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

Dental sensitivity is a painful condition that can become chronic. It can sometimes be very painful and unpleasant. This transitory pain is a consequence of the exposure of dentine to chemical, osmotic, thermal or tactile stimuli and cannot be associated with any other dental pathology. Some people tolerate this hypersensitivity whereas for other people it is a serious problem that has an impact on their life, oral hygiene habits and even their diet.

If not given the attention needed, sensitive teeth might develop into other oral problems. This frequently happens when pain impedes normal toothbrushing, making the affected person more vulnerable to caries and gum diseases. If you fell uneasy when eating certain types of food, visit your dentist. Having Sensitive teeth is a very common problem that affects one in seven people. The teeth that are most greatly affected by hypersensitivity are canines and pre-molars, whereas molars are the least affected. People between ages 20 and 40 and women as opposed to men are more likely to be affected.

Under normal conditions, when teeth are in their natural position, enamel is the only element to be in contact with the oral environment, and the gum line is situated at the cemento-enamel junction (Tooth Anatomy).

When cement or dentine become exposed because of gingival recession or enamel loss, an external tactile, thermal or chemical stimulus can trigger a painful feeling that, under normal conditions would not be bothersome at all.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar