Oral health begins with gums, do it right from the start

When people think of oral health, they think only about their teeth, however, the true foundation of oral health lies in the gums. Without the support, alignment and protection provided by the gums, teeth cannot function properly. If gums are not healthy, even the strongest of teeth, will eventually lose stability. Unfortunately in Sri Lanka, gum disease is still widespread despite advances in dental care. The reasons for this are mainly inadequate awareness, improper brushing and neglected gum lines. If oral care is done right from the start, gum disease is entirely preventable.

Gums act as a protective barrier, they shield the roots of teeth and the jawbone from bacterial infection. When neglected, the accumulation of plaque causes gingivitis which leads to swelling, tenderness and bleeding. If these symptoms are left untreated, they could lead to periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss and irreversible bone damage.

Research continues to link gum health to overall systemic health such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is a two-way relationship, as gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar, and uncontrolled diabeties can worsen gum inflamation. Most often, dentists are the first to see these signs during routine check-ups.

Gum disease is largely preventable through daily brushing of both teeth and gum lines at least twice a day for two minutes. Bleeding gums are a sign that plaque has already formed and requires attention, and should not discourage brushing. Regular use of fluoride toothpaste, changing toothbrushes every three months, and regular visits to the dentist are all simple yet powerful preventative steps.

Lifestyle choices are  of paramount importance. Habits such as smoking can damage gums by reducing blood flow and hiding early warning signs, which will only be visible when more significant damage has occurred. High levels of stress can also impair healing and increase inflammation, adding further complications to gum disease.

From a dentist’s point of view, prevention is always better than cure. Gum health cannot be fixed overnight; it requires consistant care and attention. By doing things right from the start, like proper brushing, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices, oral well-being can be safeguarded for years to come.