Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession
1 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession
How the problems- so it is not just a problem in your mouth. Over the course of my 40-year career in Dentistry and Periodontics, I have seen a recurring theme in how gum disease develops. Traditional Nylon Traditional thought has led many people to believe that poor oral hygiene is the first major contributor to gum disease. Because of the Toothbrush May Be scare tactics associated with this idea, including graphic images of bad teeth, many have been pushed into over-brushing. As a result, Causing Your people are damaging their teeth and gums.
Gums to There is such a thing as over brushing with a nylon toothbrush, also known as Toothbrush Disease.5 Over the years, dentists have moved Disappear from recommending hard-bristled toothbrushes to recommending soft-bristled, due to the rise in gum recession and sensitivity.
It’s not my aim to scare you away from the toothbrush you currently use. As a medical professional, my first duty is to educate my patients, so that you understand your body, the actions you take and how those actions affect your overall health. In the enclosed pages, While you might not believe Periodontal (gum) disease is waging a I’ll show you the most common causes of gum disease, what it is, slow war on your body, more than 75% of adults over the age of 35 how it’s treated and how you can actively prevent the advancement show some degree of signs and symptoms.1 In fact, gum disease is of gum disease without making wild lifestyle changes. the leading cause of tooth loss in adults around the world.2 Let’s work together to help you smile again! Recent studies3 have also shown that there is a possible link between gum disease and a number of other afflictions in the body, including Sincerely, heart disease.4 Those studies theorize that bacteria in the mouth, a root cause of gum disease, are able to travel through the blood stream. Not only can bacteria contribute to clot formation but it can also promote narrowing of the arteries. Numerous other studies reveal that gum disease is linked to a variety of other health Dr. Jack Gruber, DDS
1 Oral Health | The Dr. Oz Show. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.doctoroz.com/topic/oral-health?page=3 er-diseases 2 Dental Insurance for Seniors: Know Your Options. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthmarkets.com/resourc- 5 Comparison of Soft Toothbrush and New Ultra-soft Cleaner ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.periclean.com/ es/medicare/dental-insurance-for-seniors/ wp-content/uploads/2015/01/PeriCleanNYSDenta 3 Gum Disease and Heart Disease | Perio.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.perio.org/consumer/heart_disease 4 Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health | Perio.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.perio.org/consumer/oth-
2 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession begin to see how the enamel can rapidly Pulp wear away. The pulp is considered to be the most The Anatomy of the vital part of your teeth. It originates in the Tooth and Gums center, beneath the enamel and dentin, within the pulp chamber. This chamber In order to understand how gum contains blood vessels, connective tissue disease affects your smile and your and the large nerves within the teeth. personal health, it’s important to understand the basic layout of your This region is also referred to as the mouth and how your teeth and your “nerve” of the teeth and branches down gums work together. each root through the canal of the tooth x. Nourishment, sensory function and the formation of dentin all rely on healthy pulp. Unfortunately, once the natural enamel on Pain from trauma to the dentin and/or pulp, your teeth is gone, it cannot grow back. differences in temperature, and pressure are The only way to replace the enamel is with caused by stimulation of the pulp. The Enamel dental restorations done by your dentist. Tooth enamel is the outer layer or the surface of your teeth. It works to protect Periodontal ligament your teeth from tooth decay. Because of Dentin the function of the teeth, the enamel on Dentin is the hard tissue that makes up Ligaments are connective tissues that your teeth is actually the hardest mineral the bulk of the internal core of each of strengthen different areas of the body in your body - even stronger than your your teeth. This part of the tooth is directly such as the joints. In the case of the teeth, bones. Despite its strength, the acids we beneath the enamel. It is naturally a yellow the periodontal ligament is a group of take in and those that result as a part of color and contains a large number of small specialized connective tissues that keep the consuming certain foods can wear away at openings that lead to the nerves and cells root of the tooth attached to the alveolar this ultra-thin protective layer. inside of the tooth. Dentin allows the tooth bone cavity where the individual tooth sits. to be moist and somewhat flexible. Starches and acids attack and soften the These fibers help the teeth withstand the surface of the enamel, and bacteria produce These tubules in the dentin make it more natural forces that occur with chewing, toxins and acids that weaken enamel. porous, and if bacteria can penetrate the biting or impact of the teeth. Combine those processes with over- enamel, it can lead to increased rotting of brushing using nylon toothbrushes and you the teeth, dentin and the pulp of the tooth.
