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

What is deep cleaning (deep scaling and root planing)?

If plaque and tartar is left on the teeth, as we mentioned before, it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritate the gums, which means that they bleed more easily. You may notice this if you are brushing your teeth, or eating, and sometimes your gums may bleed a bit. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth by scaling and polishing them. They may also recommend an antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (e. g. Plac-out), and show you how to brush and floss your teeth effectively. Most adults have some degree of gum disease.

If gingivitis not treated and nothing is done about it, the inflammation will work its way down towards the foundations of the tooth causing a “periodontal pocket”. Again, within the confines of the pocket, the conditions are such that the bacteria can have a right old party, and cause more damage. Gum disease can break down the support (bone) structures of the teeth, so that eventually, they will become loose. The problem is that until it gets quite severe, the person often has no symptoms. Sadly, the damage to the support structures of the teeth is irreversible. The good news is that if gum disease is caught in time, its progression can be halted and improved upon, and that is the key.

To stop gum disease from progressing, your dentist may advise periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning. This gets rid of the bacteria in the pocket and provides the necessary conditions for healing to occur.

What is the difference between an ordinary cleaning and deep cleaning?

There is some confusion about the difference between scaling and root planing. Scaling is basically the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth (see dental cleanings). Root planing is the process of smoothening the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gumline.

The two processes tend to blur together since during the cleaning process, the dental worker scales away tartar and performs any necessary root planing at the same time. Any roughness can be planed away to result in a silky smooth surface.

Does it hurt?

Depending on the depth of the pocket and severity of the root surface irregularity, the dentist may wish to make the area numb so that the process is comfortable for you. Don’t hesitate to discuss with your dentist  to best manage any discomfort.

 Sometimes if the pockets are not too deep, there may be little or no discomfort during the procedure – even without numbing. The only sensation may be the physical scraping feeling along the teeth as the area is cleaned and smoothened. A root planed root surface free of tartar has a better chance of allowing the gum tissues to heal and reattach to it. As a result, some deep gum pockets can be reduced after a deep cleaning.

How long does it take?

Typically with deeper pockets and extensive rough root surfaces, the deep scaling and root planing procedure might be broken down into quadrants of work per appointment. For example, the upper right side of the mouth might be worked on one day, and the three other parts worked on at separate appointments. Or alternatively, one half of the mouth (right or left, upper or lower) might be cleaned per appointment. This also allows for only a part of the mouth being frozen at a time and makes for more manageable, shorter appointments.

The dentist may use antibiotic gels within the periodontal pocket, again to remove any nasty bugs, or may rinse out the pocket with various medications such as chlorhexidine.

What can I expect afterwards?

• Discomfort can vary after root planing, but one can expect it to be more sore afterwards since it’s usually in a deeper region under the gums.
• The teeth themselves can become a bit more sensitive to temperature, and bleeding might occur for a little while.
• Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen work very well to alleviate discomfort, but stronger painkillers can be given should you need them.
• Brushing and flossing can be delayed or done more gently to avoid aggravating any bruised or tender gum areas.
• Your dentist or hygienist may recommend salt water or chlorhexidine rinses.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Halitosis (Less Than Pleasant Breathe)

“Halitosis is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. Halitosis is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.”

Most of the time when we find ourselves with less than desirable breathe we can blame the delicious onion burger we had for lunch. But sometimes there is a more complex issue to be addressed. In the following text I present several of the most common causes of Halitosis, and a few treatment options to hopefully help you better understand this common occurrence.

Some of the most common causes of Halitosis are:

• The food you eat- When food is eaten it is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there it is transferred to the lungs where the scent is expelled, affecting the air you exhale. This happens until the food is eliminated by your body.

• Oral hygiene- Without brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits food will remain in your mouth for extended periods of time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that produce a less that desirable odor. Also, food left in the mouth that long can cause the gums to rot, and nothing that is rotting can smell all that good.

• Improperly cleaned dentures- Like poor oral hygiene, dentures that are not properly cleaned collect bacteria through food particles and cause bad breath.

• Periodontal Disease (gum disease)- One of the most prominent symptoms of gum disease is bad, often foul breathe. Also, along with bad breathe there will also be a constant unpleasant taste in the mouth. If you think this is the issue, see your Dental Depot dental professional as soon as possible.

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)- Xerostomia can be caused by a number of things, a few of the most common causes would be a reaction to certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or predominantly breathing through the mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva the mouth will struggle to cleanse itself of food remnants.

• Tobacco- Tobacco is probably the most obvious cause of bad breathe. Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, and any other tobacco product not only causes halitosis, but also stains the teeth and puts the rest of the body at risk for a number of diseases.

• Medical Condition- Bad breathe can sometimes be a symptom of a medical condition. Something like a respiratory infection, diabetes, a gastrointestinal disorder, or even liver or kidney disorder could all cause halitosis. If you believe your halitosis could be the symptom of a medical condition, please see a physician as soon as possible.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar