November 23rd, 2011 by admin

Having swollen gums includes experiences of discomfort and pain not only to the gums but the overall mouth area as well. From the time that the condition of having swollen gums is discovered, one should immediately seek treatment or else it will result to more serious gum and mouth problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, receding gums and even tooth loss. The gum swelling is usually caused by an underlying gum disease like bacterial infection or the lack of required vitamins and minerals.

There are herbal remedies for gum disease, some are readily found in the house and some can be purchased from culinary herb stores and groceries. Starting with the basics, the simplest solution that can cure gum disease and swollen gums is salt water solution. Mix a tablespoon of salt with a glass of lukewarm water. Stir the water until the salt you’ve added dissolves. Use this mixture as a gargle solution repeating 4 times daily. This swelling and pain will be reduced slowly; however, you still need to consult the dentist for prescription of the correct medication.

Another known gum disease cure or treatment for gum swelling is by using a mixture of lemon juice and warm water as a gargle solution. Like the saline or salt water solution, mix a tablespoon of lemon juice and a glass of warm water and keep it in the mouth for about 30 seconds. Circulate the water within the mouth and spit it out after. Lemon juice is known for its anti-bacterial properties therefore it will reduce the bacterial accumulation in the mouth.

Using mouthwash as a gargle solution when experiencing swollen gums is not recommended because the chemicals contained in it may be too harsh. It is still best to use all natural solutions and knowing what is its contents. Apart from direct treatment, you can help fight bacterial attack by giving your immune system a boost. What most health and wellness advocates promote is to eat, drink and live healthy by taking in a lot of healthy and natural food and less of the junk.

Fruits that contain Vitamin C, D and A are great for the immune system as well as eating green and organic vegetables. In addition to regular fruit and vegetable intake, drinking multivitamins and other supplements can also be beneficial in sustaining the correct balance of nutrients in the body to provide for the lack of it in your diet.

August 20th, 2011 by admin

Gum infection can be hard to be managed with a simple proper brushing and daily flossing. The important key to have healthy gums and strong teeth is by having a good dental hygiene. However, if gum infection gets in your way visit your oral professional to have it assess. There are several types of gum infection like irritated gums, cavities and abscesses and gum disease. Gum infection can be treated successfully if given attention in time.

Irritated gums- can be acquired from small food debris that is accumulated in between gums and teeth. Dirt and food particles sit in and produce acid thus resulting into irritation. There is the presence of pain when eating or drinking. It is sometimes felt only in a particular part of the gum or worst the entire gum line. It may develop into the condition called periodontitis or gingivitis.

Periodontitis- is a type of gum disease that attacks the tissues that support surrounding the teeth and destroys the bone that holds the tooth firmly. Gums and bones destroy eventually losing all of the teeth if not treated. It is caused by microorganisms that attached and grow on the tooth’s surfaces. Microorganisms creates pocket between teeth and gums increasing the chances of destroying the attachment of teeth and gums.  Periodontitis is a very common type of gum infection.

Gingivitis on the other hand is an inflammation of the gums that is associated with redness, swelling, bleeding and the sensation of pain. Inflammation caused by bacteria attacking the teeth and gums. Gingivitis may eventually progress into periodontitis. Every time you forget to brush and floss your teeth dirt accumulates in between teeth and gums. Dirt causes bacteria to develop and greater factor of forming into dental plaque.

Plaque or tartar must be removed by dental expert. Dental plaque contains minerals that play an important role in developing dental caries. These sometimes refer to tooth cavities. Bacteria attack the teeth and formed cavities in the teeth. Bacteria will produce acids that can quickly or permanently dissolves tooth enamel.  Tooth enamel is the outer layer of the teeth that serves as protection from getting tooth decay.

Tooth enamel is considered as the one of the hardest mineral much even stronger than bone. But everyday foods that we take in contain certain acids that destroy its strength. Sugars, starch and preservatives will produce acids that attacks and weakens tooth enamel.

May 22nd, 2011 by admin

Periodontal disease, or commonly called gum disease; is an oral problem affecting lots of people especially those belonging to the adult population. It is basically characterized by an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth which also acts as their support. Plaque, the colorless film that sticks on the surface of the teeth, is full of bacteria just like the rest of the mouth. Bacteria are considered harmless and beneficial to most of us but when these are allowed to accumulate, that is when problems begin to arise. As individuals fail to remove the plaque with normal tooth brushing and flossing, and because of poor oral health; microorganisms can build up in a thick layer, produce acids, and irritate the gums.

