Gums/Gingiva : Parts of the body

                                     

The gums are part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. They surround the teeth and 

provide a seal around them. Unlike the soft tissue linings of the lips and cheeks, most of 

the gums are tightly bound to the underlying bone which helps resist the friction of food 

passing over them. Thus when healthy, it presents an effective barrier to the barrage of 

periodontal insults to deeper tissue. Healthy gums are usually coral pink in light skinned 

people, but may be naturally darker with melanin pigmentation.

Changes in color, particularly increased redness, together with swelling and an increased 

tendency to bleed, suggest an inflammation that is possibly due to the accumulation 

of bacterial plaque.

Healthy gums usually have no reaction to normal disturbance such as brushing . 

Unhealthy gums, conversely, will show bleeding on probing.

Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a 

sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the 

gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause  

gingivitis,  the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become 

inflamed, tender, red, swollen and prone to bleeding.

                                     Keep the gums healthy.

                                                     Floss

Floss your teeth at least once a day, whenever time permits. Flossing helps to 

remove food and plaque matter that is not within the reach of a tooth brush.

                                      Regular visit to the dentist 

Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you 

see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become 

more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid 

of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, 

flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.

                                          Smoking bad for the gums 

Smoking is  associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your 

immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking makes it 

more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged. The odour of the 

tabacco puts off people.

                                               Brush after every meal 

This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrub your 

tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit 

in your mouth comfortably.

The Neem or Azaridachta Indica is a common tree in rural India. Every courtyard has a 
Neem tree growing. Every part of the tree is useful and medicinal. I had seen in my 
maternal grandma's village where the Neem twig was used in oral care and hygiene. It is 
commonly known as 'Datoon'. The end of the Neem stick was to be chewed into shreds till 
it resembled the bristles. It was rubbed over the teeth and gums. Chewing on the stick 
released a small amount of Neem oil.  Neem has strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial 
properties and the wisdom of ancient India had recognized this treasure trove.

                

Neem toothbrushes(Datoon)                                                                  chewed Neem toothbrush

                                                  8 foods for healthy gums

                                                              Trivia 

                                                      On a 'sticky'wicket

Arnold had the habit of flapping his gums. His classmates, teachers and his parents were irritated and fed up of his habit. People avoided him like plague. Amy was a new student to the school. She offered him a pastry. Arnold was pleased. No-one ever shared their tiffins during lunch break. As he bit into the pastry, he had a funny feeling. He could no longer open his mouth. His lips were sealed and he started to run helter-skelter. Students were thrilled to watch Arnold being helpless. Amy chuckled. Arnold had learnt a lesson.

(YouTube video)

(Information courtesy Google)

(Google pics)

                         Readers, did you ever suffer from any gum problem?

                          I am participating in the A to Z Challenge.

A to Z Challenge - Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 3.Chin & Cheeks : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 4. Dimples : Parts of the body 
A to Z Challenge - Day 5. Eye : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge -Day 6. Feet : Parts of the body