Our gums play a very integral role in maintaining our oral health; they provide support to your all-important teeth, and also protect your jawbone. That said, when there is a problem with the gums, your entire mouth is in potential danger! One issue you should be mindful of is when the gums become soft and spongy—though it may not seem too harmful at first, it’s often a sign of an underlying issue that demands attention. Keep reading to learn more from your trusted dentist about soft and spongy gums and how you can go about restoring your gum health!
What Causes Soft and Spongy Gums?
Under normal circumstances, healthy gums shouldn’t feel particularly soft or spongy; they should look and feel firm and pink, for the most part. However, there are a few different things that might cause them to appear softer and compromised, including:
- Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, is one of the primary causes of soft and spongy gums. The condition arises from untreated gingivitis, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums.
- Poor oral hygiene resulting from not brushing and flossing daily can lead to plaque and tartar accumulating on the gums, promoting bacterial growth and resulting in inflammation and softness.
- A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C, can also contribute to weakened gums, making them prone to infection and bleeding—this is known as scurvy.
- Sometimes hormonal changes have the potential to influence gum health, such as those that occur during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause.
How Can I Restore My Gum Health?
Fortunately, there are various ways you can go about restoring your gum health if you’ve noticed that your gums are now soft and spongy. Consider the following:
- Include vitamin C in your diet to stave off scurvy and other nutritional deficiencies; you can eat vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges and other citrus items, but be mindful of their acidity. Also, consider things like broccoli and potatoes. Vitamin C supplements are also an option.
- Brush your teeth daily, but be sure you’re being gentle and using the correct technique. If you’re suffering from scurvy, overbrushing will only make things worse! Also be sure you’re using a good-quality toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Don’t skip flossing—it’s just as important as brushing, and only the two habits in tandem are capable of providing your gums with a shield from bacteria and other issues that might compromise their health.
Soft and spongy gums shouldn’t be ignored; the condition often means that there’s some type of oral health issue present. By adopting a proactive approach that emphasizes regular oral hygiene, and trusting your dentist’s treatment plan, you can take major strides toward restoring your gum health—which will pay huge dividends for your smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Pinnacle Dental has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Braintree for several years, and we’d be honored if you entrusted us with your oral wellness! We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of services, including periodontal therapy for patients with compromised gum health. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to schedule your next visit, feel free to get in touch with us online or over the phone! Telephone: (781) 412-1412.