6 Preventing Tooth Enamel Erosion - WebMD. (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-enamel-protection
3 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession
GUMS (Gingiva) as plaque. What you need to be aware of are the other They feast mainly on certain carbohydrates indications that point to the development The gums are the skin of your within our diets and other matter that of periodontal (gum) disease. Here are teeth®. They are paper-thin. In fact, you makes up (and becomes part of) the plaque. things you should watch for each day. can see your bone right through them. They function to protect the underlying bone. It If plaque is left undisturbed in your mouth, • Bleeding • Separation is the bone that holds the teeth in place. then it will begin to harden and form tartar, around the gum of the teeth The bone that is in the front of your teeth which is a hard mineral shell around the line when brushing • Loose teeth is as thin as an eggshell. The bone between gums and teeth. • Gums that are red, swollen the teeth is thicker and stronger, but that When plaque continues to build on the and/or tender is where the bacteria have a chance to surface of the tartar, it further irritates • Chronic bad breath or a • A attack if we don’t clean them out with floss and slowly erodes that healthy gum tissue. metallic taste in the mouth change in or other devices that clean This initial inflammation of the gums due • Discharge or pus of any the pattern of between the teeth. to tartar buildup is known as gingivitis. kind around the teeth your bite and gums • A change in the fit If gingivitis goes untreated, small of your partial pockets will begin to form between dentures the teeth and gums. These pockets What is Gum can house additional plaque and If you notice one or more of these Disease? bacteria, which advance the process symptoms then it’s important to consult of erosion and inflammation. with your dentist to decide on a corrective course of action before the gum disease As the problem progresses, the advances. enamel of the teeth, the gums and the supporting bone become terribly eroded. This eventually leads to severe tooth decay, periodontal disease and Gum disease (or periodontal disease)7 is possible loss of teeth. a bacterial infection that occurs in the gums, ligaments and the bone supporting the teeth where they anchor to the jaw. What Are the Symptoms? The bacteria that cause gum disease are a Unfortunately, gum disease goes unnoticed normal part of your mouth, living around in most adults and adolescents because it your gums and teeth, in a thin film known is virtually painless until the final stages.
7 “What is gum disease? - Delta Dental.”Insert Name of Site in Italics. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jun. 2016 4 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession I Don’t Have Symptoms, Diet How Do I Know If I Have Contributing An unhealthy diet is another major Gum Disease? Factors to contributing factor. This goes beyond diets high in processed sugars or other sticky It is not uncommon for most young adults Gum Disease carbs. A diet that is low in nutrients and to perceive gum disease as something that appropriate minerals leaves your body short only occurs among elderly people or those Earlier, it was mentioned that a healthy on the vitamins, minerals and energy it who do not care for their teeth at all. Most individual with good oral habits could needs to regrow and sustain healthy tissues are shocked to hear they show early signs develop gum disease and receding gums. It in the mouth - including your gums. of having it. The fact is even people with is not just poor dental care or oral hygiene fairly routine, “good” oral hygiene habits that causes decaying of the teeth and the can develop gum disease. It can also occur gums. Other contributing factors include: at any age, even in children. During regular dental examinations, your dentist will check for signs and symptoms What is Plaque? associated with gum disease. To curb Plaque is a biofilm that is soft when it its development, routine checkups are Smoking first forms. In the mouth it is a collection recommended - ideally every 6 months for of bacteria and proteins that protect the most patients. Smoking is a major risk factor that bacteria like a nest. Only direct physical damages more than just your teeth. As removal can break up the biofilm; over When you visit your dentist, they will medical professionals, the topic of smoking the counter mouthwash and toothpaste examine the color and firmness of the comes up with many patients. While it only affect the surface layer. Toothbrushes gums around each of your teeth. Teeth are can be frustrating to be read the riot act, and floss or other devices for cleaning in inspected for how tightly they sit within especially because many people know it between