Durban - As September marks National Oral Health Month, dental experts are sharing advice on the best oral care tools to keep your gums ‘in the pink’.
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gum disease, one of the biggest oral health problems in South Africa.
Periodontist Dr Corlene Schnetler says that following a proper daily oral hygiene routine at home, using the correct tools and techniques usually keeps gums healthy.
“This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, brushing your tongue daily, and using a mouthwash,” she says.
Here are the oral care tools Ivohealth’s oral hygiene advisor Dirna Grobbelaar recommends if you have sensitive or bleeding gums:
1) Soft-bristled toothbrush
- While research shows that an electric or sonic toothbrush is usually superior to a manual one, the most important factor is the flexibility of the bristles.
- Just as a hard broom leaves lots of dirt behind, so will a hard toothbrush.
- Brushing with hard bristles can also damage the gums, especially if you brush too hard.
2) Antibacterial toothpaste
- An antibacterial toothpaste can help restore and manage bleeding gums.
- If you are using a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine, it’s important to use a toothpaste that does not contain foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate, as they reduce the efficacy of antibacterial ingredients.
3) Interdental brushes
- Cleaning between the teeth every day is an important aspect of your gum-friendly oral care routine.
- Tiny interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning plaque and food debris from gaps between the teeth and around bridges, braces and implants.
4) Floss
- When done correctly, flossing is still the most effective way to remove plaque from tight contacts between the teeth and under the gumline.
5) Tongue-scraper
- Research has shown that most of the bacteria and plaque in the mouth live on the surface of the tongue. A tongue-scraper is effective at gently cleaning the tongue.
6) Antibacterial mouth rinse
- Use salt water or an alcohol-free antibacterial mouth rinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine after eating and before bed.
For expert advice on bleeding gums and the best oral care tools for you, speak to your dentist or oral hygienist.
For educational information on bleeding gums visit the Ivohealth website.