No More Gum Bleeding

Hello again.

Last time we talked about the real cause of gum disease; and that it is a preventable condition. To have healthy gums you are required to have as little plaque deposits as possible; therefore; effective mechanical cleaning of all the tooth surfaces is the only way to prevent gum disease and get rid of gum bleeding completely.

Mechanical cleaning include:

a. Periodic professional cleaning, i.e. visiting the dentist regularly and perhaps having a session with the hygienist every 3-6 months for plaque/tartar management and review of any problem areas. Here you also obtain valuable advice on the appropriate home care routine that is suitable for you.

b. Home care: Home care must be regular, systematic and follows a certain routine that would remove all soft plaque deposits from all surfaces of all teeth. Plaque mainly accumulates around the neck of the tooth, i.e. that part that meets the gum; and between the teeth. It is mainly between the teeth that the most plaque activity exist and where gum disease (and cavities) start.

I shall explain the two fudamental ways (correct brushing techniques, and interdental brushing) of effectively removing plaque from all the tooth surfaces simply and correctly in a few seconds; but first let's try to answer some very common questions:

1. Is a hard toothbrush better than a medium? You should not be using a hard toothbrush at all; it is not the hardness of the toothbrush that effects the cleaning; it is mainly the technique.

2. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual? Yes; if used correctly; however; you do not have to buy an expensive electric brush if you know how to use your manual brush effectively.

3. Do mouthwashes prevent gum disease? In addition to a good oral hygiene routine; yes. However; mouthwashes alone do not prevent or cure gum disease. Overuse of mouthwashes could be harmful and many brands cause staining of teeth and tongue.

Effective Brushing Technique

Scrubbing your teeth with your toothbrush (manual or electric); cleans your teeth; however scrubbing causes wear of the enamel at the necks of the teeth which create wedge-shaped grooves that are sometimes sensitive. Moreover; this traumatic way of brushing causes gum

recession (see picture above).

The correct way to brush is a much recommended technique called Modified Bass Technique, please click on the following link to play a video describing the technique.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR7rPFuyeBE&feature=related

After watching this video; please brush your teeth using this technique twice a day for one week. Then post your comments on the blog an let me have some feedback on how you are getting on.

Effective Cleaning Between The Teeth

(Interdental Cleaning)

Cleaning between the teeth is just as important as brushing with your toothbrush. As I mentioned before; your toothbrush (electric, ultrasonic or manual) cannot get between your teeth to effectively clean the plaque off. Flossing is effective if carried out correctly; however; in my experience; most patients would not floss regularly for many reasons; a few to mention here:

a. I have to use both hands and I have a small mouth.

b. Not easy to get between the back teeth.

c. It gets stuck.

d. It makes my gum bleed.

Well; enough excuses!!! The above picture displays some "interdental"brushes; there are many brands available; however, you need advice from your dentist or hygienist on which brand and which size or sizes are suitable to you (as the gaps between your teeth can vary in size across your moth).

Technique:

Used like a toothpick, you simply insert the brush gently between your teeth, under bridges, between crown or veneers; and move it gently in an in and out fashion about 4-5 times. You then pull it out; wash it and move to the next space and so on till you finish cleaning between your teeth. No toothpaste required.

Initially; you may find some bleeding and the gums may be sore; this is due to the inflammation that the plaque caused, so do not panic and do not stop; it should get better in a few days as the inflammation subsides and the gums firm up.

Again; please post your comments after following this routine for a few days. And remember; you need to visit your dentist regularly as without professional advice; you may still be at risk of gum disease.

This brings us to the last blog on gum disease. In the next series; I shall talk about tooth loss, its effects and how teeth are replaced.

See you soon

Sam Mohamed

Using interdental brushes once every evening is sufficient, and it is advisable to use it before you use your toothbrush.