Your teeth are set into the jawbone, where they are held in place by fleshy ligaments. The bone is covered with flesh known as the gums and this comes down over the teeth, offering protection over the site where bone meets tooth.

Gums are a bit like the seal you find around places that get wet. Around your shower head, for example. If you don’t take care of the seals around things, bacteria can get in underneath and start to pull the seal out of place. It’s the same with gums, only when the gums start to pull away, it’s your teeth and jawbone that are affected.

That’s why, when you think about your oral hygiene, you need to have healthy gums as well as healthy teeth. Here at Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, you will find that our dentists and hygienists are just as interested in the health of your gums as they are in that of your teeth.

Check-ups and healthy gums

When you come for a check-up at Benhill Dental Practice, the dentist won’t only be looking at your teeth for decay. They will also be on the lookout for gum disease.

The early signs of gum disease are red, inflamed gums that bleed easily. If we see signs of gingivitis, we will talk to you about your oral health routine and what you can do to improve it.

If the dentist sees signs of the gums pulling away from the sockets, then you are already in a more advanced state of gum disease. When the gums are pulling away from the sockets, it means that plaque and bacteria can get underneath and start attacking your tooth roots (which have no enamel over them) and the bone surrounding your teeth. This later stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. Treatment for this is more invasive. We may have to plane away any infected or corroded areas under your gums. We may have to sew your gums back in place to tighten them up around your teeth.

If you want to know more about ways to have healthy gums, please ask either the dentist or the hygienist next time you come in.

It’s easy to focus on your teeth when you think of visiting the dentist at Benhill Dental Practice. Looking after your gums should form an important part of your oral health strategy. They are the foundation of your teeth and the source of one of the most common dental problems in adults – gum disease.

What should healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums in Sutton are pink, firm and flush with the teeth. Your dentist at Benhill Dental Practice will do a visual check during your regular appointments but this is also something you should do at home. If you see any lumps, dark patches, inflammation or experience any soreness this may be something you need to address with an interim visit to the clinic. If you detect any of these issues and they do not go away within a week or two, give us a call to make an appointment.

Signs of gum disease

Be on the lookout for signs of gum disease at all times. These include:

• Bleeding gums – this is one of the most common symptoms. Many people think that bleeding gums are normal because they are so common. If you persistently see blood when you are brushing your teeth, let your dentist know so that they can give you advice on reducing the risk of advanced gum disease;
• Bad breath or a nasty taste – everyone experiences a bit of a strange taste or smell from their mouth from time to time but if it’s day after day, quite bitter and seemingly unrelated to things you have consumed, gum disease could be the cause;
• Receding gums – this is where the gum line seems to be pulling away from the teeth. It’s worth taking a look online at pictures of healthy gums versus receding gums so you have a basis for comparison. Your dentist will check this for you as well when you visit Benhill Dental Practice.

Extra care

Your oral care is always important but if you use dentures or have dental implants or any other special equipment, you need to remember to take extra care of your gums. This will keep your mouth healthy but will also ensure that you have fresh breath and a bright smile.

Although good oral health is associated with white, healthy teeth, the health of the gums surrounding our teeth is equally important. Gum disease is among the leading causes of tooth loss worldwide, while inflammation and recession of the gums can create many oral health problems.

No matter how often you brush and floss your teeth, a regular toothbrush cannot clean every single crevice in your mouth. Your teeth may look and feel healthy, but if you fail to visit your dentist for regular check-ups, you will experience mild gum disease at some point.

At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we are passionate about oral hygiene and we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure.

During your consultation appointment, our dentists and dental hygienists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, look for signs of inflammation and bleeding and evaluate your gum health. If you require treatment, we will create an individual treatment plan detailing all the procedures and costs involved.

Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day

This is really important for your oral health. While many people brush their teeth diligently, they forget to brush along the gum line as well as their tongue. This helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that live on the surface of the gums and the soft tissue. During your appointment, our dental hygienist will show you effective ways to brush your teeth and gums.

Floss once a day and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash               

Flossing is as important as brushing in maintaining a good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. A toothbrush can’t always reach in between your teeth in order to clean them properly. Dental floss can remove food and bacteria residue from difficult-to-reach areas in the mouth. Extra protection is also guaranteed when you finish your oral hygiene routine by rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash.

Visit your dental hygienist

The most important thing to do in order to keep your gums healthy is to visit your dental hygienist at least every six months. They will be able to determine the health of your gums and perform a thorough cleaning, which helps eliminate the bacteria on your teeth before it moves to your gums.

Good dental health isn’t just about the condition of your teeth. Your gums play a vitally important role, too, and healthy gums help maintain a happy smile.

Your gums act like cushions for your teeth, surrounding the teeth in the jaws, helping to support them. Gum disease is a very common problem – most patients will experience a mild form at some point in their life. If you notice any of the early symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist straight away. Without treatment, it can develop into a more serious form and can lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is caused by plaque bacteria, which builds up on your teeth when you don’t clean them properly. This bacteria starts to attack the gums, leading to the mild form of gum disease, which is called gingivitis.

Early symptoms of gum disease can be hard to spot, but common signs include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or bite into hard foods
• Red or swollen gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with a dentist. At this early stage gum disease can be treated and managed with professional tooth cleaning by your dentist or hygienist, who can remove all traces of plaque and tartar even from areas that are difficult to reach when brushing.

Gum disease is easily prevented with a good dental hygiene regime. This involves both regular visits to your dentist and hygienist and the use of proper brushing and flossing techniques at home. Your hygienist can help you to prevent a customised home-care regime to help prevent the problem from arising again.

Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into the more serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. Symptoms of this can include teeth that become loose and dental abscesses. Ultimately this can lead to teeth falling out, so you should get in touch with your dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.