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Buy an Oral-B Gum Stimulator |
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Buy an Oral-B End Tufted Brush  |
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A branch of dentistry that deals with the supporting structures of teeth. Below you will find explanations of abnormal conditions associated with supporting structures.
Periodontitis
"Gum Disease"
For the purpose of our discussion, the words periodontitis and gum disease mean the same thing. Periodontitis is an inflammatory process that causes destruction of tooth supporting bone and other supporting structures. Generally, periodontitis is caused by long-standing gum inflammation, therefore a prolonged body reaction against bacteria. Gum disease is more common in smokers and diabetics. The disease also has genetic predisposition (this means that if your parents were affected at an early age, you might be as well). The severity of periodontitis is classified by amount of bone that is supporting the teeth. Bone loss can be found either locally or throughout the entire mouth. Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons why dentures are needed.
What can be done to prevent it:
-Good Oral hygiene (this includes flossing)
-Regular cleanings
-Regular check-ups (to catch and slow down the disease process early)
Treatment for periodontitis:
-Scaling and root planning (this will usually slow down the process that causes bone loss)
-Regular recall visits. Depending upon how severe the disease. This can vary between 3-6 moth intervals.
-Surgeries can be performed to enable the patient to clean more effectively which will ultimately keep the inflammation to a minimum.
Definition:
-A localized, painful, rapidly expanding lesion involving the gum which is sometimes present in a disease free area.
What is the cause of a gingival abscess:
-Impaction of a foreign body such as impression material or a popcorn kernel
-it occurs in an otherwise healthy environment
Treatment:
-Most important is to drain the puss
-remove the foreign body
-rinse the area with sterile saline
-patient should rinse with warm saline
-examine the patient in 48 hours to determine if improvement occurred
-no antibiotics needed in a healthy patient
Definition:
-a localized accumulation of pus within the gum of a patient with periodontal disease
-this results in destruction of the gum and the tooth supporting bone in the area
What is the cause of a periodontal abscess:
-occurs when drainage is blocked off from a periodontal packet (can only occur in a patient with periodontal disease)
-The frequency of reoccurrence depends upon the severety of periodontal disease
-can occur because of impaction of a foreign object
-can occur after gum surgery or during other treatment (deep cleaning, etc.)
Treatment:
Phase I
-Most important is to drain the puss
-remove the foreign body
-rinse the area with sterile saline
-patient should rinse with warm saline
-examine the patient in 24-48 hours to determine if improvement occurred
-Depending upon the heath history of a patient, antibiotics may or may not be necessary
Phase II
-treat underlying periodontal problem to reduce the chances of reoccurrence
-treatment should begin about one week after emergency visit
End tufted brush or a specialty toothbrush is a great tool for getting into spaces that are too wide for floss. With a small brush one can easily clean around braces, crowns and implants. Gentle massaging of the gum will simulate and firm the gum tissue making it less prone to bleeding. It is also recommended for cleaning hard to reach areas like the back of a wisdom tooth.
Gum stimulator is used to stimulate the gum tissue, which strengthens it and makes it more firm.
Has been proven to fight gingivitis as well as periodontal disease. Excellent tool for individuals who brush and floss daily and still have problem areas.