Keeping your gums healthy

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Leo Shockley
  • 22nd Aeromedical Squadron Dental Flight
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Very few people actually enjoy going to the dentist. Those that do look forward to their appointments, tend to brush and floss and generally take excellent are of their teeth and gums. Healthy gums are part of a healthy smile and you can take these steps to keep your gums healthy.

--Brush your teeth (make sure you spend enough time and brush at least twice each day).
--Clean between your teeth with floss or other interdental cleaners at least once per day.
--Visit your dentist regularly (of course in the Air Force this is a mandatory appointment).
--Maintain a healthy diet.
--If you smoke or chew tobacco, STOP.  Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease affects the tissue that supports your teeth, causing then to pull away from the teeth.  It can be limited to just the soft tissue (your gums) or may involve the hard tissues (the bone that supports your teeth). In severe cases, enough bone loss can cause the teeth to become loose and you may lose your teeth.  Gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on everyone's teeth all the time. These bacteria can damage the teeth and gums. If not removed by daily brushing, the plaque hardens and forms tartar (or calculus--not the math). This calculus can cause more inflammation (bleeding of the gums) and bone loss. It can only be removed professionally by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Symptoms of gum disease include:
--Gums that are red, swollen and bleed easily especially when you do not brush every day. (Gingivitis).
--Gums that pull away from the teeth. (Periodontal disease).
--They may also pull away from the teeth due to other reasons including brushing too hard.
--Constant bad breath.
--Pus between your teeth and gums.
--Teeth that seem to be loose or moving away from each other.
--Pain when brushing, flossing or sometimes eating.

Certain medical conditions and medications can also increase your risk of gum disease.

Keeping your mouth healthy is possible by developing good daily brushing and flossing habits and can also prevent tooth decay. They are your teeth. You only have to brush and floss the ones you want to keep!

(Dr. Shockley is a member of the American Dental Association. This is adapted from the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) April 2015; For The Patient)