DH & PA Questions – Healthy Gums - Part 4 – Family Dentist Schwyz

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DH & PA Questions – Healthy Gums – Part 4

…, because what use is it if your teeth are healthy but the gums do not hold?

The annual dental check-up with a professional dental cleaning by the dentist or dental hygienist remains the number 1 in health prevention for good reason. Optimal oral health is the key to preventing gingivitis and periodontitis, two common diseases that can have a very negative impact on general health.

What is gingivitis?

An inflammation of the gums, or explained in more detail:

If plaque along the gum line and in the interdental spaces is not regularly removed by proper brushing, an inflammation develops within a few weeks, which is indicated by red and swollen gums.

By the way, plaque is this "sticky mass" formed by bacteria and food residues in the mouth.

A sign of gingivitis is also more frequent bleeding during tooth brushing or cleaning the interdental spaces with dental floss.

Gingivitis can be well controlled again with the right oral hygiene and heals well within a few weeks.

Discuss this with the prophylaxis team at your dental practice.

What is periodontitis?

An inflammation of the gums and bone, or explained in more detail:

If plaque at the gum line and in the interdental spaces is not regularly and thoroughly removed, so-called pockets can form between the tooth and gum. If plaque continues to multiply there, the inflammation spreads further and the jawbone, in which the tooth is anchored, begins to break down. Over time, the teeth become increasingly loose and can fall out as a result.

This is a very slow and painless process, which unfortunately often goes unnoticed.

Bone loss cannot be reversed! However, with regular good oral hygiene and professional support from your dentist or dental hygienist, the process can be stopped.

Discuss this with your dental hygienist to find the optimal schedule for your appointments at the dental practice. Also have them show you how and how often, with which brush and toothpaste, you can best implement your oral hygiene at home.

Nutrition should not be overlooked either. Healthy nutrition is always the basis for good oral and general health.

Periodontitis primarily arises from plaque, but certain factors such as smoking, heredity, or chronic diseases like diabetes increase the risk of this disease.

Further topics that might interest you can be found at the following links:

– Part 1 – DH & PA QUESTIONS – Tartar

– Part 2 – DH & PA QUESTIONS – Sensitive Tooth Necks

– Part 3 – DH & PA QUESTIONS – Dry Mouth

– Part 5 – DH & PA Questions – Tooth Discolouration

– Part 6 – DH & PA Questions – Tooth Enamel Wear

– Part 7 – DH & PA Questions – Tooth Sensitivity

– Part 8 – DH & PA QUESTIONS – Brushing Defects