The gum is the mucous membrane that covers the upper and lower jaw around the teeth. It tightly covers the jawbone, and then passes into the soft palatine tissue and the mandibular pterygoid fold. In addition, it covers the teeth and merges with the periosteum of the alveolar bone that surrounds the roots.
Functions
The main task of the gums is to protect the body and periodontium from the influence of negative factors. This function is carried out due to the presence of substances such as hyaluronic acid, macro- and microphages, plasma. In addition, it is the gums that are responsible for the delivery of nutrients to the deeper periodontal tissues.
For the proper functioning of the periodontium, a special fluid is necessary. It contains a number of elements and enzymes that are directly involved in metabolic processes:
- a protein resembling plasma in its functional features;
- ammonia;
- lactic acid;
- white blood cells;
- bacterial endotoxins that increase during the inflammatory process, this phenomenon promotes early healing.
Due to its collagen structure formed from fibroplasts, tissues have a fairly high density.
Structural features
Since the gums are a visible element of the periodontium, it can be determined by their external condition whether the person is healthy. With a normal structure, the tissues have a light pink or dark brown color, depending on the race of the person (light-skinned and dark-skinned, respectively). In a healthy person, the tissues have a uniform color, without bumps, swelling and other manifestations of pathologies.
Blood supply to the gums
The structure is presented so that the blood supply occurs due to arteries passing through the upper and lower jaw and originating from the external carotid artery.
The upper gum is supplied with blood obtained from anastomoses, which, in turn, originate from the vessels of the external maxillary arterial arch. In the mandibular blood comes from the internal alveolar arch, from the surface of the tongue it is supplied with blood through the lingual artery.
Histological structure
The histological structure of the human gum is a stratified squamous epithelium and its own plate. There are such types of epithelial tissue: connective, epithelium of the groove and oral cavity.
The epithelium of the attached gums and interdental papillae is thicker, keratinization of tissues is characteristic of it. It connects to the tooth due to the connective epithelium, which surrounds the tooth from the cement-enamel border to the groove. At the same time, it covers the tooth in the form of a cuff, thereby connecting the tissues and making the structure monolithic.
Anatomical structure
The anatomical structure of the gums is determined by clinical and physiological characteristics, which can be divided into three main areas:
- Marginalized. This part covers the cervical region of the tooth. The surface of the marginal zone is even and smooth. Its width can be from 0.8 to 2.5 millimeters.
- Free. The structure of this part resembles triangles, the upper part of which looks towards the chewing surfaces of the tooth. It is located between the teeth and forms the gingival interdental papillae. At the end of the papilla, which is snug against the surface of the tooth, and the point of contact is called the groove. He is responsible for the sealing and health of the entire periodontium. The groove borders the entire tooth around the circumference and serves as a kind of “gateway” that does not pass pathogenic and pathogenic microflora. With a painful condition of the gums, the strength of the grooves weakens, and the infection easily penetrates. More serious pathological conditions begin.
- Attached - the alveolar part, which is bonded to all underlying periodontal tissues and the alveolar bone. This part is completely covered with a keratinized layer.
Gum disease
The most common diseases that affect the gums are:
- Gingivitis. This disease is an inflammatory process that occurs in the free part of the gums. White spots, swelling, redness, bleeding and pain during brushing are all signs of gingivitis.
- Periodontitis. This pathology is a complication of gingivitis and occurs with untimely or poor-quality therapy. Now the inflammatory process is already taking place not only in the free parts of the gums, but also spreads to the bone tissue. Pathology can lead to loosening and further tooth loss.
- Periodontal disease. A characteristic sign of the disease is a decrease in the height of the gums. Pathology is extremely rare and mainly in the elderly.
All diseases require treatment, without it, the teeth can loosen and simply fall out. To make a diagnosis, you need to visit a dentist, he will be able to prescribe adequate therapy.
How to strengthen?
With some periodontal diseases , the question arises of how to strengthen the gums. The main condition is daily brushing and proper nutrition, in which there is a sufficient amount of protein, calcium, vitamins and all the necessary minerals.
Strengthening should be started not only if a white bump or any other signs of pathologies appeared on the gum, this should also be done for preventive purposes. Strengthening can be done using special toothpastes, herbal decoctions or infusions, massage, as well as pharmacy products designed for these purposes.
At home, the most effective means are such drugs and plants:
- Propolis. This tool is a powerful natural antiseptic, which becomes an indispensable component in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.
- Compress from propolis tincture. Pharmacy tincture of propolis 4% should be moistened with a cotton swab and applied for several minutes at least 4-5 times a day.
- Propolis ointment. With this tool, you need to lubricate the tissues with their swelling and pain.
- Tincture for oral administration. A 10 percent propolis-based tincture is taken orally by 20-25 drops three times a day.
- Hydrogen peroxide. It is also a good antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. When using peroxide for treating gums, moisten a cotton swab in the product and wipe the gums with them from the outside. Thus, you can get rid of inflammation and bleeding gums.
- Furatsilin. The furatsilin tablet should be dissolved in a glass of hot water, mix, cool to 35 degrees and rinse the mouth with the obtained product 3-4 times a day.
- Tea soda will be effective if a white bump, swelling and bleeding appear on the gum. In a glass of hot water you need to dissolve one teaspoon of soda and rinse your mouth with this product several times a day.
Before using any means, you must consult your doctor. Self-medication is better to completely exclude, because the correct diagnosis can only be made by a specialist.
Disease prevention
In order for the gum and periodontal tissues as a whole to always remain healthy, a number of simple preventive measures should be observed:
- Daily cleaning and rinsing of the oral cavity at least twice a day.
- Proper and balanced diet, rich in all necessary minerals and vitamins.
- Using toothpastes with fluoride content, they will help to avoid the destruction of enamel and protect the surrounding tissue.
- Timely treatment of all diseases of the oral cavity and regular visits to the dentist.
The structure of the gums and the entire periodontium is quite complex, therefore, if the slightest problem occurs, it is advisable to immediately contact a specialist, and not try to independently resolve the situation, further exacerbating the problem. Gums are very important, without their health you can’t keep your teeth in good shape. In addition to simple cleaning should be monitored and strengthened. In this case, the oral cavity will not cause problems for a long time.