The Many Faces of Periodontitis
Which Flossing Method Should You Use? Water Flossers vs. Dental Floss
If you’ve ever visited the dentist, it’s more than likely you’ve been asked how frequently you floss. Truthfully, many people choose not to floss — in fact, only about 4 in 10 Americans do. The act of flossing can be difficult for some people, but it’s one of the most important daily habits you can develop to sustain overall health. The Importance of Flossing Flossing is a vital part of maintaining oral health because it removes food, bacteria, and plaque that toothbrushes can’t reach. A person who brushes their teeth but doesn’t floss is more likely to suffer from poor oral health than someone who flosses once a day. And in the dental world, there are two popular methods of flossing: water flossers and dental floss. Water Flossers Water flossers shoot out a jet of water that flows between the teeth as its nozzle moves along the gum line. The pressurized water blasts your gums and the hard-to-reach places, removing food, debris, plaque, and bacteria in pulsating bursts. Although these devices can be expensive, many people prefer the water flosser since it’s easier to use, especially if you have braces, dental implants, or nonremovable bridgework. Dental Floss Floss has been around for about 200 years, but it didn’t become popular until after WWII. Dental floss functions similarly to a water flosser, except that instead of using a stream of water, you manually floss between your teeth and along your gums to remove debris, bacteria, and tartar. Many individuals prefer to use dental floss because it allows you to have more control when you floss. However, it can sometimes cause the gums to bleed, which is why many prefer water flossers. Dentists recommend that, whichever method you choose, you should floss at least once a day for optimal teeth and gum health. To get into the habit of flossing more regularly, try to floss before you brush your teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, that’s the “ideal sequence for the most thorough removal of dental plaque.”
How to Identify 3 Common Forms of Gum Disease
You may not realize it, but gingivitis is one of the mildest forms of gum disease. However, if left untreated, it can get worse and lead to further complications. Let’s take a look at a few of the common forms, and the progression, of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is easy to identity. Many people experience bad breath, and their gums become inflamed, red and swollen, and sensitive to touch. Ordinary brushing and flossing can cause gums to bleed. When that happens, people with gingivitis feel discouraged to regularly brush and floss, or may brush more delicately, leaving behind the biofilm and bacteria that cause gum diseases. Chronic periodontitis is essentially the progression of gingivitis if it’s not properly treated. In addition to inflamed and sensitive gums, the gum line may begin to recede, and pocketing may occur. When that happens, the gums start to pull away from the teeth. This is caused by enzymes known as collagenases, which break down collagen structure, leading to softer gums. At the same time, teeth may start to feel loose. Aggressive periodontitis isn’t as common as either gingivitis or chronic periodontitis, but when it does take hold, it usually appears in people under the age of 30. It also comes in two forms: localized aggressive periodontitis, or LAP, and generalized aggressive periodontitis, or GAP. Many of the same symptoms carry over from other forms of the disease, but they may be more destructive to both the gum and underlying bone. When you know the early signs of periodontal disease, you can address the cause right then and there, saving you a lot of trouble down the road in treatment costs and your general health. It’s always good to ask your dentist about periodontal disease so you can stop it in its tracks before it becomes an issue.
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