‘Too Long In The Tooth’
Receding gums is just one potential consequence of poor oral health care
Most of us perhaps, and certainly the older ones among us, will have heard the saying ‘too long in the tooth’, usually used to indicate that the person is starting to feel their age and may be slowing down a bit.
On the face of it, it is quite an odd saying but almost certainly comes from the fact that when we become older, our gums tend to recede, creating the appearance that our teeth are becoming longer than they used to be.
Although this is one of the (many) consequences of growing older, it can happen to younger people too if they don’t look after their gums well. Although we are accustomed to brushing our teeth regularly, most of us possibly don’t give our gums the attention that they require, sometimes with very unfortunate effects.
Whole mouth care
Whilst having healthy teeth means that we can have an attractive smile and avoid painful problems like toothache, the reality is that we need to take care of our whole mouth. We will come to gum care in a few moments but it is worth pointing out at this stage that partaking in habits such as smoking and/or excessive alcohol consumption can result in other soft tissue problems such as infections, slowness in healing of any problems and, perhaps most significantly, a big increase in your risk of oral cancer. Regular dental check ups at our Wickford clinic play an important part in monitoring your whole mouth care, so please make sure to see one of the dentists at the Cygnet Dental Practice every six months or as advised.
Gum problems
We have already mentioned receding gums as one of the problems that can occur if we don’t look after them well (more on that shortly). It certainly isn’t the only problem though and the varying stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontitis, can present the following problems.
- Sore and inflamed gums
- Loose and wobbly teeth
- Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Bad breath/halitosis
There is also some evidence that the bacteria that can lead to gum disease may also enter the bloodstream and cause other general health issues. Whilst research into this is in the relatively early stage, indications so far are that this is starting to look increasingly likely. Looking after your gums well then, may not only prevent poor oral health but benefit your general health as well.
Looking after your gums
The good news is that you don’t need any expensive equipment to look after your gums. All you need is a healthy toothbrush with bristles that are not worn (they usually last around three months before you need to change them), dental floss and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is generally considered that an electric toothbrush is preferable but a standard one will suffice if you can’t afford an electric one (perhaps ask for one as a Christmas present?)
Having these things will only work if you use them correctly. It can be all too easy to only give your teeth a cursory brushing if you are in a hurry or are really tired and want to get into your bed. Whatever your situation, make sure that you brush your teeth well for at least two minutes. You should point the bristles so that they not only brush the flat surface of your teeth but go into the gum line as well. This will help to remove any food debris and bacteria that may have collected there. Once you have brushed, spit but do not rinse as that will wash away the beneficial fluoride which helps to build stronger enamel to protect your teeth.
Using floss is also essential as it helps to remove any food/bacteria that has become trapped between your teeth. It may take a little getting used to, but you will soon master it. There are video tutorials available and our Wickford dental hygienist will be able to help if you are struggling to floss, during your appointment with them.
Even with good home oral care, your gums will need a professional hand from time to time. Our oral hygienist, Sadie, is here to offer gum health advice and to provide you with a professional cleaning widely known as a ‘scale and polish’. If you don’t already see her for this, please make sure to make an appointment today.
As mentioned earlier, smoking will increase the risks of periodontal disease and make it advance more rapidly, making it much harder to control. Given all the risks, and the expense, of smoking, you should make every effort to stop. Your GP should be able to offer you advice and help on this.
If you want to avoid receding gums, smelly breath and all the other problems associated with gum disease, then following the above simple advice will go a long way in helping you have a healthy mouth, including the soft oral tissues. To make an appointment with Sadie, or for any other advice enquiry, please call the Cygnet Dental Practice on 01268 733078.