Posts Tagged ‘gingivitis’

Are You At Risk for Gum Disease…

Monday, June 1st, 2009

You cannot lapse when it comes to your oral health, because gum disease has been tentatively linked to severe health problems. Heart disease, cancer and even dementia are very real worries, it pays to arm yourself with knowledge.

Sub par oral hygiene is not always the real cause of periodontal disease. Lot’s of people brush and floss regularly but still develop this problem. It won’t do to blame yourself.

Yes, it is true that the regular habits we were taught are helpful, but I think it is unwise to rely on brushing and flossing alone. I certainly would not discard them, but on the other hand, it is likely that you are going to need more than just brushing and flossing to protect your dental health.

Yes, You have got to remove dental plaque on a regular basis. Not doing this will allow plaque to build and inevitably form tartar. That will also lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can cause periodontal disease.

Here are just a few of the many risk factors for developing gum disease:

Smoking is a risk factor for this disease. Studies have shown the strong link between tobacco use and many oral illnesses. The smoke is destructive to your body’s tissues and this is true in the mouth as well.

Hormonal changes are a risk factor as well.

Stress can lead to gum disease as well. It is well known to result in a variety of health problems. Gum disease can be added to that list.

At the end of the day, periodontal disease is a problem that many will face.  This is not a disease of aging, but by age 65, the Mayo Clinic predicts that 95% of people will have it.  Be forwarned: This is not a disease of aging.It can be found in 6 – year olds as well.  Start taking the necessary steps to prevent this disease today.

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Gingivitis – Don’t Let It Take Hold…

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

If you find blood on your toothbrush, even when brushing your teeth gently, you could be suffering from gum disease. This is an inflammation of the gums caused by anaerobic bacteria that live under dental plaque.

It can be found between the gaps in the gums and the teeth and on the teeth themselves. Additional symptoms of gingivitis may include but are not exclusive to a bright red or shiny appearance of the gums, receding gums, and gums that are tender when touched.

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease. This infection is able to destroy the supporting tissue of the teeth if it is left unattended. Unfortunately, if things get worse, a person’s teeth may become loose. Once the situation has gone too far, teeth can come out. This is sad because we do not yet have a way to replace living teeth.

There is mounting evidence from medical research that gum disease may make people more prone to heart disease, some cancers, stroke and other disease. Our bodies were not made to respond to long term inflammatory problems which is what gum disease can often mean to a person who doesn’t know they have it or is unable to rid themselves of it.

The dental plaque accumulates in the gaps between the gum and teeth and after a while forms tartar. This means apart from a normal brushing routine, you seek the professional assistance of a dental hygienist or dentist to remove the plaque and tartar by professional cleaning.

Professional dental cleaning is recommended traditionally, once every 6 months. In the case of gum disease, you may want one every 3 months. Sometimes, it might be helpful to get a professional cleaning every two months.

If you display any of the signs of gum disease, you should take action, including contacting a periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. Try to avoid alcohol mouthwash. Periodontists have better training and experience with gum health and disease.

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Bad breath may not be curable, but you may be able to control it by following these tips from a Perth Dentist in Western Australia.

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Smile and the world smiles back, but get too close when you have bad breath and you may send people running

As a  Perth Dentist, in Nedlands Western Australia with a quarter century of experience, I can offer the following tips about halitosis, contributing factors and remedies.

  • In many cases “bad breath” is simply “morning breath” that lasts all day. When we sleep our saliva flow shuts off. The dead cells, food and bacteria all start fermenting and upon awakening …Voila! morning breath! If you skip breakfast, and run off to work, you can be sure of not having many friends. Breakfast is one of the best ways to clean all the smelly debris off your tongue. It is best if you choose something like a crunchy bread roll, or wholewheat toast instead of soft white bread. An apple instead of a banana, crispy cereal instead of soft porridge…You know what I mean.
  • After breakfast make sure you perform perfect oral hygiene.(read some of the other posts on my “Perth Dentists” website for more information) If you didn’t floss or clean between your teeth before bed, don’t skip it now, as that is a sure way to get periodontal disease and halitosis. Lastly scrape your tongue, making sure to reach the back third, in the centre, where most of the odour causing germs hide. Be careful not to injure the row of very large mushroom-like taste-buds back there! Some people can brush their tongue but I find it gags me, and I can do a better job with a specially designed scraper. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum, preferably sweetened with Xylitol, on your way to work. This stimulates saliva flow and also has a breath freshening effect.
  • Anything that dries out your mouth like stress, air conditioning, dehydration, drugs, alcohol containing mouthwashes, smoking and mouth breathing when you have allergies combined with “post-nasal-drip” assists the odour causing bacteria on the posterior of your tongue. Chewing gum (as above) several times a day can increase your saliva flow rate, but only if you drink enough water, and stop or reduce drying medication (consult your GP first)
  • Using a mouthwash with Chlorhexidine, for 2 consecutive days a week, can be effective. Check my website for specific recommendations. Also you shouldn’t use it straight after brushing with normal toothpaste as this reduces the effect. Don’t use it all the time.

    This article is solely the professional and individual opinion of Perth Dentist, Dr. Clifford Yudelman in Nedlands, Western Australia and does not replace the professional guidance of your own personal dentist. He/she is the best person to counsel you on specific products for your specific situation. Please consult with them if you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this article.

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Prevent the Problems that Periodontal Disease Brings

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

The majority of people can do something about gum disease if they really wish to. It is indeed easier to prevent periodontal disease. However, many folks, perhaps as many as seventy-five percent currently have a problem that needs to be solved.

A lot of pain and money can be saved, but if your gum disease is moderate to advanced, you need to take action now. If you have mild gingivitis, you are in a better place.

Many of our physical problems may arise from our lack of good nutrition. Excessive sugar intake may not only contribute to the accumulation of plaque and tartar but they may also offset the ability of your body to maintain the proper calcium and phosphorous balance to keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities. This modern diet of ours may be ‘killing us’ slowly.

Mainstream wisdom suggests that plaque be disrupted every day in order to prevent calculus formation. Failure to follow this commonly accepted practice will result in the accumulation of harmful bacteria – harmful to your dental health. However, there have been, in the past, indigenous groups of people that did quite well without the modern toothbrush. Their diet was more in tune with what the body really needs.

If you are on the modern diet, which you almost certainly are if you are reading this, then you do need to work to prevent that tartar build up. As with all things there are alternative views but for most of us, this holds true.

After you learn to keep plaque under control you might find your gums becoming pink and healthy again. Gum tissue that has receded is hard to get back. Prevention produces results that are superior to gum grafting and dental surgeries.

Another problem that people face is bad breath, Therabreath may help with that. Smelly breath can have an impact on both our professional and personal lives.  You can do something about that as well.Repetitive and consistant work is the key to success.

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