Today we talk about gums. I know many people who feel abandoned to their fate when they notice bleeding gums. But why?
Receding gums, gingivitis, periodontitis
The gums are a soft tissue that provides additional support to our teeth. Healthy teeth mean healthy gums. It is a form of symbiosis: one cannot exist without the other.
We spoke with Professor Giorgio Lombardo, professor of Periodontology at the University of Verona to get answers to our questions.
Graduated in Medicine and Surgery with top marks and honors. Specialized in Odontostomatology and appointed Associate Professor. At the University of Verona, he is responsible for teaching Periodontology and Implantology. Speaker at National and International congresses.
What causes inflamed gums?
Except for the rare cases where gum inflammation is due to systemic diseases, in the vast majority of cases, the root cause of gum inflammation is inadequate removal of bacterial plaque. The patient can be considered directly responsible if they do not perform the appropriate maneuvers with the appropriate tools and at the appropriate times. In some cases, however, they cannot be judged too harshly, for example, if there are local conditions such as subgingival tartar scales, rough or overhanging fillings, or incongruous prostheses that, acting as a receptacle for plaque, prevent its removal no matter how much effort is made.
How do I recognize gingivitis?
The gums appear reddened, slightly more swollen, easily bleeding during oral hygiene maneuvers, and sometimes accompanied by a widespread and very annoying sensation of soreness.
And now? Should I go directly to the dentist?
Without a doubt, the best thing to do is to go to the dentist for a check-up. The inflammation condition could indeed be supported by some local factor to be removed or some anatomical situation to be corrected. However, this must be accompanied by motivational reinforcement and greater commitment to personal oral hygiene, i.e., plaque removal as far as the patient is concerned.
What can I do at home against gingivitis?
Do not be scared by the pain or bleeding – everything will pass as soon as the plaque and tartar are removed. The patient will then have to take responsibility for removing supragingival plaque by correctly using a toothbrush and dental floss or, if the latter is no longer appropriate, an interdental brush, all accompanied by rinses with antiseptic mouthwashes. However, I highly recommend seeing a dentist so they can take the right measures to remove tartar and any other plaque retention factors that may be present.
How long does it take to treat gingivitis?
The time required is directly proportional to the effectiveness of the oral hygiene maneuvers implemented, both at home and professionally. Once effective plaque removal procedures are in place, gum inflammation disappears within a few days.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease to whose onset and progression many factors contribute, but it is always associated with the presence of a periodontopathogenic bacterial biofilm. It is characterized by a progressive loss of tooth support, with the appearance of bone defects, periodontal pockets, and gum bleeding.
Periodontitis is a serious public health problem due to its high prevalence, which can lead to tooth loss and disability, negatively affecting masticatory function and aesthetics. It is a source of social inequalities and compromises the quality of life.
Periodontitis is not only the main cause of tooth loss in adults, resulting in masticatory dysfunctions and high dental care costs, but it can also have a negative impact on general health.
How do I brush my teeth with periodontitis?
Brushing your teeth with periodontitis can be uncomfortable due to inflamed gums. In this case, brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush is better. The promis toothbrush has 6750 ultra-soft bristles to increase the cleaning of plaque bacteria while being gentle on the gums.
What can I do at home against gingivitis?
In case of periodontitis, the intervention of a specialist is needed. For info and appointments with Prof. Lombardo, visit the website www.miro.bz.