Oral Hygiene Tools and Tips - The Rubbertip Stimulator

A daily thorough oral hygiene routine is vital for the prevention of periodontal disease and the long term success of periodontal treatment.  Periodontal disease (also called gum disease and periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss in the developed world, and is completely preventable in the vast majority of cases.

Our blog will cover various oral hygiene tools that are effective for daily homecare.  Ask your dental hygienist which routine and aids are right for you!

A rubbertip stimulator is a common oral hygiene aid utilized in our practice for periodontal patients' and implant patients' homecare.

 
The GUM® Stimulator has been designed by dental professionals to promote healthy and firm gums by massaging the gingival tissues and stimulating the blood flow. It is a traditional method to maintain your gums in good health. It consists of two separate parts: a comfortable ergonomic anodized aluminum handle and a replaceable synthetic rubber tip stimulator. In addition to massaging the tissue it helps to dislodge food particles and dental plaque between the teeth. 

• Point the gum stimulator toward your gums at a 45-degree angle.
• Run the rubber tip of the gum stimulator in a circle for 10 seconds between each tooth. Stimulate the gums by working the rubber tip back and forth along the gum line. Besides removing plaque, it stimulates your gums and helps with blood circulation.

 
Compared to traditional gum stimulators that use a metal handle with a disposable tip, the Plaque Buster is an innovative, one-piece, injection-molded design with no metal to scratch the user’s teeth. The device was designed for a comfortable overall feel.

Ask our staff which oral hygiene aids are right for you! Visit our website at www.brittenperio.com; or email us at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com.  

Todd M. Britten, DMD, MS

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

As a periodontist, I enjoy making a positive impact on my patient’s lives by improving their smiles as well as their comfort and health. It is the reason I am thrilled to go to work every day! I have had patients that were once told they would lose all of their teeth, but through periodontal care, even after many years still have every one of them! Success stories like this make me grateful and very humbled to be part of this wonderful profession.

I believe in delivering state of the art care with a gentle touch in a lighthearted environment. I am extremely proud of my team of caring and dedicated professionals. They excel at welcoming even the most anxious of patients and setting them at ease, helping them become part of our dental family.

What's the connection between gum disease and diabetes?

Preventing Periodontal DiseaseWhat can I expect during my implant procedure?

People who have diabetes are usually familiar with many of the other health risks they face, including damage to the nerves, eyes, heart, and kidneys. But did you know that if you have diabetes you also have a much greater chance of developing gum disease? It's true, and like other diseases related to diabetes, the risk potential severity of gum disease is directly related to how well blood sugar is controlled.

The Causes

In diabetics, there are two primary mechanisms that increase the risk of developing gum disease, also called periodontal disease:

• Bacterial growth: Bacteria love sugar including the glucose found in blood and bodily fluids. Elevated levels of sugar in saliva can provide a very hospitable environment for bacterial growth. The risk may be elevated if your gums bleed.
• Circulatory changes: In diabetes, the blood vessels become thick, making it more difficult for blood to carry oxygen to the gums and to carry away harmful waste products. This decrease in circulation can weaken the mouth's natural resistance to decay. If you smoke, circulation can become even more compromised, significantly increasing your risk of periodontal disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

If you're diabetic, the number-one key to preventing gum disease is to make sure you do all you can to keep your blood sugar under control. In fact, studies show diabetics who have excellent control of their blood sugar levels have no more risk for gum disease than those who don't have diabetes. Here are some other tips to keep your gums healthy:

• Floss your teeth gently, curving the floss so it can gently reach just below your gum line to remove plaque and food particles. Rinse your mouth when you're done flossing.
• Use a soft-bristle brush to brush teeth twice daily, using small circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard on tooth surfaces.
• Brush your tongue gently to remove germs that can hide there.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to kill germs that are hard to reach.
• Keep track of how well your blood sugar is controlled and let Dr. Todd Britten know at each visit.
• Be aware that having diabetes may mean it takes you longer to heal after undergoing oral surgery.

Most importantly, be sure to visit our Clearwater, FL office for regular checkups and tell Dr. Todd Britten about your diabetes so you can be sure to get the care you need. Follow these steps, and you can enjoy healthy teeth and gums for years to come.