our teeth every day. If it is not brushed away, it mixes with minerals in the saliva and hardens into tartar, and that’s when the trouble really begins. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums, which then leads to inflammation.
This earlier stage is called gingivitis. The gums might appear a bit puffy, possibly even tender, and they might even bleed a little when you clean them. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible if detected early, and with a proper professional clean by our Bromley dental hygienist and improved brushing habits, the gums can heal.
The more advanced stage, periodontitis, is where things become more serious. The gums start to pull away from the teeth, small gaps form, and bacteria can creep down to the roots. Over time, the bone supporting the teeth also becomes damaged and can loosen their hold on your teeth, causing them to become loose or even fall out. Subsequently gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Something people don’t always realise is that gum disease isn’t just about having painful or bleeding gums or even losing teeth. There is growing evidence that it may also be linked to other health problems – heart disease, diabetes, even pregnancy complications. The mouth is connected to the rest of the body, after all. If the gums are constantly inflamed, it can have knock-on effects elsewhere.
Gum disease can happen slowly and may even have no initial symptoms which is why we recommend six monthly visits to the hygienist. Any early symptoms can be subtle, but here are some you definitely shouldn’t ignore:
If you notice any of these, don’t put off contacting us. A quick appointment can make all the difference between a simple cleaning and more involved and invasive treatment later.
At the Smile Dental Practice Bromley, we always look at the gums. We measure the depth of the pockets around the teeth, check for tartar, and discuss any issues we might find with the patient.
The key thing to remember is that gum disease in Bromley can nearly always be managed. Even if some damage has already occurred, treatment can slow it right down and protect the teeth you have.
Dentists and hygienists can help a lot, but what really makes the difference is what you do every day. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential, but it’s equally important to clean between your teeth – either by using floss or interdental brushes.
Lifestyle matters too. Smoking is a big risk factor for gum disease. It reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal. Regular check-ups are very valuable. Gum disease can be stopped in its tracks if it is caught early enough so make sure to keep your check up appointments with us.
It is easy to focus on the appearance of our teeth and forget about the gums, but the two go hand in hand. Healthy gums mean stronger teeth, fresher breath, and a lower risk of needing complex treatment later.
If you have noticed any bleeding of the gums when you brush, or your gums look a bit sore or swollen, don’t ignore it. A quick check-up can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Our Bromley dentists are here to help you look after both your teeth and your gums. To make an appointment to see a dentist or our local hygienist, you can call us to arrange one on 020 84622473.
Design By Dental Media
