Do your gums bleed when you brush?
Do you have bad breath?
Do you have a dry mouth?
Do you have yellow or stained teeth?
Bleeding gums (gingivitis) are an early warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. A few simple procedures started at home can help return your gums to a healthy state. Brush your teeth MORE not less. Keep brushing even if the gums are bleeding. Rinse with water then keep brushing. Clean between your teeth with dental floss or dental tape. As I have said before, most of the world’s dental problems can be sorted out by flossing! For about 3-4 days your gums will still bleed when you brush and feel sore but then they will feel remarkably better…so persist with the brushing and flossing. It is definitely worth the effort. My hint is to brush first so that when you floss afterwards (thinking your teeth are squeaky clean) then proceed to floss out a pantry of food from between your teeth you will understand why flossing is vital.
The bleeding is caused by plaque (food particles and bacteria) collecting on your teeth and around the gums. Plaque accumulation if ignored leads to tooth decay and also gum disease. Untreated bleeding gums can result in an advanced state of gum disease called periodontitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is a major cause of tooth loss in people older than 30.
Bad breath (halitosis) is embarrassing but it can be overcome. Anyone can get bad breath, however, women are more likely to have bad breath just before a period. Hormonal fluctuations lead to changes in the saliva and an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Bad breath can also be due to chronic sinus problems, plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, reflux or gum disease.
Treatment for bad breath includes daily flossing, brushing teeth, brushing your tongue ( everything you eat passes over your tongue as well as your teeth) quitting smoking, chewing sugar-free gum, limiting the intake of coffee and alcohol, which can worsen bad breath, having a professional clean with your dental hygienist and drinking plenty of water.
The official name for a dry mouth is xerostomia. The severity of this condition can vary from a temporary reduction in salivary flow rate eg nervousness before an exam or job interview which is relatively common, to a more permanent absence of saliva due to a medical condition. Studies have shown that as many as one in four people complain of a dry mouth. Some of the causes of a dry mouth include stress, smoking, acidic foods and drinks, caffeine, dehydration and a lack of water consumption ( have a glass of water for every coffee ), recreational sports drinks, medication, infections elsewhere in the body, radiation treatment for oral cancer, rheumatoid or autoimmune conditions (Sjogren’s syndrome). Depending on the cause, there are several professional dental products that will help.
Yellow, stained teeth in your oral environment?… that’s easy to deal with. Get a professional clean and polish with your dental hygienist, have your decayed cavities sorted out, stop smoking and have your teeth professionally whitened!
Smile by Design Team
54432888
www.smilebydesign.net.au
