Oral Care Advice

“The dentist – he is a BARBARIAN! ” my father says in his thick Russian accent as I whine and recount the story of getting two cavities filled at Dr. Fine’s fancy dental office on Fifth Avenue. Let the fancy address fool you not – he too is a card-carrying member of The DBS (Dental Barbaric Society), where they make you take a lifelong oath to perpetuate oral misery to the masses with eroding ivories in our mouths.

The last time I had a cavity filled was in Forest Hills, Queens by my Trusty Childhood Dentist. Two decades later, in this midtown Manhattan office with a fancy polished bronze logo on their 31st floor mahogany door, I declare a recall on dentistry. I want to go back to the days where they gave me gas and sent me adrift to la la land.

Trusty Childhood Dentist used to give me the “Snoopy nose.” “Breathe deeply,” he would say and the sweet smell would come through the rubbery nasal contraption strapped onto my nose with 4 large plastic tubes. Secured into this dentist’s chair, I was happier than ever. Yes, the drilling noise was still the same, but when I closed my eyes, a kaleidoscope of images distracted me in a happy way to a happy place.

Today’s visit is to fill two small flossing cavities. “This would be a great case for the medical boards,” Dr. Fine had told me last year when he diagnosed these microscopic painless cavities in my molar teeth. It took me over a year of postponing appointments to make it to this one this morning.

First the dental hygenist cleans my teeth by scraping them with a stainless steel pick. She scrapes and then wipes the scraped remnats onto my dental bib. I wish for the chalk-on- -blackboard sound or the fork-on-a-plate sound; both would be an improvement over this scraping noise. I can only presume this was to ready me for the drilling on the horizon.

The cleaning is done. I spit chunky bloody saliva and rinse with Listerine. The best is yet to come.

First Assistant comes in and shoves a wooden stick with green gel onto the left side of my mouth and walks out of the room. This is to numb my gums before the injections. I sit here, very slowly getting topically numb, but not really numb … and I’m drooling like a teething baby. I spit into the little dental basin and wipe my mouth. The wooden stick is still sticking out of my mouth. I sit, I drool, I spit, I wipe my mouth with a tissue.

Fifteen minutes of this repetition and Dr. Fine comes in, clearly in a fowl mood. He skips the usual small talk and instructs me to keep absolutely still. I recognize this tone – tattoo artists and make-up artists also use this tone to stress the importance of stillness. So fine, be prideful, but do you have to shove your fingers that deeply into my mouth, ripping my cheek off?

So he comes in and injects the anesthetic. I think this is the same dental barbarians have been using since the beginning of time. It is somehow reminiscent of the first scuba helmet – archaic but solid. I see the vial of Novocain with a fading yellow label in a brown glass jar on the sterile tray on the stainless steel counter. I don’t think I ever realized that they go back into the same vial of Novocain. He pulls my cheek open and pushes my tongue aside and then ouch, ouch, ouch. The first assistant is still here and she says breathe, breathe, breathe. So I breathe. But it still hurt – a lot. He finishes the torture and walks out.

First Assistant sits in the chair next to me for the next 15 minutes, flipping through a magazine as I drool even more all over myself. Drool, spit, wipe. Again. Dr. Fine comes in and asks me if I’m numb. I feel some numbing in my lip, I’m drooling like crazy, but I still don’t feel the numb I remember – where your whole lip feels like it’s a balloon and your mouth insides are chewy rubber.

Dr. Fine tests for himself; he takes a sharp devise and starts poking around my mouth. I feel every poke. “Oh you’re not numb at all,” he says frustrated and goes back for round two with the injection device. Deep sigh, wish for Xanax and here we go again. He says it won’t hurt but he’s lying. He pulls my cheek and pinches it and injects and repeats over and over until he’s satisfied that I’ll be numb alright! He rips off his gloves storms out of the office. More drooling and more waiting. What fun.

Now First Assistant leaves for lunch and Meaner Assistant accompanies Dr. Fine as he begins. The drilling is awful; directly into the brain. He is drilling and poking and pushing and pulling. Meaner Assistant is stretching my cheek farther than it uncomfortably goes; Dr. Fine keeps telling me to open wider and keep stiller.

