Dental Hygiene To Prevent Gum Bleeding

Painful or bleeding gums can have many causes but usually indicate that you already have or are at high risk for developing gum disease. In most cases, plaque at the gum line is causing irritation of the gums. From there, more serious problems can develop.

When plaque is not removed from your teeth it hardens into tartar. Tartar is difficult to impossible to remove at home. When you have plaque and tartar at the gum line it causes inflammation called gingivitis, and from there can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum and jawbone disease.

Good dental hygiene is critical to avoiding bleeding and sore gums, but sometimes it is not enough. Brushing too hard and improper flossing methods can actually create or worsen the problem. Ill-fitting dentures can rub and irritate your gums. Other health issues can also cause your gums to bleed, including:

• Hormonal changes
• Leukemia
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Scurvy
• Blood disorders

If your gums ache or bleed you should talk to your dentist right away. Gum disease is progressive, and once it gets started, no amount of brushing and flossing will turn it around.

In the initial stages, gingivitis, the plaque and tartar can be removed at your dentist’s office during a routine cleaning.

As gum disease progresses, your gums, irritated by the plaque and tartar, begin to pull away from your teeth creating pockets. Bacteria grow in these pockets, preventing your gums from healing, and perpetuating the problem. There is no way for you to clean these pockets in your gums at home. Your dentist, however, can safely remove the bacteria and allow your gums to heal again. Tooth planning is a procedure used to remove the bacteria from between your teeth and gums. If left untreated, gum disease will begin destroying tissue and even your jawbone.

Once the health of your gums has been restored, gum recontouring can be used to restore the beauty of your gums. An uneven gum line can be corrected, and any excess gum tissue can be removed. If you have lost gum tissue due to gum disease, aging, or injury, the missing tissue can be replaced.

Bleeding, painful gums can signify a more serious underlying health problem, and should not be ignored. Your dentist can help you determine if the problem is dental in nature, or if you should seek further medical attention.

Source: Why Do My Gums Hurt and Bleed?

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Dental Health Can Keep Heart Disease Away

Good oral hygiene is important for good general health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental, as well as, medical problems such as gum disease (periodontitis), infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes, oral cancer and more. Regular tooth cleaning and check-ups can help prevent some of these problems and provide you with good oral hygiene as well. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups is the best way to prevent gum disease.

Recent studies have found a correlation between heart disease and strokes to gum disease. A professional dental cleaning twice a year will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and could lessen your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Bacterial endocarditis is a common risk associated with gum disease. Bacterial endocarditis is an infection in the lining of the heart or heart valves. The bacteria from infected gums can migrate into the bloodstream and infect the heart.

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis refers to the early stage of gum disease which can be easily treated if diagnosed early. Gum disease at this stage is often undetected. Periodontitis refers to gum disease in its advance stage, which causes bone loss and is irreversible if left untreated. Studies have shown 80% of the population has some form of gum disease.

Some Symptoms of Gum Disease:

• Frequent bad breath
• Red and swollen gums that bleed easily
• Gums that separate from the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Abscessed teeth
• Tooth loss

Source: Teeth Cleaning Helps Prevent Heart Disease

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Modern Technology Instant Orthodontics

In this age of fast food, drive-thru wedding chapels and microwave meals in 90 seconds, it’s no surprise that people want that speed in other areas of their lives. Why not in their orthodontia?

And, thanks to the progressive dental community, you can get a perfect, white smile now! It’s called Instant Orthodontics or a smile makeover and, compared to other treatments such as braces, it is fast.

With braces, you’d have to wait as long as two years while the metal wires on your teeth slowly correct a twisted tooth here, a small gap there. With instant orthodontics, you can have not only a set of straight teeth, but a beautiful white smile, in about two weeks.

It’s really simple, too. A wafer-thin shell known as a porcelain veneer is bonded, using dental adhesive, to the front of the each tooth. When finished, you have a smile that is full of straight, shiny white teeth.

Porcelain veneers can be used to cover up a lot that is wrong with your current smile, such as:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Fillings that are stained or washed out
• Uneven teeth
• Teeth that are inconsistent in size

Once your dentist determines that porcelain veneers are right for you, an impression of your bite will be taken so the veneers can be made in the correct size and shape for you. Temporary veneers are placed while the permanent set is created. Once they are ready, the dentist will use the dental bonding adhesive to permanently attach the veneers to your existing teeth.

The next step is the big reveal. You get to see yourself, and your beautiful smile, for the first time. There you have it – a perfect, white smile now!

You also get a renewed sense of self-confidence and will find yourself smiling more often. Not a bad side effect, right? See – you’re smiling!

Source: I Want a Perfect, White Smile and I Want it Now!

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Sugar Substitute Reduces Risk for Dental Cavities

Swedish researchers completed a study that found Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute has the ability to reduce bacteria that leads to dental cavities. In order to prevent cavities between teeth a relatively high intake would need to be available in order to reduce the acid production between the teeth. Pernilla Lif Holgerson will present her study at the at Umeå University in Sweden on February 23rd.

Xylitol in previous studies have shown reduction in cavities. You can purchase special chewing gum and candy with Xylitol as an ingredient. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol made sugar xylose also refered to as wood sugar. Xylitol is found naturally in fruits and berries such as pears and strawberries.

A series of studies of children and adolescents measured saliva samples for plaque. The studies found that 3.4 grams of xylitol consistently changed the bacteria levels. I did not however, reduce the amount of lactic acid in plaque. Another study found that a single higher dose of xylitol was able to reduce the acidity in the plaque in between the teeth.

In one study they gave 128 children ranging in age from 7 – 12 chewing gum with xylitol. They were instructed to chew a new stick of this xylitol chewing gum three times a day for a total daily dosage of 6.0 grams in one day. Initially, the amount of plaque and the production of lactic acid was reduced dramatically during the trial period. Over a four week time period, the cavity causing bacteria went down by around one-third. Six months later the values returned to the original levels. There were no side-effects reported from the xylitol.

The study concludes that xylitol can be beneficial and recommends the following:

If a person is at high risk for tooth decay they should supplement with a daily intake of xylitol.

Choose xylitol products that stimulate saliva secretion. They recommend xylitol chewing gum as the best method to introduce xyitol into the mouth.

You would need 6 grams of xylitol per day to cancel the production of acid which in turn will reduce the risk of cavities.

For optimal results, deliver the xylitol three times a day, instead of at one sitting.

The chewing gum or xylitol product should contain as much xylitol as possible and not be mixed with other sugars.

Xylitol is available as a sugar substitute sweetener at health and nutrition stores, as well as online. Xylitol chewing gum is available mostly online at this time. In the future, you might see it at health and nutrition stores.

Source: Xylitol Sugar Substitute Reduces Risk for Dental Cavities in Children

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Advanced Tooth Decay Detection Technology

We would all like to stop tooth decay before it affects the whiteness of our smile, and especially before it leads to painful cavities that may have to be drilled out. The problem is that dentists are only human and can only see with human eyes. Their eyes are trained, but by the time a dentist can see caries (tooth decay), so can anyone else, and by the time they can see the caries, the damage has already been done. Even worse, as surface dental health has improved through the fluoridation of water, caries has begun to appear below the surface where no one can see it until it is too late.

Until now, the only tool available to dentists to detect sub-surface caries was exploratory drilling. And who wants more drilling, especially in teeth that might be healthy?

But now a new solution is available. DIAGNOdent laser caries detection aid that can “see” safely through the enamel to detect caries that are too small or too deep for dentists using more traditional methods.

DAIAGNOdent is more effective than traditional detection methods

We have all suffered under the dentist’s pick. The grating metal against our enamel, the scraping, the (sometimes painful) probing. No one likes it, but we suffer through it because we assume that it allows the dentist to find all those caries that need to be treated to keep our teeth healthy, bright, and functional. What if you were told that a study showed dentists using the pick were only able to find caries 58% of the time? That means that if it were a test, dentists would get, at best, a D- in finding cavities.

What about x-rays? You remember biting down on that obnoxious plastic film while the dentist puts a led apron on you and then hides in the other room. With all that discomfort and radiation exposure, it must do a better job of finding caries. Yes, but not much. The same study showed that the x-ray bitewing only detected 67% of the caries: a C-.

But don’t you deserve A-level caries detection? Of course. And only one method allows that level of detection: DIAGNOdent. DIAGNOdent has proven 90% effective in finding dental fissures.

DIAGNOdent has none of the drawbacks of traditional methods

Not only is DIAGNOdent more effective than traditional detection methods, but think of all the unpleasantness associated with the dentist that you can do without:
NO scratching or probing with the pick
NO x-ray exposure or uncomfortable bitewing

And most of all:
NO exploratory drilling.

And even without all these painful nuisances, you’ll be getting unprecedented accuracy in the diagnosis of present and possible future caries.

Additional Benefits of DIAGNOdent

In addition to these appreciable benefits over traditional detection methods, DIAGNOdent allows numerous other, previously unanticipated benefits:

• Allows the use of minimally invasive treatments without unnecessary procedures by ensuring an accurate diagnosis of even hidden caries. Ideal for use with air abrasion and micro-rotary treatments.
• Allows dentists to track the development of caries over time to immediately identify problems to possibly isolate and remedy causes.
• Results are completely reproducible and documentable.
• Increased confidence and comfort mean you won’t dread returning to the dentist and can stop any problems before they get out of hand.

Source: Now Lasers Can Detect Invisible Tooth Decay

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Dental Implants in Just One Hour

Dental implants may be a better alternative for denture wearers. The problem is that implants take a very long time to complete and can be very expensive. Since most insurance plans do not cover the expense, most individuals in the past have turned to dentures and bridges to replace lost teeth.

Implants start at around $500 and can go up to $6,000 per tooth. Most implants will cost between $1,200 and $2,000. There are reasons why the cost could go up, so you will want to choose a dentist familiar with many restorative options.

Usually, anyone that can undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant. Patients will need healthy gums and enough bone to hold the abutment that attaches to the crown. Patients with diabetes, heart disease or other chronic disorders need to be evaluated on an individual basis.

There are several types of dental implants and some procedures can take up to nine months with two surgeries. Recent advances have made the process much quicker.

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Family Dentistry & Regular Dental Checkup

It takes a special kind of dentist to be able to handle the dental care needs of children, teens, adults and seniors, but that is just what family dentists do every day. With all of the hustle and bustle of a busy family’s schedule, having one dentist for the whole family can make life a little easier.

Family Dentistry Services:
Many people use the terms “general dentistry” and “family dentistry” interchangeably. While general and family dentists typically perform the same types of dental procedures, family dentists place more emphasis on helping children, teens, adults and elderly patients feel comfortable and welcome.

Family dentists work to ensure that patients of all ages have healthy teeth and gums. A wide range of services can help to meet this goal, including:

• Check-ups, which encompass teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar removal, examinations to detect dental problems and oral cancer screenings
• Treatment for tooth cavities, incorporating either metal or porcelain fillings
• Treatment and prevention for gum disease, ranging from the early stages (gingivitis) to the more severe form (periodontal disease)
• Root canals to help save infected teeth
• Tooth extractions if the tooth is too infected or decayed to save or other oral surgery care
• Options to replace missing teeth or strengthen decayed or damaged teeth, including dental bridges, crowns and implants
• Dental sealants to help protect teeth from cavity development

Not all family dentists are specially trained to provide the same services. When choosing a family dentist, it is advisable to check the dentist’s credentials, training and expertise to ensure that all, or most, of your family’s dental needs can be met by one individual.

Oral Hygiene and Family Dentists:
It is especially important for parents to be a positive role model for children when it comes to dental hygiene. Family dentists educate parents on the proper ways to brush, floss and maintain a healthy lifestyle so the parents can pass this information on to their children.

Family dentist offices are usually geared toward making dental health information fun for children and teens, and often these offices have entertaining toys, movies or music to make the entire dental visit enjoyable for kids.

Recommended Timeframe for Dental Visits:
It is recommended that people visit the dentist every six months for a dental check-up. This timeframe between visits is usually covered by dental insurance carriers to encourage preventative dental care. The American Dental Association also recommends that parents bring a child in for his or her first dental visit after the first tooth has erupted or by the child’s first birthday. This first visit will help the dentist evaluate the child’s teeth and become familiar with the child early on so the dentist can follow his or her dental progression.

Some family dentists wait until the child has turned 3 years of age before beginning to clean and X-ray the teeth.

Sedation and Family Dentistry:
Regardless of how fun the dentist’s office is, many people, adults and children alike, are simply too afraid to go through with dental visits. In these cases, sedation dentistry is an option that is provided by many family dentists. Sedation in a dentist office setting can take various forms, including:

• Oral taken before the appointment, like Valium
• Inhalation given during the appointment, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Intravenous administered during the appointment by an anesthesiologist

Source: Family Dentistry

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Tips To Maintain Dental Implants

Dental implants are an ideal solution if you are missing a tooth. Unlike dentures and partial dentures, dental implants look and function just like you normal teeth. They are anchored directly to your jawbone, just like natural teeth, and must be cared for like natural teeth. These restorations need to be cleaned regularly, as their long-term success depends on how well you maintain your dental implants.

Proper Care:
Because dental visits are essential, you should work with your implant dentist to develop a regular visitation program to meet your individual needs and to ensure the optimum health of your restorations and surrounding natural teeth.

If your gums and teeth are not properly cleaned and flossed, periodontal disease can develop. If this condition is left alone, the result can be weakened supporting structures and tooth loss in addition to the loss of your dental implants.

Here are some tips to maintain the health of your dental restorations:

• At-home care: Brushing and flossing daily is essential so that your dental implants will remain healthy. There are a variety of supplemental products that allow you to clean your implants properly.
• Toothbrush: It may be in your best interest to get an electric tooth brush for a more complete cleaning. A toothbrush with a bent handle to access those hard-to-reach places can also give you a more thorough cleaning.
• Brushing technique: If you have a removable prosthesis that attaches to your dental implant, once your remove the prosthesis, be sure to brush around your gums and implant and floss thoroughly. If you have a fixed prosthesis, brush the restoration as you would your normal teeth and floss from the front, sides and back. Whether you use a regular bristle brush or an electric toothbrush, you should practice your brushing techniques with your dentist, to ensure that you are cleaning the implant area correctly.
• Floss threaders: It is also a good idea to pick up some floss threaders. These are very helpful because they allow you to reach around your implants and floss in hard-to-reach areas. Special types of floss are also available, such as floss with a foam coating that cleans around your gums, implants and prosthetic teeth. Be sure to discuss these options with your dentist.
• Additional brushes: Small dental brushes known as "proxy brushes," or interdental brushes are designed to clean in between your teeth and dental implants. While it is not meant to replace your other toothbrush or your floss, the special brush can help clean areas that the other tools may miss.
• Toothpaste: Because toothpastes are designed for natural teeth, they contain fluoride. While this ingredient will not harm your implants, you should be sure to read all ingredients carefully. Toothpastes that contain baking soda or abrasive stain removers and those designed for smokers can remove the glaze on porcelain restorations.
• Mouthwash: Many mouth rinses on the market are designed to give you a fresh- breath feeling. However, alcohol is used to create this and can lead to dry mouth. If you have the tendency toward a dry mouth, you should use an alcohol-free mouth rinse.
• Regular dental visits: You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. But after having dental implants placed, it may be a good idea to see your dentist every three months to thoroughly clean your implants and ensure that there are not any problems. Your specific dental visit program will be discussed and determined after your implants are placed.

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