Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Dental hygiene is directly related to your overall physical health. But how can you be sure you are taking proper care of your teeth, mouth and gums? Generally, your teeth and gums should not hurt or bleed, after brushing; your breath should be fresh for a few hours after brushing and eating breakfast. The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to clean your teeth properly, here are some tips:

1. Use the right mouthwash.

If you use alcohol free mouthwash twice a day, you'll slash your risk of gum disease by 60%. Ideally you should aim to rinse for about 30 seconds with a mouthwash that has microbial protection to fight plaque and gingivitis.

2. Floss before you brush.

You should floss before you brush your teeth, rather than after. That way you'll be able to brush away any food that was stuck between your teeth to prevent bacteria from growing.

3. Use the right toothbrush.

Soft or extra soft bristles are best. Using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush scratches the tissue of your gums away over time, exposes the root surface underneath and leads to possible bone loss.

4. Brush smart.

To really clean your teeth, aim to brush them for a full two minutes. Also brush your tongue and cheeks as well as your teeth to improve the removal of harmful bacteria. Be sure to replace your toothbrush about every three months.

For more oral health tips, or for routine visits, contact Dream Smile Dental.

Gum health is the foundation of good oral health. For healthy teeth and gums it is important to brush regularly every day.
 
But believe it or not, some toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning and taking care of teeth and gums better than others.

Most dentists recommend Sonicare electric toothbrushes for kids and adults. Try the Sonicare FlexCare toothbrush to experience healthier gums.

Take care of your gums for life

Gum health means good oral health, yet most adults suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives. When left unattended, it can even lead to tooth loss in adults!

Sonicare FlexCare can improve your gum health in just two weeks.
FlexCare cleans along the gum line, removing plaque while stimulating gums. And less gum pain and bleeding will allow you to enjoy the brushing experience more while developing better brushing habits.

Gentle cleaning to reduce inflammation

FlexCare+ Gum Care mode provides two minutes of complete whole mouth cleaning, with one additional minute of gentle cleaning for problem areas and along the gum line. Brushing in this mode, along with proper dental professional care, improves gum health by reducing gum inflammation, recession and bleeding, in just two weeks. And Massage mode uses patented technology to drive fluids to stimulate gums, resulting in healthier gums.

Of course, not every case of bleeding gums is directly related to gum disease. In less common circumstances, certain medications, or hormonal changes can cause the gums to become more sensitive to stimulation and may bleed.  However a common reason that gums bleed is due to  gum disease.  Also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gums, teeth and in advanced cases, the bones and ligaments that support the jaw. This infection is estimated to affect nearly 80% of Americans at some point during their lifetime.

With better brushing techniques and more regular flossing, along with regular cleanings and evaluation by a dental professional, the majority of cases of gum disease can be minimized and managed easily. The cause of gum disease is simple; bacteria. Full of warmth, moisture and an environment full of food to thrive upon, bacteria inside the mouth can reproduce rapidly. Food particles and residue that are left inside our mouths after meals provides optimum opportunity for bacteria to grow out of control. As they grow they release toxins that irritate and inflame the gum line. A bacteria's preferred food source is in the form of plaque.

Plaque residue forms a sticky and sometimes hard substance on the teeth and around the gum line. Bacteria feed on the plaque and work deep into gum tissues causing irritation, swelling and bleeding gums. This irritation may be painless but where there is bleeding there is most likely an infection that will need to be treated.

It is very important to see a dentist regularly and get your routine check-ups. Be sure to contact us today to set up your next appointment to avoid any major cases of oral problems.