I moan a little bit and as Dr. Fine reloads the next evil tool, I tell Meaner Assistant that my mouth really hurts. She seems annoyed and says, ‘”You want Vaseline?’ I tell her never mind, but think it would have been a good idea to use the lube before they raped my mouth.

They finally finish after what seems like a whole day in this chair. The corners of my mouth feel ripped and my jaw feels locked. It takes five hours for the feeling to come back to my face.

Only now as I research ‘after cavity filling pain normalcy’ online do I learn that some dentists put you to sleep for a cavity. Why did I not know of this voluntary sedation? Why didn’t I research my cavity filling options? I thoroughly researched my thyroid surgery, but took these little flossing cavities for granted.

Lesson learned – explore all anesthesia option for EVERY medical procedure – no matter how minor they’re deemed by society.

Maintaining dental health is one of the most important aspects of our daily routine. Not only is our attention to our standards of oral hygiene vital to prevent disease of the mouth, but it can lead to many other bodily ailments. Some of these can be remarkably dangerous too.

This is an activity not to be taken lightly.

Plaque and it’s bigger and more toxic cousin tartar, infections (both gum and tooth), gingivitis and oral thrush are all likely culprits if you have a problem in your mouth.

Whilst many dental health problems can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing, some may require more specific treatment by your dental professional.

Dental Health Is Not Just About The Mouth

Whilst maximizing the health of your mouth, teeth and gums is very important in itself, dental health cannot be distinguished from our general health. Any oral disease can be an indication of a number of other ailments.

In fact using the state of our mouths as a symptom you can often tell if there is an underlying serious disease.

So, it’s always important to keep your mouth healthy and report any changes that concern you to your physician or dentist. Don’t forget that whilst you can do a lot about your personal attention to dental hygiene, help is also at hand.

You have a raft of supporting dental professionals who will help you by checking your dental health.

They will provide advice that will help you manage your oral hygiene and, of course, treat issues that arise when you visit with them promptly.

The Implication of Plaque in Dental Health – And More

Consider the plaque that sticks to your teeth. It’s a nasty layer of gooey bacteria that quickly attaches to our teeth and gums (not forgetting the tongue as well). Plaque comes from our consumption of sugars from food – especially those that are sugary sticky foods themselves.

So dieting with foods that are less concentrated in sugar is not just a benefit to your size and shape, it has a real benefit for your dental health too.

And remember, that your dental health is about the bigger thing – the health of your whole body too.

In fact, the plaque in your mouth can grow large and sticky enough to slow and even stop flow through blood vessels. And that’s pretty important when it comes to heart disease, not to mention the issues of stroke as well.

Plaque is pretty much public enemy number one when it comes to dental health and the ramifications for other health issues for us all.

It’s important to remember that dental health and general health should not be treated separately.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a very serious condition that can affect your overall health, and can destroy the health of your teeth. Read on to find out how you can easily prevent gum disease for yourself and your family, and how you can notice the signs quickly.

Gum disease can develop if your mouth is not cleaned properly, or if you don’t clean your mouth as often as you should. So, after each meal (or snack), you should make sure that you brush your teeth and/or rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. You should also make sure that you are flossing once or twice a day-although too much flossing may cause the gums to bleed. Bleeding however, could be a sign of gum disease, so if you are experiencing bleeding after flossing, then simply brush less vigorously gently and consult your dentist as soon as you can to see if you have and gum infection and to get more information on treatment.

Other symptoms of gum disease can include pain or sensitivity in the gums or teeth when you’re eating, and you may notice that your teeth do not fit in your mouth the same way, especially when you are chewing your food. Sharp pain, particularly when you eat or drink hot or very cold food and drinks is often caused by the exposure of a nerve due to tooth decay or shrinking gums. This can be as a result of gum disease and needs to be checked by your dentist.

Puss around the gums, or gums that are extremely swollen are also signs of periodontal disease, so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist or doctor immediately, so that you can discuss treatment options – some of which do not require surgery.

There are several treatments that you can take advantage of in order to get rid of gum infections, and many of them do not require surgery. You can get your gums and teeth thoroughly cleaned at the dentist’s office if you are in the early stages of periodontal disease, and you may be given a regimen to follow that includes flossing or brushing with gentler utensils in order to heal your gums.

You can also talk to your dentist about soft tissue grafts, a procedure that uses soft tissue from other parts of the mouth to restore the parts of the gum that have been damaged. You can also undergo crown lengthening, which elongates the crown and makes the teeth look longer. Many times, people with short crowns experience gum disease because there is unusual gum space in the mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to multiply in the mouth.

Bad breath is a health problem that occur in many of us, due to many reasons and has a specific characteristic that causes such a disturbing smell. But what causes bad breath? On the tongue there is a bio film which contains anaerobic bacteria. The proteins from the food we eat are decomposed by these bacteria producing disturbing gases such as hydrogen sulfide.

Most of us have bad breath in the morning, but that issue can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. But proper oral hygiene does not always remove these odors, when it is caused by other reasons, like some general diseases. You have to run some tests in order to find out what causes the bad breath and then you will have to treat it in consequence. If you can follow some simple steps you can prevent or reduce the bad breath in your mouth. So here they are:

1. Oral hygiene

We must keep in mind that every time we eat we are exposed to the bacteria in our mouth. After we eat we have to brush our teeth or at least gargle with warm water. The brushing though is essential and at least twice a day: in the morning ( for beauty, as it is said ) and in the evening ( for the health ).

2. How do we brush our teeth?

You do not have to brush your teeth after every meal: it can damage the enamel. You just have to brush normally, paying attention to the direction of brushing You should brush your upper teeth in a downward direction and the lower ones in the upward direction, followed by the brushing of the crown of the teeth ( In anterior and posterior direction ). This must be applied to both inner and outer surfaces, as well as to upper and lower set of teeth. You should choose a dental brush which has smooth but hard enough bristles in order to clean effectively the food remains between the teeth.

3. Cleaning of our tongue

The tongue can be cleaned with a tongue cleaner. In the morning we can see a white or yellowish layer on the tongue and it can be removed with tongue cleaner but ensure that you do it gently, not to hurt the taste buds.

4. Tooth picks

We can use the tooth pick after every meal, especially after eating meat or fish. It is a small strip of plastic or wood with pointed ends and we can successfully use it to remove food remains between the teeth, but carefully, not to hurt the gums.

5. Gargling

Gargling is very effective after every meal, with warm water. You can find in all stores a variety of mouth wash, with different flavors or you can make your own mouth wash from water and common salt. Both help you get rid of the bad breath.

6. Food can influence our breath

What we eat is representative for our bad breath. Some food, like meat, milk, eggs contain proteins that in reaction with the bacteria from the tongue can produce bad breath. Other food items have themselves an unpleasant smell and, by eating them, we can have disturbing breath when speaking to other people. If we do not clean properly our teeth in between the gaps, the food remains will soon get an unpleasant odor. Regular meals and proper cleaning can prevent bad breath.

7. Proper hydration with water

The quantity of water that we drink also influences bad breath. But how do we relate these things? According to the quantity of water consumed depends on the saliva secretion. If the quantity of saliva is enough to keep the mouth moist, the bacteria will be reduced. If we do not drink enough water, the saliva will not be enough, causing the dryness of the mouth proper to the development of bacteria who gives us the bad breath.

8. Natural or artificial mouth fresheners?

We can choose from a large variety of mouth fresheners, both artificial and natural. It is better that you use some natural mouth fresheners because they are good for your general health and bad breath ( citrus fruits, apples, parsley ). If you do not have any natural mouth refreshments there are always the chewing gums and artificial mouth washes, which you can find in every store, but use them carefully because an intensive use of chewing gum can lead to other health complications.

If these simple tips do not work, you should take serious action in order to find out what causes your bad breath and how you can rid it. A simple visit to the doctor can clarify the alternative reasons that can cause bad breath as there are diseases which can have as a symptom bad breath ( diseases like diabetes, fevers, gastric disorders, liver diseases ). So, with simple bad breath can open doors to other health problems you might have and solve them as soon as possible. Of course, removing the cause will lead to the removal of this unpleasant effect.

If the cause of bad breath is not that serious and is a result of an infection you can treat it with the products of modern medicine such as antibiotics, anti viral, anti fungal drugs, steroids ( if the cause is a chronic or auto immune inflammatory conditions ), or even tablets that stimulate the production of the saliva.

A visit to your dentist twice a year can prevent also and cure any dental and mouth related problems. The dentist can clean your teeth by removing the tartar and the dental plaques; he will fill in the caries, which are one of the main factors that causes bad breath, with synthetic materials; eventually he will recommend a treatment for any pulp cavity problems caused by caries. If the tooth is seriously affected by the caries, it is better to extract it and replace it with a dental implant. A more serious problem is the tonsillitis, a disease that can cause bad breath by the discharges and release of pasty amalgam of materials from the caves of tonsils. This disease can be stopped through tonsillectomy ( the removal of tonsils ).

Sometimes nature gives us all that we need to cure ourselves. Homeopathy is an alternative way towards our health and in many times it may be the most effective. Homeopathy medicines are carefully prescribed, according to every individual separately; it takes in consideration any physical, intellectual, affective and social aspect of the diseased individual and the doctors can prescribe the exact dose in suitable potency. For the bad breath there are no more than 140 homeopathic medicines, We found in the homeopathic medical repertory by Dr. Robin Murphy. We mention here some of those medicines: pulsatilla, sulfur, nux vomica, ars alb, silicea, kali bich, nitric acid and a homeopathic cures for gargling after diluting in water ( tinctures like cinnamon, Q menthol, Q zingiber ).

There are many things that can contribute to bad breath, formally known as halitosis. The most common contributor is poor oral hygiene. Many people have never learned good oral hygiene techniques. This is a daily habit that should have been adapted at the age of 3! There is no place in our society for those who don’t brush your teeth. Once this daily maintenance is out of the way it is then time to consider other alternatives for battling bad breath, to include washes, mints, and sprays.

Millions of individuals suffer with embarrassing bad breath. In spite of this, bad breath can be virtually wiped out with proper understanding and proper dental care! Halitosis usually starts from one of two sources: certain foods we eat or bacteria in our mouths that feed on left over food. There are a lot of bacteria in the mouth and it smells bad. Our mouths are warm and wet therefore a very attractive home for bacteria to grow. There are certain foods that we eat (such as garlic and cabbage), which contain sulfur compounds. When these compounds are released they cause bad breath fairly quickly have the foods have been digested. The sulfur compounds are then taken from the digestive system into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs. Once here they are emitted by the lungs into the air that we exhale, thus giving us halitosis!

A major advancement in the treatment of halitosis was the finding that odor-causing bacteria actually reside on the tongue. As much as 50% of the bacteria located in the mouth can be found here! Think of the tongue as a plush velvet carpet in which bacteria can escape when it sees the toothbrush or dental floss. There are a lot of countries that use an instrument called a tongue scraper to clean the tongue. This device is used to gently clean the tongue to eliminate bacteria. This very simple procedure can greatly improve the smell of your breath by scraping that whitish-yellow coating off your tongue.

People often tackle chronic bad breath using mints, sprays and more often….mouthwash. Recent studies have shown that these alternatives temporarily mask the odor of bad breath. Each of these “breath improvers” work in their own special way, and have both positive and negative aspects. Mints are generally easy to use, discreet, and work about as well as anything… depending on the brand you buy. Sprays typically come in tiny little aerosol cans, and are sprayed directly into the mouth when needed. Using a mouthwash daily can also help fight cavities, gingivitis, tartar buildup on your teeth.

Most mouthwashes, however, contain alcohol which can actually make the situation worse by drying out the mouth, creating a more hospitable environment for odor causing bacteria. A new breed of mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide are very effective at combating bad breath. These mouthwashes do not mask bad breath odor like conventional mouth washes. Mouth wash is more of a preventative tool than a regular solution for oral hygiene upkeep.

By far the best solution for bad breath (halitosis) is proper and daily dental hygiene. If your not able to brush after every meal then try brushing at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brushing using an up-and-down motion instead of a rather than brushing from side-to-side. Also, using an angled toothbrush is preferred as it can be hard to reach those back teeth. Your ultimate goal when brushing and flossing is to (1) remove much of the bacteria in the mouth, (2) remove the layer of plaque, food debris, and dead cells and finally (3) to eliminate the leftover food particles which bacteria use to create odor.

Now, more than ever, people are wanting to improve their smile and their teeth. One way of doing this is by visiting a dentist and learning about cosmetic dental veneers. Every day, more and more dentists are realizing just how cosmetic dental veneers are increasing being demanded by patients. This article will explain just what are the dental cosmetic veneers how and how they can work to improve your smile.

Cosmetic Dental Veneers are custom made for your teeth specifically. They come in different thicknesses, anywhere from a half of millimeter to one millimeter. What is great about cosmetic dental veneers is that they come in a variety of materials such as acrylic, resin, or porcelain; the costs will depend on the type of material you wish to have for your veneers. In Houston, the fee for one porcelain veneer is about 800-1400 dollars.

Cosmetic dental veneers are thin facings like the shell of the enamel. They are placed directly over the front and the top of the tooth. These veneers are see-through, so they blend easily with the existing tooth, creating a look of healthy, real teeth. Many people benefit from cosmetic dental veneers such as those with cracked, crowded, worn, chipped, crooked, or stained teeth. These work particularly well for any person with gum line erosion or gaps in their teeth. Essentially, your teeth should be overall healthy and in good shape and you must still maintain the proper dental hygiene.

Cosmetic dental veneers are permanent, so you should make sure that they are the right procedure for you. People love veneers because they are both resistant to stains and extremely durable at the same time. Generally, you will not have to undergo any type of modifications for several years and can be performed in about three office visits at your dentist. Porcelain veneers typically will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

The first visits generally consist of the initial consultation; the next two visits will consist of preparing your teeth and cementing the veneers; and the final follow-up visit is optional. At the initial consultation visit, the cosmetic dentist will exam your teeth, take x-ray, and propose the treatment plan. At the “prep” visit, the dentist will prepare each tooth, create a tooth impression, and write the order (prescription) so the dental technician can make the veneer exactly to the designed specifications. Finally, at the “cementation” visit, your dentist will try in the veneers and the bond the veneer to the tooth. After that, for about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your “new” teeth that have been changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing the color, size, or shape of the tooth. Porcelain veneers can hide undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with spaces between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.

It is important that you discuss all procedures and actions with your dentist, as well as what you should do, for proper maintenance, following the placement of the cosmetic dental veneers.

If your baby or toddler has had bad breath lately, not to worry. There are plenty of things you can do in order to reduce the risk of bad breath for your little one, and there are ways to tell if your baby’s bad breath is an indication of a more serious condition.

More than likely, your baby or toddler sleeps with his or her mouth open, and this dries the mouth out during the night, which can cause ‘morning breath’. You should make sure that your child is brushing with a good kid-friendly toothpaste, and is rinsing with an effective mouthwash in order to reduce the risk of bad breath. You should also try to stop your baby or toddler from thumb sucking, since this can reduce the saliva production in the mouth and, incidentally, it can alter the formation of their teeth as they erupt out of the gum and grow. A teething ring or pacifier can be a good temporary alternative to thumb sucking, and will help your child’s teeth to grow properly and in line.

If you are brushing your toddler’s teeth daily, and are having him or her rinse with a kid-friendly mouthwash after every brush, you should see an improvement in your little one’s breath soon. However, if the problem persists, it may be an indication that your child may have a more serious condition. For instance, if your baby’s breath smells like baked bread, it can be a sign of typhoid fever, and if your toddler’s breath smells like celery, it could be an indication of Aasthouse urine disease. Garlicky breath could be a sign of arsenic or thallium poisoning, so be sure to pay special attention to the actual scent of your child’s breath to determine the right treatment options. As with any problems with a baby’s health if the smell persists after cleaning take you child to see your doctor or pediatrician.

