Wash your mouth out!

No sooner have a child’s teeth appeared than it seems they are forever being told to clean them – and with good reason.

Getting into the habit of good oral hygiene is hugely important because anyone who has let those habits drop are considerably more likely to suffer from gum disease, leading to both bone and tooth loss if untreated.

Whilst an astonishing 80-90% of the adult population is affected by inflammation of the gums or gingivitis to some degree, most people are unaware that it is an early warning sign of much more serious gum disease.

Children face a high risk of developing gingivitis without a daily regime of dental care, and become even more susceptible when they reach adolescence because of the body’s hormonal changes.

A neglectful attitude to oral hygiene during childhood can start to have a serious effect during a patient’s teenage years and early adulthood.

The progress or recurrence of gingivitis will be largely determined by the patient’s oral hygiene, so the importance of regular and effective brushing, flossing and mouthwash along with a healthy diet, can never be underestimated.

Gingivitis caused by the bacteria in plaque results in inflamed gums, especially where the gum and teeth meet. Common symptoms include:

* Bleeding gums

* Swollen gums

* Gums appear bright red or red-purple

* Gums appear shiny

Although painless, any of these symptoms should be investigated and treated promptly.

They are the first alert of potentially more serious gum disease, which affects the structures that anchor the teeth to the bone and if left untreated can lead to the loss of both. In the most severe cases surgery to restore supportive tissues may be the only option, which is why prevention and management of gum disease in its early stages is essential.

Thorough cleansing including a rigorous home care routine, the control of infection and preventing the build up of plaque are key to early intervention.

Dental professionals have always recommended a non-invasive anti-bacterial treatment to help avoid gum disease, but these products cannot usually be used in the long term as they cause tooth staining or leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

However, there are now several new products on the market which have not only been clinically tested and proven to be effective too, but are also safer and gentler to teeth and gums with minimal side effects.

We all know that preventing the build up of plaque is important to stop bacterial toxins from the plaque getting into the gums which is why regular brushing is vital but often just not enough.

The Decapinol product range includes a mouthwash and toothpaste which create an invisible, protective barrier between the bacteria and the teeth and gums.

Not only does this help prevent the build up of plaque, but the mechanical process interferes with existing plaque, making it easier to remove by regular brushing.

With its unique mode of action, Decapinol products have a probiotic effect, which means they do not indiscriminately kill all mouth bacteria.

In this way, Decapinol products can be used safely without disturbing the natural ecological balance of the oral microbial flora, adding a positive effect to the anti-gingivitis treatment goal and protecting the mouth from an excess of pathogenic bacteria.

Decapinol toothpaste also contains 0.11% sodium fluoride to provide long term dental protection which means it can replace common toothpaste. When used in conjunction with Decapinol mouthwash, patients will be able to manage their oral hygiene effectively and safely between dental visits.

The successful prevention of serious gum disease begins with the recognition among patients that gingivitis is the early warning sign that cannot be ignored, despite the fact that it is so common.

With new clinically effective and safe products as Decapinol toothpaste and mouthwash now readily available, patients can be encouraged to manage their home hygiene routine effectively and easily.

In the longer term, greater public health awareness of gingivitis could lead to a reduction in serious gum disease. But that education starts at home with the early exhortation to “Clean your teeth and make sure you do it properly!”

For more information, visit www.decapinol.com.

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