Health and Fitness

You may be slacking on going to see the dentist for one reason or another. I, myself tremble at the very thought of being strapped to a chair while getting my mouth poked at with a metal instrument. Unfortunately, I have experienced a few traumatizing episodes at the dentists’ office. Some of the visits involve me getting handed some tranquilizers to calm down. Another one entails me watching a video on periodontal disease and getting a billed the equivalent of a week’s pay.

Recent studies have shown a direct link between physical and oral health. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease can trigger inflammation throughout the body and increase the risk of life threatening conditions. It’s an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. It often gets ignored if there’s no pain involved and if left untreated conditions will worsen. Poor oral health has a massive negative impact…

Why do gums get sore? This is a question a lot of us have. At a time when fewer and fewer people can afford dental insurance, any problems involving the teeth or the gums are a cause for concern. However, a lot of different things can cause your gums to get sore. We are going to take a look at some of the most common causes. Hopefully recognizing them will be able to set your mind at ease.

It has to be said at the onset that sore gums can point to poor oral health. They are common in teenagers and adults alike. In general, there are six things which commonly cause this problem. Injury is the first cause. If the teeth or gums have been impacted by a hard object, soreness can result. Sports typically cause such injuries. Mouth guards provide protection against this problem.

Gum disease is the second cause.…

Thanks to better care and technological advances, more people than ever before are keeping their teeth throughout their lives. The most important thing you can do to make sure you’re one of those who keep their natural teeth is to brush and floss regularly.

Most dental decay is caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. Saliva, food (especially sugar) and fluids combine to produce plaque, which collects on teeth and where teeth and gums meet. Plaque that is not removed by regular brushing and flossing can harden into tartar, a crusty deposit that can only be removed by a dentist. Plaque also leads to gum disease, a potentially serious infection that can erode bone and destroy the tissues surrounding teeth. Flossing removes plaque between teeth, and brushing removes plaque from the large surfaces of the teeth and, if done correctly, from just under the…

Role of a dentist – Periodontists and gum disease are without a doubt directly linked in the quest to prevent, treat and ultimately cure painful and uncomfortable mouth and gum infections. Your dentist has the required experience and know-how on the various forms of periodontal disease and the successful treatment thereof.

What is this disease – Gum disease is a mere referral to soft tissue and bone infection specifically in and around teeth and jaw areas.

Symptoms and signs – During the initial phase of infection the disease is likely to be without any symptoms, it is only when infection progresses that signs become more visible not to mention painful. These signs include but are not limited to painful, red, tender and inflamed gums, bad breath, and gum bleeds especially after brushing or flossing and gum recession.

Prevention – Prevention is always better than cure, with oral hygiene topping the list of preventative…

Yes, it is possible to reverse gum disease. Some individuals are not aware of this fact. They believe that gum disease is a curse that they are meant to live with. This may have been true in the day and age when chewsticks were the way to keep teeth clean, but it isn’t like that anymore. We now have various types of toothpastes, toothbrushes that are made to get to those hard-to-reach places, and fluoride mouthwashes that compliment brushing. We even have dental floss to get between the teeth and oral balms that can prevent and treat gum disease.

As you can see, it is surprising how far dental hygiene has come, so it is no wonder that people don’t have to deal with receding gum lines and losing their teeth. Along with these innovations came methods to reverse gum disease and some of those methods are much easier than having…

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are very serious infections. If they are left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss and other more serious medical problems such as heart disease, respiratory complications and osteoporosis. Early detection and prompt treatment of gum infections is paramount to preventing the advancement of the disease. But since gum disease usually does not present itself until in its late stages, it is important to maintain regular dental check-ups and practice good dental habits in order to catch gum infections early and treat them immediately and effectively.

Periodontal disease, particularly among high risk groups like those who have diabetes, progresses quickly, recurs frequently, and heals slowly. The resistance to gum disease treatment can lead to shifting teeth and tooth loss. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and if it is not detected and treated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more serious infection of…