Gargling, flossing, and brushing are basic dental hygiene etiquettes. Doing them correctly can help to prevent periodontal diseases and tooth loss. Periodontal is the medical term for all kinds of gum diseases.
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Treatments & Prevention To Maintain
The plaque and tartar that form in teeth that are not taken care of cause periodontal diseases. A sticky film forms on the teeth, this is nothing but plaque. It is composed mostly of bacteria, mucus, food, and other particles.
Rendering to the American Dental Association (ADA), if not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria contained in plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. The removal of Tartar can only be performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Periodontal disease has two major stages:
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early periodontal disease. It affects the superficial layer of the gums, especially where the gums meet the teeth. At this stage, there is no damage to the gums, deeper parts of the teeth, or bones.
Initial signs of Gingivitis are:
- Bleeding in the gums, while brushing or eating something hard
- Gums observe redness and swelling.
The good news is that this stage can be recovered.
If your gums are red or swollen, do not stop gargling, flossing, or brushing. Continued brushing with a soft toothbrush removes the bacteria and plaque that cause problems. Your gums will soon get better and better. If your gums do not improve or bleeding persists, contact your dentist or oral health specialist.
- Periodontitis
The role of the gums is to provide a cover that protects the bones that hold the teeth in place. The name was given to the structural group that surrounds supports and holds the periodontal teeth in place. The gums protect the periodontal disease by forming a seal that wraps around the neck of the tooth.
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the periodontal tissue caused by bacteria in the tartar and the body’s immune response to it.
Periodontitis is a furthered stage of gum disease that can occur if one’s gingivitis is left untreated.
Parts that are affected due to periodontitis are sheathing of the root (cement quality), the fibers that attach the teeth to the bone (periodontal fascia), and the bone itself.
When the gum’s seal is damaged by periodontal disease, sometimes there is a gap between the root and the gum. The spaces that occur are called “periodontal pockets”. Bacteria are trapped in these pockets and cause more damage to periodontal disease. Over time, bones are damaged and lost, and larger spaces are beginning to form between the teeth and gums.
If periodontitis is not treated, the broken structure that secures the tooth to the gums must be removed and removed. Smoking and poorly managed diabetes are a risk of periodontitis.
The signs of periodontitis are:
- Gingival bleeding
- Gingival swelling
- Gingival retraction
- Bad taste
- Softness while biting into something
- Loose teeth or tooth movement
Consider these signs and make an appointment with your dentist or oral health professional. They can talk together about how to take care of your teeth. You can also professionally remove plaque and hardened tartar (tartar). Early treatment of periodontitis can save the affected teeth.
Risk Factors
These factors increase your risk of developing periodontal disease:
- Smoking or use of chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes in girls and women
- Diabetes mellitus
- Certain medications
- Genetic
Prevention
Good oral hygiene, such as brushing or flossing twice a day, helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss This is in accordance to the ADA, it is also important to have your teeth cleaned and checked by your dentist or dental hygienist at least once a year. No matter how well you brush, tartar and plaque can build up and cause gum problems.
To brush properly,
- Brush in the morning and before bed. One must use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride-containing toothpaste. If you can afford it, purchase and use an electric toothbrush.
- Place the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gums and brush each tooth 15 to 20 times.
- Use short strokes to gently move the brush. Do not rub.
- Grind on the outer tooth surface using short back and forth strokes.
- Brushing the inside of the incisors. The inner teeth below are short and use an ascending stroke.
- Wipe the chewing surface of the teeth back and forth briefly. Experts say that when a toothbrush wears or wears out, it must be replaced approximately every 3-4 months. You should also buy a new toothbrush after suffering from a cold, streptococcal throat or similar illness.
- Covering the toothbrush leaves it moist, making it a breeding space for microorganisms. Avoid doing so.
Dental Floss Management
Floss helps remove plaque and food debris between teeth and under the gums. To use the floss correctly:
- Cut about 18 inches of floss and secure it between your thumb and index finger.
- It is sandwiched between teeth and moves gently up and down.
- When dental floss touches the periodontal line, it bends around one tooth. While moving the floss up and down, rub the sides of the teeth smoothly so that they descend below the gingival line.
- Repeat this method for the remaining teeth. Don’t forget to use floss behind your molars.
Be Careful What You Eat
Eating food helps to bind bacteria in the mouth and induce tooth decay. To protect your teeth, eat plenty of calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Calcium maintains the bone in which the roots of the teeth are embedded. This is especially important for the elderly and children as the teeth of infants and adults develop.
