Badger red is the perfect color for sweatshirts, t-shirts, and pom poms. However, it’s not the color that you want your gums to be! If the appearance of your gums has you wondering, are my gums healthy?, here’s a quick guide to gauge how your gums are doing and if a visit to the dentist might be in order.
- Pink and Firm vs. Red and Puffy
- An Even Gum Line
- No Pink in the Sink
- Can Gums Heal?
- Scaling and Root Planing
Pink and Firm vs. Red and Puffy
Healthy gums should look pink and firm. They shouldn’t be red or swollen. Puffy, red gums can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. Red gums can also signal changing hormones, such as pregnancy, or an oral infection. Or, they might simply be tender from brushing too hard.
For further reading: How Can I Keep My Gums Healthy During Pregnancy?
An Even Gum Line
When evaluating your gum health, you’ll also want to examine your gum line. How’s it looking?
Healthy gums are firmly attached to the teeth creating a smooth, uniform gum line. If it looks like your gums are pulling away from the teeth in certain areas, you may have gum recession. Gum recession can be caused by too-hard brushing. It also can result from periodontitis, teeth grinding or clenching, or genetics.
Gum recession is more than just an aesthetic problem. It can compound and lead to further dental issues. Once the gums start to pull back from the teeth, pockets form. Bacteria gathers in these pockets, which can cause further decay, gum recession, and ultimately even tooth loss.
No Pink in the Sink
Another way to judge how healthy your gums are is to look in the sink after you’re done brushing and flossing. Is there any pink? Typically, healthy gums shouldn’t bleed after flossing and brushing.
If you’re experiencing any bleeding, you may need to review your daily oral hygiene care. Be sure that you’re brushing for two minutes twice a day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, avoiding too-frequent snacking, drinking enough water, not smoking, and not overindulging in sugar.
Can Gums Heal?
If you’re struggling with gum disease, know that you’re not alone. Seventy-five percent of adults will experience gum disease to some degree in their lifetime.
But the great news is– early gum inflammation is reversible! With careful daily oral hygiene and professional treatment if needed, you can help reverse the effects of gum disease and set yourself up for a future of healthy smiles.
Periodontal Maintenance in Madison, Wisconsin
If you have more advanced gum disease, you may need a special treatment to help your gums heal and reattach to the teeth. Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin offers scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that can restore your gum health. This procedure removes bacteria that’s developed under the gum line, where home brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Please contact our office today to schedule your appointment today. Affiliated Dentists offers general dentistry and periodontal maintenance in Madison, Wisconsin.
Are My Gums Healthy? brought to you by Dr. Mark Gustavson
