Healthy gums: How to keep your gums in shape

Why is healthy gums so important?

Before we get into the details of gum care, let's take a quick look at why healthy gums are so important. The gums surround our teeth and ensure that they are firmly anchored in the mouth. "If the gums are neglected, the entire tooth bed remains defenseless. This can not only lead to aesthetic defects, such as exposed tooth necks, but also pose an immediate danger to the teeth." 1 Healthy gums are therefore the basic prerequisite for healthy teeth and, more broadly, for a healthy body.

However, lack of oral hygiene as well as taking certain medications, stress, a low-vitamin diet and smoking can cause gum diseases such as inflamed gums (gingivitis) and inflammation of the periodontium (periodontitis). 

If the gums are diseased, the following symptoms sometimes appear: bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, swollen and sensitive gums, purple discoloration instead of healthy pink and bad breath. If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, see your dentist immediately, who will present you with the best treatment option to heal your gums.

How to care for your gums

So, to ensure the health of your teeth, it is extremely important that you and your family take care of not only your teeth, but also your gums. Here are our most important tips for gum care:

• Regular brushing of your teeth: As simple as it may seem, brushing your teeth thoroughly 2 times a day will create the best conditions for healthy gums. Important: It depends on the right toothbrush and correct toothbrushing teeth. If the brush is too hard, the gums can be injured and become inflamed more easily. A modern sonic toothbrush, such as the Philips Sonicare Protective Clean with the C2 Optimal Plaque Defense toothbrush Heads,  has been specially developed to gently remove dental plaque and improve gum health. The soft sides of the brush head adapt to the contours of your gums, softening excessive pressure, and thus helping to keep your gums healthy.
  
• Clean interdental spaces: Just as important as brushing your teeth is the cleaning of the interdental spaces, because bacteria that can cause inflammation accumulate here. Make the daily use of dental floss or an interdental brush a habit.
  
• Healthy eating: "Anything that strengthens your organism ultimately benefits your gums."  With a low-sugar, healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean dairy products, you can strengthen your gums.
  
• Professional tooth cleaning: Go to the dentist regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your dentist can also determine early on if you have gum problems; long before you realize it yourself. He will give you advice on how to heal your gums before further complications can arise.
  
• Stimulate salivation: Our saliva prevents the colonization of pathogens in the oral cavity and is crucial for our oral health  including the gums. Stimulate your salivation by drinking plenty, eating slowly, and chewing thoroughly.
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking weakens the body's immune system and promotes the development of gum disease. For the sake of your health, it is better to do without it.