There are almost 300 species of bacteria in the human mouth. Most of them are harmless - we remove them regularly by brushing our teeth. However, it is enough to neglect the daily hygiene for the gums to quickly start to get sick.
Why do dentists keep reminding you to brush your teeth regularly and carefullyyour teeth ? Because you only need to do it for 3-4 weeks, not very carefully, forplaqueto start to build up and the first symptoms of serious problems appear. First it is redness and swellingof the gums , and also soreness under pressure. They also usually bleed when they chew on hard food and when brushing their teeth. Some people develop a very bad breath or a feeling of disgust (usually bitterness). All these ailments quickly worsen, leading to the development of periodontitis.
The main enemy of the gums - plaque
The bacteria found in plaque are mostly aerobic and anaerobic. They destroy the gums and teeth in two ways. Directly - they produce toxins and enzymes that damage the enamel and cause inflammation of the oral mucosa; and indirectly disrupt the body's defenses. In addition, the plaque itself, which quickly hardens and turns to calculus, presses under the gums and irritates them. Among the factors contributing to gum disease, dentists also mention malocclusion, inaccurately made or leaky fillings, compressive dentures, leaky crowns, badly fitted bridges, as well as teeth grinding (bruxism), hormonal disorders related to menopause and pregnancy.
Clean teeth, even when gums hurt
Gingivitis is a large group of diseases. They can be divided into those that result from insufficient hygiene, and thus are the result of the formation of plaque, and those that are caused by diseases of the entire body (e.g. diabetes) or are the result of taking certain medications (e.g. for hypertension). Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated. There is only one condition - regular visits to the dentist and careful oral hygiene are necessary. The treatment must be preceded by professional removal of plaque and tartar. With gingivitis, brushing your teeth can be a pain, but you need to clean them even when they hurt (preferablysweeping technique, then it hurts less). In case of severe swelling of the gums, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Start cleaning the teeth from the gum side and remove the remains of food by pulling the brush downwards. We brush the chewing surfaces in all directions. You also need to clean the spaces between your teeth - cleaners and threads are used for this - and then rinse your mouth with an antiseptic liquid.
Gums get sick when vitamins are missing
The condition of the gums is also influenced by diet. The gums respond to a lack of vitamins and minerals, just like other organs. The mechanism is simple - the lack of nutrients in the body leads to a weakening of the immune system, and therefore malnutrition of individual cells. Weak cells that make up the gums are more easily susceptible to bacterial infections. When nutritional deficiencies are combined with poor hygiene, trouble is guaranteed. If inflammation is visible on the gums and tongue, B vitamins, including folic acid, are usually lacking.
For gum problems
- Sage fix - infusing herbs, used to rinse the mouth in inflammations of the mouth, throat, angina, purulent gingivitis (Herbapol Lublin, about PLN 4/30 sachets).
- Aperisan Gel - concentrated sage extract, is effective in relieving gingivitis and ailments caused by pressure on dentures. The preparation inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses, reduces inflammation (Dentinox, approx. PLN 16/10 g).
- Trascodent - Oral care gel, reduces the symptoms of periodontal disease, including bleeding, swelling and sore gums. It contains aprotinin, which neutralizes harmful enzymes that provoke the development of inflammations (Jelfa, approx. PLN 18/15 g).
- Dentosept - a liquid containing extracts of oak bark, sage leaf and chamomile, indicated for gingivitis and stomatitis, periodontitis, catarrhal glossitis and a tendency to bleeding gums. It has an astringent and mildly anti-inflammatory effect on the oral mucosa (Phyto Pharm, approx. 8 PLN / 100 ml).
- Sachol - dental gel, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and disinfecting properties. Cetalkonium chloride enhances the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the drug, and bacteriostatics support the disinfecting effect (Jelfa, approx. PLN 9/10 g).
- Mucosit - gel containing extracts of oak bark, chamomile and marigold flowers, as well as allantoin and lidocaine. It is used in periodontitis and inflammation of the oral mucosa - it has astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, accelerates wound healing and anesthesia (Herbapol Poznań, approx. PLN 6/15 g).
For hygiene
As much as 40 percent the surface of the teeth is an area that cannot be reached by a toothbrush during traditional tooth brushing! That is why it is so important to use other cleaning and rinsing techniques as well. There are many items in pharmacies that can help you carefully care for your oral cavity.
It is worth having in your bathroom:
» traditional brushes - they are of different hardness, some also remove plaque from the tongue (Aquafresh, Oral-B, Sensodyne, Colgate , from 6 to 15 PLN).
» ElUD ril - mouthwash, soothes gingivitis, has an analgesic effect (Pierre Fabre, approx. PLN 18/200 ml).
» LacaluT aktiv - toothpaste with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, reduces bleeding gums. The clay contained in the paste increases the resistance to decay (Natur Produkt Zdrovit, approx. PLN 12/75 ml).
» Dental cleaners - for cleaning interdental spaces (Jordan, about PLN 15/5 pcs.).
» Dental floss - removes food debris and plaque from interdental spaces (Oral-B, approx. PLN 10/5 m). A strong inflammation of the gums indicates a deficiency of vitamin C.
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