the teeth can break up the “nests” your jaw, and examined to see how well is unhealthy, it is not something we - as while they are still soft. If not removed they fit together when you close your teeth dentists and medical professionals - can every 12 hours the plaque will absorb or bite down. stop discussing. calcium and other salts from the saliva to Not only do the chemicals in tobacco have form calculus, which most people know Some dentists order x-rays to examine the a harmful effect on your respiratory and as tartar. Tartar should only be removed health and structure of the bone supporting cardiac function, they also deplete the by a dental professional. Plaque is EASY the teeth. Additionally, small instruments nutrients (such as vitamin C) in your body, to remove. It is not necessary to be a mad are placed between the tooth and the gums which leave you susceptible to infection brusher. The PeriClean gently removes the in order to measure the depth of pockets. and disease. soft plaque biofilm nests before they can do any damage. 5 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession toothpaste on our car’s paint. We know we women with hormonal imbalances (up to have to be careful. Car washes have become 60% of pregnant “Brushless” in the last few years. Yet cars women) can can be repaired or replaced. Our teeth are experience red, tender priceless and should last a lifetime. or bleeding gums. This Dentists recommend brushing at least twice inflammation can lead Brushing 8 daily , and they are right. What you need to more advanced It is hard to believe that caring for your teeth to change is the method and the tool. It is gum disease if not can actually damage them, but millions recommended that you stop using an old- treated properlyxii. of people around the world each year set fashioned bristled toothbrush, especially if themselves up for gum diseasexi. The first you already have tender gums or sensitive problem with brushing is that many people teeth. Even soft, traditional nylon bristled Stress Stress is a contributing factor, and it is do it improperly, too abrasively, and too brushes can erode your enamel and gums, often. This wears away the thin enamel of especially if you brush too hard or too often. something that most Americans have plenty the teeth and erodes the gums. The bone of. Stress can inhibit your body’s natural under the gums also disappears and the roots A new generation of toothbrush has been ability to fight infection, reducing the become exposed. This can cause sensitivity developed as a smart option to stop brushing effectiveness of your immune system. and allow root decay to take hold. away the enamel of your teeth and eroding your gum line, like you currently do with Other Medical Conditions Add to this the fact that not all toothbrushes bristled toothbrushes. By the way, few Various other medical conditions and outside with bristles are created equal. There are low people know that causing the enamel to wear quality tooth brushes, many of which are influences such as medications can diminish away by over brushing will allow the yellow very abrasive with arbitrary designs that do the ability of your body to fight infections. interior, the dentin, to show through and nothing to help with keeping teeth clean. This can include health conditions like thereby darken the teeth. Ancient skulls that are examined for wear diabetes or medical treatments like on the front sides of the teeth do not show radiation therapyxiii. Heart disease much wear at all. This was before there has been linked to periodontal were toothbrushes. Yes they died young but Hormones disease. The bacteria under the gums many people at their ages today already may travel through the bone marrow Hormonal imbalances and changes, such as show toothbrush disease. The ancients did surrounding your teeth to the heart. Some those occurring during pregnancy, increase get wear of the biting surfaces because of blood pressure medications have side the blood supply to some areas of the body abrasive diets. effects that cause swollen gumsxiv. - including the gums. As a result, men and We would never use a toothbrush and 8 Next to brushing, flossing every day is an important part ... (n.d.). Retrieved ly+damage+them%2C+but+millions+of+people+around+the+world+each+- ments like radiation therapy.” Web. 29 Jun. 2016 6 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession The Link Between Dental Health and Serious Diseases with Dr. Jack Gruber DD How to Prevent Gum Disease they are holding a mirror. cannot have ice cream, pizza, Every person is different, and the What they see is shocking to most snacks or any other favorite food contributing factors in their life that can of them. Nests of plaque are hiding there. ever again. Make sure your diet is balanced9 advance the onset of gum disease will vary. The brush