Healthy gums

With the rush of daily life, health can be the first item on the list to be left aside. Especially oral health. How many of us visit the dentist at least twice a year? I bet very few of us do. Better yet, I bet the vast majority of us only face the much hatred professional when we´re in pain. Well, sorry folks, but that may be too late. Over time poor hygiene can cause gum disease and even tooth loss. In shame, people tend to smile less, undermining their self-esteem.

Oral health depends on good habits, like brushing your teeth after every meal and regularly visiting the dentist. Pain is not always the only evidence that there might be something wrong in your mouth. So stay tuned, because there are other signs worth of attention. The gums, for example, are often overlooked at the time of oral hygiene. It should therefore receive as much attention (or even greater) than that given to the teeth. After all, it is a part of the masticatory mucosa which surrounds and protects part of each tooth.

If there´s bleeding it is a sign that something is happening and care must be redoubled. Periodontal diseases affect people of any age, including children. Three out of four adults over the age of 35 have some type of gum problem. Brushing it in a wrong way (forceful or by using a toothbrush which is too stiff), smoking and the habit of biting objects contribute to damage the gums. Other factors such as diabetes, puberty, pregnancy and menopause should also be noted. In these cases, the probability of developing some type of complication is much higher.


For a more accurate diagnosis, it is advisable to consult a professional you trust in. Daily care prevent lots of possible gum complications, so follow some simples steps in order to avoid future trouble:


. Brush your teeth regularly, preferably with a soft bristle toothbrush and adequate toothpaste.
. Floss at least once a day.
. Remember brushing your tongue.
. Change your toothbrush every three months.
. Smoke less – or better yet, do not smoke at all!
. Use mouthwash before you go to bed.


These are habits that should be done every day – some of them more than once -  daily for the conservation of your mouth, teeth and gums. Pregnant women and people who wear braces must be even more responsible when it comes to keeping it all clean in order to avoid such complications.