Win #GUMInThePink Oral Health Month Hampers Valued at R687 Each!
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gum disease, one of the biggest oral health problems in South Africa. This September, National Oral Health Month, dental experts share expert advice on the best oral care tools to keep your gums ‘in the pink’.
“You can usually keep your gums healthy by following a proper daily oral hygiene routine at home using the correct tools and techniques,” says periodontist Dr Corlene Schnetler. “This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, brushing your tongue daily and using a mouthwash.”
Here are the oral care tools Ivohealth’s oral hygiene advisor, Dirna Grobbelaar recommends if you have sensitive or bleeding gums:
6 best oral care tools for bleeding gums
1) Soft-bristled toothbrush
Whilst research shows that an electric or sonic brush is usually superior to a manual brush, the most important factor is the flexibility of the bristles. “Just as a hard broom leaves lots of dirt behind, so will a hard toothbrush,” says Grobbelaar. “It can also damage the gums, especially if you brush too hard.”
Product recommendation: Gum Sonic Sensitive toothbrush with ultra-soft, double-tapered bristles that can reach between the teeth and even under the gums. Gum Sonic Sensitive is proven to give an 88% deeper clean in hard-to-reach areas (based on a 2-min brushing session twice a day, versus a sensitive manual flat-trim toothbrush).
2) Antibacterial toothpaste
An antibacterial toothpaste can help restore and manage bleeding gums. If you are using a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine it’s important to use a toothpaste that does not contain foaming agents, like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), as they reduce the efficacy of antibacterial ingredients.
Product recommendation: Gum Paroex Intensive Action Toothpaste is designed specifically for sensitive gums. It does not contain SLS or fluoride and its antibacterial ingredients include chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), which enhances the effect of chlorhexidine.
3) Interdental brushes
Cleaning between the teeth every day is an important aspect of your gum-friendly oral care routine. Tiny interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning plaque and food debris from gaps between the teeth and around bridges, braces and implants.
Product recommendation: Gum Trav-ler are tiny interdental brushes available in a range of sizes that can safely be reused for up to a week. The triangular bristles have been shown to remove up to 25% more plaque than regular bristles are chlorhexidine-coated to prevent the reintroduction of bacteria.
4) Floss
When done correctly, flossing is still the most effective way to remove plaque from tight contacts between the teeth and under the gumline.
Product recommendation: Gum Expanding Floss is easy to insert in the smallest of spaces and expands during use to clean more effectively.
5) Tongue scraper
Research has shown that most of the bacteria and plaque in the mouth live on the surface of the tongue. A tongue scraper is effective for gently cleaning the tongue.
Product recommendation: Gum Hali-Control Dual Action Tongue Cleaner, which features a brush on one side and a scraper on the other. Use it to efficiently remove dental plaque, food debris and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.
6) Antibacterial mouth rinse
Use salt water or an alcohol-free antibacterial mouth rinse containing CPC and chlorhexidine, after eating and before bed.
Product recommendation: Gum Paroex Mouthrinse contains antibacterial chlorhexidine and CPC, the gold standard in plaque control. It is alcohol-free and ideal for advanced gum care, helping prevent plaque build-up which causes bleeding gums, cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Alcohol-free Dentyl Active contains CPC and is another good option.
For expert advice on bleeding gums and the best oral care tools for you, speak to your dentist or oral hygienist. For educational information on bleeding gums visit the Ivohealth website.
*** WIN! ***
WomenStuff readers stand the chance to win 1 of 6 #GUMInThePink kits! The kits are valued at R687 each and contain:
1) Soft-bristled toothbrush – GUM SONIC SENSITIVE
2) Antibacterial toothpaste – GUM Paroex Intensive Action Toothpaste
3) Interdental brush – GUM Trav-ler
4) Antibacterial mouthrinse – GUM Paroex Maintenance Mouthrinse
To enter, simply complete the entry form below:
One entry per person, please. Competition ends on Tuesday 27 September 2022 at midnight. Please read our full competition terms and conditions here.