What is Gum Disease
By Emma Barnes
· Are your teeth and gums sensitive or sore?
· Are your gums red and swollen?
· Do your teeth and gums bleed when you brush?
· Do you have Bad Breath?
These are all signs of Gum Disease. This is a condition caused by bacteria that has been left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria attack the gums which surround and support the teeth causing tissue loss and in severe cases bone loss. All this can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The bacteria harden on the teeth forming a substance known as plaque. If this plaque is not removed Gum Disease will be inevitable.
There are 3 stages of Gum Disease:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of Gum Disease. At this stage the tissue and bone around the teeth have not been affected. If diagnosed early Gingivitis can be reversed. It is usually caused by insufficient brushing or flossing and general lack of oral care.
Signs of Gingivitis are:
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding when brushing
Visible plaque or tartar around the gum line
Gum recession
Bad Breath and or Bad taste in your mouth
Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
If left untreated Gingivitis will worsen. The tissue supporting the teeth will start to pull away from the gum creating gum pockets which will trap food and bacteria. When gum disease gets to this stage it is known as Periodontal Disease (the word Periodontal means 'around the tooth')
Chronic Periodontitis: is an aggressive form of gum disease this is when the bacteria have reached the roots of the teeth and the infection continues to worsen. The gums recede causing sensitivity.
Aggressive Periodontitis: is when the gum supporting the teeth is destroyed by the bacteria and the teeth become loose...leaving no other option but to remove the teeth. That is if they haven't fallen out already!
Around 75% of people show some signs of gum disease. Anyone of any age is at risk and there are many causes
The main causes of Gum Disease/Gingivitis are:
Insufficient Brushing/flossing
Smoking
Certain Medications i.e. epilepsy medication, steroids and some contraceptive medicines
Diet/lifestyle
Genetics
How to Cure Gum Disease
Develop good brushing and flossing habits this includes brushing gums as well as teeth at least twice a day.
Visit a Dentist or Dental Hygienist every 3-6 months depending on the severity
Cut back or even better quit smoking
Eat a healthy diet
While these tips help to keep the disease at bay they do not cure the disease. The problem with conventional treatments is that they only tackle one aspect of the disease. If you have tried one dimensional treatments like antibacterial toothpaste or mouth-wash and failed, then it's probably because there are other elements and root causes that you have not dealt with.
It is in all our best interests to keep our teeth and gums healthy and free from this terrible disease. Just think if your mouth is full of bacteria and germs how this is affecting the rest of your body. Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs resulting in lung disease along with other major illnesses such as heart disease.
If you are suffering from any symptoms mentioned in the article then you could be suffering from Gum Disease...seek advice now before it's too late.
My name is Emma and I have been in the Dental Industry for 25 years. The most common problem in the majority of patients I have seen over that time have suffered some level of gum disease. While it is necessary to see your Dental Professional every 3-6 months and in between times brush and floss your teeth daily neither of these actually cure the problem. I have done much research in order to find a cure and have come across a system which has been shown to work with incredible results whether you are young, old, male or female! Whether you are in the early stages Gingivitis or the more advanced stage Periodontitis. This system takes a 5 step Holistic approach to healing the infection which causes the gum disease. What makes this system so incredible is that whatever issue you have, it gives you the power to take control of your gum disease and completely free yourself of its grip on your life forever!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6649085
How to Choose the Best Teeth
Whitening Treatment
By Roger Bourdon
Not being able to smile in full confidence is a challenge that a majority of the population face each day. Many of us lead lifestyles that include certain habits which tend to stain the tooth surface. As we give great importance to the way we look, it's natural for us to search for ways to improve our smiles making our teeth whiter. The only problem is, with so many whitening treatments being offered today, it can be rather difficult to choose which one is the best and would give us great value for our money.
True enough, there are a wide variety of tooth whitening treatments and products that are available today and they use different methods in removing the ugly stains and unappealing discoloration that cover the tooth. Choosing which one would best work for you will take a few easy steps.
The very first thing that you should do is to seek professional advice. This is very important as it will determine which teeth whitening treatment will be effective in your case. You should first have your teeth checked out and have a dentist determine what is causing the discoloration. A dentist will also determine the condition or health of your teeth and see if they are healthy enough to undergo the treatment. After getting the results, your dentist will then give you the different treatment options that are advisable for you.
Generally, these teeth whitening treatment options are divided into two categories, home whitening treatments and in-chair whitening treatments. The main differences between the two are the costs that are going to be involved for the treatment process, the time frame where results can be seen, and the overall result of the treatment. Home treatments are less costly than in-chair treatments but they take a longer time to produce the results that you want. Also, home whitening treatments do not guarantee the exact desired shades or even whiteness that professional treatments can guarantee.
