We’ve all heard about how a nice smooch boosts our levels of feel-good hormones. You likely also know how easy it is to catch your significant other’s cold via kissing. But did you know that the activity of kissing can also affect your gum health?
The True Cause Of Gum Disease
In the early stages, gum inflammation is known as gingivitis. Let that rage go unchecked, and you’ll have a case of periodontitis on your hands which will likely require periodontal therapy.
Or gums, rather.
Periodontitis happens when the ligaments and bone around tooth roots start to break down from chronic inflammation. Those structures don’t easily grow back on their own, so this infection results in tooth loss if it’s not treated.
Infection? Yes, a bacterial one. Gum disease is caused by a large population of bacteria found in dental plaque.
What does kissing have to do with any of this?
What’s In A Kiss
A single kiss can transmit some 80 million bacteria, by one estimate.
That’s a lot of germs. Not all of which are good ones.
Among these are the bacteria that trigger gum inflammation. These germs are found naturally in virtually everyone’s mouths. We pick them up over the years after we’re born when we kiss loved ones, share eating utensils, and so forth.
But not everyone has the same amount of germs. Some people have more than others. Your partner could be sharing with you an extra large load of bacteria with each kiss.
With proper preventive measures, you can keep your gums healthy . . . and enjoy each and every kiss!
Ask your dentist for more tips on lowering your risk for gum disease.
Posted on behalf of:
Timber Springs Dental
5444 Atascocita Road Suite 100
Humble, TX 77346
We tend to think a little more about the color and health of our teeth. But your gums are just as important to pay attention to.
Is This Normal?
Gum color is determined in the same way your skin color is: genetics and melanin.
Gingival tissues range in hues from light pink to coral pink to tan to dark brown. Your gum color is probably similar to that of your parents’ since it’s hereditary. It’s not uncommon for some individuals to have a mix of colors. Yes, some people even have freckles on their gums!
Just because your gums don’t look exactly like the bright pink ones on the toothpaste package doesn’t mean that they aren’t healthy and beautiful, too.
The Color You DON’T Want to See
A strong hint of red in your gum tissue is usually a bad sign. It indicates that your gums are irritated and inflamed with bacteria. You may have gingivitis or gum disease that requires gum treatment. When plaque builds up in one area for too long, your gums react by causing their blood vessels to swell. This results in puffy red gums that are prone to bleeding. Blue or purple tissue is even worse!
How to Change the Color of Your Gums
If your gums are naturally dark-hued, it’s possible to get them lightened. Some dentists and gum specialists offer gum-bleaching procedures. A few people choose to lighten their gums simply because they prefer the look of white teeth against pink gums.
What can you do about gum inflammation? Visit your local dentist for a gum health assessment. A professional dental cleaning and some flossing tips will have your gum color back to normal again.
Posted on behalf of:
Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD
1820 The Exchange SE #600
Atlanta, GA 30339
You have had a detailed discussion with our dentist and/or hygienist about how periodontal treatment will help bring your gums back to a state of health. What are some of the improvements you can expect to see in your smile as a result of gum therapy?
Get a less “gummy” smile.
In improving the health of your gums, the dentist may recommend the removal of excess gum tissue around the tooth by means of a simple laser procedure. This recontouring of the gums will reduce the depth of the pocket that once harbored disease, and will make accessing the pocket with a toothbrush and floss much easier for you. Having your gum line adjusted this way will expose more of your beautiful teeth so that you don’t have as much of a “gummy” smile as before.
Freshen your breath.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that cause a break down in gum attachment and bone support. This infection typically causes a peculiar odor and taste in the mouth. When you get treatment to reduce the bacteria and encourage healing, the bad taste and smell should also go away.
Improve the appearance of your gums.
When your gums are troubled by disease, they tend to be puffier, looser, and even redder than they would be in health. This is because the inflammation increases fluid and blood flow in the gums. After gum therapy, the gums have the opportunity to regain a normal texture and color.
After gum therapy, you can definitely experience an improved smile. You can then talk and laugh with the confidence that your breath isn’t offensive to anyone. Talk with your dentist and hygienist about what you can do to maintain healthy gums.
Posted on behalf of:
Gilreath Dental Associates
200 White St NW
Marietta, GA 30060
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