“Is it OK to brush gums?”

This is not a simple answer because the question can entail different meanings. You do not need or should directly "brush" your gums as you do your teeth. In brushing your teeth, the bristles of a soft brush should be directed toward the root direction of the tooth in a way that the bristles slightly go under the gum margin or into the gingival sulcus. This is where bacteria reside and organize in plaque and where you need to mechanically disturb and remove the plaque colonies with the brush bristles. In so doing the action also stimulates the cells of the sulcus lining to form new healthy cells and thus a physiologic health to the lining and relationship and attachment to the root tissue. Stimulation of the external gum tissue is somewhat beneficial as with the fingers or pliable materials that do not inflict trauma to the integrity of the surface of the gum. Removal of any film of bacteria or dead cells on the surface can be accomplished with simple gauze. The better way to understand this is a visit to your dentist and/or his hygienist for instructions and demonstration of the technique.

It is not only okay, it is essential. Plaque and build-up can accumulate on the gums just like the teeth. You do have to be careful when you brush them, use a soft toothbrush, and gentle brushing techniques.