[Choi Chang-won's Health Story] How Are Your Gums Doing?

by Lee Geunhyung

Published 26 Jan.2021 14:28(KST)

[Choi Chang-won's Health Story] How Are Your Gums Doing?

There is a traditional saying, "Dansunhochi," which means having red lips and white teeth, referring to a beautiful person. Teeth are a very beautiful and harmonious part of the human body, each having different shapes and curves. Contrary to common belief, teeth are not flat but have various curves. It is obvious that healthy teeth are essential for enjoying good food and maintaining overall health.

What are the secrets to dental health for both external beauty and internal health? In fact, since everyone's oral structure and condition differ, it is difficult to suggest a uniform brushing method. However, there are basic principles for proper brushing to maintain healthy gums. Thoroughly and meticulously. It sounds so ordinary that it might seem dull. But the answer to proper brushing lies exactly there. We often brush carelessly, passing over the areas that need careful attention.

So, how should one maintain oral health? Like everything else, oral health has important principles. Prevention is more important than treatment. And often overlooked but equally important is gum health. If teeth are the core of the mouth, gums are the foundation of the teeth. Teeth cannot be healthy if the gums are diseased.

Gum disease can be broadly divided into gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild condition where the gums bleed and swell but the inflammation is limited to the gum surface. On the other hand, periodontitis is a more serious disease involving bleeding and swelling of the gums, absorption of the alveolar bone, severe pain, and in worse cases, the teeth themselves may become loose.

Then, what is the recommended proper brushing method for patients with poor gums or those with many prosthetics or implants where food tends to get stuck? Based on 17 years of experience as a dental specialist and developer of the Dr. Jaechi ring toothbrush, I usually recommend a modified Bass technique to my patients.

The Bass technique is a brushing method using a special toothbrush with one or two rows of bristles. The bristles held in the hand are inserted at a 45-degree angle between the teeth and gums and shaken finely to maximize the massaging effect on the gums. This is excellent for removing bacterial plaque on the gums and tooth surfaces, massaging the gums, alleviating gingivitis, and promoting gum tissue recovery. However, this brushing method is somewhat complicated and requires careful attention to practice. Also, there is a limitation in the range of toothbrush products suitable for applying the Bass technique.

However, it does not necessarily have to be a toothbrush dedicated to gum disease. The core of the Bass technique is how effectively one can brush the periodontal pockets between the gums and teeth. Brushing with a vibrating motion is also a way to insert the bristles into the periodontal pockets. One point to keep in mind with this brushing method is that bleeding may occur initially when using the Bass technique. This is a natural phenomenon caused by the removal of inflammation accumulated in the periodontal pockets, so there is no need to worry excessively.

Of course, the causes of gingivitis and periodontitis are diverse. These diseases cannot be alleviated or treated by brushing methods alone. When symptoms occur, one must visit a dental clinic for an accurate diagnosis and treatment by a specialist. However, regardless of the type or cause of gum disease, proper brushing can help in treatment or symptom relief. In fact, I have received many inquiries about good medicines for gum disease, but the reality is that there is no special product to recommend yet.

The expression "Dansunhochi" is not just a past poetic phrase. Transparent, clear, and white teeth revealed beneath a bright smile?how beautiful that is. I sincerely hope that all of us will have beautiful and healthy teeth through proper brushing that is good for the gums.