Gum Brushes

Using dental brushes daily to control the build up of plaque and calculus is a must to help control rapid growth of Gingivitis. People who have Gingivitis usually have a debridement procedure done to remove plaque and calculus build up. Debridement procedures known as deep gum cleanings are preformed by a Periodontist who uses ultrasonic instruments to fracture the calculus beneath the gum line to help people extend the longevity of their teeth. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue known as Periodontal disease. Plaque-induced is the most common form of Gingivitis and if not treated by a Periodontist the disease may progress to Periodontitis which is a destructive form of Periodontal disease. Periodontitis is the destruction of the periodontal attachment apparatus.

Plaque-induced Gingivitis is the most common form of Gingival disease. Bacterial plaque builds up in the gingival groove plaque traps (small gaps) between teeth and causes destruction of gingival tissue. People who have Gingivitis can help prevent the rapid growth of plaque and tartar by using gum brushes to scrub against the small gaps and between teeth during daily brushing of the teeth.

If you have a mild case of Gingivitis then you can buy gum brushes at CVS, Walgreens and at your local grocery store but if you have a severe case of Gingivitis then you will probably need a more full, wider and larger gum brush to clean out the gingival grooves between teeth. If a gum brush does not rub against the gum and teeth then it's pointless to use them. The gum brush needs to clean out the debride build up to prevent the chemical accumulation of bacteria that causes enlargement of the gingiva. Plaque and calculus build up turns in to a toxic bacteria chemical that inflames gum tissue.

The picture above shows two different sizes of a gum brush. Someone with a mild cases of Gingivitis that does not have huge spaces between their teeth an over-the-counter gum brush will probably clean off plaque and calculus build up but if you are someone who has a more severe cases of Gingivitis with large spaces between their teeth, using a wider and larger gum brush is recommended. As you can see in the picture the gum brush on the left is wider, longer and more full compared to the gum brush on the right.

I recorded a close up of my teeth to show how using a larger dental brush is needed in some of the larger spaces between my teeth. I use a size-7 dental/gum brush and the brushes are supplied by my Periodontist. Twice a year I get a deep teeth cleaning and each time I go the Periodontist gives me a six month supply.

When you get a deep teeth cleaning by a Periodontist make sure you ask about dental brushes because most Periodontist should supply you with a handful or package of larger sized dental brushes that are not sold in stores. Periodontists usually have large dental brushes on hand.