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X-ray showing calculus and bone lose on both left and right sides
of the mouth
Home Oral Hygeine
In
order to successfully treat any disease, one should try to eliminate the reasons. And as we talked before the main reason
for gum disease is accumulated bacteria. But we cannot live in sterile environment. So we have to try to reduce plaque and
tartar formation to minimum. That’s why your good home oral hygiene is step number one in
prevention and treatment of gum related problems.
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We all brush our teeth, but do we do it right? Our
experienced dental hygienists will work closely with you to choose the right brushing methods for you, we
will advise you on the tooth brush and others hygiene tools you need to use. Each patient is different and we will customize
oral hygiene instructions especially for you.
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Bass Brushing Method
The most recommended brushing technique is modified Bass cleaning technique. It has proven its worth
both for people with healthy gums and for gingivitis and periodontitis patients. This technique concentrates on cleaning at
the gum margins. The toothbrush must be soft, so as not to damage the gums when positioning the toothbrush.
Outer
surfaces:
Place
the toothbrush on the gums at an angle of 45°.
Always start at the back.
Inner
surfaces:
Small circular movements (vibratory motion).
Front
teeth:
Place the toothbrush in an upright position behind the front teeth.
Lastly, brush the chewing surfaces using to and from vibratory motions, from the back to the front
Flossing
Technique
Wind 18" of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch
floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1"- 2" length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.
Keep a 1" - 2" length of floss taut between fingers. Use
index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag
motion. DO NOT SNAP FLOSS BETWEEN YOUR TEETH. Contour floss around the side of the tooth.
Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under
the gum line.
Floss
each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
There are many other helpful hygeine devices available today(such
as eletcric tooth brushes, electro floss, water pick, interproximal brushes and etc.) We will advise you on particular tools
you should use as a part of you oral hygeine.
Stages
of Gum Disease
If left untreated, gum disease progresses thru different
stages, causing more and more destruction, and making each next step more difficult to treat. The following illustrations,
courtesy of OralB company shows the diagrams of gum disease development.
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HEALTHY GUMS
- Firm and light
pink
- Hug the teeth
tightly
- Don't bleed when
brushed
- Pocket depth
when measured is no more than 2mm
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| HEALTHY GUMS |
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GINGIVITIS
First stage of periodontal
disease which involves soft tissue only: bone has not been affected at this point.
- Gums bleed when
brushed or probed
- Inflammation
and redness present
- Possible bad
breath
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| GINGIVITIS |
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MILD PERIODONTITIS
This is the second stage of
periodontal disease where bone starting to get affected
- The bleeding
and swelling is more pronounced
- Pocket depth
reach 3-4mm
- Bad breath/taste
- Loss of firmness
and texture
- Bone loss may
be evident on x-rays
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| MILD PERIODONTITIS |
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MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
- Gum line starts
to recede and teeth appear to be longer
- Sensitivity may
appear
- Abscesses or
gum boils may appear
- Teeth may shift
and spaces can form between teeth
- Redness and bleeding
is very apparent
- Further inflammation
and loss of texture
- Mobility of teeth
- Pocket depths
4-6mm
- Significant bone
loss is detected with x-ray
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| MODERATE PERIODONTITIS |
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ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
- All of the above
symptoms are very pronounced
- Pocket depths exceed
6mm
- Severe mobility
and bone loss
- Possible need
for extractions
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| ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS |
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