If you feel that your child should be treated for diseases and conditions that are more serious or ongoing, you should change your child’s diet in order to eliminate toxins from the body. Having your baby or toddler drink water and all-natural juices several times a day will help to clean the body and freshen the breath. You should also have your children eat fresh foods all day, as packaged foods can slow down taking away wastes from the body. You should also consult with your child’s doctor as soon as you can in order to treat your little one’s bad breath permanently.

Most people know that the normal pimple has a life cycle of six to eight weeks without serious treatment. But what they don’t know is that when pimples develop into acne, it would require more time to heal, it is painful due to heavy peeling and would eventually leave ugly and uneven acne scars.

If your pimples are taking too long to heal and are spreading all over your face and neck, then you should be visiting your dermatologist so he or she can give you effective acne skin care treatment products as early as now.

SKIN CARE THAT TREATS ACNE

It is common for people regardless of gender, age, or nationality to experience skin disorders. But among the kinds of skin imperfections, most people would agree that acne is one of the most painful and hardest to treat.

Here are some of the skin care tips that could help you treat acne even if you are at home.

1. The very first thing to do to solve acne problems is to trace the causes of acne for you to understand what should be done about it.

2. Make a little review of your lifestyle for the past few years or months and look if you have been neglecting so much skin and body care lately.

3. Make sure that you get enough sleep of at least 8 hours or more.

4. Eat three hearty meals and healthy snacks on the side.

5. Give your body enough water supply by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily.

6. If you have been stressed out lately, try to unwind and relax so you could go back to living a healthy lifestyle.

If your acne problem doesn’t get any better, it’s now time to find solution to your problem. The very first thing you should do is to open or unclog the pores by washing once or twice daily with a mild cleansing liquid or bar.

Aside from keeping your skin clear and clean by cleansing, it also minimizes possible irritation and inflammation of the skin. If the cleansing strategy doesn’t work out, try opening your pores through exfoliating cleansers and masques.

After cleansing, you should kill the acne-causing bacteria by using antibacterial cleansers especially those that contain benzoyl peroxide. An acne patient can also kill the bacteria by using topical or external medications that come in the form of creams, gels, and lotions applied in the area affected.

Since too much oil in the skin aggravates acne, you should reduce the excess production by using gentle astringents or toners. Use products that contain glycolic acid or facial masques that have sulfur or antibacterial pads that have benzoyl peroxide to draw out the oil. If you want to conceal acne, you can use water-based or oil free cosmetics.

But above all these, dermatologists agree that having a good skin regimen is the ultimate skin care that treats acne. Developing a basic skin routine by using products that have benzoyl peroxide wash or salicylic acid and the application of benzoyl peroxide gel or cream can help you solve the skin problem.

SELECTING ACNE TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that people young and old have to deal with today. Being a skin disorder usually caused by irritated blackheads and whiteheads, the development of acne becomes more and more difficult to cure if the infection is neglected and left untreated. This neglect can even cause further irritation and may eventually lead to the production of abscess.

Since prevention is the best treatment to any impending injury or disaster, finding a good line of acne skin care products now can be an effective way to control your growing acne.

Acne skin care treatment products that have antibiotics have been long known as effective solution in treating moderate to severe and persistent acne. Oral treatments include products that contain tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline and doxycycline are known to be effective.

Most people consider topical acne medication or treatments through creams and surgery as other options in treating acne. One of the most common acne skin care treatment product are acne creams. Before you purchase acne creams, consider these helpful tips:

1. Most dermatologists recommend acne cream as effective acne skin care treatment product because the skin quickly absorbs it.

2. Acne creams are good option because these are derived from natural substances and sources. Quality acne creams can even help you get rid of acne without too much acne scarring.

3. Checking the label. Make sure that the acne cream you plan to buy is hypoallergenic and can be used by children or pregnant women without enduring any pain or discomfort. Knowing the ingredients used in the product will ensure that the acne cream has balanced formulation to deliver effective results.

