AF dentists: receding gum-line easily prevented

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Leticia Hopkins
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (ACCNS) --  Base dental professionals are encouraging Team Moody members to pay attention to the type of toothbrush they are using and be cautious when brushing to prevent a potentially serious tooth condition.

They recommend using a soft-bristle or electric toothbrush and to watch the amount of pressure applied when brushing teeth to prevent tooth abrasions.

"Toothbrush abrasions occur when too much pressure is exerted on the gums and teeth," said Staff Sgt. Larry Lemons, 23rd Aeromedical-Dental Squadron. "What results is a receding gum-line that exposes a sensitive area of the tooth surface. If this process continues, you can wear a groove into the soft portion of the root which can cause severe temperature sensitivity."

The first step in the prevention process is selecting a soft-bristle or an electric vibrating toothbrush, said Sergeant Lemons. Since it doesn't take much to remove plaque, hard and medium toothbrushes tend to wear away gum tissue faster.

Another toothbrush alternative is using a vibrating toothbrush. A vibrating toothbrush is ideal for preventing toothbrush abrasions because the vibrating action does all of the work and requires little to no back and forth action, said the sergeant. In fact, just turn it on and move the bristles up and down the tooth from the gum line to the tooth surface.

The next step in helping to prevent tooth abrasions is monitoring the amount of pressure used when brushing teeth.

"Plaque is a thin film that can be removed with a swipe of a washcloth using light pressure," said Sergeant Lemons. "It does not take much pressure or a hard-bristled toothbrush to remove the slimy-jellylike substance from your teeth."

Lastly, if using a whitening toothpaste, it may be time to switch back to a regular toothpaste in order to help prevent wear on teeth and gums, he said.

"Toothpaste containing whitening ingredients has been found to cause excessive wear on the gums and teeth with repeated use," said Sergeant Lemons. "Try to find a toothpaste that is recommended by the American Dental Association that does not contain any whitening ingredients."

Since they require repetitive use, whitening toothpastes wear away at the gums, especially for aggressive brushers, said Sergeant Lemons. A whitening kit or having it performed professionally is the best bet when trying to achieve whiter teeth.
In addition to these preventative tips, Sergeant Lemon said regular visits to the dentist is a must for proper dental health.