You take care of your teeth, but do you remember about your gums? Gum disease begins imperceptibly and is the second most common cause of tooth loss after decay.
Plaqueplays a major role in the inflammatory processes in the gums. It is a soft deposit that sticks firmly to the surface ofteethjust a few hours after cleaning them. Plaque not only accumulates on the teeth, but also penetrates into the gaps between them and the gums. It is easy to feel with the tongue.If the plaque is not completely removed due to poor hygiene, it quickly turns into tartar, causing inflammation, bleeding, swelling and pain. The stone is visible as an ugly sediment. When it occurs, it hinders proper hygiene. A new tile is formed on its surface. Bacteria in it infect
gumsand damage the bone.
Who has gum problems the most
Gingivitis mainly affects those who do not care for oral hygiene, although the tendency to gingivitis can also be genetic. Interestingly, numerous clinical studies have shown that gum and periodontitis develop faster in people living in a state of chronic stress or depression. The gums are also more common in those with reduced immunity. Yet another interesting regularity was observed in mature women, when during the menstrual cycle there are periodic changes in the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, there are also visible changes in the gums.
Often exacerbation of the inflammatory process is observed in women during ovulation, and also in pregnant women, when the permeability of blood vessels increases under the influence of a storm of hormones, which in turn is the main cause of gum swelling. During this period, the gums become less resistant to the bacteria in the mouth. Problems with the gums are also caused by malocclusion, inaccurately placed fillings, poorly fitted permanent prosthetic restorations (i.e. crowns, bridges), and even bruxism (teeth grinding).
Careful, regular tooth cleaning will protect your gums from disease
Daily care is about preventing plaque from forming. You can remove it from your teeth yourself, but you can't if it appears below the gum line. The basis of gum and tooth hygiene is careful brushingpreferably after each meal, and if that is impossible, at least twice a day.
Toothbrush
A soft toothbrush is the best solution for gum problems. Electric rotary toothbrushes that, while cleaning the teeth, gently massage the gums are highly recommended. The brushing technique is important not to irritate the gums. It is worth using the roll method, or "sweeping" - move the brush from the gum towards the tooth crown.
It is extremely important to observe the replacement time of the toothbrush with a new one. This should be done every 2-3 months, because the worn brush becomes a habitat of additional bacteria. To avoid them, you also need to rinse it thoroughly after each use. The head may be covered with special covers (they are sometimes attached to the brushes) only when necessary, e.g. when traveling.
Paste
Paste containing substances that are anti-inflammatory and reduce swelling and pain is recommended. It is important that it does not have an excess of abrasive substances. When gum problems arise, it is better to give up toothpastes with whitening ingredients as they can increase tooth sensitivity.
Dental floss
Only thanks to it you can thoroughly clean the interdental gaps. However, it must be used regularly, at least once a day. A piece (approx. 30 cm) of the thread should be wound around the fingers of both hands and moved in the interdental spaces. It is important to move it vertically, not horizontally, so as not to damage the gums.
… and follow-up visits
You should visit a dentist at least once every six months, who will check the condition of not only your teeth, but also your gums. If periodontitis is suspected, he will refer you to a periodontist (he specializes in diseases of the gums and mucosa).
The dentist will remove tartar and replace old fillings if deemed necessary. If necessary, he or she will order a pantomogram - an X-ray of all teeth. It will allow you to assess changes that are not visible to the naked eye. And the degree of advancement of the disease will be determined by means of an instrument called a periodontometer, it detects the disease much earlier than the X-ray image shows it.