Download Keep Your Gums Healthy

Smile with confidence!
A smile can tell a lot about you; your personality,
your mood. But most noticeably, your oral health.
Everyday care routines are essential for maintaining
good oral health. A proper toothbrush, the right
toothpaste and effective floss are the basic tools you
need to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
This leaflet gives you an easy-to-understand insight
into the workings of your teeth and how you,
together with your dentist or hygienist, can help
maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Helpful Tips to
Using the right toothpaste & toothbrush can make
a world of difference
To ensure you have healthy teeth and gums brush your
teeth twice daily using a clinically proven toothpaste.
Most toothpastes contain fluoride to help prevent
cavities. Today there are toothpastes containing
antibacterial agents as well as fluoride. The inclusion of
an antibacterial makes it easier to maintain good oral
health by affecting the bacteria responsible for gum
diseases. Colgate Total toothpaste has a formulation
which contains Triclosan and Copolymer:
l
Triclosan is a highly effective antibacterial that
reduces and inhibits plaque, the cause of gum
problems.
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The Copolymer helps ensure the delivery and the
retention of Triclosan on the surface of teeth and
gums for a proven 12 hour antibacterial protection.
Use a toothbrush such as the Colgate 360˚ Deep
Clean toothbrush that is proven to help remove more
plaque from difficult to reach areas than an ordinary
toothbrush. Most dentists recommend to replace the
toothbrush every three months.
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Medicines have benefits & some have risks l Always read the label l Use only as directed
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Keep Your
Gums Healthy
What’s a tooth?
What is periodontal disease?
Can gingivitis be treated?
Teeth consist of the visible crown and the invisible
root, which are formed by three distinctive structures;
enamel, dentine and pulp
Periodontal disease is
inflammation of the tissues
supporting the teeth. If plaque
is allowed to build up on teeth,
toxins produced by bacteria
inflame the gums. This early
stage of periodontal disease is
called gingivitis and is reversible.
If not treated gingivitis can
develop into periodontititis.
Yes. Gums affected only
by gingivitis can be treated
relatively easily with very
good results. Your dentist or
hygienist will ensure your teeth
are free from tartar and show
you how to clean your teeth
properly. After the gingivitis
treatment, thorough cleaning
every day, together with
regular flossing, will ensure
that your gums will stay firm
and healthy.
l Enamel
covers the
crown and is the
hardest tissue in the
body
l Dentine
constitutes
the major part of the
tooth and gives teeth
their colour
l Pulp
is rich in nerves
and blood vessels
Each tooth has a root, which is embedded in the bone
of the jaw and skull. The bone is covered by soft gum
tissue, which acts like a cuff around the neck of the tooth.
What are the signs
of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease often can go unnoticed until it is
quite advanced. However, most people will notice
some of the following signs:
l
Red, swollen gums
l
Bleeding gums
Plaque is a film of bacteria, which is constantly forming
on all teeth. Plaque is responsible for the two most
common oral diseases; tooth decay or cavities and gum
disease. Everyone’s saliva contains millions of bacteria.
These bacteria stick to the surface of your teeth and
quickly multiply to form plaque.
l
Bad breath
l
Bad taste
l
Gum recession
l
Teeth drifting apart
l
Loose teeth
What is tartar?
A classic sign of gingivitis is when gums
bleed during brushing and this is often
the first indication of periodontal disease
noticed by people.
What is plaque?
Tartar (calculus) is formed when calcium in the saliva
combine with plaque to make it hard. Once tartar has
formed, it can only be removed by your dentist or
hygienist. Regular, effective plaque removal is the best
way to prevent build-up of tartar.
Can periodontitis be treated?
Yes, unless it has become very advanced. Treatment
will depend on how far the damage to the supporting
tissues has gone. Your dentist or hygienist will
remove any deposits from pockets around affected
teeth. This is done by scaling and root planing.
Can gingivitis and
periodontitis recur?
Gums with Gingivitis
Yes. If you go back to your old teeth cleaning habits
the problem can return. That is why it is important
that you brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily
using the brushing and flossing technique shown to
you by your dentist or hygienist.
There are many toothpastes and toothbrushes
available but not all are as effective at slowing
the regrowth of plaque and helping to reduce the
progression of gum diseases.