Prevention for your healthiest smile

PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high it may appear. Instead, there is a shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and the gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in that shallow groove where they cause the attachment of the gum tissues to the tooth to break down. 

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the infection; the two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, mild and reversible, only affects the gums though it may lead to a more serious and destructive form of periodontal disease if ignored.

Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

    * Tobacco smoking or chewing

    * Systemic diseases such as diabetes

    * Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

    * Bridges that no longer fit properly

    * Crooked teeth

    * Fillings that have become defective

    * Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives

Several warning signs that can signal a problem:

    * Gums that bleed easily

    * Red, swollen, tender gums

    * Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

    * Persistent bad breath or bad taste

    * Permanent teeth that are loose or separating

    * Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

    * Any change in the fit of partial dentures

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

PROPER BRUSHING TECHNIQUES

Prevention starts with cleaning teeth regularly, and though it may seem routine, there are ways in which to make brushing your teeth more effective.

1.Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

2.Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

3.Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.

4.Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

5. Rinse vigorously to remove any loosened plaque

EFFECTIVE FLOSSING

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

1.Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.

2.Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.

3.Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

4. Rinse vigorously to remove any loosened plaque

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

GOOD NUTRITION

A good balanced diet plays a large role in your dental health by helping to boost your body’s immune system, leaving you less vulnerable to oral disease. In addition, bacteria in your mouth feed on starchy foods such as crackers, bread, cookies and candy. When bacteria feeds, it produces acids which attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes or more. Foods that stick to your teeth or are slow to dissolve, such as chewy fruit snacks, dried fruit, hard candy, and granola bars, give the acids even more time to work on destroying tooth enamel.

It is suggested to limit between-meal snacking because these sticky and starchy foods create less acid when eaten as part of a meal. Saliva production increases at mealtime, rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.

CHOOSING ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

There are so many products on the market that it may become confusing, and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.

Automatic and high-tech electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes called Rotadent and Interplak.

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle; this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so be sure discuss proper use of these brushes with your doctor.

If used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay as much as 40 percent. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stages of gum disease.