Some of the more common home tooth whitening products and treatments available today include:
• Mouth Strips - These are flexible strips coated with whitening gel that are placed over the teeth surface and left in contact for a short period of time. They contour to the shape of the teeth but find it difficult to make contact with hard to reach place especially with crooked teeth.
• Whitening Toothpaste - Specially formulated toothpaste that has high concentrations of bleaching agents and abrasives. This is commonly included as an aftercare product to prolong the results of the whitening treatment and promote oral care. Other aftercare tooth whitening products include whitening mouthwash and whitening floss.
• Bleaching Gels and Compounds- Perhaps the most effective home treatment for whitening teeth, this product comes with a tray where the bleach is poured and then fitted over the teeth to ensure maximum contact. Many dentists offer professional take home kits for this type or treatment along with a custom fitted tray to ensure that the bleaching agent covers the entire teeth surface and doesn't leak out and affect the gums.
• Brush-on Whiteners - More of a quick fix than a treatment, brush-on whiteners merely cover up the stains and don't really remove them. They provide instant whitened teeth but the results don't last.
Professional in-chair whitening treatments on the other hand commonly involve state of the art technology applied by well-trained specialists. Using the same concept of applying whitening bleach, in-office treatments commonly requires a single session to produce whiter teeth. They may be a bit costlier, but they offer guaranteed exact results that last much longer.
Your next step then is to weigh the pros and cons of the two teeth whitening options based on your personal situation and see which one is more applicable for you. Are you willing to invest in guaranteed in-office professional whitening treatment? Would you be satisfied being unsure of the results from home whitening kits which may not provide what you had in mind? Do you prefer long lasting results? Do you want instant whitened teeth in just over an hour?
If you want to have brighter and whiter teeth over your lunch break, many of the Westfield Shopping centres offer in-chair procedures using the latest technology in teeth whitening. Taking just one hour, you can leave your office and get back after your break with a more confident and whiter smile. If you go for treatment in a shopping centre, you have easy accessibility to pain free teeth whitening treatments that insure guaranteed results, and all you need to do is to walk in to learn more.
Smile Science leaders in tooth whitening have treatment centres in many major UK cities. They also supply a range of DIY teeth whitening kits to countries all round the world. Smile Science, Westgate House Business Centre, Westgate Road, Ealing, W5 1YY, 020 8758 7900
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6654362
Aging and Dental Health
By Donald Feit
Oral health is a critical factor in your overall health. How your teeth age depends on how well you have cared for them over the years. Many people are aware of making proper lifestyle choices including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep for their overall physical health. But many people should also be aware that a healthy mouth is the window to a healthy body. The importance of our lifestyle choices including proper oral hygiene becomes even more important as we age. It is essential that older adults focus on the prevention of cavities and gum disease as they continue to age.
According to the Coalition for the Oral Health for the Aging, the importance of proper oral health for the country will become even more important over the next 20 years. The following statistics make clear the importance of oral health for our aging population:
- The proportion of U.S. population over the age of 65 in 2000 was 12%. In 2030 it will be 20%.
- More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth. There has been a decrease of 41% in 1986 to 21% in 2004 of older adults with no natural teeth.
- Older adults with periodontal disease face a 25% higher risk of death from aspiration pneumonia.
- Older adults take numerous medications which adversely affect their oral health. Many medications cause dry mouth which contributes to poor oral hygiene.
- Access to proper oral health care is limited. Only 38% of nursing home residents receive a dental exam.
Proper dental care and the promotion of oral hygiene are critical for the overall health of seniors. Older adults need to continue to brush and floss twice daily whether they have real or replacement teeth. A healthy diet that limits sugars, carbohydrates, and alcohol intake is crucial for proper nutrition and a healthy mouth. Tobacco use is very dangerous and is a major risk factor for oral cancers. Seniors should continue to see their dentist every six months.
Unlike today's under-50 population, many older adults grew up without fluoride in their water and are therefore more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease can progress slowly over time and is very common in older adults. Heart disease, respiratory disorders, and strokes are all linked to gum disease. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque and bacterial buildup that comes from food left between teeth, smoking, poorly aligned teeth, dentures, or bridges, and a bad diet. Signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when you brush, tender and swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and any change in your bite.
Knowing the importance of and the connection between oral health and your overall physical health is half the battle. Remain committed to proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams as you age; you and your family will be happier and healthier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6647668