How to recognize healthy gums

We are often concerned with our teeth, for example whether they are white or straight enough. But your gums usually only get attention when something goes wrong, for example when there is blood, pain or swelling. A shame, because healthy gums are very important for several reasons. But how do you recognize whether your gums are in good condition?

Next Thursday is Gum Day, an international day to raise awareness of healthy gums. The Dutch Association for Periodontology (NVvP) and Oral-B have set up a campaign in this context.

Metro recently wrote about dentists who sounded the alarm when it comes to children's dental health. Research by Haleon and the Ivory Cross shows that one in five Dutch people brush their teeth less than daily .

Healthy gums should be pink. Unhealthy gums are red, flabby or swollen, but this does not always occur. Sometimes the inflammation only causes bad breath. In addition, healthy gums do not bleed when brushing or flossing.

Inflamed gums can be prevented by brushing well, cleaning daily with toothpicks, dental floss or interdental brushes, and visiting the dentist or dental hygienist regularly.

If inflamed gums are not treated, they can spread to the jawbone and lead to receding gums, bad breath, loose teeth and eventually even tooth loss.

Inflamed gums are also not good for your general health. There are links between oral health and general health, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications. Metro also recently wrote that your mouth may be able to predict whether you will develop dementia.

Inflamed gums can be treated well in an early stage. After treatment by a dentist or dental hygienist, the gums can become pink and strong again.

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