Why Your Gum Health Matters More Than You Think

The Unsung Heroes of Your Mouth

Your gums provide the foundation for your teeth. They keep your teeth in place, protect the underlying bone and act as a barrier against harmful bacteria. When gums are healthy, they’re firm, pink and don’t bleed when brushed. But if neglected, they can become inflamed and infected – sometimes without you even knowing.

How Gum Disease Starts

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) starts with gingivitis, mild inflammation caused by plaque build-up. Symptoms such as bleeding when brushing or flossing, redness and occasional tenderness may appear, but many people dismiss them. Please don’t! If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a much more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. Eventually, the bone that supports your teeth may be destroyed, leading to tooth loss.

The Great British Oral Health Report, published in 2021 by the Oral Health Foundation, found that gum disease affects almost half of UK adults. Many of us don’t even realise we have it.

Why Healthy Gums Mean a Healthy Mouth

Healthy teeth rely on healthy gums. Your gums are a bit like the soil that holds a tree in place – if the soil erodes, the tree loses stability. No matter how white or well-cared-for your teeth appear, if your gums are not healthy, your entire oral health could be at risk.

And it’s not just about your mouth. Research has shown links between advanced gum disease and wider health problems including heart disease, diabetes and complications in pregnancy. That’s why looking after your gums is a key part of your overall wellbeing.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Gums

The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable. Here are our top tips:

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gumline.
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily to remove plaque between teeth.
• Don’t ignore bleeding gums – it’s not normal and could be the first sign of trouble.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and hygienist appointments.
• Avoid smoking, which is a major risk factor for gum disease.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and low in sugar to support gum health.

Plaque build-up is a major contributor to gum disease and can be easily managed at home, particularly through flossing and careful brushing, and even using mouthwash.

We’re Here to Help

Like all dentists, we take gum health seriously at Holland Park Dental Centre. Our team can assess the health of your gums, provide tailored advice and, where needed, offer advanced periodontal treatment. We’re also proud to have Dr Lorena Mumford in our team, our in-house periodontist with nearly 30 years’ experience in treating gum disease and performing highly successful gum grafts.

If you’re unsure about the health of your gums – or if it’s just been a while since your last check-up – get in touch. A healthier mouth starts with healthy gums.