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Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are described as pink or a coral pink colour,
tissue is firm and resilient, the shape of the gum follows the
contour of the tooth , there are no areas of redness or swelling,
there is no discomfort and there no bleeding when brushing or
flossing. Healthy gums are achieved with daily plaque removal
including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day .
Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is when there is inflammation of the gum tissue. At
this stage of gum disease there is no bone loss. Plaque and tartar
irritate the gums and cause them to be swollen. The gums may also
be sore, bleed easily and appear puffy and soft. The most common
sign of gingivitis is blood on the toothbrush or floss. It is
preventable and reversible with a good brushing and flossing
technique. However, this gum disease can progress into
periodontitis if oral hygiene is poor.
Periodontal disease
This type of gum disease is when there is destruction of the
bone and the structures supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease
is irreversible, however, you can stop the progression with good
oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
The following are eight signs of periodontal disease.
• gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• gums that are red, swollen or tender
• gums that have pulled away from teeth
• infection including purulence(pus) between the teeth and gums
when the gums are pressed
• permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• any changes in the fit of your partial denture
• bad breath
• itchy sensation
Brushing
Brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque and debris from
the outer side, the tongue side and the chewing side of your teeth.
It should be done twice a day for 2 minutes each time to
effectively remove the plaque and food debris from the teeth. There
are many different types of toothbrushes available. It is important
to select a soft or extra soft toothbrush to prevent wear on the
gum or the teeth. Once the bristle start to spread it is time
to replace your toothbrush.
There are
also many types of electric toothbrushes available. The most
effective electric toothbrushes are either Oral-B or Sonicare.
Oral-B has a small toothbrush head and you can purchase different
heads to make it easier to clean your entire mouth with one
brush. It uses an oscillating-rotating motion. Sonicare uses
high frequency bristle motion to create a dynamic fluid
action which helps remove plaque more effectively and disrupt the
formation of plaque.
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Flossing
Dental floss is the most effective way to remove plaque and debris
between the teeth. Floss comes in a variety of colours, flavours
and materials. Waxed floss can be easier to use if your teeth have
tight contacts. If you have wider contacts a tufted floss
such as Super floss would be recommended. Flossing should be done
daily. There are also many flossing aids available to help reduce
frustration when it comes to flossing.
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Humming Bird: the tip is disposable and the handle is
reusable, vibrates
Floss Holder: Uses your own floss.
EZ Floss: Disposable, comes with a piece of floss
Reach Access: The tip is disposable and the handle is
reusable.
Floss Threaders: Loop your own floss, easier flossing for
braces and bridges.
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End Tuft Brush
This type of brush can be used to clean the gum line or wider
spaces between teeth. It can also be used to clean around braces
implants, crowns and bridges. This tool looks like a miniature
tooth brush. To use simply trace the gum by using a light yet firm
pressure.
Sulca Brush
This type of brush can be used to clean the gum line or wider
spaces between teeth. It can also be used to clean around
braces implants, crowns and bridges. The head of this tool is
smaller than the End Tuft Brush and is double ended for easy access
to all parts of the mouth. To use simply trace the gum by
using a light yet firm pressure.
Proxy Brush
The Proxy Brush is a single ended brush which helps remove plaque
and debris from between the teeth, braces, implants crowns and
bridges. This brush can look like a Christmas tree or look like a
small bottle brush. To use wet the brush and place between teeth at
the gum turn the brush in clockwise/counter clockwise motion
several times between each tooth. Clean the brush under running
water while you are using it to remove plaque and food. Once the
brush starts to look like it loosing it’s shape or worn replace the
tip.
Tongue Scraper
Tongue Scrapers are used to remove plaque from the tongue. This
will help to have an overall clean mouth, reduce the amount of
bacteria in the mouth and help reduce bad breath. They can be made
from plastic or flexible metal. To use simply place the tool as far
back on the tongue as possible, press and use a firm but light
stroke.
Mouth rinse
When used twice a day for 30 seconds each time mouth rinse is an
effective way to help reduce bacteria and debris form the mouth.
Mouth rinse however, does not replace brushing and flossing. | 