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Posts Tagged ‘gum disease’

Must Your Gums Recede When You Age?

Friday, January 8th, 2010

gum disease

Do you believe that gums must recede as we age? If you do, then it might seem natural to you to lose teeth. I have known people in their late 80’s and I am surprised to see that they still have their complete set of teeth. They say that they have been very cautious when it comes to the food they intake and with proper home care.

Funny how some elderly would stick out their dentures and scare their grand children away – happy bonding time with the family, something really worth reminiscing. But do you know that there is more to life than just making the children in your family have a good time when they see you play with your dentures? Besides brushing and flossing, have you tried the hydrofloss yet? 

Perhaps you are making it appealing to them so that they tend to like the idea or at least accept that they would lose their teeth one by one. I have actually asked a child who had his first permanent molar extracted at the age of 12. Imagine how many years more he has to live without his first molar. This does not bother him as he is actually enjoying the idea that he may soon wear dentures. Wouldn’t it be better to use a mouthwash like therabreath?

Some patients sound weird as they talk to the receptionist that they are having several incisors extracted due to little discolorations. I thought to myself, I am so fortunate to have mine complete never having to undergo multiple extractions and never ever considering having one. Essential oils, like those in Oramd may be helpful. 

And I realized that the greatest secret of the successful ones is that they meticulously cared for their teeth throughout their lifetime. You don’t have to lose your teeth as you grow old. Gum recession does not have to be part of the aging process.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent or stop gum disease.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

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Must Gums Recede As We Age?

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

gum disease

Do you believe that gums must recede as we age? If you do, then it might seem natural to you to lose teeth. I have known people in their late 80’s and I am surprised to see that they still have their complete set of teeth. They say that they have been very cautious when it comes to the food they intake and with proper home care.

Funny how some elderly would stick out their dentures and scare their grand children away – happy bonding time with the family, something really worth reminiscing. But do you know that there is more to life than just making the children in your family have a good time when they see you play with your dentures? Besides brushing and flossing, have you tried the hydrofloss yet? 

Perhaps you are making it appealing to them so that they tend to like the idea or at least accept that they would lose their teeth one by one. I have actually asked a child who had his first permanent molar extracted at the age of 12. Imagine how many years more he has to live without his first molar. This does not bother him as he is actually enjoying the idea that he may soon wear dentures. Wouldn’t it be better to use a mouthwash like therabreath?

Some patients sound weird as they talk to the receptionist that they are having several incisors extracted due to little discolorations. I thought to myself, I am so fortunate to have mine complete never having to undergo multiple extractions and never ever considering having one. Essential oils, like those in Oramd may be helpful. 

And I realized that the greatest secret of the successful ones is that they meticulously cared for their teeth throughout their lifetime. You don’t have to lose your teeth as you grow old. Gum recession does not have to be part of the aging process.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent or stop gum disease.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

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Who Else Should Have a Hydro Floss?

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Since I began offering the Hydro Floss oral irrigator at the Toothy Grins Store, I have had the good fortune to speak to many people.

A very interesting conversation occurred this past week. A gentleman from Minnesota called me and we had quite a conversation.

He was looking to purchase a hydro floss for his own use. I typically ask people if they have used one before and I have grown used to people telling me how much they like the hydro floss and how it has helped them personally kind of like therabreath.

This time, a slightly different story came forth. He was initially told about the Hydro Floss by his hygienist. This is not unusual at all, many dentists and hygienists recommend the Hydro Floss to their patients.

But he took things one step further. He has two friends, one is a periodontist and one is an oral surgeon and he asked them both about this device. He was surprised to hear that they both personally use the hydro floss.

But the oral surgeon did something a little differently and it was an eye opener for me. It is one of those moments when the ‘light bulb’ came on.

She also uses the Pocket Pal Jet Tips. This surprised me because I had believed the Pocket Pal’s were only needed for people who had 5 to 6 mm pockets. Well, you can bet this person, an expert on oral health, has gums that are in good shape. SHE uses the pocket pal jet tips as a preventive measure.

I hadn’t considered this before. While the regular tips are made to be used at right angles to the teeth and gums. The pocket pals are used to shoot water directly into the pockets.

So, I thought something like, “It makes sense to use them to maintain / improve the health of gum tissue”. Since that conversation, I’ve been using the pocket pal jet tip after my regular use of the Hydro Floss and I think it is a good practice for me personally! Read more about the Hydro Floss and the jet tips at ToothyGrinsStore.com

Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, treatment or diagnosis for any health condition. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any kind, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products mentioned on this site or in this article

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When It Makes Sense To Get a Gum Graft…

Friday, October 16th, 2009

gum disease

The question "Where can you get a gum graft?" will invariably pop up once somebody’s either been told they have some tooth root exposure or they notice a darkening of the root at the receded gum line. This darkening can be due to a number of reasons but it’s most commonly from a bit of decay. Fortunately, many people can be good candidates for a grafting of tissue over that gum area.

This first thing to know about such procedures as grafts is that they are what are known as "periodontal surgeries." Now, the term surgery often conjures visions of an operating room theater and a team of intense-looking gown-clad medical types, but fortunately that’s not the case in this type of procedure.

As with any kind of surgery or disease, prevention is you best option. However, once you have reached a certain point, perhaps you and your doctor will feel that it is too late for preventive measures. Some products that are useful for periodontal health are ora-md, therabreath and the hydro floss oral irrigator.

Gum grafts are most often performed in the treatment room of a periodontist, who is usually a doctor of dental surgery (DDS), with a board certification and specialist training in periodontal issues. Just as with medical doctors, though, any dentist who’s been licensed to practice dentistry can hang a shingle out and do just about any aspect of dental medicine.

It’s always highly recommended, though, that some time be taken to research for a dentist with appropriate periodontal certifications and extensive experience in performing grafts. If you stop to think about things doesn’t it make sense, after all, to put your trust in somebody who actually specializes in such procedures instead of a general dentist who may or may not have such a background?

Gum grafting can make sense in a few different circumstances, especially when the root of the tooth is exposed or there’s some hypersensitivity of the area surrounding the root. If done properly, with donor tissue taken from the palate of the mouth, a full healing can be expected within 4 to 8 weeks. Remember to try to use a periodontist who has experience in the procedure, if possible.

Scott W. recommends the book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease for those seeking more information on this topic. ISBN: 978-0981485508

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

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Why You Should Focus on How to Reverse Gum Disease

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

gingivitis treatment

For obvious cosmetic reasons you need to work on getting this disease reversed. But you also have many other reasons to do this and they are highly important. Some believe that gum recession is a normal part of getting older.  I believe that it does not have to be that way. Many people have not developed the proper understanding of this disease and what it really is.

Did you know that gum disease is caused by bacteria that are attack the tissue in your mouth? If not, you do now, and that’s what will lead to possible loss of teeth, or more medical problems. Gingival disease has been linked to causing heart disease, and even respiratory disease.

But too it is shown to cause low birth weights in infants who’s mothers have smoked during pregnancy.

So now you know why you should focus on how to reverse gum disease, it’s about so much more than just teeth. It could be your life that you are cutting short by not getting that gum disease taken care of. As the bacteria continue to grow the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth. One item that could be helpful are therabreath mouthwashes. 

That will be after you’ve notice that when you brush or floss you will cause the gums to bleed. It’s best to head into the dentist at that point. In addition, you could try a dental water jet.

Your gums will no longer have the healthy pink look they should. They will most likely be swollen and maybe tender. But your teeth could be at risk for falling out too. So protect not only your gums, and teeth, but also your life.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

 

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Do You Already Have Periodontal Disease?

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

gum disease

While there are certainly risk factors for gum disease such as smoking, chewing tobacco and pregnancy, it is important to realize that gum disease can strike anyone.

Our lives as human beings are often riddled with stress which can also be a factor. I think it is important to point out what the ’statistics’ say about this disease. Basically, most dental professionals will quote that up to 75% of people have gum disease in some form right now.

Staggering, isn’t it? If true, and I see little indication that it is not true, that means if you line up 10 people right now, the majority of them will have some form of gum disease.

I also suspect that a number of people think that because they have recently visited the dentist and the dentist did not say anything, that it means their gums are healthy. This also, may not be the case.

I know from personal experience that my dentist was not ready to spring the full details on me until it was time for a SRP (Scaling and Root Planing) procedure – often called a ‘deep cleaning’. I think it is incredibly sad that any dentist would wait that long.

I believe a periodontist I know told me that it has been studied and shown that general dentists are not always focused on the patients periodontal health. It makes sense, right? General dentists are primarily interested in finding and fixing defects with your teeth.

