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 fuses with the periosteum of the alveolar bone, which surrounds the roots.
Functions
The main task of the gums is to protect the body and the 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 delivering nutrients to the deeper periodontal tissues.
For the proper functioning of the periodontium, the presence of 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;
- leukocytes;
- bacterial endotoxins increasing duringtime of the inflammatory process, this phenomenon contributes to the speedy healing.
Due to its collagen structure, which is formed from fibroblasts, tissues have a fairly high density.
Building features
Since the gums are a visible element of the periodontium, it is possible to determine whether a person is he althy by their external condition. With a normal structure, tissues have a light pink or dark brown color, depending on the race of the person (light-skinned and dark-skinned, respectively). In a he althy person, tissues have a uniform color, without bumps, swelling and other manifestations of pathologies.
Gum blood supply
The structure is presented in such a way that the blood supply occurs due to the arteries passing through the upper and lower jaws and originating from the external carotid artery.
The upper gingiva is supplied with blood obtained from anastomoses, which, in turn, originate from the vessels of the external maxillary arterial arch. The mandibular blood enters 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, furrow and oral cavity epithelium.
The epithelium of the attached gums and interdental papillae is thicker, it is characterized by keratinization of tissues. Connects to the toothjunctional epithelium that surrounds the tooth from the cemento-enamel junction to the sulcus. 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 signs, which can be divided into three main zones:
- Marginal. 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. In structure, 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 fits snugly against the surface of the tooth, and the place of contact is called a groove. It is responsible for the sealing and he alth of the entire periodontium. The groove borders the entire tooth around the circumference and serves as a kind of "gate" that does not allow pathogenic and pathogenic microflora to pass through. When the gums are in a painful condition, the strength of the grooves weakens, and the infection easily penetrates inside. More serious pathological conditions begin.
- Attached - the alveolar part, which is fastened to all underlying periodontal tissues and alveolar bone. This part is completely covered by the stratum corneum.
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 dots, swelling, redness, bleeding and soreness while brushing your teeth 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 takes place not only in the free parts of the gums, but also extends to the bone tissue. Pathology can lead to loosening and further loss of teeth.
- Periodontosis. A characteristic symptom of the disease is a decrease in the height of the gums. Pathology is observed extremely rarely and mainly in the elderly.
All diseases require treatment, without it, the teeth can become loose 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 of teeth and a proper balanced diet, in which there is a sufficient amount of proteins, calcium, vitamins and all necessary minerals.
Strengthening should be started not only if a white lump or any other signs of pathologies appear on the gum, this should also be done for preventive purposes. Strengthening can be done with the help of special toothpastes, herbal decoctions or infusions, massage, as well as pharmacy products designed for these purposes.
At home, the most effective remedies are such drugs and plants:
- Propolis. This tool is a powerful natural antiseptic, which is becoming 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.
- Ointment based on propolis. With this tool, you need to lubricate the tissues with their swelling and pain.
- Tincture for oral administration. A 10% propolis-based tincture is taken orally 20-25 drops three times a day.
- Hydrogen peroxide. It is also a good antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. When using peroxide to treat gums, soak a cotton swab in the product and wipe the gums with it from the outside to the inside. In this way, you can get rid of inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
- Furacilin. A tablet of furacilin should be dissolved in a glass of hot water, mixed, cooled to 35 degrees and rinsed with the resulting product 3-4 times a day.
- Tea soda will be effective if a white bump appears on the gum, swelling and bleeding. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of hot water and rinse your mouth with this remedy several times a day.
Before using any remedy, you should consult your doctor. It is better to completely exclude self-medication, because the correct diagnosis can only be madespecialist.
Disease prevention
In order for the tissues of the gums and periodontium as a whole to always remain he althy, a number of simple preventive measures should be followed:
- Daily brushing and rinsing your mouth at least twice a day.
- Proper and balanced nutrition, rich in all essential minerals and vitamins.
- Using fluoride-containing toothpastes to help prevent enamel erosion and protect surrounding tissues.
- Timely treatment of all oral diseases 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 resolve the situation on your own, thereby further exacerbating the problem. The gums are very important, without their he alth it will not be possible to keep the teeth in the proper form. In addition to simple cleaning, you should also monitor and strengthen them. In this case, the oral cavity will not cause problems for a long time.
