Pink Is the New White: Why Healthy Gums Matter.

This National Gum Care Month, give the supporting cast of your smile some well-deserved attention.

Healthy gums help protect your teeth, support the bone beneath them, and can reveal important clues about your oral health.

When most people think about taking care of their mouth, they immediately think about their teeth. Are they clean? Are they white? Do I have a cavity?

But what about your gums?

September is National Gum Care Month, making it the perfect time to focus on the pink tissue surrounding your teeth, and why keeping it healthy is such an important part of maintaining a healthy smile.

“Your gums and teeth are very intertwined,” says Dr. Rozanski. “Healthy gums should generally be firm, tight and pink. When we see gums that are red, swollen, soft or inflamed, that can tell us there’s something going on that needs attention.”

Your Gums Do More Than You Think

Your gums act somewhat like the skin covering and protecting the bone beneath them. They surround your teeth, help protect the underlying structures and play an important role in keeping your teeth supported.

Because gum health is closely connected to the bone underneath, gum recession can sometimes be an indication of bone loss. Genetics can also contribute to recession, as can brushing too aggressively. And once significant gum recession occurs, the tissue generally doesn’t simply grow back on its own, which makes prevention especially important.

What Are Your Gums Telling Your Dentist?

One way the team at Rozanski Family Dentistry evaluates gum health is through periodontal probing, typically performed annually. This simple measurement evaluates the spaces, or “pockets,” around your teeth and can help identify inflammation, bleeding and other potential signs of periodontal disease.

“Inflammation is something we want to identify early,” Dr. Rozanski explains. “If gum disease progresses, it can eventually contribute to bone loss around the teeth.”

Your gums can also provide clues beyond plaque buildup. If your teeth look relatively clean but your gums remain swollen or inflamed, your dental team may want to investigate what else could be contributing to the problem.

Three Basics for Healthier Gums

The good news is that caring for your gums doesn’t require an elaborate routine. Start with three fundamentals:

1. Brush correctly. Angle your toothbrush approximately 45 degrees toward the gumline and gently clean along the gums rather than scrubbing aggressively.
2. Floss every day. Floss reaches between teeth and along areas of the gumline that your toothbrush simply can’t.
3. See your dentist regularly. Routine exams and cleanings allow your dental team to identify inflammation, recession, and other changes before they become more serious.

So, during National Gum Care Month, remember that a healthy smile isn’t just about your teeth. Healthy teeth and healthy gums go hand in hand.

Take care of both, and keep enjoying Smiles all around.