Bacteria found in plaque and tartar cause gum disease if not cleaned regularly. Plaque consists of bacteria and minerals from the saliva, and it can lead to tartar if not attended to. While plaque is a film over the teeth, tartar is a hardened coating on the teeth that may also invade the gumline. Both cause inflammation of the gums, a condition called gingivitis. This leads to the development of symptoms like bad breath; red, swollen, and tender gums; receding gums; pain when chewing; and loose or sensitive teeth.

Gum diseases consist of three stages

• Gingivitis
  This leads to red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed easily, and the condition can be reversed with proper brushing and flossing.
• Mild to moderate periodontitis
  Increased gingivitis leads to mild or moderate periodontitis, resulting in excess bleeding around the tooth. Bacteria in plaque and the human body defenses break down the gum attached to the teeth, causing the gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets of infected material. Some patients also face a loss of bone around the teeth due to this. Medical intervention is necessary to treat this condition and prevent further loss of bone and loosening of teeth.
• Advanced periodontitis
  Advanced periodontitis is the result of unattended bacterial infection that leads to the deepening of gum pockets and heavy destruction of the bone that holds the teeth in place. Periodontal treatment can restore bone support, but tooth removal is needed if the treatment fails.

Gum care tips for better oral health
To prevent the development of the above-mentioned gum diseases, you must follow these gum care tips and ensure better oral health:

• Brush twice a day using the correct toothbrush, one that can reach all the corners of your mouth and is soft on the gums
• Brush correctly by placing the toothbrush at a 45° angle against the gums
• Avoid long strokes and don’t scrub the teeth
• Brush the outer tooth using back-and-forth strokes, the inner upper-front teeth with vertically short, downward strokes, and the lower inside teeth with short, upward strokes
• Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with short, back-and-forth strokes
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or when it’s worn or frayed, even if that’s earlier
• Do not cover your toothbrush or store it in a closed container as it can lead to the growth of microorganisms
• While flossing, use gentle and careful up-and-down motions and ensure that you go below the gumline
• Ensure that your dietary plan contains foods with plenty of calcium like milk, yogurt, and cheese, which solidifies the teeth
• Avoid sweets like soft candies, toffees, taffies, and pastries, along with alcohol and caffeinated foods and beverages
• Avoid aerated drinks like cola or keep their consumption to a minimum
• Rinse your mouth with water after every meal
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride as it helps condition the teeth
• Avoid tobacco products and smoking, it’s one of the best gum care tips for better oral health
• Regular dental check-ups are another gum care tip for better oral health as they help diagnose and treat any oral health issues at the earliest