Gum Disease. – basrai

Choosing the right Mouthwash!

Choosing the right mouthwash

There are a lot of things that people can use to keep their mouth clean. An effective toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and so forth can all make a difference. One thing that is commonly purchased is mouthwash. But how can you be sure that you have got the right one? Choosing the right mouthwash will not only keep your breath smelling nice but can also aid in reducing plaque build up and maintaining good oral health.

What are the main benefits of using mouthwash?

There are a number of benefits mainly-

Fresher breath that is better for you than mints and does not require putting gum in the bin
Reduced bacteria
Reduced risk of gum disease
Fluoride mouthwashes help reduce plaque and tartar build up

What difference does my choice of mouthwash make?

It can be overwhelming seeing the range of mouthwashes available. All of them make big claims on their effectiveness and it is not always easy to compare them.

The type you choose depends on the ingredients it contains. Fluoride mouthwashes strengthen the enamel of your teeth. However these are mainly recommended for people who suffer from conditions such as cavities and severe dryness of the mouth (also known as xerostomia)

For regular use the best kinds are anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis (gum disease). The main reason that these are effective is that they kill the bacteria that causes both bad breath and damage to the teeth.

Remember that some mouthwashes contain alcohol and therefore may not be suitable for children younger than six years old.

Is mouthwash a good substitute for flossing?

It is generally recommended that you use mouthwash alongside other oral health treatments such as flossing and regular brushing. Given that people often speed through brushing teeth it is a good idea to do this at points in the day when you are not brushing your teeth as an extra anti-bacterial boost to your oral health!

I’m still not sure what mouthwash is right for me. Can I ask my dentist?

If you look on the label to see if it is antiseptic or antibacterial this is often the good sign of a mouthwash that can do its job. It is also worth looking for stamps of approval from recognised authorities to show that this is more than just something to given your breath a freshen up!

However if you are still unsure it is well worth discussing choosing the right mouthwash with your dentist. They will know your oral health better than anyone and will be able to recommend the most suitable type for your individual needs.

Why dont you call our hygienist on 01375481000 to schedule a consultation.

Gum Disease in Essex

How to prevent gum disease

You have probably seen adverts for numerous products that claim to prevent the onset of gum disease. However while using the right toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and so forth is important what is equally important in knowing how to prevent gum disease is the potential symptoms and stopping gum disease from developing in the first place and ensuring you get the appropriate treatment.

What is gum disease?

While the term can seem a bit vague there are specific types with symptoms to be aware of. Gum disease (also referred to as gingivitis) is in simple terms when your gums become sore, swollen or infected. The most severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis and this is particularly serious as this can result in severe damage to the tissue that keeps your teeth in your mouth!

How do I spot gum disease?

Look out for the following symptoms-

• Bleeding while brushing your teeth
• Soreness and inflammation around the gums
• Bad breath (or to give it the formal name halitosis)
• Pain in your jaw (Potential
• Teeth become loose

Ideally you want to see a consultant before you feel pain in your jaw or loose teeth as these are potential signs of periodontitis developing. Ideally you want to take action before you see the scarier symptoms which is why regular dental appointments are so important!

How can you treat gum disease?

Treatment of gum disease depends on the level of seriousness. In the milder cases it is simply a case of improving your dental hygiene routine. This may include-

• Increasing the amount of times you brush your teeth in the day
• More frequent use of antiseptic mouthwash to remove bacteria
• If you don’t floss start flossing or using dental sticks
• Cutting down on sweets and carbonated drinks
• If your children show signs of gum problems dilute any juices with water and encourage them to drink through straws.

For some people a dentist may have to do a deep clean to remove hardened plaque (also known as tartar). The most severe cases may require specialist non-surgical treatment or even some specialist surgical treatment. For example very rare cases have resulted in gangrene in the mouth, requiring tissue to be removed.

While this can seem very scary it does not have to be the case if you act now. If you are worried about potentially having gum disease it is important to book an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible. In short making sure you maintain a good dental hygiene routine and early invention by a dental professional are the best ways of preventing gum disease and maintaining a healthy smile!

Your Mouth Can tell alot about You!

A lot of non-oral health issues have manifestations in the mouth or mouth area. The following are a few examples of why dentists should remember that their job is not only about filling cavities, but also about understanding the clues the mouth gives about the overall health of a patient:

~ Heart Disease – Bright red or purple gums

~ Type 2 Diabetes – Bleeding gums sensitive to touch although there is no noticeable plaque

~ Kidney Disease – Breath has sweet ammonia-like smell; very noticeable and pronounced

~ Acid Reflux – Worn down teeth; teeth affected dependant on where acid settles while person is in sleeping position

~ Oral Cancer – Gums and oral tissues with white spots; MUST last for at least two weeks or more

~ Leukemia – Bright red and swollen gums; differentiated from diabetes via blood test

~ Osteoporosis – Black spots that denote air pockets and dead bone; show up on X-rays

~ Stress – Cracked teeth or gums that have contracted away from teeth (can develop into infection)

~ Sleep Apnea – Swollen gums and tongue in areas which air passes through

~ Pregnancy – Swollen gums could imply hormonal changes

~ Bulimia – Paper-thin front teeth; most enamel worn down; different from acid reflux since it affects different teeth

As you can see, the mouth can display ailments are not even related to the mouth or mouth areas. That is why dentists must be fully trained to know what these signs are and what they mean. Early detection of multiple diseases and health problems can often be life saving.

Call us on 01375481000 Now to schedule an Appointment.

How to Stop Gum Disease?

Gum Disease can affect more than just our oral health. The American Dental Association states, “There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth which are associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages and stroke.”

The following tips can help you to prevent gum disease:

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Daily Routine
Here’s How:

•Brush your teeth properly twice a day. Brushing your teeth thoroughly removes plaque from the surface before it hardens into calculus.
•Use a fluoride toothpaste. Using a toothpaste with fluoride helps to prevent decay.
•Floss your teeth daily. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
•Use a mouth rinse. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can provide extra help in controlling plaque. Listerine is a good choice and has been
approved by the American Dental Association.
•Visit your dentist for regular check ups. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums
stay healthy.