is useless between the teeth. to include a regular, healthy dose of vital To prevent gum disease, the best advice Use floss and other interdental cleaners, nutrients from each of the food groups. is to consult with your dentist to discuss such as irrigators, special toothpicks the most appropriate course of action. In or small interdental brushes to remove Just remember that when you indulge in addition, there are things you can do on bacteria, plaque and particles of food. This foods that could negatively impact the your own to help prevent the onset of gum is the most important part of preventing health of your teeth, you need to moderate disease. bad breath, often a sign of periodontal your intake, and then clean your teeth and breakdown and disease. It’s a shame to gums. over-brush where there is less buildup and Clean Between Teeth leave behind the real culprit. Your dentist Lastly, remember to schedule regular No toothbrush can effectively clean can recommend the right tool for your oral appointments with your dentist for cleaning between teeth, where 90% of your plaque anatomy and general sensitivity. and examination of your teeth and gums. builds up quickly. Patients have come to my Professional cleaning and preventive office and told me they just brushed their checkups are the best way to reduce and teeth. I then use a small dental instrument Improve your Diet even eliminate the potential to gently clean between their teeth while This is not meant to insinuate that you for gum disease to develop. 9 “Good Nutrition is Important for Your Oral Health - Great ...” Insert Name news/good-nutrition-is-important-for-your-oral-health/>. of Site in Italics. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jun. 2016 7 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession What if I Already Have plaque but if the plaque is removed daily you are helping your gums and teeth to avoid the inflammatory reaction that leads it? Treating and to damage. Hygienists are very important in controlling early inflammation. Reversing Gum During the early stages, this is typically Disease enough to prevent the advancement of gum disease -- along with proper daily Receding gums are a symptom care of the teeth and gums at home of gum disease (periodontal and perhaps a few adjustments to your disease). The gum line begins lifestyle. to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of each tooth. If you believe you suffer from gum You will likely need to see a specialist Untreated, receding gums will disease, then consult with your dentist. or periodontist if you wait until the eventually expose the roots During the early stages of gum disease, symptoms and the disease advance. of your teeth and lead to the treatment typically begins with the Depending on the progression of the gum tooth loss and other serious removal of plaque deposits as well as the disease, surgical treatment or graft may periodontal problems. calculus in the pockets around the tooth. be necessary once the infection is under control. Your gums are the skin of Your dentist or hygienist can then smooth your teeth®. With the help the surfaces of the root, which is known as of periodontal connective root planning and root scaling. Hygienists tissue, your gums fit firmly are trained to examine the gums for and snugly against each tooth, signs of health and disease. Under the completely covering the more supervision of a dentist or periodontist the sensitive roots. Receding gums hygienist can clean the teeth and show Symptoms of expose roots, cause a loss of you how to keep them as free of plaque Receding Gums attachment between the gums as possible. Heredity plays an important and teeth and also create gaps role in how we react to the accumulated (pockets) where food may collect and bacteria may breed. 8 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession Exposed Roots The roots of the teeth are Symptoms of exposed and visible. Receding Gums Notched Teeth At the gum line, the teeth feel notched, The following are common symptoms Sensitive Teeth indicating that the gums are receding beyond of receding gums: the normal position. Teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold drinks Longer Teeth or sweet, sour or spicy foods? The Teeth appear to be longer because the more vulnerable roots of the teeth receding gums expose more of the are exposed to the usual food and teeth and their roots. temperature stimuli in your mouth. Teeth with healthy gums can comfortably handle all kinds of temperatures and spices, but exposed roots are more sensitive. Gingivitis Can Mask Receding Gums Symptoms Two-Color Teeth The covering of the roots, Gingivitis, or inflammation of known as cementum, is a different the gums, is a mild form of gum color than tooth enamel. Consequently, (periodontal) disease that may receding gums that expose roots and also