With gingival irrigation, you can happily bid bye to your gum problems for ever! If you have been dealing with bleeding gums, bad breath or any other thing to do with gum disease, then you will have the perfect remedy in this technique. Now that you know that is gingival irrigation it is time to learn how this form of treatment can change your life for the better.
What is Gingival Irrigation?
Gingival irrigation, also known as oral irrigation is a dental cleanliness activity that helps to rinse the region between your teeth and your gum line with a powerful jet of water. This process is followed in an effort to get rid of residues of food particles, plaque and bacteria which may settle down on even the smallest spaces which are hard for brushing or flossing to reach. Imagining it more like providing your gums with a shower where you wash off all the things that could build up to lead to gum diseases and other sort of oral health issues.
While brushing uses pressure to brush against the teeth, and flossing has the pulling action on the teeth, gingival irrigation is a mild method of cleaning the gums, which lodge themselves perfectly between the line of braces and the teeth, making it suitable for those with sensitive mouth or those with other dental appliances such as brace work. It is especially advantageous if you are a person who has problems with your gums, which include gingivitis or periodontitis, because scaling allows performing a deeper cleaning without invasive procedures. That’s right! It is like having a supplement to your oral hygiene to prevent gum disease further!
How Gingival Irrigation Works
Using water is called gingival irrigation, it involves using a tool, familiar to many people as a water flosser or oral irrigator. This tool employs a small motor which sprays a constant pressured water jet which is aimed towards the region containing the infected gum pockets – the region between the teeth and gums. As it flows into these pockets, pressure from the water washes out food particles, plaque and other form of bacteria that are hard to get with regular brushes and flosses.
The process works on two levels: are established in mechanical cleaning and therapeutic values. As for the mechanical aspect of the function, pressure of the water proves to be useful in dislodging any particles that may be attached to the outer surface of the teeth or beneath the gum line. In the therapeutic part it is to note that some water flossers are equipped with the possibility of adding mouth wash or antibacterial solutions to the water in the reservoir that can has further advantage by killing the bacterial right where they are. This two-pronged strategy assists not simply in ending gum inflammation also in preserving a healthy condition of the gums as is free from bacteria.
I like to use a water flosser, and it is not time-consuming at all, it only takes a minute or two daily. It is so universal as it can be used on anyone or anyone with braces, crowns, or implants as it cleans areas that are hard to reach by a normal toothbrush. In the long run, the use of gingival irrigation results to better gums, improved breath system and a minimal chance of severe gum diseases.
Some of the gum problems, which gingival irrigation can fix include:
Gingival irrigation is a very effective way to combat several major gum diseases which are widespread among people. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prevalent problems and how gingival irrigation can help alleviate or even prevent them:Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prevalent problems and how gingival irrigation can help alleviate or even prevent them:
1. Gingivitis
The first stage of gum diseases is known as gingivitis and it is relatively prevalent; half of the adults are bound to develop gingivitis in their lifetime. Common symptoms of gingivitis are inflammation with redness of the gum that may occur occasionally and or bleeding on the gums during brushing or flossing. This condition develops when there is formation of ‘’plaque’’, which is a soft deposit of bacteria that accumulates at the gum margin or teeth crevices. If not prevented from building up, plaque can set in as tartar that will cause more concern to the gums and enhance inflammation of the same.
Gingival irrigation is a significant ingredient of the management for gingivitis as it washes away the remains hinging brush and flossing leaves behind. The water under pressure coming from the gingival irrigation can easily remove plaque deposits in areas that are hard to reach such as the spaces between the teeth and gums using toothbrush and dental floss. If the swelling of the areas is controlled through adequate irrigation, you can reduce the bacterial count and inflammation which will prevent gingivitis from moving to the next level of gum disease.
2. Periodontitis
In the absence of treatment, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis—-a much more serious form of gum disease. That is why periodontitis is not a disease of the gums alone but the other tissues and bones that hold the teeth. This infection if left untreated can lead to negatively impacted pockets developing between the teeth sich and gums. These pockets become deeper over time, and therefore lead to gum recession, loosening of teeth, and even tooth shedding, if the condition is not well controlled.
This technique of regular gingival irrigation proved useful in treating periodontitis since it helps to clean out these pocket formation and decreases the number of bacteria. The water pressure coming from the nozzle assist in rinsing off debris and bacteria from areas that are not reachable via a brush or a floss. Extraoral benefits of using an antibacterial solution to rinse include the fact that for patients with periodontitis, antibacterial solution is effective in killing bacteria and improving on the health of tissues lining the gums. It is possible to bring these changes to a halt and stop the deterioration of your gums and teeth, which will allow you to preserve your oral hygiene.
3. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The other ailment that can be associated with gums is that of bad breath or what we call halitosis. This is usually a consequence of bacterial and food debris accumulation in the mouth mostly in the gum line. These bacteria can produce other sulfur compounds which results in the foul smell that is associated with breath. Ordinary brushing and flossing may not effectively clean these areas fully, which enable bacteria to continue to build and create more problems with breath lasting qualities.