The first stage of the gum disease is gingivitis which may be difficult to notice at first because people will not experience the discomfort brought about by the symptoms. However, most people get to be alarmed by the gums being swollen, reddish, and bleed easily; especially during brushing. Gingivitis is attributed to poor habits of oral hygiene leading to poor oral health. Poor dental habits are also the reasons for what caused my gum disease. However, with the help of my dentist, I was able to reverse the condition and treat this milder form of gum disease with daily brushing and flossing.

If gingivitis will not be treated, this will lead to the more severe form of gum disease which is periodontitis. As the plaque begins to spread and infect the gum line, this will cause breakdown of the tissues and bones supporting the teeth where the gums separate from the teeth and form infected pockets. When the supporting bones and tissues are further damaged, there is a danger of the tooth becoming loose and may eventually fall out, if not; there is a need for it to be removed.

The following are the risk factors in the development of gum disease: eating food with high-sugar content or diabetes in individuals; excessive smoking or chewing of tobacco; poor dental hygiene habits and failing to visit your dentist; poorly constructed crowns or fillings; having abnormalities with the anatomy of the teeth; having autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Because of the female hormones, women are found out to be more susceptible to periodontal problems than men. Hormonal changes during pregnancy worsen the existing gingivitis, and those who are taking oral contraceptives or who are in the period of post-menopausal are also at a higher risk for developing the gum disease.

May 18th, 2011 by admin

It is a known fact that smoking has adverse effects on the heart and lungs but recent studies have also proven that smoking and gum disease are interrelated. We all know the connection of smoking and gum disease but researchers just recently found and came out with a national study proving the link between gum disease and smoking. Although research studies show that smoking is one of the risk factors of contracting gum disease, it now substantiates the fact that it influences the individual who have gum disease.

There were lots of opinions that came out linking gum disease and smoking. Tobacco and cigarettes contain nicotine and produce smoke causing the constriction of the blood vessels. This condition will limit the normal distribution of nutrients and oxygen tissue to the gums. Chewing tobacco and cigarette smoking also decreases the ability of the body to fight infections. Research studies also prove that smokers are more prone to certain bacteria causing gum disease.

Additional researches attest that smokers are attributed to have the highest possibility of contracting gum disease. It has also been shown that the ex-smokers are second and the non-smokers last. The former smokers and non-smokers were more responsive to the treatments given than those individuals who are still active smokers. Therefore; individuals with gum disease who already stopped the habit of smoking have better chances of achieving success with treatment against gum disease than those who did not. They are more prone to the disease four times more than the non-smokers.

The link that connects smoking and gum disease is very apparent, researchers say. Recent studies shows that fifty-five percent of those with gum diseases who subjected themselves to the study were currently smokers and almost twenty-two percent were ex-smokers. Current smokers who smoke an average of more than one to one and a half packs of cigarettes per day are six times more apt to have gum diseases than their counterparts who did not smoke. Those who consume less than a pack a day have three times more probability to acquire the gum disease.

The link between smoking and gum disease is caused by the immune system of the body being suppressed because of the tobacco reducing its function to fight against infection. The normal growth of the blood vessels is restricted with smoking, slowing down the healing process of the gum tissues. Those who are current smokers are known to have the worst oral condition than those who do not smoke. It is important that individuals must exert effort to quit smoking and exercise regular oral hygiene practices for oral health. This will not only improve the well being of your gums but also for your overall health. Now is the time to stop this vice and start living a clean and healthy lifestyle to avoid gum problems and other systemic diseases.

March 28th, 2011 by admin

Did you know that sore gums, which also bleed, could be an indication that you might have a heart attack? Surprised? It is true. Medical information states that bleeding gums, which is caused by an infection of a certain bacteria that prosper in your mouth as a result of poor hygiene, will cause a heart attack. This is stunning news, as people tend to ignore gum problems. Your dentist would advise you to increase the number of daily brushings, as well as recommending that you take adequate supplements of vitamins C and D, as well as the coenzyme Q10.

The condition of our mouth is a sign of our overall health.  People with deprived dental hygiene and those who don’t brush their teeth on a regular basis will end up having bleeding gums, which give the 600 different types of bacteria flow into the bloodstream. Failing to clean your teeth will cause those germs to flourish. Some are important to good health, and some are harmless. Some trigger a biological stream leading to chronic bacterial infections that have been related with atherosclerosis, the primary risk cause of heart attacks.

Ever since it was discovered that the bacteria that cause bleeding gums also cause heart attacks, gum disease treatments should be the high priority of every person. However, instead of looking for treatment, it is always better to look for ways like having a good oral hygiene and preventing bleeding gums to become a severe disease, have a better diet and adequate intake of vitamin and coenzyme supplements. These things can be achieve if you take this issue seriously.

Often, all it takes to maintain proper oral hygiene is brushing twice daily, followed by careful flossing. Having a regular brushing and flossing is important, but if it doesn’t resolve the problems, you need to do more. If you don’t, you are increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. If there are inflamed gums, dentist links it with the potential connection of an elevated plaque or too much fat stored in the arterial area.

You will boost the health of your teeth, gums and your heart simply by taking good care of your gums and teeth literally that takes only less than ten minutes a day, and by doing this you get such great health benefits from it in little bit of time. So, be good to your mouth.

March 6th, 2011 by admin

Gum disease can start for anyone at any age. It is more common, however, among adults over the age of 35. The disease may be mild or severe. It depends upon the stage. Everyone should know what gum disease is. In this way, they can understand what causes it and know how to stop it.

Description Of Gum Disease

Teeth are attached firmly in your mouth through the gums and bone. The point of attachment is where the gums and teeth meet. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) weakens and breaks this point of attachment. When the point of detachment separates gum and teeth, the tooth first becomes loose. It then falls out.

At this point, the type or stage of gum diseases is called periodontitis. This distinguishes from the earlier stage – gingivitis. Gingivitis is a less severe form of gum disease. Characteristics of this dental problem include bleeding, sore and discolored gums. The symptoms of later gingivitis may include constant bad breath and trench mouth.

The cause of gum disease is the spread of bacteria in your mouth. Bad bacteria grow, feeding on bits of food lodged in various crevices in the mouth. Bacteria forms or is a part of plaque. This sticky white material begins to form on your gums and teeth. Plaque forms daily. If you, or your dentist, do not remove it, it becomes tartar or calculus.

It is easier to remove plaque than tartar. The annual or 6-month visit to the dentist can accomplish this. So, too can a trip to a dental hygienist. Tartar is a harder substance and more difficult to remove. Tartar is also rougher in texture. It is the perfect place for more plaque to gather and calcify into more tartar. If periodontal disease reaches this stage – periodontitis, it becomes a more difficult condition to treat.

Oral Hygiene Remedy – A Way To Prevent Gum Disease

A life without gum disease is attainable. The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. Do not treat the problem nor its symptoms, but stop it. You can easily get rid of gum disease by adopting a proper method of oral hygiene care. Your dentist can assist you in selecting the right products. The market is also full of both commercial and natural products such as the versatile OraMD that acts as both toothpaste and a mouthwash.

The basic oral hygiene treatment program will consist of

• Brushing the teeth daily, preferably after meals and just before bedtime
• Flossing
• Rinsing using a non-alcoholic mouthwash
• A visit every 6-months or year to the dentist for a check-up and/or cleaning

Conclusion

It is important that everyone understands gum disease. You should know the main cause, types and symptoms. You should also be aware of any remedies or cures. Most importantly, you need to know how to get rid of it. This is easy to do. Adopt a positive oral hygiene program. If you brush, rinse and floss daily, your smile should last you a lifetime.

March 4th, 2011 by admin

Gum disease is a dental problem. It consists in 2 major stages. One is more serious than the other. The final stage, the hardest to get rid of and treat, is periodontitis. The early stages are simpler to stop. This phase of gum or periodontal disease is gingivitis.

What is Gingivitis?

The simplest way to describe gingivitis is as an irritation or swelling of the gums. Yet, this inflammation is not as innocent as you may think. It can result in serious consequences if you do not treat it properly and immediately. Gingivitis is the first stage of a more serious form of periodontal disease – periodontitis. Gum disease during this stage will attack the bones and tissue holding the teeth in place. The result is loose and even lost teeth. Treatment for periodontitis can involve surgery and tooth replacement.

The Causes Of Gingivitis

The major cause of gingivitis is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. It is frequently the result of poor oral hygiene. Failure to keep the mouth clean of food particles provides free reign for bacteria. This produces plaque then tartar.  This can quickly escalate into periodontitis with its irreversible consequences and surgical remedies.

Symptoms Of Gingivitis

The early symptoms of gingivitis are not always obvious. You may ignore them or consider some as “normal.” Look at the condition of your gums regularly, particularly their color and texture. In doing so, you should see if you require a dentist to examine and treat the problem.  Be aware of the following signs or warnings of gum disease. They will help you avoid any serious dental treatment in the future.

• Bleeding gums
• Gums appear a brilliant red or purple
• Gums are tender upon touch
• Oral sores
• Swollen gums

Treatment

If you suspect gingivitis, talk to your dentist immediately. Look at your oral hygiene regimen. To stop and even reverse gum disease, adopt the basic remedy of good oral hygiene:

• Brush daily using a good toothbrush and toothpaste. Options include both commercial and natural products
• Rinse daily using an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will prevent dry mouth and its consequence – bacterial growth
• Floss at least twice a day

Conclusion

Prevention is the best means of avoiding the mild to severe consequences of gingivitis. Adopt a regular practice of oral hygiene. Consider gargling and brushing. Using Ora Md, a natural method combining these 2 important steps, will help you decrease your chances of getting gingivitis. It will also help you avoid an unnecessary visit to the dentist. Also, you can read about dentists on gum disease.

March 3rd, 2011 by admin

A lot of people do not really know what is inside of our teeth.  Some of you may think that knowing what is in the interior of our teeth is unimportant, but this will be very important in staying way from various dental ailments in the future.  A popular saying says that prevention will always be superior than cure, so knowing what is your teeth made of and how it works should be a very significant factor in preventing problems.

Each tooth in our mouth is protected by a hard shell called enamel.  This enamel actually protects a tissue called dentin.  Underneath this dentin tissue, is where all the other cells, tissues and nerves are housed.  Keeping the enamel in good condition is very critical, as all of the other components that it is protecting are highly prone to being infected by bacteria.  Once these tissues, nerves and cells are infected, tooth abscesses may arise.  What happens is that after the tooth has been exposed to bacteria,  the plaque that has built up in that part will dig a hole which makes these sensitive parts exposed to bacterial infection.  Of course, as these parts get infected, they will be gradually wounded.  And as these wounds remain to be unhealed, various instances of pus emergence will prevail.  This is what is referred  to as the tooth abscess.  If your teeth continue to swell, then it might affect the other parts of your dental system which would be ultimately dangerous.

So if we trace up the cause, tooth abscesses are generally there because of plaque.  What causes plaque?  Plaque actually comes from the substances from food that we eat that are not cleaned thoroughly, that is if one does not brush dutifully.  This can be very difficult when it erupts, especially for children, who seem to be very naïve of their health on that point in their lives.  As parents, it is important to let their children practice regular brushing to avoid abscesses.

Can Tooth Abscesses Be Prevented in Children?  Yes of course.  Any disease can be prevented, which is indeed better than having it cured.  The key to this is instilling in our children a habit of proper dental hygiene.  That means brushing your teeth, avoiding food that may be too sweet.  With those precautions given importance, tooth abscesses will forever remain a distant nightmare.

It is in childhood where most of the habits that they practice when they become adults are developed.  By starting as early as possible, your child may develop a habit of proper and good hygiene which is very, very important.  Proper hygienic measures taught to children is a manifestation of responsible parenthood so do not forget to tell your child to be careful with his/her teeth.

February 24th, 2011 by admin

Flap surgery may be necessary in some stages of periodontal disease. This particular treatment option occurs when there becomes a need for more invasive procedures to remove the plaque and tartar build up below the gum line. It’s important to be educated on the cause of periodontal disease, particularly the lifestyle related causes, and how genetics leads to symptoms of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease leads to the development of deeply pocketed areas of bacteria that are often unable to be removed using standard teeth brushing methods. The good news is that your dentist is able to apply treatments to remove this build up, in most cases, prior to using this particular type of procedure if the periodontal disease is caught sooner.

The advancing stages of periodontal disease allow for the bacteria to get much deeper into the gum lining. This is where the gums can become very inflamed, painful and teeth can become loose. When this occurs, brushing alone will not be enough. Dentists use deep cleaning methods such as root planning and scaling to help remove more of the plaque buildup. When those do not work, the next step is to use flap surgery. This is a treatment for the advanced stages of periodontal disease, but it is considered a routine and commonly performed surgical procedure.

There are a few things you should know about periodontal disease and flap surgery. Consider the following:

• Flap surgery occurs when there is a need for it, due to the depth of the bacterial infection and inflammation.
• In this procedure, the dentist will remove or lift back some layers of the gums to remove the tartar buildup left behind.
• After this is done, the gums are then sutured back into their normal place. However, as the condition heals, the gums will begin to shrink down and snuggly fit up against the teeth again, something that is not likely to occur if you continue to allow the stages of periodontal disease to progress.

In many cases, flap surgery is the best option for the more advanced stages of periodontal disease, especially as the condition reaches the level of periodontitis, when the bone becomes involved in the condition. If your doctor recommends this treatment, it is likely that you need to go through with it. To avoid having this procedure done, improve your dental hygiene to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, which in turn will keep the condition from becoming an advanced stage of periodontal disease. Many people can still overcome the condition with this surgical procedure.

September 20th, 2008 by admin

Do you Know that 4 in 5 adults suffer from gum disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacterial plaque. It attacks the bone, ligament and gums that support the tooth. When the infection progresses, can apparent spaces between teeth, gums can shoes and teeth can move and fall.

What are the treatments that can be made? Read the rest of this entry »