Category: gum disease

If you have sore, swollen, or even bleeding gums, you may just be dealing with it and waiting for it pass. However, gum issues may indicate an oral health issue and, in some cases, gum disease. Periodontal disease refers to conditions that affect the gums, bone, and surrounding structures of the teeth, and are actually among the most common diseases that affect humans. The most common type of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which results in bleeding and reddening of the gums, and periodontitis, which damages the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth.

Preventing and Avoiding Gum Discomfort

Brushing, as you probably already know, plays a big part in oral health. How you’re brushing can affect the health of your gums. Using a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your gums can help avoid damaging the delicate tissue. Use gentle, circular motions to clean both your teeth and the gums, above and below. Flossing is beneficial not just because it removes debris from in between your teeth that lead to cavities and plaque, but it also helps maintain healthy gums. The motion of sliding the floss carefully in between teeth can help avoid swelling and damage. Eating balanced meals regularly and drinking plenty of water also promotes gum health and decreases your risk for periodontal diseases. Finally, regular visits to the dentist will keep your gum and general oral health in check.

Signs of Gum Issues

• Swollen, bleeding, tenderness, or pain in gums
• Bright red or purplish gums
• Itchy sensation
• Receding gums (pull away from teeth)
• Loose or shifting teeth, or spaces developing between teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Consistent bad breath or bad taste
• Change in bite

Treatment

Left without proper treatment, gum disease can result in tooth loss. Additionally, research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal diseases can enter the bloodstream, causing other issues throughout the body. Treatments for gum disease include antibiotics, surgery, and scaling to remove tartar and bacteria. Root planing is another treatment which smooths out root surfaces to discourage the further accumulation of tartar and bacteria. Early detection is critical in treating periodontal disease and is a major factor in the success of treatment. Speak with your dentist right away if you begin showing any symptoms of periodontal disease.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important if you want a healthy mouth, but did you know that it could help prevent other health problems? Studies have shown that certain dental problems are linked to various diseases and conditions.

Cardiovascular Disease

In simple terms, this means heart disease. If your gums get inflamed, or you develop periodontal (gum) disease, the bacteria that cause those conditions can enter the bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart. This can cause a condition called atherosclerosis, where plaque develops on the inner walls of the arteries. This plaque may thicken and thus decrease or block blood flow through the body, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Another condition that may develop is endocarditis, where the inner lining of the heart becomes infected and inflamed.

Dementia

If you develop gingivitis, the bacteria from the disease can enter the brain, either through the bloodstream or nerve channels in the head. This could even lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Respiratory Infections

This connection might not seem obvious, but just as bacteria from infected teeth and gums can get into your bloodstream, it can also get into your lungs, leading to infections that include pneumonia.

Diabetic Complications

Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease, which in turn can worsen diabetes symptoms and make it harder to control blood sugar. Therefore, dental care is even more important for patients with diabetes. In addition to helping you keep your body healthy, maintaining a healthy smile can make you feel good by boosting your self-confidence. It’s easier to walk around with confidence when you don’t have to worry about your dental health or the appearance of your smile. Ready to improve your oral and overall health? Book an appointment for your next routine dental visit today!

No matter how good an oral health care routine you have, no one is exempt from occasional tooth pain. If you experience any pain to your teeth, here are some possible causes.

• Tooth Sensitivity – If you’re experiencing discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, you may have sensitive teeth. This could be caused by receding gums or from a thinning of the tooth enamel. You should see your dentist to find the cause of the sensitivity, but it may help to lessen the discomfort if you switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush or try using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
• Sinus Infection – If the only teeth that are hurting are your upper teeth on both sides of your face, the cause may be a sinus infection. This cause is much less common than others, but it is usually accompanied or preceded by nasal congestion and tenderness around the sinuses. If this is the case, a visit to your doctor is in order.
• Cavity or Cracked Tooth – If the pain can be described as sharp and stabbing and occurs when you bite down on your food, it could be due to a cavity or cracked tooth. Cavities are caused by the acids in plaque (formed by the combination of bacteria, food debris, saliva, and acid in your mouth) dissolving the enamel on your teeth and creating small holes.
• Abscessed Tooth – Unlike with a cracked tooth, the pain that accompanies an abscessed tooth is more throbbing or incessant. An abscessed tooth is caused by an infection located either at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum. The infection is usually a result of severe tooth decay, though it could also be due to trauma to the tooth, such as when it’s chipped or broken, or gum disease or gingivitis.

If your toothache lasts for longer than one or two days, is severe, or is accompanied by fever, earache, or pain when opening your mouth wide, it’s important to visit the dentist to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Everyone knows how important at home dental care such as brushing and flossing can be for your teeth and gums, but what role can your diet play? Your diet can be extremely important in the prevention, treatment and outcome of your oral health. Foods and beverages high in sugar have always been known to cause cavities, but what kinds of foods can actually improve your overall dental health? Take a look at these 5 great healthy foods for your teeth:

Almonds

Almonds are a great snack for your oral health, they are a great source of protein and calcium while still being low in sugar! Instead of chips, try substituting almonds and other nuts as snacks.

Carrots

Carrots are a great source of fiber and vitamin A and can help scrape debris and bacteria from your teeth. Carrots also increase saliva production, washing away additional bacteria and particles along with reducing your risk of cavities.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, spinach, etc. are full of vitamins and minerals. Calcium in leafy vegetables can help strengthen teeth and the folate found in them may aid in treating gum disease.

Celery

Celery may not seem like the most exciting snack in the world but it can be extremely beneficial for your teeth. It acts much like a toothbrush, scraping debris and bacteria off your teeth. It’s a great source of vitamin A and C along with antioxidants which can help protect gums and teeth.

