Oral hygiene and prevention

La prevention is our best ally for fight oral problemsThis is why effective daily oral hygiene combined with regular check-ups at the dentist are essential for a healthy mouth.

The well-being of our bodies is closely linked to the health of our mouths.There are an increasing number of scientific studies that unequivocally demonstrate how a healthy oral cavity has positive consequences on the entire organism.

What are the enemies of oral hygiene that you need to pay attention to? And what are the pathologies most common?

Plaque

It's a kind of film (colourless or yellowish) composed of different bacteria formed by saliva and ingested food/liquids.

Plaque should be removed with a toothbrush after each meal because if it sticks to the surface of the teeth and the gums, can harden and cause tartar or cause gingivitis or tooth decay.

Tartar

When plaque is not removed, it hardens and tartar forms.The presence of a certain degree of tartar is normal in all people because there are areas of the oral cavity that are rather difficult to reach with a toothbrush and it is in these areas that tartar tends to accumulate.

Once tartar has formed it is not possible to remove it at home with a toothbrush, but it is necessary to undergo a professional oral hygiene session so that the dental hygienist can remove it with the appropriate instruments.

Excessive tartar build-up can cause gingivitis and periodontitis, a very common gum disease that, if neglected, can also cause tooth loss.

Gingivitis

It's ainflammation of the gum caused by bacterial plaque that is not effectively removed during tooth brushing.

Symptoms include red and/or sore gums, bleeding by brushing and flossing, bad breath.

It can be solved with one or more sessions of professional oral hygiene. and, if necessary, the use of specific mouthwashes or toothpastes.

Gingivitis gravidarum

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible togum inflammation caused by high estrogen levels typical of gestation; this phenomenon is so widespread in pregnancy that it is called "gingivitis gravidarum".

Studies have shown a correlation between maternal oral health and fetal healthas well as an increased likelihood of preterm birth in women who suffer from periodontitis during pregnancy.

That's why pregnant women must take special care of their hygiene and visit your dentist for regular check-ups during pregnancy: the controls are totally safe for the mother and the foetus.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis goes untreatedturns into periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a very common gum disease; 2018 data suggests that as many as 23 million Italians suffer from it but only half turn to the dentist to solve the problem.

In cases of periodontitis the infection spreads to the periodontal tissues (those that are around the tooth such as the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, root cementum and gingiva) causing gum bleeding, pain, periodontal pockets, mobility of teeth (you can lose them) and bone resorption.

Numerous scientific studies have shown that Untreated periodontitis causes or worsens a number of other diseases that have nothing to do with the oral cavity.diabetes, psoriasis, heart problems, even Alzheimer's.

In cases of periodontitis it is necessary to practice a technique called curettage (or root planing) to remove all tartar above and below the gum line; in severe cases, supportive antibiotic therapy may also be required.

To prevent the recurrence of periodontitis you must take special care of your oral hygienebrushing your teeth carefully after every meal, flossing (or brushing brush) and visiting your dentist periodically for professional oral hygiene.

I diabetics must pay special attention to the health of their mouth: the diabetes is a risk factor for periodontitis (and, conversely, inflammation of the gums negatively affects blood sugar).

Dental Caries

In the plaque there is a class of bacteria called cariogenic bacteria because they are capable of causing dental caries; these bacteria demineralize the tooth through an acid that attacks the enamel, forming caries.

Caries can be superficial (only the nail polish is of interest) or Deep, when bacteria "burrow" down to the dentin or nerve.

When a caries forms (a real "hole" in the tooth) it is necessary to make a conservative dentistryIf, on the other hand, the caries should reach the pulp of the tooth or the nerve, it is necessary to carry out an operation of endodontics (devitalization of the tooth).

Dentin sensitivity

A tooth becomes hypersensitive to heat and cold when the enamel layer that covers it becomes thinner; this thinning can be caused by toothpaste, mouthwash or overly aggressive foods.

Prevention: the most effective weapon

Maintain the Healthy mouth through prevention is the most effective way to minimize the risk of the above-mentioned problems and others affecting the oral cavity.

Oral prevention begins, first of all, at home with some simple rules:

• brush your teeth at least 3 times a day (and always after eating) for at least two minutes
• utilize one soft bristle brush (never hard or medium)
• In the case of people with poor manual dexterity (elderly people or children) use a electric toothbrush
• pick a toothpaste with fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay
• also use an oral hygiene product as part of your routine. interdental hygiene instrument like a pipe cleaner or dental floss.
• avoid the use of tobacco or alcohol

In addition, it is essential to have regular visits to the dentist at least once a year (or more frequently if the dentist deems it necessary) and a professional oral hygiene session through which any tartar is removed and the general state of health of the mouth is examined, intervening promptly on any problems.