indicate an underlying reveal two-color teeth. condition of receding gums. Bigger Spaces between Teeth The receding gum creates an illusion Symptoms may include: of space because the gums no longer fit as snugly around • Puffy, red or swollen gums READ THE ARTICLE: Gum Disease in Kids and Teens the teeth. • Gum bleeding while http://www.periclean.com/gum-disease-in-kids-and-teens/ brushing or flossing • Bad breath (halitosis) 9 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession Did you know the most common type of gum disease in children and adolescents is chronic gingivitis? What is chronic gingivitis? What How can I help my kids causes gum Chronic gingivitis is an inflammation avoid gum disease? or infection of the gums that can be disease? recognized by swelling, bleeding while It’s important to instill good brushing and brushing, and a change in gum color from flossing habits in children at a young age pink to red and chronic bad breath. While before they reach their teenage years. this type of gingivitis is the most common Gum disease, usually caused by plaque Additionally a healthy diet that limits the type among children, it is, fortunately, the buildup, also affects teens, not only older amount of candy and sugars children eat on least severe. However, when left untreated, adults. In fact, gum disease is the biggest a daily basis can help prevent the build-up it can turn into more severe forms of gum reason — not old age — people in the U.S. of plaque. According to the American Dental disease, periodontitis. lose their teeth. Teens are put at a higher Association, it only takes 24 hours for When you have periodontitis, gums become risk because hormonal changes make them enough bacteria to form in weak and form pockets around the base of more vulnerable to periodontal disease. the mouth to start causing your teeth. These pockets attract bacteria, Since gum disease many times causes gum disease. With regular which only further damages the gums. little to no pain or irritation, knowing the brushing and flossing and Damage can spread as far as the jawbone, signs and symptoms of gum disease will visits to the dentist, causing teeth to become loose or even fall help detect it sooner in order to treat it chronic gingivitis can be out. effectively. banished for good. 10 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession Treatment of Receding Gums dental hygienist. During the deep cleaning, a dental Overaggressive Healthy gums are the skin of your teeth®. professional also smoothes, or planes, the Brushing and Gum Treatment for receding gums, one of the exposed root area so that it is more difficult Disease first symptoms of gum disease, may be for bacteria to stick to it. An antibiotic may a non-surgical solution or one of several also be prescribed to remove any harmful From the time you were little, surgical procedures. Treatment for receding remaining bacteria. you’ve probably been told to gums restores healthy gums and helps brush your teeth. It’s an prevent more serious forms of gum disease important habit for children and that can lead to tooth loss and other health Surgery as Treatment for adults alike. But is it possible to problems. brush your teeth too much or too If you are experiencing any of these six Receding Gums hard? symptoms of receding gums, talk to your Patients with advanced cases of receding dentist about the best treatment options. gums may require surgery performed by a dentist or periodontist (a specialist that treats diseases of the gums and supporting Non-surgical Treatment structures of the teeth). One of the for Receding Gums following surgical procedures will be used, depending on the severity of the situation: For a mild case of gum recession, a deep cleaning may take care of the problem. Also Regeneration known as tooth scaling and root planning, this type of treatment for receding gums Soft Tissue Grafts Severe cases of receding removes plaque and tartar from the There are several types of gums can destroy the bone that surfaces of your teeth and roots below the soft tissue grafts, but the most supports the teeth. Regeneration is a gum line. Plaque is a biofilm, composed common one is a connective tissue surgical procedure that regenerates lost of bacteria and the sticky substances graft. During this receding gums bone and tissue. The first step, as in deep they secrete, which cover the surface of surgery treatment, your periodontist cleaning, is to fold back the gum tissue so the teeth. If you don’t do a good job of takes gum tissue from your palate (the that bacteria in the space or pocket can be removing the plaque with proper daily roof of your mouth) or from another removed. Next, the dentist or periodontist will dental care, plaque will harden into tartar donor source to cover one or more apply a regenerative material (i.e., membrane, that can only be removed by a dentist or exposed roots. This procedure graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein) to restores the gum line and stimulate the body to regenerate bone and helps reverse serious tissue so that the teeth will be secure. gum disease. Lastly, the surgeon snugly repositions the gum tissue over the tooth 11 roots and bone. Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession Are You Brushing the Right Way? Why Do You Over Brush? Who doesn’t There’s no one reason so many of us over- want a healthy do-it when it comes to brushing our teeth. smile and fresh Some unconsciously take out daily stress breath? Brushing by brushing too hard. Others try to make is a key component to making that happen. up for lost brushing time by brushing too Yet, many of us don’t brush the right way. fast. Regardless of the reason, brushing too While it seems logical that brushing longer aggressively can lead to reduced enamel, or with more force is beneficial for your receding gums and eventually gum disease. teeth and gums, the reality is it can cause a As the teeth become more sensitive and condition called toothbrush abrasion. How the gums recede, plaque gets into harder do you know if you’re not brushing the right to reach places in the mouth. Eventually, way? Some of the telltale signs are: the plaque hardens into tartar. This can cause progression into gingivitis, which is a precursor to gum disease. The best • Teeth approach is regular, gentle brushing that How To become more sensitive protects both the teeth and gums, and Overcome as the enamel wears. never forget to floss. Bad Breath • Roots become visible. You can with Dr. Jack tell because your teeth may be a How Can You Tell If Gum different color closer to the gum Gruber DDS line. Disease Is Starting to Set • Teeth appear longer because the In? gums are wearing away. • Gaps may appear between · Gums become red and swollen, which is Dr. Jack Gruber DDS discusses how to teeth as the gums inflammation and possible infection. overcome bad breath in under five minutes recede. · Gums bleed while brushing and flossing. a day. · Bad breath (halitosis) becomes consistent. Listen to the audio 12 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession The PeriClean® Ultra Soft Toothbrush (pages 28 – 32) further noted that ‘The (www.periclean.com) was compared to comparison between a conventional soft a standard soft toothbrush in a medical toothbrush and the PeriClean® Ultra Soft study that tested how well the Periclean® Toothbrush is significant to the oral health Ultra Soft Toothbrush removed plaque field because it showed us that both are from teeth and gums. The aim was to give equally effective in their ability to remove people who over-brush their teeth a safer plaque from teeth.’ Additionally, the study alternative to standard toothbrushes that noted that ‘The PeriClean® Ultra Soft can damage gum tissue and tooth enamel. Toothbrush appears to be gentler on the The study revealed that the PeriClean® gingiva and may show promise in the future Ultra Soft Toothbrush removed plaque just for preventing gingival recession.’ as effectively as the standard toothbrush. The major advantage of the PeriClean® was its extremely gentle cleaning action, which prevented injury to gum and tooth Click Here To See The Study structures. The study, published in the November 2014 issue of the “New York State Dental Journal” 13 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession Be Gentle on As they get older, after getting used to the As they get older, after getting used to the Your Gums feeling of over-brushing, they feel brushing We wouldn’t think of scrubbing the most any other way is not “working” to get the sensitive parts of our skin with a scouring plaque off. pad, so why scrub the skin of your teeth(R) with a hard bristle brush? The PeriClean But, I also knew that before I could Ultra-Soft Toothbrush just makes sense recommend patients to stop using their when it comes to treating your gums right. nylon toothbrush, there needed to be a Choose the Right So, brush your teeth smarter, instead of viable substitute. This is why I engineered harder. Use a PeriClean toothbrush to clean the first healthy alternative – the PeriClean Toothbrush your teeth as part of an active effort to Ultra-Soft Toothbrush. avoid receding gums. Not all toothbrushes are created equal. It is designed to effectively remove plaque When you go to your local drugstore you’ll with a textured surface, and the soft gel find options in a multitude of styles and Make the Change design ensures that the protective enamel price points. It can be downright confusing of the teeth, as well as the soft tissue of to figure out which one is the right option The first step toward preventing gum the gums, is not damaged. I want to Do No for you. First, it’s important to know that a disease and gum recession is to switch Harm(R). hard bristle brush can damage your tooth to a toothbrush that will not damage enamel and the Skin of Your Teeth(R) your gums. (gums). Using a soft bristle brush, such as the PeriClean Ultra-Soft Toothbrush, is a I knew I had to do something after much gentler experience for your teeth and years of seeing my patients needlessly gums. Instead of nylon bristles found on suffer from over-brushing from the nearly every toothbrush, which can irritate use of their standard nylon toothbrush. the gums, the PeriClean’s bristles are The sooner in life we start to be gentle constructed from FDA approved, high-tech, and careful with our pearly whites the BPA-free rubber that is similar to what better. Children hate to brush. Why? hygienists use to clean your teeth during Because they don’t like the feeling of the dental visits. nylon bristles on their gums. As good parents, we insist that our little ones do as they are told and brush morning and night. 14 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession recommending hard-bristled toothbrushes In my perio training there were to recommending soft-bristled, due to competing professors who argued what the rise in gum recession and sensitivity. is causing periodontal infection. Now, Periclean is taking it one step One said that if the bite is off further, by offering an Ultra- center it causes infection Soft cleaner that is safe on and the other said it is gums and teeth, no matter the bacteria. The bacteria how sensitive they may be. were proven to be the The PeriClean is made Finally, patients and dental from FDA-approved professionals could have materials, and has access to a simple tool to effective, long-lasting fight back against gum bristles and an anti- disease - and a way to bacterial handle. The maintain healthy teeth and PeriClean was designed gums without damaging their to minimize the mouth! occurrence of brushing too forcefully, and I just want to give a short thereby causing damage history of my experience to the teeth and gums. starting in 1967 when I To put the effectiveness started Dental School. of the PeriClean to the Periodontal treatment test, an experiment was was almost unknown. conducted, in which The diagnosis at participants used the that time was called PeriClean for two weeks, Pyorrhea. It is Greek culprits. After I graduated from Perio School after which their teeth were studied to for Pus Flowing. All the in 1973, people still did not know what a determine the amount of plaque that teeth were then extracted and “beautiful” periodontist was. If someone asked me remained. Following this, the participants full dentures were crafted by the dentist. what I did for a living and I said I am a used a traditional soft-bristled toothbrush The dentists called themselves “Hundred periodontist, they said “Oh you straighten for two weeks, after which the same study Percenters” (one hundred percent of the kids teeth!” Now we all know what a was conducted to determine the amount of teeth were extracted). My own family periodontist is but there is still a lot to learn plaque left over. The experiment concluded dentist warned me that I should not go into both by us in the profession and the general that the PeriClean and soft-bristled perio as a specialty because it was a big public. Let us learn together. toothbrushes are equally effective in their unknown. I love challenges like that. Over the years, dentists have moved from ability to remove plaque from teeth. 15 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession About the author Dr. Jack Gruber DDS Dr. Jack Gruber DDS is a Toothbrush, which he created renowned Periodontist whose after an overwhelming number experience spans over 40 years of patients had been coming to as a pioneer in Periodontal him with receding gums primarily Medicine. He maintains an active due to aggressively over brushing private practice and has treated their teeth and gums with a thousands of patients with all standard nylon toothbrush. Unlike forms of periodontal disease. standard nylon toothbrushes Dr. Gruber is an accomplished which can cause receding gums periodontal surgeon and trains and wear down tooth enamel dentists on how to excel in their – regardless of how soft they craft. are, the PeriClean’s patented, high-tech rubber bristles are Dr. Gruber is a leading authority extremely safe, gentle and will in the epidemic of gum recession help prevent harm to gum tissue and an accomplished instructor, or tooth enamel. The PeriClean lecturer and researcher who is the first complete redesign of contributes immeasurably to the the conventional nylon bristled field of Dentistry. toothbrush in over 77 years. Dr. Gruber is also the inventor of the PeriClean Ultra Soft Dr. Jack Gruber, DDS 16 Dr. Gruber’s Guide to Understanding and Reversing Gum Disease and Gum Recession 17