Most of us have heard our parents, teachers, doctors, and television too teach us to keep our teeth healthy. “Don’t eat too many sweets or you’ll get cavities”. But how many of us have been taught to keep our gums healthy? Taking care of your gums is a very big, and important part of oral hygiene, and can cause some serious issues if ignored.

According to the Indian Dental Association, around 85% of the population has some form of gum disease. But the percentage of people who seek treatment or care is much lower. The biggest questions around gum care are: What are some signs and symptoms of gum disease? How serious can they get and how to prevent them? And we’re here to answer them all.

Signs and Symptoms of gum disease:

Not all gum diseases show symptoms early on, so it’s not always advisable to wait for these to show up. And once the symptoms do set in, they can advance quickly and worsen the damage. But unhealthy gums can often have/cause:

– Bleeding
– Swelling
– Pain
– Pus between teeth or at the gum line
– Bad breath
– Gum recession, which makes the teeth appear longer
– Loose teeth

How to prevent gum disease:

1. Using a good toothpaste with fluoride is one of the most important prevention tips. Himalaya Ayurvedic Gum Care Toothpaste is designed with a unique ingredient- Vaikranta bhasma, a traditionally used natural source of fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth. Using it, try to brush twice a day, and don’t forget to gently brush along the gums, too.

2. Toothbrushes & brushing matter: use soft bristles, brush in a circular motion and remember to get those hard-to-reach crevices and gaps. Food often gets stuck there and can lead to nasty infections in the gums as well. Add a reminder to replace your toothbrush every three-four months, and as an added tip: try to switch to a bamboo (or any other eco-friendly toothbrush) for the environment’s health!

3. Visit the dentist regularly, and keep a watch on your lifestyle. Heavy smoking, drinking, tobacco consumption, sugary drinks, and fatty food can all contribute to gum disease and promote the buildup of plaque and tartar. Try to include fiber-rich fruits in your diet and rinse with Himalaya’s active fresh Miswak mouthwash.

Consequences of improper gum care:

– Cardiovascular diseases: Not taking care of your gums can cause a build-up of bacteria in the mouth and inflammation, which can cause periodontal disease. Left untreated, this can lead to bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream and cause blockages & buildup in the arteries.

– Respiratory Infections: Bacteria buildup in the mouth can also enter the lungs through either the bloodstream or get breathed in directly. Once the bacteria reach the lungs and begin to spread, they can lead to infections, breathing issues, and more serious issues like pneumonia.

– Effects on diabetic patients: People who are diabetic become much more prone to catching infections and developing complications. This means that for diabetic people, a bacteria buildup becomes a much larger health hazard. Gum disease and bacteria buildup can cause higher blood sugar levels, which makes diabetes a more pressing concern.

-Tooth Loss: In cases of severe gum disease, the soft tissue of the gums can get damaged and also lead to destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. This may cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out, all due to improper care of teeth and gums.

Gum problems aren’t uncommon, but they are avoidable. Focussing on your oral hygiene and giving your gums the care they need will make all the difference. And while prevention is always better than cure, remember to see your dentist if you experience serious symptoms or difficulties. Home remedies can help, but a dentist is the best person to help diagnose, and treat concerns.