4. Do a little research on how the formulation and content of these creams help cure the skin infection.

5. Observe how your skin reacts to the acne skin care treatment product. After the initial application, take note of the visible changes so you can avoid possible side effects or allergies.

Most adults have at least some degree of gum disease, usually very mild so you wouldn’t notice, however it can become more serious if dental hygiene is neglected. There are two main forms of gum disease; these are gingivitis and periodontal disease.

The more serious of the two is periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, sore gums, and bleeding of the gums commonly during brushing. It is caused by bacteria in plaque on the teeth; the bacteria produce a toxin which is an irritant to the gums, the periodontal ligament (which is a piece of connective tissue that anchors the teeth to the jaw) and the jaw. This irritant is what causes gum disease to form. Untreated gingivitis can evolve into acute ulcerative gingivitis, also known as Vincent’s disease and periodontal disease can also start as gingivitis. Acute ulcerative gingivitis is extremely painful as it causes the gums to become infected and it is essential to see you dental specialist, who will prescribe anti-biotics to control the infection.

Periodontal disease is more serious as it can lead to the teeth becoming loose and falling out. It has the same starting symptoms as gingivitis, except that with periodontal disease, the periodontal ligament has also been affected by the gum disease. It can be difficult to spot periodontal disease so it is important to see a specialist regularly. Treatment for periodontal disease can be uncomfortable and may require your teeth be cleaned professionally by your specialist up to every two months. It may also lead to dental surgery, which would involve the specialistt removing infected cementum (cementum is a special bone substance covering the root of the teeth) this would usually be performed under local anesthetic.

Gum disease can usually be prevented with relative ease by practicing good oral hygiene, and mild gingivitis can be treated simply by brushing teeth twice daily with toothpaste which has fluoride in it, flossing between the teeth, and using an anti bacterial mouthwash after brushing. Visiting your dental specialist at least once a year is also key in preventing gum disease from forming.

A dental specialist can clean the teeth and remove hardened plaque, also called calculus, which it is unlikely you could do alone. Your specialist will also be able to pick up on problems much faster than you would alone, and be able to tell you how to combat future problems.

Gum disease (known as periodontitis in medical lingo) occurs when the tissues (gums) that surround your teeth and hold them, get infected. If you are infected with gum disease, you most probably will not realize it, as the infection does not cause pain when it sets in the early stages. The pain begins only when the infection has set in nicely and begun causing havoc with your teeth (causing them to fall out or be removed by a dentist). You will be surprised to know that gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Though you may be brushing your teeth regularly, but that is not enough – you need to take good care of your gums too. Here is a small guide on how to take care of your gums and thereby prevent gum disease:

1. Brush your teeth twice daily: After eating, bacteria park themselves on your teeth and if you allow them to remain there, the gums will start deteriorating. Therefore, you must brush your teeth, and brush them well, twice in a day to remove the bacteria formation. Pay attention to the toothbrush you use – it must be soft-bristled. Remember to use dental products that bear the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.

2. Floss daily: You must regularly floss your teeth to clean out the food particles that are lodged in between your teeth. Flossing is required because toothbrush bristles cannot reach between your teeth and if you leave the stuck food particles unattended to, they will begin to fester and damage the gums.

3. Watch your diet: Do not binge out on sugary-foods such as cakes and desserts – be especially careful with colas as they are have a lot of sugar content, and are acidic as well. Pepper your diet with vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, and cereals. Milk products have lots of calcium in them and they are good for your teeth and gums too. And, do not binge out between meals and do not lust for midnight snacks!

4. See your dentist: Visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and tooth cleaning, because plaque collects on your teeth and filters down to your gums and infects them, and it is a good idea to get it removed every few months or so.

These were the preventive measures you can take to ward off gum infection. Once your gums are infected, it is still possible to treat them provided the infection is in an early stage. Once the infection gets into an advanced stage, the gums and the bone, which act as a support system for the teeth may get damaged causing teeth to fall off or be removed.

But, you have all the means at your disposal to ward off gum disease and there is no reason why you would ever want it to even reach the infection stage. So, take good care of your teeth and gums and keep smiling.