Structure of Your Gums

We spend a lot of time talking about our teeth. Obviously your pearly whites are important, but what about the tissue below or above them? Have you ever thought about the structure of your gums? You might have googled, “why are my gums bleeding” before, but beyond that, how much thought do you put into them? 

As dentists, we are just as interested in your gums as we are in your teeth. The health of your gums tells us a lot about the health of your mouth and can give us clues to problems happening below the surface. In order to enjoy excellent, comprehensive oral health, you cannot ignore your gums. Follow along as we break down the structure of gums and the important role they play! 

While your gums might feel hard, they are actually made of soft tissue just like your cheeks and lips. Unlike other soft tissues, however, your gums are tightly bound to the underlying bone which provides a smooth surface for food to glide over them. The tight bonding also acts as a protective seal to prevent harmful bacteria or food particles from getting through the tough outer layer to the more sensitive inner layers. 

Just like skin color, everyone has a somewhat unique gum color. While healthy gums are most commonly a light pink color, that shade can vary due to darker pigmentation in the skin. If you are noticing your gums are starting to turn red, or changes are accompanied by bleeding gums, then it is most likely you are suffering from an infection. Inflammation is commonly caused by bacterial plague breaking through the tough outer layer and getting lodged in the gum line. If left untreated, gum diseases can lead to serious periodontal issues.  

If you are suddenly experiencing inflamed and bleeding gums, there are several common possibilities. First there’s gingivitis, which as we mentioned above is the first stage of gum disease. This can result from not brushing and flossing properly and the plaque build-up on the gum line. This can lead to further infections which need to be treated by your dentist. 

Other causes that are not as severe include the introduction of a new flossing routine or a new toothbrush. Sudden changes to how you clean your teeth could cause temporary bleeding. Don’t let it deter you! The bleeding should stop within a week. Medications or pregnancy are two other possible causes of gum bleeding. Certain medications that thin the blood could lead to swollen gums or increased sensitivity. With pregnancy, hormonal changes alter the bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum disease. It is important to visit your dentist specifically to address pregnancy gingivitis since it can be just as harmful as traditional gingivitis. 

Finally, it’s important to keep your gums healthy to ensure your whole body remains healthy. Studies have shown that severe inflammation of the gum line plays a role in much more serious diseases. Your oral health directly correlates to heart health, for instance. Experts believe that clogged arteries and strokes could be a result of infections caused by oral bacteria. Conversely, many diseases can also lead to gum problems. Most notably, diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight off infection and can put the gums at risk. Additionally, inflammation in the gums affects blood sugar levels.  

Good oral health and knowledge of the structure of the gums will help set the foundation for a healthy mouth. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms or sudden redness and bleeding it is important you give us a call at Josey Lane. Early intervention will prevent riskier and costlier conditions.