This is because benefiting through gingival irrigation is a direct sure shot way of dealing with bad breathe at its origin. Through this process, gingival irrigation provides for rinsing away of mechanisms which cause bacteria and food particles to accumulate, thus addressing whole aspects of halitosis. Many oral irrigators also enable the application of mouthwash or other special proceeding solutions and these kinds of solutions are widely known for their implementation of enhanced antibacterial activity.
Other Advantages of for Other Gum Diseases
Beyond these common gum issues, gingival irrigation can also be beneficial for other specific dental conditions:Beyond these common gum issues, gingival irrigation can also be beneficial for other specific dental conditions:
- After Dental Procedures: Gingival irrigation is most regularly advised when the patient has undergone an oral surgery including scaling, root planning or surgical periodontal operation. It assists in maintain hygiene at the surgical site thus reducing the possibility of forming a wound infection.(is gingivitis transmittable)
- Orthodontic Appliances: For those patients having braces, retainers or any orthodontic appliances, the use of gingival irrigation can efficiently be used for the removal of particles of foods and plaque which are stuck around the braces, retainers or orthodontic appliances and they cannot be easily removed by toothbrushing.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): One common complaint is dry mouth, which is a condition that effectively hinders the mouth’s self cleaning capabilities, those who suffer from this condition should consider using gingival irrigation since dentists recommend that patients with this condition clean their mouth ten times a day to avoid gum diseases.
If you integrate gingival irrigation into your day’s oral hygiene routine, you can better tackle these gum problems and keep your mouth and your smile much healthier.
Benefits of Gingival Irrigation
Why is gingival irrigation good for you and why should this be included in your oral health care plan? Here are some compelling reasons:Here are some compelling reasons:
- Reduces Inflammation: Since it effectively washes away bacteria and food residues from the gum line, gingival irrigation reduces inflammation and Irritation.
- Improves Oral Hygiene: Where regular brushing and flossing cannot clean, it has a way of doing so; thus giving an added advantage of a cleaner mouth.
- Prevents Gum Diseases: They should be used daily as they serve to eliminate any microbes on the gum line which causes gingivitis and periodontitis..
How to Perform Gingival Irrigation at Home
Gingival irrigation is a procedure of washing around the gum line andrait the space between the check and gum to remove debris/bacteria’s. Here is a more detailed guide to performing gingival irrigation at home:Here is a more detailed guide to performing gingival irrigation at home:
Get the Right Tools: Select from the best oral irrigator or water flosser that is readily available in the market from known manufactures including Waterpik or Philips. Check for contractions that can regulate the pressure level and various tips which are likely to be fit in each model. There is a water pressure adjustment that gives a user control over pressure of the water stream that is good for the sensitive gum or vigorous cleaning.
Fill the Reservoir: Ensure that the water flosser’s reservoir is full with luke warm water. Warm or hot water hurts the gums and hence taking warm or hot water causes sensitivity among the patients. To make this solution more effective for oral care you can add antibacterial mouthwash or few drops of a mild antiseptic solution. Be careful not to use a solution which can harm the internal parts of the flosser.
Start Irrigating: Bend over the sink so that you do not put water on your face and ensure that the end of the device is slightly above the gum line. Power on the device while the lips are slightly closed so as not to splash a lot of water in the mouth and let it to flow out. Begin at the back of the oral cavity and then glide along your gum line of each tooth and make sure to massage both sides. Pinch your lips and take a break between each tooth to allow the water to clean the corners of mouth.
Adjust Pressure: First, when using the gingival irrigation, use low pressure setting especially if you are a newbie to this process. After some time, your gums begin to adapt to the pressure and you can apply as much pressure as is comfortable for you when cleaning the teeth. If you have sensitive gums or an underlying gum disease, you have to consult your dentist before you can increase the pressure.
Repeat Regularly: Gingival irrigation can be incorporated into your oral hygiene schedule regularly preferably before going to bed knowing that you have particles of food and bacteria on your teeth. These include; utilization of the oral irrigator can prevent gum inflammation, bleeding, and dental periodontal diseases.
Maintenance: Some of the precautions include: Cleaning the reservoir and the tip of the irrigator after its use following the manufactures’ recommendations to reduce on bacterial formation. The tip should be changed every 3-6 months and, if it has signs of wear, then it should be changed immediately.
Gingival irrigation is proven to be beneficial and thus should be part of the regular hygienic care to help in reducing the chances of developing gum problems. If you have any question with regards to the usage of an oral irrigator or feels discomfort, it is recommended to take advice with your dentist.
Conclusion
It is a very effective, non-invasive technique of treating gums and some of the common problems associated with them include gingivitis and halitosis. With this practice increasing as part of your oral hygiene regimen, you can get a much better all around clean than just brushing and flossing alone can provide. Water flossers work softly yet efficiently and clean bacterial deposits, plaque, and other materials lodged in most difficult to access areas leading to reduced inflammation and diseases of the gum besides fostering healthy gums.
So where you decide to do gingival irrigation at home, or opt for a professional clean up from your dental practitioner, the technique has you covered against some common dental issues. It is safe for most people especially to those with sensitive gums and those who use dental appliances in their mouth for various reasons thereby making it convenient to improve on the dentification process.
When used on a daily basis, gingival irrigation will soon become one of the powerful tools that assist you to eliminate gum problems and enhance the look of your mouth. Beginner this practice today and revitalize your life in a very short time!