This short video explains how tooth decay develops.

Swollen, tender and bleeding gums are signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that attacks the gum lines causing the supporting tissues to break down. If left untreated, the infection will advance further into the tissues beneath the gums and may even cause tooth loss in the case of severe stages of the disease.

Treatment depends on how progressive the periodontal (gum) disease has become.  For mild stages such as gingivitis, thorough cleaning and scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits are usually the first step. In advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgery may be required. Periodontal disease is often painless and shows no warning signs; hence, it is important to have regular dental visits and periodontal examinations.    

Improper oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease. But do you know that some medical conditions and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the risk of developing gum disease?

Here are some of the most common factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, medication for cancer therapy, some calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy

If you are on medication as a result of the conditions mentioned above, you should be more mindful in taking care of your oral health. Smoking not only causes gum disease, it also stains your teeth and harbors unsightly tartar deposits in the gum lines. Pregnant women should consult their dentist if they need to take calcium supplements to care for their teeth during the course of their pregnancy.

It is important to practice good oral hygiene to keep periodontal disease from becoming serious. Brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing regularly, eating a well-balanced diet and regular dental visits are essential in keeping your teeth and gums in good condition.

To learn more about periodontal disease and proper oral hygiene, contact our Ft Lauderdale dentist at www.sleepdentists.com.

dental care

If you find blood on your toothbrush, even when brushing your teeth gently, you could be suffering from gingivitis.

This is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial growth. It is 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, gums that are tender when touched, swollen gums which are abnormally enlarged, mouth sores and bad breath or halitosis.

Gingivitis is a periodontal (gum) disease that is quite varied, and the etiology has been separated into both local and systemic causes which involve inflammation and or infection.

This infection is able to destroy the supporting tissue of the teeth if it is left unattended.

Resulting bad breath from the inflammation is able to cause loss of self-esteem, and in severe cases even social isolation.

There is mounting evidence from medical researchers that gum diseases such as gingivitis may make people more prone to general inflammations of the body, heart disease, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, stroke and arteriosclerosis.

The bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) accumulates in the gaps between the gum and teeth and tartar actually forms on the teeth.

The way to treat this problem is by dental debridement.

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 scaling and root planing.

Although the accumulations of these bacteria may be very small it can still produce toxins which cause gum inflammation.

Over years the build-up of this infection has the effect of causing deep fissures between the teeth and gum, affecting the ligaments, bone and gum tissue that hold the tooth in place.

This loss of supporting tissue can cause the tooth to become loose, in which case it may come out on its own or require removal.

Professional dental cleaning is traditionally performed every six months.  However, in the case of recurring gingivitis inflammation it may be recommended every three to four months, as it takes plaque approximately three months to accumulate and harden as tartar in quantities that require professional removal.

Author:  Scott W.   Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other kind of health problem, visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Essential Oils

Did you realize that there are a number of essential oils that might help you to fight gum disease?

Not a lot of people do, but it is worth it to familiarize yourself with them.

Your oral health and hygiene is too important to take lightly.

And as far as bacteria killing agents go, essential oils are just as effective, yet far more safe than many other so-called plaque fighting artificial ingredients like triclosan.

Oramd is an example of one dental product containing essential oils.  It’s a little bit different to use than toothpaste, as you only apply a few drops of the oil mixture onto your brush.

So, not only do you not have the “bulk” of toothpaste you’re used to, but also there is no foam generated from brushing.

But if you can adjust to that, the ingredients will get down into the tightest nooks and crannies in your mouth and kill off the bad bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.

Quite often, the natural approach is at least helpful, even if it is no substitute for regular dental care.  Using oils might prove to be a healthy way to help keep your teeth and gums in good shape.

Evidence is piling up about the benefits that these oils could have on oral health. Since a lot of people are becoming increasingly interested in natural remedies, they are really catching on fast.  The best news of all is that  these oils are quite easy to find.

For instance, it is possible to find commercial and mainstream toothpastes that contain these essential oils.

You can do a search on the internet to come up with the majority of them.

Mainly, you want to look for toothpastes that utilize ingredients like peppermint oil and wintergreen oil. Some will also include thymol oil.  All three may be helpful.  An oral irrigator can be another useful tool for dental health.

Oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and manuka have shown to have a positive effect in the battle against potentially bad bacteria. However, they must be used properly, because failure to do so could actually cause harm.

You can coat your dental floss with the essential oil of your choice as well.  Of course, you need to make sure it is properly diluted.

With tea tree oil, for instance, you simply need to mix it with a teaspoon of aloe vera. Let the floss dry before you use it.  An ozone generator could be useful in making an oxygenated mouthwash. You can use the same method with oil of oregano.

These methods should not be tried without contacting your dentist and obtaining approval and directions from your team of licensed dental practitioners first. The misuse of essential oils can be harmful. What you have read in this article is not enough to instruct you on the proper use of essential oils.

It is also important to understand that using essential oils is no substitute for the daily mechanical disruption of plaque.  And they can not replace the benefits derived from regular dental checkups and cleanings.  You should be under the care of a licensed dental practitioner at all times.

Author – Scott Wells

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition. The USFDA has not evaluated the statements about any products or essential oils mentioned in this article. Proceed at your own risk only.

People used to think that as you got older you naturally lost your teeth.

We now know that’s not true.

By following easy steps for keeping your teeth and gums healthy – plus seeing your dentist regularly – you can have your teeth for a lifetime!

Plaque: What is it?

Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs (bacteria)  that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth.

• Some types of plaque cause tooth decay

• • Other types of plaque cause gum disease

Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease.

If gum disease is not treated, the tissues holding the teeth in place are destroyed and the teeth are eventually lost.

Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it’s stained. You can stain plaque by chewing red “disclosing tablets,” found at grocery stores and drug stores, or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring on your teeth.

The red or green color left on the teeth will show you where there is still plaque—and where you have to brush again to remove it.

Stain and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing all plaque.  Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if your plaque removal techniques are o.k.

Floss

Use floss to remove germs and food particles between teeth.  Always rinse after flossing.

NOTE! Ease the floss into place gently.  Do not snap it into place—this could harm your gums.

Brush Teeth

Use any tooth brushing method that is comfortable, but do not scrub hard back and forth.

Use only a soft bristled brush, as plaque is quite easily removed with the softest of bristles.  Plus, stiff bristles can erode gum and tooth surfaces over time.

Small circular motions and short back and forth motions work well.  Again, be sure to rinse thoroughly to flush out the food particles and bacteria.

Brush the tongue for a fresh feeling!  Rinse again.

Toothpaste is optional – as is fluoride in the toothpaste.

Why?

Because it is the mechanical action of the flossing, brushing and vigorously swishing that dislodges and removes the plaque and germs it contains, NOT the toothpaste.

If you do use fluoridated toothpaste, be sure to avoid swallowing any of it and make sure to rinse and swish thoroughly with water after brushing.

Because, while fluoride may have temporary “topical” anti-cavity properties, it provides NO systemic benefit, but is, in fact, quite toxic.

Remember: Food residues, especially sweets, provide nutrients for the germs that cause tooth decay, as well as those that cause gum disease.

That’s why it is important to remove all food residues, as well as plaque, from teeth.

Remove plaque at least once a day—twice a day is better.

If you brush and floss only once daily, do it before going to bed.

Another way of removing plaque between teeth is to use a dental pick or stimulator—a thin plastic or wooden stick.

These picks can be purchased at drug stores and grocery stores.

Use care with these devices, as they can cut the gums and also be abrasive on enamel if overused.