If your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth you may think this is normal and ignore it, but bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying problems. Bleeding gums is often caused by harmful plaque, and the millions of bacteria in it, found at or around the gum line. Left too long this plaque can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Besides gingivitis you can also have bleeding gums from:

• Smoking and/or vaping
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy
• Medication you are taking
• Vitamin K deficiency

There are things you can do to help maintain healthy gums and reduce bleeding or the chance of developing gingivitis.

Since bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal, starting an effective oral hygiene regimen is a great way to help prevent bleeding gums. Brushing twice a day in a circular motion along the gum line will help stimulate and strengthen your gum tissue. As well, flossing once a day will help get rid of any plaque or food that is trapped between your teeth and under the gums.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking or vaping, and eating a diet low in sugar and simple carbohydrates will also improve the health of your gums.

If your gums continue to bleed when flossing and brushing, after you've tried to improve your oral hygiene, please call Sherwood Dental and let one of our dentists evaluate your flossing technique and whether or not there is a need for gum treatment.

The post Why Do I Have Bleeding Gums? appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

You may be a model dental patient. You may visit your dental hygienist every 6 months without fail, floss daily and brush with a Sonicare toothbrush in the morning and in the evening, and sometimes in between. Your dental hygienist may tell you how glad she is to see you and that she loves cleaning your teeth. She may tell you that because you do such an excellent job of cleaning your teeth, her job is easier to do. But would you be surprised to hear your dentist say, “You’ve got a cavity right here,” as he shows your digital x-ray on his computer screen? Would you be surprised to hear him tell you to schedule an appointment within the next week or two at the most, to get that cavity taken care of? Probably. I mean, you had no idea. You felt no pain. How could you have a cavity when your teeth don’t hurt?

How does a cavity form on a tooth?

Bacteria in your mouth form plaque, a sticky substance, which coats the surfaces of your teeth. Twenty minutes after eating or drinking food, this sticky substance feeds on simple sugars and simple carbohydrates found in your foods and creates plaque acid. Plaque acid dissolves your tooth enamel and a cavity develops.

If left untreated, a cavity eventually exposes the dentine making a tooth sensitive. Again, if left untreated, further decay will expose the tooth pulp where the nerves of your teeth are. If this happens, your tooth may become infected and cause extreme pain. Now you’re looking at the need for a root canal or possible tooth extraction.

And why should you visit your dental hygienist often?

The best way to prevent cavities from developing is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss your teeth once a day and limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you eat. You should visit your dental hygienist as often as they recommend you should, too. Your hygienist will remove plaque buildup, deep clean your teeth and reach those spots you might be missing spots or are unable to reach.

Remember, you may have a cavity without any symptoms at all. It may even be quite advanced, and you don’t know it’s there. Your teeth may not hurt, but that does not mean you may not have a cavity. Your dentist can catch tooth decay early and treat it before it becomes painful and costly, so visit your dentist often.

If you are feeling pain, the cavity has already developed to a more serious level. It could be causing damage to the surrounding tissues and teeth requiring an expensive dental procedure. Come see us before that happens. Schedule a routine cleaning with one of our Sherwood Dental hygienists today at (780) 464-4166.

The post Dental Myth 101- My Teeth Don’t Hurt So I Must Not Have A Cavity appeared first on Sherwood Dental.

Good oral hygiene goes hand-in-hand with your overall well-being. How so, you ask? Great oral hygiene:

• Prevents plaque, gingivitis and gum disease in your mouth
• Goes hand-in-hand with a healthy cardio-vascular system
• Keeps you out of the dentist's chair, saving you time
• and Earns you a terrific smile, too!

Good Oral Hygiene Prevents Plaque, Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Plaque and gingivitis are caused by bacteria growing in your mouth. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day combined with flossing once a day prevents the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

Proper Oral Hygiene Rewards with a Healthy Cardio-vascular System

Those who practice good oral hygiene are often rewarded with a healthy cardio-vascular system. This is because poor oral hygiene allows plaque and bacteria to grow in your mouth. Bacteria then passes directly into your bloodstream through your gums and on into your heart.

Good Oral Hygiene Saves Time

Plaque and gingivitis can mean additional trips to the dentist. When you practice good oral hygiene, there's no need to visit the dentist's office more than is necessary. We see our patients two, three or four times for a good cleaning each year based on their individual needs.

Great Oral Hygiene Earns a Terrific Smile

Prevent plaque and gingivitis from growing in your mouth in the first place. Brush twice a day - after eating a good breakfast and before going to bed - and floss daily. These daily practices combined with eating healthful foods (low-sugar, low-carbohydrate) will earn you a terrific smile!

If you've been practicing efficient oral hygiene on a daily basis, good for you! It really shows in your terrific smile! If not, call Sherwood Dental at (780) 464-4166 and schedule an appointment today. Then, start practicing good oral hygiene daily for your total well-being.

Resource:

http://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/electric-toothbrushes

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