Black Tea

Most people probably think tea stains your teeth, but Black Tea can, in fact, improve oral health. Polyphenols found in black tea can inhibit the growth of bacteria which leads to decay and plaque. The nutrients found in black tea can also help with chronic bad breath.

If you have been diagnosed with some level of gum disease you are not alone. Most adults will develop gingivitis or some form of periodontal disease. Problems range from simple inflammation to severe damage to the teeth, supporting bone, and soft tissue. The worst cases of periodontal disease result in tooth loss. Gum disease is a serious health issue. Research has shown that poor dental health can affect more than just your mouth. Whether the progression of gum disease stops, slows down or worsens, all depends on your oral care habits from this point on.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Human mouths are riddled with bacteria. These harmful critters, along with other particles and debris, form a sticky plaque that adheres to teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help control plaque accumulation. If this substance is not removed, it will harden and become bacteria-rich tartar, which requires professional removal. If plaque and tartar are not removed, the gums will eventually become inflamed, swollen, and bleed easily. This condition is called gingivitis. This is an early stage of gum disease that can be easily reversed. The gingivitis cure is proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Without gingivitis treatment, this condition can worsen and advance to periodontitis. At this stage, pockets of infection form around teeth, causing the gum to pull away. Tissues and bone that hold teeth in place get broken down by bacteria. Teeth can become loose and need to be removed.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

There are some easy steps you can take every day to help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease:

• Brush your teeth at least two times a day with a good fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once everyday
• Keep up with regular routine dental cleanings and check-ups
• Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
• Stay away from tobacco products

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

You might not know you have gum disease until the problem has advanced. Common signs include:

• Consistent bad breath
• Red, bleeding or inflamed gums, that are tender to the touch
• Pain or discomfort when chewing
• Loose teeth
• Teeth sensitivity

How is periodontal disease treated?

Periodontal disease treatment is designed to manage the infection. The level of gum disease will determine the type of and number of treatments needed. Regardless, proper oral hygiene habits will need to be practiced at home. In addition, certain behavior patterns will need to be adjusted, like quitting smoking. Deep cleaning through scaling or root planing may be required to remove excess plaque. Scaling involves scraping away tartar buildup above and below gums. Root planing smooths rough areas on the root of a tooth where bacteria gather and contributes to periodontal disease.

The act of gum chewing has been around since ancient times. In Greece, people would chew sap from the mastic tree. While in another part of the world, the Mayans were gnawing on the sapodilla tree sap. Native Americans in New England habitually chewed sap from the spruce tree. They learned this practice from English settlers. Nowadays, with the aid of modern technology, most civilized people no longer chew sap. Chewing gum products of today are a mixture of waxes, synthetic resins and a latex material called elastomers. This substance is added to provide elasticity; it makes gum chewy. Although gum is often characterized as candy, The American Dental Association differs. The ADA has recognized sugarless gum as a valuable cavity fighting tool.

Benefits of chewing gum

When chewing occurs in the mouth more saliva is produced. The increased amount of saliva neutralizes acids and lifts away food particles, and harmful bacteria. Acid is produced by plaque bacteria on the teeth. Over time, if not removed, plaque will harden into tartar and destroy tooth enamel, making teeth vulnerable to decay or even disease. More saliva means more protection for your teeth.

Sugar-free chewing gum

Studies have shown that people who chew sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes after eating have a significantly reduced risk of developing tooth decay. Currently, there are so many chewing gum varieties on the market claiming to offer therapeutic components. Some include properties that will re-mineralize teeth and fight cavities. Others are created to control tartar by reducing plaque and in turn, prevent gingivitis. Chewing sugarless gum can be a valuable part of your oral health routine. Keep in mind, it does not take the place of twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. That is still the most effective way to take care of your teeth and gums. Use gum chewing as an aid, especially when a toothbrush and toothpaste are not readily available.

ADA approval standards

Some gums are better suited for dental purposes than others. The ADA will only grant their seal to sugar-free gums that meet their strict guidelines. If a brand doesn’t meet the required efficacy standards they won’t receive the coveted seal. Approved sweeteners that do not cause tooth decay are aspartame, mannitol, and sorbitol. The product also needs to be shown to help reduce plaque and strengthen teeth by actively increasing saliva production. You will be sure to receive the desired chewing gum benefits if you look for the ADA seal.

There are many reasons why you should get your teeth cleaned by a dentist at least three times a year. A whitish film builds up on teeth known as plaque. Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay. This substance which is acidic in nature, eats away at the tooth enamel and if you leave this unattended, you will see cavities soon. Plaque can be effectively removed with regular and proper brushing, flossing and dental cleanings. When you have built-up plaque, gum disease becomes your next concern. Gum disease leads tooth loss and it is a major problem in adults. When gum disease progresses, plaque is able to move further down the tooth where the supporting bone in the jaw can be compromised and cause teeth to fall out. If you have good oral habits and go in for regular dental cleanings, you can greatly reduce this risk. Regular drinking of coffee, tea, wine and the usage of tobacco can stain teeth. When you go in for regular dental cleanings, these built-up stains can be removed and you will get back your bright smile. Although brushing your teeth regularly is a good thing to keep bad breath away, dental cleaning can completely remove the plaque build-up and this can give you fresher breath for a longer time. You will save a lot of money in replacing teeth and expensive treatments for your teeth if you get your teeth cleaned by a dentist regularly. Make your appointment with your dentists today – start saving and look forward to healthy teeth and gums.