When it comes to maintaining good oral health, most people focus primarily on taking care of their teeth. It is just as important to know and treat the different parts of the gum, the tissue that surrounds the teeth and protects them from many external factors.
Do you know exactly what the function of gums is and why they are so important? Through this complete guide we teach you how to differentiate the types of gums and how to know when they are really healthy.
Discover how good oral hygiene can improve the condition of your gums, and how to care for them on a daily basis for optimal oral health for you and your family.
Functions of the gums
The gums are the mucosal tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth, providing a perfect seal over the root to protect it inside the oral cavity. They are also part of the periodontium, the set of tissues and ligaments that fix the teeth to the maxillary and mandibular bone.
While the function of the teeth is to participate in chewing, swallowing and phonation, the gums are in charge of protecting them and ensuring their complete fixation.
In addition, the gums are responsible for relieving pressure on the teeth and alveolar bone during chewing, acting as a shock absorber for the hard tissues. They also protect the root from the action of bacteria, forming a barrier so that they cannot gain access to the interior of the periodontal tissues.
As part of the periodontium, another function of the gums is to hold the teeth in place, preventing them from shifting. It is therefore very important for the gums to be a soft tissue, easily adaptable to the shape of each tooth, and with a high capacity for recovery in the event of any type of damage.
Parts of the gingiva
The mucosal tissue of the gingiva is divided into several parts. Each of them has its own function, with 3 main zones:
- Marginal or free gingiva; this is the part of the gingiva just above the gingival line, the one closest to the tooth.
- Adherent gingiva; it is the gum that surrounds the teeth forming a collar around them.
- Mucosa; it is the part of the gingiva that we find next, above the attached gingiva, and that is usually covered by the lips.
Some authors also differentiate the interdental gingiva, which is the gum located just between two teeth. Located below the gingival line, it is much narrower and thinner, varying in thickness and shape depending on the separation of the teeth.
Characteristics of healthy gums
The gingiva does not only play a functional role in the mouth. It is also important for esthetics. Precisely both functions are related, since healthy gums are visibly more beautiful.
Would you know how to identify if your gums are healthy enough? There are some characteristics to keep in mind:
- Color: healthy gums look pale pink, in contrast to unhealthy red, purple or dark gums.
- Volume: the healthy gingiva must cover the entire base of the tooth, showing good support. If the gum recedes, is swollen, or part of the root of the tooth is exposed, there is a problem.
- Bleeding: the gums should not bleed. Otherwise, if there is blood during brushing or on a regular basis, this is a clear sign of periodontal disease.
Noticing any symptoms that indicate that the gums are not completely healthy. is more than enough reason to visit the dentist.. Gum care is essential to maintain healthy teeth, while influencing the overall health of the whole body, so don't gamble! Discover our gum care products Care for and protect the health of your gums to prevent dental problems.
How to take care of gums for good oral health
Knowing the different parts of a gum allows you to know what kind of care to provide to each of them. It is not only the most visible part of the gums that requires periodic maintenance. Many of the usual oral problems could be solved with some small gestures that sometimes we do not take into account.
In KIN's blog you will find some tips to tips to protect your gums that will be very useful for your oral care routine. In addition to that, we would like to offer you other recommendations that focus especially on the care of the parts of the gum that we have seen:
Correct brushing
When brushing your teeth, it is very important to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum irritation. Be sure to brush your teeth carefully using sweeping motions, without putting excessive pressure on the soft tissues.
Take the brush from the gum to the end of the tooth, working piece by piece. In this way you will be sure to remove bacteria and food debris that are deposited on the gingival margin.
Gum care accessories
We do not forget the interdental spaces. Therefore, we are going to use accessories that allow us to take complete care of the gums, such as dental floss, interproximal brushes or oral irrigators.
Thanks to these tools, we complement the function of the brush to remove debris that accumulates in the most difficult to reach areas.
Mucosal care
We conclude by stressing the importance of caring for the mucosal part of the gums, choosing appropriate hygiene products such as a good toothpaste and a Mouthwash that adapts to the needs of each person.
At KIN we have different lines of gum care for the whole family for the whole family, either to keep them healthy or to treat them when there is a previous pathology, consult your dentist!
As you can see, the different parts of the gum can be taken care of individually through very simple actions. It will only take a few minutes a day and will ensure better oral and body health.