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The secret world of gums: How to understand your gum health?
The health of your gums not only affects the aesthetics of your oral cavity, but is also directly related to your overall health. Understanding the structure, diseases and symptoms of gums can help us better protect oral health. This article will explore the signs of healthy gums and possible health risk factors so that you can more effectively maintain the health of your teeth and gums in your life.
Structure and function of gums
Gum is the tissue that supports the teeth and surrounding tissues, which are collectively called periodontal tissues. The periodontal tissue mainly includes gum, alveolar bone, cementum and periodontal ligament. The gums themselves can be divided into three main structures: free gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva.
Normal gum color ranges from light coral pink to dark pigmentation, and healthy gums should appear uniform in color and shape.
Free Gum
Free gingiva is the tissue located above the alveolar bone, which is usually soft and free to move. It protects the roots of the teeth and forms the gingival sulcus, which is the natural space between the gums and the teeth. A healthy gingival sulcus should be 0.5 to 3 mm deep.
Attached gingiva
The function of attached gingiva is to fix the gingiva to the alveolar bone and to resist the pressure during daily chewing and cleaning. Healthy attached gingiva is usually light pink or coral in color and has a tiny surface texture.
Interdental gingiva
The interdental gums are responsible for filling the space between two adjacent teeth. They are usually triangular or pyramid-shaped and can prevent food from being trapped between the teeth during chewing.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is mainly caused by the accumulation of dental plaque, the most common of which is gingivitis. The condition usually presents as redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums, but is reversible in its early stages. If not properly treated, gingivitis may deteriorate into periodontitis, causing irreversible damage to the gums and surrounding bone.
Dentists recommend: Good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is the best way to prevent gum disease.
The importance of periodontal health
In addition to protecting teeth, periodontal health also plays an important role in preventing the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Inflammatory responses in the gums may contribute to other systemic health problems, so paying attention to periodontal health is essential for overall health.
How to maintain healthy gums
Good oral hygiene habits are key to maintaining healthy gums. It is recommended to have regular dental check-ups every year and discuss an oral care plan that is right for you with your dentist.
At home, practice proper brushing technique, use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between teeth, and use a fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Risk Factors
There are many factors that may increase your risk of developing gum disease, such as age, lifestyle and genetics. Especially smokers and people with diabetes need to pay more attention to their periodontal health.
ConclusionUnderstanding the indicators of your own gum health and taking timely actions to prevent periodontal disease is a subject that everyone should take seriously. Do you know the health of your gums?
