Gum Care

Some people have sensitive gums and tend to experience discomfort. For them, a simple toothbrush can cause pain and bleeding. A healthy mouth is not bothered by daily oral hygiene, and healthy gums should never bleed. Dental biofilm (bacterial plaque) is the main causative factor of gingival problems. By removing it we will prevent future problems.People with sensitive or swollen gums need to take special care to prevent biofilm build-up, particularly near the gumline.


If you notice changes in your gums, please visit your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier you solve potential problems, the greater the possibilities are of restoring gingival health and of preventing the development of more complicated diseases.

More information

Some people have a tendency for having gingival infections caused either by certain daily habits or by genetic predisposition. Poor oral hygiene habits alone can cause the development of certain periodontal diseases.

Main periodontal diseases

Gingivitis, or inflammation of gingival tissues, is caused by deficient toothbrushing which does not remove bacterial plaque build-up from teeth. To avoid this very common disease, you can:

• Use a toothbush with soft, end-rounded bristles, and use a special interdental brush to thoroughly clean interproximal spaces that a normal brush cannot reach. This should be done 2-3 times per day for 3-5 minutes. Brush gums gently at a 45º angle to efficiently clean teeth and gum line.
• Check your mouth, before, during and after brushing to make sure you have done a thorough job.
• Strengthen the bones of your mouth by eating calcium-rich foods, by exercising and by not smoking.
• Take vitamin A and C. This helps reduce gingival bleeding.
• Wipe your tongue with a tongue cleaner. This way you will sweep away pathogenic microorganisms.
• Try to eat raw vegetables every day. Hard, fibrous foods clean and stimulate teeth and gums.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

All cases of periodontitis start with gingivitis. It does not affect all teeth in the same way and it can be detected by alterations in the colour and texture of gums and an increase in gingival bleeding during daily oral hygiene routines. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that affects not only gums but also the tooth supporting structure (bone and periodontal ligament).

The bacteria present in a dental Biofilm produce toxins that irritate and weaken gums, which, when not properly treated, can potentially cause periodontal pockets to form, the loss of support tissue, and eventually the loss of teeth. Bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream and inhabit other parts of the body like the heart or lungs, etc. and contribute to or worsen diseases such as Heart attacks, Diabetes, etc. For this reason, early treatment is very important. Don't forget to visit your dentist.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Halitosis is the general term used to describe bad breath, regardless of the origin of the abnormal smell (oral or other). Today's society is very demanding with image and it requires that your look is as pleasant as possible, not just in friendship relations but also in social and work relationships. Bad breath or halitosis might ruin social communication of any kind. We speak about oral halitosis if the abnormal smell substances come from oral sources, and this is the most frequent in healthy individuals (approximately 90% of the cases). Abnormal smell can also emanate from non-oral sources, such as   respiratory tract or digestive tract.

What is the reason of oral Halitosis?

Most of the halitosis have their origin in local oral factors, because of the emission of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC), responsible of bad breath. Other factors include the saliva flow, the impact of food debris between teeth and the diet. Saliva, in healthy condition, has a pleasant smell; however, alkaline changes in its pH and reduction in oxygen concentration produce its decaying and the emission of volatile sulphur compounds responsible for the bad breath. 

The same happens during sleeping time, when the salivary flow is minimal. This favours the stagnation and the start up of the putrefaction mechanisms.

It is important to follow a proper daily oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth with manual or electric tooth brush in the morning, right after every meal and before going to bed.
• Use the most appropriate tooth paste and the mouth wash to complete your hygiene.
• . Don't forget to clean the interproximal spaces with dental floss or ribbon (closed spaces) or interproximal brushes (open spaces) .

Bad breath is a common problema, but the lack of information and the psychological barrier around this disorder make it difficult for the patient to look for solutions actively. Do not stay inactive. Not looking for a solution might be even more embarrassing as you can bother others and this can negatively affect your interpersonal relations. Taking good care of your body includes caring about your mouth too.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Taking care of all the elements that make up the oral cavity is very important. Neglecting any part of this set (deficient oral hygiene) may result in diseases like caries and periodontitis and, over time, might even cause the loss of teeth. This is why strict oral hygiene is essential even before your first tooth erupts and throughout your entire lifetime.

In order for brushing your teeth to be a truly effective habit, it must be a daily routine performed when you wake up in the morning, after every meal and then again right before going to bed. Regularity is a determining factor in maintaining oral health, since dental biofilm continuously builds up, and the only way to avoid its harmful effects is by removing it from the oral cavity. Proper technique is also crucial. If brushing is not performed adequately, it does not accomplish its purpose and, even worse, it can be harmful to your teeth and irritate your gums. You can always ask your dentist for help.

Take care of your teeth throughout your lifetime
Proper oral hygiene must start during the first month of life. The first tooth appears around the sixth month. At this age the use of a brush or dental floss is not necessary, but it is advisable to clean your baby´s teeth and gums with wet gauze after giving the baby his/her bottle or any type of food. For optimum development of baby's teeth and in order for your baby to become familiar with healthy oral hygiene habits, it is a good idea to visit the paediatric dentist on a regular basis.

At age 6, children have the ability to rinse out their mouths, and their teeth start to fall out. Therefore, using a children's tooth gel together with a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable. Parents must show their children how to brush properly and make them aware of the importance of the daily oral hygiene.

In their teens your children have already adopted regular oral hygiene habits – brushing at least three times per day. They have graduated to an adult toothbrush and toothpaste. Now interproximal cleaning is important for complete oral hygiene.

Adults need to maintain optimum oral hygiene habits and visit the dentist regularly throughout their lives. This should even increase with age. As one grows older, the production and secretion of saliva decreases, meaning that saliva's function of stabilizing the pH of the mouth (acidity level) might be affected. This can be solved by using specific toothpaste for Dry Mouth and a whole range of products that can help slow down the oral aging process.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar