A growth on the gum is a pathological formation that may be painless, but should cause alertness and concern. Any new growth should not be ignored. After all, if a person does not attach importance to the appearance of fibrous exostosis in time, then it is quite possible that the problem can only increase in scale. Then treatment with standard or traditional methods will not help, the only way out of the situation will be: surgical removal. To prevent this from happening, as soon as a growth appears on the gum, it is important to immediately seek help from a specialist.
Growth on the gum - epulis
What is meant by a cyst (growth)?
When it comes to a growth on the gum, most often in such cases we mean a formation or a cyst, which appears for no particular reason. If the growth in the mouth does not hurt, that is, when pressing on it with a finger, it does not cause discomfort, then it is called epulis (also called supragingival in professional terminology). When this neoplasm is opened, liquid and loose mass will be released. If treatment is not started quickly, then after a certain amount of time the epulis on the gum will open on its own, but first there is a transformation into a small tumor that has an exit (hole) on the surface. From it the fistulous tract goes into the neoplasms. Pus and ichor also come out through the fistula.
A growth on the gum can cause a deterioration in the patient’s general condition; the period of development of the disease is accompanied by loss of energy, frequent headaches, and enlargement of the cervical, ear, and jaw lymph nodes (those that are located near the source of infection).
What does the emergence of education indicate?
Epulis on the gums can be found in people of different age groups. And it does not always indicate that a person is developing some serious pathology. Most often it appears after the infection has been introduced into a small wound. A similar phenomenon is typical for children, because parents are not always able to ensure strict adherence to hygiene rules, especially when they play outside.
And since epulis are most often painless, it is unrealistic to diagnose their appearance immediately.
Fibrous growths on the gums can also be found during teething. At this time, all factors are present that contribute to the penetration of microbes and bacteria into the gum cavities (putting various objects into the oral cavity, dirty hands, decreased immunity and the formation of small wounds in the gums), and as a result the development of various diseases, including gastrointestinal tract. These actions are repeated by the baby in order to relieve pain and irritating itching in the place where new teeth appear.
Growths during teething
Main characteristics
- In people suffering from a similar disease, fibrous epulis looks like slightly enlarged gums that extend beyond the teeth. This brings some discomfort.
- The growth on the gum is described as a tumor or process of a deep red hue.
- If a benign growth is diagnosed in an adult, then its size does not exceed 3 millimeters. It begins from a small inflammatory process (which may be preceded by microtrauma), then there is compaction and an increase in the size of the growth.
The following types of epulis on the gums are classified.
Name and description of growths
Angiomatous
This type of growth occurs in children under 10 years of age. It looks like a reddish cyst. Such exostosis on the gum is soft and rough, and if you lightly press on it, ichor will come out of it. The main uniqueness of this process is that it can not only quickly increase in size, but also appear again after removal.
Angiomatous epulis on the gum
Fibrous
A growth on the gum that does not differ in color. It is characterized by slow development and slight discomfort. It is painless, that is, if you press on it, a person will not feel it pain, it is also soft and does not bleed.
giant cell
An elastic process from the gums, red-bluish in color. Exostoses are formed from alveolar bone growth or gingival mucosa. This type the most difficult, because it appears and grows to impressive sizes very quickly. And this leads to constant secretion of ichor and injuries.
Giant cell epulis
Gingivitis
This is another type of tumor that can appear due to non-compliance with all hygiene rules. In itself, it is not too dangerous, but if treatment is not started on time, then the current situation will transform into more complex diseases. Epulis removal is only one method of treating gingivitis.
Exostosis
A white growth that appears after poor oral care. If cleaning is poor, small particles of food remain between the teeth, which begin to decompose over time. Putrefactive microorganisms, even with minor injuries, begin to penetrate the wound, after which small swellings appear. They will begin to develop between the teeth and gums.
Reasons for the development of growths
The factors that provoke the growth of cysts are very different, but they all lead to the same result: the gums are affected by ulcers or tumors (soft or hard). Some are treatable, while others, on the contrary, only need to remove fibrous tissue that negatively affects the tooth, gum, and bone formations.
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.
- Dentition disorder (it can be acquired during life or congenital).
- Pathology of the bone structure of the jaw, this may be the result of trauma. Exacerbation chronic diseases in adults.
- People abuse alcohol and cigarettes, and as a result warts or white tumors appear.
- Disruption of the normal functioning of internal organs.
- Another reason for the development of diseases can be the individual reaction of the body to an external stimulus.
- Traumatic situations (tooth fracture) or tissue scratches.
- Infection acquired after surgery in a dental clinic.
- Periodontitis. Poor quality service (the filling in the tooth is poorly placed).
Common wart on the gum
Nuances of the therapeutic process
A tumor on the gum should only be examined and treated by a doctor. Since only a dentist, based on x-rays of the bone structure and tissue histology, can give a clear indication of how treatment can be carried out.
It is easiest to carry out therapy on a process that was diagnosed in initial stage. As soon as it appears and the person goes to the doctor, he immediately selects drug treatment. But if nothing can be done about the growth; it was initially soft, but the patient waited until it became hard, then the only way out of the situation is to remove the tooth in the area of damage.
Laser treatment of epulis
It involves methods of rinsing the cavity that forms in the gum tissue and jaw bone structure. The whole procedure is carried out using a fistula canal, into which various antiseptic solutions are poured. This treatment uses new generation antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapy. Bone growth washed until all bactericidal microorganisms in the epulis are removed.
For quick recovery, a specialized paste is injected into the root canal and cyst cavity. In addition to the regeneration process, this paste helps to resist recurrent disease. That is, a person does not need to be afraid that a new bone or white formation may soon appear that will need to be removed.
Bone growth on the side of the gum
Is it possible to carry out treatment on your own?
In the fight against growths that protrude from bone tissue, traditional medicine is only a help to official therapy. Decoctions and tinctures can be used to accelerate tissue regeneration after conservative (partial) or surgical medical intervention. For this, calendula, oak bark, sea buckthorn, chamomile, and violet are used. Even when white sores appear, which have a hard structure, you can rinse your mouth soda solution, at severe swelling You can use sea salt.
Traditional healers offer another treatment option: natural-based ointments (sorrel, yarrow, Kalanchoe, aloe, tansy, sweet clover, dandelion root).
They can be applied as soon as a hard growth appears, that is, on the affected area.
Danger
Many people do not attach importance to these neoplasms, since the bone tissue is soft, there is a slight swelling, but there is no “smell” of growth here yet, and as soon as it appears, they still wait until it is overgrown with a hard shell, although the infection has already entered deep into gum. Self-medication in such cases only leads to removal. After all, the disease begins to progress, harmful microorganisms penetrate even deeper into the dental pulp, from there they reach the inner bone tissue through small root canals.
Gum tumor - cyst degeneration
The next stage of development is osteomyelitis. During which a person develops a lot of other symptoms, such as increased body temperature, general weakness, and enlarged lymph nodes. This complication is typical for children.
In addition, infection from hard bone tissue can circulate throughout the body. Indeed, during inflammatory processes, a stronger blood flow is directed to the affected area. Lymphocytes collect and settle in the cavity as a purulent secretion, after which everything comes out through the canal. The most dangerous consequence- blood poisoning Given its close location to the brain, pus can easily reach there too. And this will lead to irreparable and sometimes fatal consequences.
Preventive measures
The main preventive measure is timely contact with a specialist. In addition, you need to know the following simple, but no less effective rules of care:
- Brush your teeth twice a day mandatory, in addition to this, you can use dental floss and herbal decoctions.
- After eating, you need to rinse your mouth (if possible, do this with soda, salt, herbal or pharmaceutical product, you can still chew gum).
- In order to prevent injury to gum tissue, promptly eliminate all discomfort factors while wearing dentures or braces.
- Once every 4–6 months, undergo examination and therapy in dental clinics.
Neoplasms appearing in oral cavity, do not tolerate disdain.
Indeed, in addition to pain, they poison the body, which leads to the development of other inflammatory processes, including internal organs. There is no need to solve the problem yourself; it is best to entrust your health to a specialist. Then you can avoid a lot serious problems and consequences. The expression will pass on its own; it does not fit this situation.
Source: zubnoimir.ru
In children, oral diseases appear quite often, since in the first years of life they are actively cutting teeth, and children constantly pull various objects into their mouths. Attentive mothers and fathers immediately notice if something is wrong in the child’s mouth, for example, a strange growth has appeared on the gum. Why does this formation occur and how to get rid of it?
What is this
Most often, parents are faced with a situation where a red growth appears on the child’s gum. Such a formation can cause discomfort in children and interfere with eating, and sometimes bleeds, but it happens that the red growth does not bother the baby.
Also, many children may develop white growth quite dense structure.
Reasons for appearance
A growth on a child’s gum may occur:
- When a new tooth erupts. As a rule, before the first tooth appears in a baby's mouth, a small growth first appears in the mouth. Also, a growth may appear above a baby tooth when the time has come for the permanent one to erupt, but the baby tooth has not fallen out. In such a situation, the molar tries to erupt higher, which at first looks like a growth.
- In case of untreated caries, if the infection has penetrated into the deep tissues of the tooth and caused a complication such as periodontitis. With it, pus forms in the gum tissue, which, in search of a way out, forms a red lump under the mucous membrane. Gradually, in the center of such a growth appears white dot, and then it all becomes purulent and, if left untreated, breaks through, as a result of which a hole (fistula) is formed in the gum.
- Due to trauma, for example, if the child hits the gums, scratches them with something sharp, has a broken bite, or has a filling installed incorrectly. In such a situation, the baby develops a formation called epulis or supragingival. This is a benign growth that does not bother the baby and does not hurt if you press on it. It is reddish, soft to the touch and has a rough surface, and may bleed when pressed. This type of epulis is called angiomatous. There is also a fibrous supragingival tissue, which is a dense round or oval growth that does not bleed when pressed. Less common is the giant cell form, which is distinguished by its red-blue color and tuberosity, as well as ease of injury.
- When a cyst appears on the gum. Such a growth will have a fairly dense structure, since the cyst often contains fluid inside, and an unpleasant odor may come from the child’s mouth.
- When a tumor develops on the gum. Although quite rare, a growth in a child can be a symptom of cancer.
What to do
It is impossible to ignore the appearance of any formations on a child’s gums, therefore, when a growth appears, the baby should be immediately shown to the dentist. Only a qualified doctor can determine why a child has such a problem and how to properly treat it. Any folk remedies can only be used as a complement to the treatment prescribed by the dentist.
If the doctor determines that the growth is represented by a teething tooth, he will only give recommendations on oral hygiene and elimination of the uncomfortable manifestations of the teething process. If the growth is caused by an infection, the dentist will immediately begin to treat the teeth to prevent it from spreading in the oral cavity.
For deep root infection baby tooth in most cases, the tooth itself is removed to prevent bacteria from penetrating the permanent tooth bud.
In a situation where the growth turns out to be a cyst that is bothering the child, it is most often removed. In addition, the cyst can become inflamed and infected, which is also a reason to remove it before such a formation becomes a source of infection in the mouth. Surgical treatment is also used when epulis is detected.
Epulis on the gums does not hurt and practically does not bother a person, so it is often detected by chance. The disease is not dangerous, but with chronic trauma it can become malignant. Therefore, when it is detected or occurs unpleasant symptoms you should consult a doctor.
Causes
There are many reasons why a growth appears on the gum. The main one is considered to be trauma to the tissues or mucous membrane into which microorganisms penetrate - with their pathological effects, tissue proliferation occurs. For example, a growth may form on the gum after tooth extraction if the dentist’s working conditions were not sterile.
Other causes of the disease in adults:
- presence of bad habits;
- unsatisfactory hygienic care;
- dental anomalies;
- malocclusion;
- dental diseases;
- chronic periodontitis;
- hormonal changes;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- soft tissue damage.
The disease often occurs in children, which is associated with changing teeth or more high level traumatic.
The reasons for the appearance of a formation on the gums of a child:
- period of mixed dentition;
- teething;
- dental diseases: caries, periodontitis;
- violations of the bite and position of the teeth.
Children also experience growth on the gums after. After the procedure, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations and not touch the wound, but children often put foreign objects in their mouths, as a result of which tissue becomes infected.
Types of formations on the gums
The formation on the gum looks like an area that has grown and extended beyond the gingival margin. The growth may look like a small tumor or wart and be red or pink color. Experts distinguish several types of epulis:
- Angiomatous epulis looks like a red, rough growth. The formation is soft to the touch and may bleed when pressed. Most often, parents note that the growth appeared in children during the period of mixed dentition (5–10 years). It is formed when the blood vessels of the gums grow. The disease is dangerous because it can quickly increase and reoccur after removal.
- Fibrous epulis on the gum has a dense structure, pink color and resembles normal gum. Education is growing slowly and does not bring painful sensations even with pressure.
- Hygintocellular the growth has a specific appearance: a lumpy surface, red or bluish color, elastic structure. Epulis can reach significant sizes. When injured, bleeding occurs, and with chronic injury there is a risk of malignancy. It occurs more often in people 40–60 years old.
A benign formation grows slowly, does not cause discomfort, and is small in size.
- rapid increase in growth on the gum;
- large epulis size;
- inflammation and formation of purulent exudate;
- constant traumatization and bleeding of the formation;
- the occurrence of diseases of adjacent teeth.
Which doctor treats a growth on the gum?
The dentist treats the disease. A dentist of any specialization can conduct a consultation: therapist, periodontist, orthopedist, orthodontist, surgeon. But the treatment and removal of the growth is carried out by a surgeon.
When visiting a specialist, a thorough examination and tests are carried out, and an anamnesis of life and illness is collected. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe tests, additional methods research and consultation with other specialists.
Treatment of epulis on the gum
Medication and surgery epulis on the gum should only be performed by a specialist. Self-medication can injure the formation and cause complications.
Surgical treatment is a minor operation with local anesthesia, which involves removing the growth.
Removal can be done by excision with a scalpel or laser. The second option is less traumatic and more preferable. The operation is considered simple and takes about 30 minutes. The intervention is carried out after testing and diagnosis. If you suspect malignancy The removed tissue is sent for biopsy or histological examination.
After removing the growth on the gum, you need to carry out drug treatment and follow the doctor’s recommendations:
- perform high-quality dental hygiene;
- wash the wound with antiseptics;
- rinse the mouth;
- stick to a diet;
- use anti-inflammatory drugs;
- when prescribed by a doctor, use antibiotics to prevent complications;
- use local wound healing agents.
Is treatment possible at home?
Treating the disease at home is almost impossible or ineffective. In addition, when improper therapy complications may arise. The best solution would be to consult a specialist.
Application of funds traditional medicine will help relieve inflammation from tissues and speed up recovery after surgical excision of the lump.
Can be carried out next treatment Houses:
- Rinsing the mouth with decoctions medicinal herbs(St. John's wort, chamomile, sage, calendula, oak bark). Healing herbs have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
- Rinsing with a solution of baking soda and salt helps relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Using ointments based on herbs and vitamins to heal the wound.
With absence professional treatment the infection can spread - the gums, periosteum, bone, and lymph nodes are affected. Treatment of complications will be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, you should consult a doctor in time and carry out the treatment prescribed by him.
Consequences
If left untreated, the growth on the gum will increase and sooner or later it will begin to bother you. The appearance of bleeding, pain, and discomfort may indicate degeneration pathological process in tissues into malignant.
With improper treatment or its absence, other unpleasant complications may occur:
- inflammation of the gums;
- , periodontitis, periostitis;
- lymphadenitis - inflammatory lesion lymph nodes;
- spread of infection in the oral cavity and body;
- development of dental diseases.
Prevention
Seal on the gums occurs due to various reasons, and to prevent the disease, you should adhere to preventive measures. Prevention includes regular visit dentist to check the oral cavity, treat diseases, carry out...
A necessary condition for maintaining the health of the oral cavity and the body as a whole is high-quality and regular hygiene care. it is necessary in the morning and in the evening, for this you should use products selected by a specialist.
After eating, it is advisable to rinse the mouth with water or. Before going to bed, you should use dental floss to clean between your teeth.
After removal of teeth or other surgical interventions It is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations and observe the postoperative period. If complications or pain occur, consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
We can conclude that epulis on the gums is not a dangerous disease, but requires qualified assistance. The disease may not bother you, exist for years and be detected by chance. Since there is a risk of complications and infection entering the body, proper and complete treatment should be carried out.
Useful video about excision of growth on the gum
Quite often, patients turn to dentists with the question: a lump has appeared on the gum, does it hurt, what is it? Any neoplasm in the oral cavity is usually considered a pathology. Healthy gums have an even pale pink color, a clear and even texture, without any bumps or tumors. Under no circumstances should a growth that appears on the gum be ignored, even if it does not bother you at all. Such neoplasms, as a rule, are the consequences of various pathologies developing in the oral cavity. A hard lump on the gum can eventually develop into a malignant tumor and lead to very serious consequences.
What is a bulging gum seal? If the lump on the gum does not hurt, then most likely it may be a manifestation of the following pathologies:
- fistula - looks like a white lump on the gum and has an exit hole;
- - on an x-ray it looks like a mushroom-shaped formation with a cap on the gum and a stalk towards the root or neck of the tooth;
- exostosis - pathological bone growths;
- - manifested by the formation of a hard lump on the gum;
Sometimes, after the removal of a molar, a hematoma appears on the gum in the form of a hard reddish lump. Each of the above pathologies should be distinguished.
What is a fistula
A fistula most often appears in advanced forms of periodontitis. This disease most often develops due to non-compliance. In this case, the gums grow abnormally (hyperplasia) and become loose. Pathogenic microorganisms easily settle in such tissue, causing inflammation. First, a small whitish bulge appears. If the accumulating pus does not find a way out, then due to the pressure inside the cavity, severe aching pain occurs. This is an acute form of fistula. It is treated surgically followed by lavage. Under local anesthesia a small incision is made on the gum and rinsing antiseptics(for example, Furacilin).
If left untreated, the lump sometimes bursts on its own, releasing pus into the oral cavity. With free flow of pus pain syndrome disappears, but in this case the fistula becomes chronic and does not heal on its own. Treatment of fistulas chronic form- the process is much longer. In this case it is also deleted surgical methods or cauterized with chemical reagents. After the operation, the patient must be prescribed antibiotics. wide range actions and rinsing the mouth with Furacilin or a solution of iodized salt. It is necessary to treat the fistula, otherwise the development of the inflammatory process can lead to loss of even healthy teeth.
What is epulis
Epulis is a white tumor-like formation. It may look like a lump on the gum above the tooth. If epulis formed on lower jaw, then it looks like a white bump on the gum under the tooth. This pathology can occur in both adults and children. In babies, the formation of epulis is often observed during teething. Women suffer from this disease three times more often than men. Epulis occurs mainly over the incisors and premolars. The main reason for the appearance of bumps of this kind is long-term trauma to the gums due to an uncomfortable filling, sharp edges of a decayed tooth, large tartar, or an incorrectly made prosthesis. Factors contributing to the occurrence of epulis are malocclusion, incorrectly positioned teeth, and various hormonal disorders.
Depending on the clinical symptoms There are fibromatous, angiomatous and giant cell epulis. Fibromatous and angiomatous epulis develop as a pathological proliferation of gum tissue in response to chronic inflammation. Giant cell epulis can develop from both gum tissue and alveolar bone.
- Fibromatous epulis is usually the color of healthy gums, can be round or irregular in shape, and has a stalk that is attached to the teeth. This is a painless and non-bleeding formation.
- Angiomatous epulis is different rapid growth, bright red color and bleeding, which occurs even with mild injury. The lump in this case is formed in the area of the tooth neck and has a relatively soft consistency.
- Giant cell epulis - this formation is also painless, distinguished by its purple color and elasticity. It grows slowly, is easily injured and bleeds. The surface is lumpy due to healed erosions and ulcers.
First of all, when treating epulis, the traumatic factor is eliminated. The formation itself is removed only surgically under local anesthesia. After removal, the wound is cauterized with a laser or chemicals in order to prevent relapse, then treated with an antiseptic. The disease can be avoided by preventing injury to the gums.
Symptoms and treatment of exostosis
Exostoses are pathological bone outgrowths that can form on the palate, the inner surface of the lower jaw, and the alveolar processes. In many cases, these formations are practically invisible. Sometimes they can be felt by the tongue as firm, smooth bumps on the gums. Exostoses are completely painless, but tend to increase over time. In rare cases, these neoplasms become malignant. The exact causes of this pathology have not yet been clarified. Of the factors contributing to the development of this disease, note genetic predisposition, abnormal structure of the jaw, injuries (fractures, bruises) of the jaw, complications after incorrect tooth extraction and other surgical dental operations.
If exostosis does not cause discomfort, dentists usually do not recommend taking any action regarding these formations. However, if it is necessary to install prostheses, exostoses must be removed, since any prosthesis will injure soft fabrics in the area of pathological bone growth. In addition, it should be borne in mind that these formations can increase in size. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. Bone outgrowths are cut down using a drill or laser scalpel. The surface of the jawbone is then ground down to its normal shape.
Infectious diseases that cause bumps on the gums
Periodontitis in most cases occurs with massive tooth destruction and unfilled dental canals. Once on the root of the tooth, pathogenic microorganisms cause inflammation of the soft tissues in this area, which leads to the formation of a granuloma or cyst, which looks like dense lump on the gum. In acute infectious process A strong aching pain may be felt, but over time the pain goes away or decreases significantly. If treatment is started at the onset of the disease, then cleaning the canals and removing carious tooth tissue is usually sufficient. Then the canals are carefully filled and a filling is placed on the crown.
In the case of a chronic process, the root canals are expanded and treated with an antiseptic. Then a temporary filling with medicinal material is placed and a course of antibiotics is prescribed. After about a week, the temporary filling can be replaced with a permanent one with preliminary filling of the root canals. In some cases, if the tooth is under a crown, surgeons resort to surgical treatment periodontitis. In this case, under local anesthesia, an incision is made in the gum in the area of the diseased tooth. Then the tip of the tooth root affected by the cyst is cut off with a drill and ground. To prevent the development of inflammatory processes, a course of antibiotics is prescribed, and starting from the third day after surgery, rinsing the mouth with disinfectants. For these purposes, a diluted alcohol solution of Chlorphilipt, a solution of Furacilin, or infusions of herbs that have antiseptic properties(sage, chamomile, calendula).
In the case of advanced periodontitis, pus may not break out through the soft tissue of the gums, but accumulate around the jaw bone, causing inflammation of the periosteum. In this case, a massive formation in the form of a tumor, known as gumboil, forms on the gum. In dentistry this disease is called. If left untreated, this pathology may be accompanied by increased body temperature, enlarged local lymph nodes, and in some cases acute pain.
With improper care of the oral cavity and teeth, a disease such as gingivitis often develops. In addition to swelling and redness of the gums, the symptoms of this disease often include the formation of small red bumps on the gums, which are easily injured even by a toothbrush and often bleed profusely. A lump can form on the gum in the space between the teeth or above the tooth, but it does not hurt. Treatment for gingivitis involves a dentist and subsequent careful oral hygiene at home.
Treatment of periostitis takes several months. First of all, the crown (if any) and the old filling are removed, then the root canals are cleaned and expanded, creating an opening for the pus to escape. Prescribe rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions and a course of antibiotics. When the flux goes away, a temporary therapeutic filling material is placed for 2–3 months. Then the channels are washed again and placed permanent filling. Unfortunately, this disease very often relapses. In case of frequent relapses, the tooth on the root of which a cyst has formed must be removed.
A painless lump on the gum may occur due to the formation of subgingival tartar. In this case, the bumps may have an irregular elongated shape, a whitish color, or the color of healthy gums (depending on the location of the stone). Such bumps are most often found on the inner surface of the gums under the incisors on the lower jaw or on the outer surface of the gums above the molars on the lower jaw. upper jaw. The cause of tartar formation is insufficient or improper brushing of teeth. The lack of treatment for this pathology over time leads to the development of such a serious disease as periodontitis, in which even healthy teeth become loose and there is a high probability of their loss. Treatment consists of removing tartar mechanically, to which Lately are resorted to less and less often, or with the help of an ultrasound machine. The latter method is absolutely painless, does not damage tooth enamel and disinfects the treated area of the gum.
Since most problems in the oral cavity, including the formation of painless lumps on the gums, arise due to insufficient hygiene oral cavity, it is necessary to follow the following rules from childhood:
- Brush your teeth twice a day every day. The first time after breakfast, the second time before bed.
- The procedure for cleaning your teeth and mouth should take at least 3–5 minutes. Teeth need to be cleaned from all sides.
- In addition to the teeth, a toothbrush should be used to clean the gums, the mucous membrane of the inner surface of the cheeks and the tongue.
- The brush should be clean, with properly selected bristles. It is necessary to change your toothbrush once every three months, as various bacteria also accumulate on it.
- To clean the space between the teeth, you must use floss (dental floss). It is advisable to carry out this procedure after every meal.
- After snacks throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum. You can chew it for no more than 15 minutes.
- Limit your consumption of sweets. It is the sweet environment that promotes the accelerated proliferation of all pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity. Therefore, frequent consumption of products from the confectionery industry inevitably causes various diseases of the teeth and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
Even in the absence of troubling problems, it is necessary to undergo a preventive examination with a dentist at least once every six months. It is not uncommon to discover on your own developing disease fails. This can only be done by a professional after a thorough examination. Early treatment will help maintain healthy teeth and avoid various serious complications.
Tartar (calculus dentalis) is a growth with a high content of mineral elements, which is located directly on the surface of the pellicle. When examining the oral cavity, it can be found near the cervical area of the tooth: a rough neoplasm of a yellowish or gray color - this is a stone.
The stone grows into the alveolar area, begins to peel off the gums and enlarges the periodontal pocket. If left untreated, the formation can lead to caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.
The first symptoms of stone formation are bleeding and itching of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth and roughness of the enamel.
Tartar on teeth begins its formation with the appearance of soft protein masses on the surface of the teeth. Hard growths begin to form in places where soft deposits are localized in the absence of independent cleansing from chewing food.
Soft plaque is a loose whitish accumulation above the base of the gums, containing streptococci, lactobacilli and others anaerobic microorganisms, breaking down collagen. According to scientists, the purpose of dental plaque is that it is a physical and bacteriological protection of the enamel surface from pathogenic microflora. But as a result of objective conditions, individual characteristics Negative transformations occur in the biochemical composition of the plaque.
In the process of their development, sediments are increasingly embedded in gingival sulcus, strengthen, become saturated with minerals, acquire a dirty yellow tint and block the enamel’s access to oxygen. An oxygen-free space becomes a favorable microclimate for the intensive proliferation of anaerobic pathogenic bacteria, which ultimately leads to gum inflammation. Inflammatory process in gum tissue is a natural reaction of the body to toxic waste from anaerobic microorganisms.
The presence of microorganisms in soft deposits provokes the release of acid, which causes the destruction of enamel and the appearance of caries.
Due to the mineralization of soft deposits by the elements phosphorus, calcium and fluorine, the build-up hardens. The period of transformation of soft deposits into tartar lasts approximately 3 months.
Important! “Tartar often begins to appear in adolescence“This is due to a hormonal surge, in which there is a significant increase in pathogenic bacteria due to increased nutrition of hormonal regulators.”
Classification of rock deposits
Stones on teeth differ in location:
- Supragingival calculus is located directly above the crestal edge of the gum tissue and is easily diagnosed during examination of the oral cavity. This is a hard growth of a milky or yellowish hue; the color range can vary due to eating preferences or smoking.
- Subgingival calculus appears under the gum tissue and is localized on the root membrane. It cannot be determined by a simple examination of the teeth; only a dentist can diagnose the growth by probing the gum grooves.
The composition of dental plaque above and below the gum is approximately the same and consists of:
- hydroxyapatites,
- magnesium apatite,
- brushita,
- calcium phosphates;
- epithelium;
- pathogenic microorganisms.
The process of development of hard growths
Pathogenic microorganisms attach to the pellicle due to enzymatic amplification. Over time, colonies of bacteria connect, dense bacterial structures begin to appear, in which the microbes themselves can perform different functions. Calcination of a stone begins with the modification of an amorphous colony of bacteria by the method of its crystallization and the subsequent layering of new substances.
The mechanism of mineralization is a structured interaction of bacterial, physicochemical and biological factors. With the participation of pathogenic microorganisms, precipitation from the salivary fluid causes the formation of hydroxyapatites and other needle-like crystals. The precipitation of salts is caused by the action of decay products of anaerobic bacteria.
Scientists have established a relationship between salivation and calcification of dental plaque. Daily norm The salivary fluid secreted should average about 2 liters. If the amount of discharge is exceeded, then the most intense lime deposition begins.
Important! “The stone begins to form on the enamel structure within two hours after eating, and after a few days it occupies more than half of the crown area.”
Etiology of stone growth development
In addition to the composition and intensity of salivation, unilateral chewing of food plays a significant role in the formation of stone; this occurs in the absence of antagonist teeth or due to inflammation and sensitivity of the gums when biting, which prevents the self-cleaning of plaque.
The causes of hard plaque may be incorrect positioning of the dentition, poorly installed fillings, and they may also be a consequence of the use of orthodontic dentures.
The formation of hard tartar is greatly influenced by diet: dental growth cannot appear when eating hard and rough foods, and vice versa, their development is accelerated by soft food.
Lack of thorough oral hygiene also creates optimal conditions for rapid stone formation.
What causes a hard stone build-up:
- metabolic disorganization;
- irregular hygiene procedures;
- incorrectly selected brush for hygiene procedures;
- predominance of soft foods in the diet;
- taking medications;
- diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- pH level in saliva;
- microcirculation in gum tissues;
- excessive salivation and viscosity of salivary fluid;
- malocclusion.
Symptoms of the appearance of hard stone growths
Supragingival stone located in the medial areas directly above the gum tissue. The stone has a milky or beige tint (the color varies depending on the coloring pigments), and has a hard consistency. The growth on the crown of the tooth belongs to salivary formations: since the minerals and organic elements of saliva saturate the plaque and thereby form a hardening. The stone can be located on individual or all surfaces, create a bridge-like arch, and in the absence of antagonists, affect the occlusal (chewing) part.
The maximum location of deposits is opposite the parotid canal and in the lingual region next to the excretory section of the submandibular salivary gland.
Subgingival stone may form in gingival or periodontal grooves. The deposit is not visible during examination, so probing of the pockets is used for diagnosis. The stone located under the gum has a beige or green tint, it is firmly attached to the surface of the cervical area of the root and has a hard texture.
The gum substance saturates with minerals and crystallizes the plaque, and since the sulcular fluid is identical in structure to blood serum, it is classified as a serum variety.
Important! “The appearance of stones is often accompanied by bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity may increase.”
Therapeutic dentistry
Professional therapy includes comprehensive resection of hard and soft growths different methods depending on the etiology of education. Stone is removed by mechanical and hardware methods from the surface of the enamel and in the gingival and periodontal grooves.
Soft dental growths are removed by rinsing with antiseptic agents using hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate.
To remove hard plaque manually, the following means are used:
- sharp excavator;
- silicone polishers;
- curettes (curettage spoons);
- handyblaster is a special dental powder for softening stone build-up.
The process of stone removal itself occurs in a certain order:
- the teeth are coated with a special solution to soften tartar;
- cleaning is carried out from the bottom row of the distal surface of the right eight;
- growths are removed in the medial direction to the premolars;
- The next step is to clean the left side of the dentition and complete the procedure with the lower premolars.
- The upper arch teeth are cleaned from the distal surface of the left eighth molar, then moved to the right side and completed with premolars.
Important! “It is advisable to remove dental deposits in dental clinic and at least once every six months, then it will be possible to prevent the formation of stones.”
Hardware procedures for cleaning teeth
Air Flow– sandblasting machine, removes medium-hard tartar. The cleaning process occurs due to the fact that under strong pressure an abrasive mixture of sodium bicarbonate, an air stream and water is directed through the tip onto the surface of the teeth.
Ultrasonic cleaning– a device with a scaler tip produces ultrasound, with the help of which stone growths are crushed into the smallest elements. The device destroys deposits on the surface of the crown and under the gum.
Laser cleaning– is based on the use of long laser waves, which remove stone deposits layer by layer. The procedure has not only a cleansing, but also an anti-inflammatory and healing effect.
Consequences of tartar
Tartar causes maximum harm not only to the enamel, but also to the gums, jawbone and general condition body.
With prolonged exposure to tartar on the gum surface, gingivitis begins to develop. Gingivitis occurs due to disruption of normal fluid circulation in the gum tissue. Untreated gingivitis often leads to the formation of periodontitis, which entails bleeding gums, suppuration, exposure of the tooth root and subsequent tooth loss.
The enamel is also susceptible to the harmful effects of hard deposits. Due to numerous factors, including oxygen starvation, the presence of anaerobic bacteria and acid damage, caries begins to develop.
The mucous membrane in the presence of stone deposits becomes susceptible to the development of inflammation, the formation of stomatitis, erosion and follicles.
Dental plaque can also provoke the development of diseases. respiratory tract, stomach and intestines and reduce the body's resistance to pathogenic bacteria.
Timely removal of plaque is an important measure to prevent periodontitis, gingivitis, caries and many other diseases. Dental calculus can be considered as an infectious lever, which at any moment can trigger the mechanism of a chronic disease.
Preventive measures
For the transformation of dental growths into stone, the reasons can be varied, but in any case, it is necessary to first pay attention to hygienic procedures.
Daily brushing of teeth with a stiff toothbrush, hygienic paste with abrasive elements and flossing after every meal will reduce the risk of stone formation by 50%.
Important! “The plaque is not washed off with water and is not completely eliminated with poor quality hygiene procedure Therefore, when choosing hygienic brushes, it is recommended to give preference to products with hard bristles and hard, rounded edges.”
Eating a balanced diet, reducing the amount of soft, carbohydrate-rich foods and focusing on healthy, solid foods for thorough chewing and brushing will help prevent plaque mineralization.
If any pathologies appear in the oral cavity: increased sensitivity of teeth, bleeding gums, appearance unpleasant odor from the mouth - you should immediately consult a dentist to identify the cause and timely treatment pathology.
