What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?

Summary

When you think about your dental health, your mind probably goes right to your teeth. However, there’s another important part of the equation: your gums. Your teeth might be straight and cavity-free, but how do you know you have healthy gums?

In this article, we’ll explore what healthy gums look like and why they’re important. We’ll also share tips for maintaining your gum health. Now that’s something to smile about!

Why Is It Important to Take Care of Your Gums?

Gums, also called gingiva, are the soft, fleshy tissue in your upper and lower jaw that surround your teeth to keep them in place.

It’s important to take care of this tissue to help prevent gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Failing to do so can result in tooth or bone loss as well as other health problems.

Healthy Gums vs. Unhealthy Gums

The good news? It’s pretty easy to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy gums. Let’s take a look.

Signs of Healthy Gums

Healthy gums should be pink and firm and should not appear swollen. Some people may have naturally more pigmented gums, meaning they’re a little darker, but this is still considered healthy.

There should also be no gaps between your gums and teeth, and they should not bleed when you brush or floss.

Signs of Unhealthy Gums

Unhealthy gums may show signs of gum disease. You may have redness and swelling accompanied by bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.

Keep a close eye on your gum health and reach out to a dentist if you notice any of these symptoms. Mild gum disease can be reversed with diligent oral care, but more severe gum disease damages — such as periodontitis — can’t, so it’s important to take care of gum issues right away.

Maintaining Healthy Gums

There are several things you can do to keep your gums healthy, starting with excellent dental hygiene. Here are a few of the basics.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

First of all, if you want healthy gums, get in the habit of brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Put a pea-sized dollop of stannous fluoride toothpaste on your soft-bristled toothbrush both morning and night. Brushing should take approximately two minutes.

Use the Correct Brushing Technique

Angling your toothbrush up toward your gums at 45 degrees, brush on and around each tooth to dislodge and remove any food, plaque, and bacteria from your mouth. Be sure to brush the front, back, and chewing surface of each tooth with short strokes.

Keep in mind that brushing too hard can affect your gums as well as your tooth enamel, so be gentle when brushing.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Once you get the hang of the right brushing technique, don’t forget to keep your tools in top shape for the best clean.

As soon as the bristles of your toothbrush look frayed, it’s time to replace it. Generally, you’ll be replacing your toothbrush every three months. If you have an electric model, just change the head of the brush.

Floss Daily

Next up is flossing. When you’re exhausted in the evening, it can be tempting to skip this step. However, your toothbrush alone may not sufficiently clean between your teeth. Interdental cleaning is essential in your daily oral care routine.

As with brushing, technique matters when you floss. Tear about 18 inches of floss from the container and wrap the ends around your middle fingers.

Holding the floss tightly, use your thumbs and forefingers to slide it between your teeth, making a "C" with the floss so it hugs the side of each tooth. Rub the floss up and down to remove any food particles and bacteria.Try Other Dental Tools

If your gums need a little extra attention, consider incorporating these additional dental tools into your daily oral care routine.

Water Flosser

A water flosser uses a targeted jet of water to clean between the teeth and massage the gums.

Mouthwash

An additional step you might want to add to your daily routine is swishing an oral rinse. Mouthwash can reduce plaque, help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and get rid of bad breath.

Go to the Dentist Regularly

Visiting your dentist regularly is an essential part of maintaining healthy gums. Your dentist will not only give your teeth a deep clean but can also identify issues with your gums — such as mild gum disease — while these issues can still be reversed.

If you have healthy teeth, a visit every six months is sufficient. However, if your dentist sees any areas of concern, they may suggest you go more frequently.

Eat Well

As for a gum-healthy diet, be sure to include leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, and Omega-3s from fatty fish, probiotic-rich foods, and green tea. Avoid sugary foods and beverages and processed carbohydrates.

If you do indulge in a treat, try rinsing your mouth out afterwards or just give your teeth a quick brush.

Do Not Smoke

If you are a smoker, it’s time to quit. Smoking makes you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth loss, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces the nutrient and oxygen supply to your gums.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can result in inflammation and make it harder for your body to fight off bacteria. There are plenty of things you can try to reduce your stress, including:

• Mindful meditation
• Daily exercise
• Yoga
• Keeping a regular sleep schedule

Smile by Oral-B

Now that you know what healthy gums look like and why they're important, you can turn your attention toward maintaining your gum health.

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