Smarte Solutions

When the word “contagious” is mentioned, most people tend to think only of common ailments such as flu, cough and colds.  People seldom realize that tooth decay and periodontal disease can bring on a swarm of oral health problems not only for one particular person but for the family as well.

How can this be possible?  Well, if bacteria are present in the mouth, they will gradually eat away at the teeth.  If disregarded, it could result in a cavity and cause pain, infection and worse, loss of tooth.  Reaction between food and bacteria causes decay as plaque forms on the gums and the teeth.  Moreover, when you eat and drink something sweet, the bacteria feed on the sugar and create acids.  After some time, the tooth enamel breaks down and tooth decay and poor oral health begin to take over.

We may not be mindful about it but, tooth decay can be passed along merely by drinking from the same cup; much more in brushing with the same toothbrush.  It may be a rule of thumb to never share a toothbrush with somebody but there are people who violate that.  Doing so gives a big opportunity for bacteria to transfer from one person to another.

Tooth decay can cause pain and fever which results to disruption in school or office work.  Speech and eating habits can also get affected not to mention the sleeping interruptions.  However, this condition can be prevented through regular examinations done by professional dental personnel.  With regular check up, the need for expensive periodontal disease treatment is also eliminated.

When there is a build up of plaque, the bacteria contained inside it produce toxins that damage and irritate the gums.  It will eventually infect the bone and the tissues that support the teeth.  Bleeding and discolored gums that are swollen accompanied by bad breath are warning sings of periodontitis.  Untreated gum disease is the most common reasons adults lose teeth and end up with dentures or false teeth.

Apart from flossing and brushing every day, it is important to visit a dentist to get regular teeth cleaning sessions along the gum margins.  Another equally important reminder is to use of quality and effective dental care products.  Be vigilant in choosing products.  Avoid dental care products with harmful chemical ingredients.  They just give you the sensation or “clean feeling” but not really going for the root cause of the problem which is bacteria.

By adopting a healthy dental care routine and using effective dental home care products, you will safeguard yourself and your family from unnecessary dental problems and save yourselves from periodontal disease treatment that involves a lot of expenses.

Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory disease of the gingival and the surrounding gum tissue around the teeth. This is more commonly known as gum disease and it is the number one cause of tooth loss of adults after the age of 30. It has been believed that 80% of the population above the age of 30 may have suffered from this disease with varying degrees of severity.  Many scientific studies have proven that gum disease are related to a lot of serious medical conditions that is why most people who suffer from it are looking for different treatment for periodontal disease.

People who have a long term periodontal disease have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.  The more the severity of one’s gum problem, the greater is the risk. It has been suggested through research that the bacteria that is responsible for periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream to the arteries in the heart. There, they can trigger a cycle of inflammation and arterial narrowing that contributes to heart attacks. Bacteria in the mouth also make a person more prone to develop blood clots, increasing the likelihood of a stroke.

Pregnant women who suffer from periodontal disease may be much more likely to give birth to a premature baby than women with healthy gums.  It has been found that having such gum problems appears to limit the growth of the fetus in the womb and may trigger high levels of substances that induce labor. The problem can also be exacerbated in women who have diabetes, those who are already considered at high risk of pregnancy problems.

Uncontrolled blood sugar is another complication brought about by periodontal disease.  This is because any infection in the body can raise the blood sugar level which requires more insulin to keep it in check. Pneumonia is another problem which is caused by the inhalation of bacteria from the mouth into the lungs resultinh to aspiration pneumonia. This is a condition that’s especially common in hospitals where patients may be sedated or have tracheal tubes.

The primary cause of periodontal disease is plaque. That is why a good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is the best periodontitis treatment.  It is best to visit the dentist or dental hygienist in order to determine the extent of the problem.  If periodontitis is left uncontrolled, it may lead not only to the loss of teeth including the severe complications mentioned above.

When you have red gums, it could mean one thing:  You are suffering from a gum infection.  As you know, bacteria build-up can cause periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.  As bacteria grow in numbers in the mouth, it then produces a white, sticky substance called plaque.  Plaque coats the teeth and gum line, which provides protection for bacteria as they erode tissues and bones surrounding your teeth.  When left to fester, it turns to tartar which widens the gap between teeth and gums, causing more infection and eventually leading to other dental health complications such as teeth loss.

However, red gums along with the dental health problems associated with it are easy to avoid.  Good dental health practices along with a healthy diet boosts immune system while keeping the bacteria level in check.  Defense against red gums starts with good oral hygiene practices.  Brushing your teeth after meal and snack time keeps food particles and sugars from sticking on to your teeth and gums.  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush so as not to damage your gums while brushing teeth.  You can opt for commercial toothpaste, or you can choose toothpaste with natural ingredients for a safer, more child-friendly alternative.

Flossing too can help prevent red gums.  It removes food particles in between teeth which are hard to remove with just brushing alone.  But remember not to force the dental floss between teeth or push it too far to reach the gum line.  This could damage your gums and make it more susceptible to infection.  After brushing and flossing, gargle with an alcohol-free mouthwash.  This loosens the food debris stuck in the crevasses of your mouth and around teeth.  You can also use a solution of sea salt and warm water.  This flushes away bacteria and food particles without drying your mouth.

Maintaining good dental health practices is not enough to keep your gums safe from infection.  A diet rich in vegetables and fruits are good can help boost your immune system while strengthening your teeth and gums.  You may also want to lessen sugar intake as it promotes bacterial growth in the gums and teeth.  Snacking, too, can make your gums and teeth susceptible to decay.  Lessen snacking or replace the usual snack time favorites with a more healthy option, such as firm and crunchy fruits as well as nuts.  You also need to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning.

Prevention is better than cure.  This has been an old cliché that hits the jackpot.  Many people have taken their health for granted so much so when it comes to oral hygiene.  We have been taught since our early years to brush every after meal.  Children may still be doing this practice however at one point when they become adults, this routine of brushing ones teeth gets to the bottom list of to-dos as the day pass by.

Our smile compels people to be near us.  We tend to feel lighter when we smile and show our dazzling teeth.  However, if we had poor oral hygiene, things will change.  We cannot afford to keep on smiling because at one point you’d get embarrassed with your not so wonderful teeth, thanks to our languid ways that one forgot to take care of their teeth.    With proper practices of good oral hygiene one is insured that their teeth will last.  It will prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth which could lead to oral problems if not taken care of.

One of the oral issues that can be prevented by religiously brushing and flossing our teeth is gum infection, one of the dental diseases that attack our mouth.  This problem is set off with inadequate dental care.  However, this malady can also affect people who conscientiously take care of their teeth if their parents have same issue.  Genetics, then, could be a cause for gum infection.  Other health issues could exacerbate gum problems.

Take care of your teeth as you don’t want to get to the point of no return for the long term effects of a gum infection.  Regular brushing, flossing, swish of an anti-bacterial mouthwash and periodic visit to the dentist could help prevent gum infection.  If left untreated, oral infections could lead to swelling and bleeding of gums.  An importunate odorous breath is an effect of gum problems.  Serious gum infection could make one lose a tooth or the whole set.  Gums will recede causing teeth to become loose.  Having oral infection may not be painful as it slowly eats your mouth’s tissues however it will eventually make your mouth sore and become sensitive.

Gum problems can be avoided by habitually going through proper oral hygiene.  Sweets are one of the culprits for mouth issues so never go lazy with brushing.  Preventing the upsurge of bad bacteria in your mouth and you steer clear from tooth decay and cavities that ruin your teeth and gums.