Today we are talking 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 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 the Professor Giorgio Lombardo, professor for Periodontology at the University of Verona asked for 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, responsible for teaching Periodontology and Implantology. Speaker at National and International conferences.
What is the cause of inflamed gums?
Except for the rare cases in which gum inflammation is due to systemic diseases, in the vast majority of cases, the underlying 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 proper tools and at the correct times. However, in some cases, they cannot be judged too harshly, for example, if there are local conditions such as subgingival tartar deposits, rough or overhanging fillings, or ill-fitting prostheses that, by acting as a reservoir for Plaque, prevent its removal no matter how much effort is made.
How do I recognize gingivitis?
Gums appear red , slightly more swollen , easily bleeding during oral hygiene maneuvers and sometimes this is accompanied by a widespread and very annoying sensation of soreness.
And now? Should I go directly to the dentist?
Certainly, the best thing to do is to go to the dentist for a check-up . The inflammatory condition could indeed be caused by some local factor to be removed or some anatomical situation to be corrected. However, all of this must be accompanied by motivational reinforcement and a greater commitment to personal oral hygiene, that is, the removal of Plaque as far as it is the patient's responsibility.
What can I do at home against gingivitis?
Do not be alarmed by pain or bleeding – everything will pass as soon as the Plaque and tartar have been removed. The patient will then need to take responsibility for removing supragingival Plaque by properly using a toothbrush and The dental floss or, if the latter is no longer suitable, an interdental brush, all accompanied by rinses with antiseptic mouthwashes. However, I highly recommend consulting a dentist so that they can take the appropriate measures for the removal of tartar and any other Plaque-retaining 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 performed, both at home and professionally. Once effective procedures for removing Plaque are implemented, gingival inflammation disappears within a few days.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease to whose onset and progression many factors contribute, but which is always associated with the presence of a periodontopathogenic bacterial biofilm. It is characterized by a progressive tooth support loss, 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 affect chewing function and aesthetics. It is a source of social inequalities and compromises quality of life.
The periodontitis is not only the main cause of tooth loss in adults, resulting in the onset of masticatory dysfunctions and high costs for dental treatments, but it is also capable of having a negative impact on overall health.
How to brush your teeth with periodontitis?
Brushing your teeth with periodontitis can be uncomfortable due to inflamed gums. In such cases, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush It's better. The promis toothbrush has 6,750 ultra-soft bristles to improve the cleaning of bacteria from the Plaque, while being gentle on the gums.
What can I do at home against gingivitis?
In case of periodontitis a specialist's intervention is needed For information and appointments with Prof. Lombardo, visit the website www.miro.bz.