EN 
ES Dr. Zorianny Saint - Hilaire, Dentist. Periodontics and dental implants. Department of Dentistry of the General Hospital Plaza de la Salud.
In most cases we worry about the health of our teeth, but the condition of our gums is also very important.
Depending on the skin tone of each person, the appropriate color that indicates a healthy gum is pale pink; the colorations that tend to be red should make us suspect that there may be an inflammatory problem.
The appearance of the gums should be similar to the skin of the orange peel; When an inflammation of this tissue is produced by bacteria, the gums lose their appearance, an edematous reddened gum occurs.
The inflammation that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and holds the teeth.
It is caused by bacteria, as a transparent and sticky film constantly forms on the teeth.
If it is not removed daily with brushing and flossing, plaque builds up and bacteria can infect not only the superficial gum and teeth, but also the gingival tissue and the bone that supports the teeth.
This may be the cause for the teeth to loosen, fall off or finally have to be extracted by the dentist.
Gingivitis. It is the first stage of the disease. It is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque that, when not eliminated, produces toxins that irritate the gingival tissue. Bleeding may be observed during brushing, flossing or even spontaneously.
In this first stage of the disease, the damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the tooth in place have not yet been affected.
Gingivitis can lead to a much more serious illness, periodontitis, and tooth loss.
Periodontitis The worst consequence of neglecting gingivitis is that it leads to periodontitis, a chronic infectious disease commonly known as pyorrhea, which affects the periodontium (the tissues that surround, support, or support and protect the tooth against various aggressions, mainly bacterial).
At the onset of periodontitis, bacteria are essential, the progression and severity of the disease, as well as the response to treatment, is determined by other factors, whether local or systemic.
There is a genetic predisposition of some people, in addition to other risk factors such as tobacco, stress or diabetes mellitus, which accelerate the evolution of the disease.
As this is a painless and early process, one should be very attentive to signs such as longer teeth due to the retraction of the gums, dental mobility due to the reabsorption of the bone around the teeth; and as a final consequence, the loss of teeth.
It also produces halitosis and bad taste in the mouth.
Elements for good oral hygiene:
Toothbrush. Brushes with soft nylon bristles clean effectively (when used properly).
1. Gently brush the outer dental surface of two or three teeth with a sweeping motion from front to back; Move the brush to the next group of two or three and repeat.
2. Maintain a 45 degree angle with the bristles in contact with the dental surface and gum.
3. Don't forget to also brush your tongue from front to back to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.
4. Brushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months.
Toothpaste (toothpaste)
It helps clean and polish the dental surface.
Floss
It is the most recommended tool to remove bacterial plaque from proximal dental surfaces.
Interdental brushes
They are used to remove microbial plaque debris between teeth.
Mouthwashes
After brushing and flossing, it may be convenient to use mouthwash.
Posted in: Hoy Digital newspaper.