Yet, I would not want to let them all off the hook so easily. They know very well what gum disease looks like and they are capable of detecting it even when it is very minor.

So, what does all this mean? It simply means that you need to really make double and triple sure you are not facing gum disease RIGHT NOW.

The reason why is that gum disease can lead to gum recession, which makes your gums more vulnerable to additional attacks and recession, etc. In other words, it can become a vicious cycle.

What is the number one cause of tooth loss? Gum disease is.

Bad NEWS? Not if you take action to insure your dental health or to regain it if you have already lost some of it. The odds? The odds say you could have some form of gum disease right now. The fix? Learn all that you can now.

David Snape is the author of What You Should Know about Gum Disease

*Disclaimer – I am not a doctor or dentist. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This post is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products mentioned.

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Why You Should Focus on How to Reverse Gum Disease

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

gingivitis treatment

For obvious cosmetic reasons you need to work on getting this disease reversed. But you also have many other reasons to do this and they are highly important. Some believe that gum recession is a normal part of getting older.  I believe that it does not have to be that way. Many people have not developed the proper understanding of this disease and what it really is.

Did you know that gum disease is caused by bacteria that are attack the tissue in your mouth? If not, you do now, and that’s what will lead to possible loss of teeth, or more medical problems. Gingival disease has been linked to causing heart disease, and even respiratory disease.

But too it is shown to cause low birth weights in infants who’s mothers have smoked during pregnancy.

So now you know why you should focus on how to reverse gum disease, it’s about so much more than just teeth. It could be your life that you are cutting short by not getting that gum disease taken care of. As the bacteria continue to grow the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth. One item that could be helpful are therabreath mouthwashes. 

That will be after you’ve notice that when you brush or floss you will cause the gums to bleed. It’s best to head into the dentist at that point. In addition, you could try a dental water jet.

Your gums will no longer have the healthy pink look they should. They will most likely be swollen and maybe tender. But your teeth could be at risk for falling out too. So protect not only your gums, and teeth, but also your life.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

 

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Why You Should Focus on How to Reverse Gum Disease

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

gingivitis treatment

For obvious cosmetic reasons you need to work on getting this disease reversed. But you also have many other reasons to do this and they are highly important. Some believe that gum recession is a normal part of getting older.  I believe that it does not have to be that way. Many people have not developed the proper understanding of this disease and what it really is.

Did you know that gum disease is caused by bacteria that are attack the tissue in your mouth? If not, you do now, and that’s what will lead to possible loss of teeth, or more medical problems. Gingival disease has been linked to causing heart disease, and even respiratory disease.

But too it is shown to cause low birth weights in infants who’s mothers have smoked during pregnancy.

So now you know why you should focus on how to reverse gum disease, it’s about so much more than just teeth. It could be your life that you are cutting short by not getting that gum disease taken care of. As the bacteria continue to grow the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth. One item that could be helpful are therabreath mouthwashes. 

That will be after you’ve notice that when you brush or floss you will cause the gums to bleed. It’s best to head into the dentist at that point. In addition, you could try a dental water jet.

Your gums will no longer have the healthy pink look they should. They will most likely be swollen and maybe tender. But your teeth could be at risk for falling out too. So protect not only your gums, and teeth, but also your life.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

 

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Why You Should Reverse Gum Disease

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

For obvious cosmetic reasons you need to work on getting this disease reversed. But you also have many other reasons to do this and they are highly important.

Did you know that gum disease is caused by bacteria that are attack the tissue in your mouth? If not, you do now, and that’s what will lead to possible loss of teeth, or more medical problems. Gingival disease has been linked to causing heart disease, and even respiratory disease. If you have gum disease and/or bad breath, try the therabreath products and see if they will help you. 

But too it is shown to cause low birth weights in infants who’s mothers have smoked during pregnancy.

So now you know why you should focus on how to reverse gum disease, it’s about so much more than just teeth. It could be your life that you are cutting short by not getting that gum disease taken care of. As the bacteria continue to grow the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth.

That will be after you’ve notice that when you brush or floss you will cause the gums to bleed. It’s best to head into the dentist at that point.

Periodontal disease is not much fun, find a way to defeat it now. Because it does appear that more people have gum disease than realize it, this is not a disease to trifle with.  Many major illnesses are associated with this disease.  Research indicates more strongly as time goes by that this is true.

Your gums will no longer have the healthy pink look they should. They will most likely be swollen and maybe tender. But your teeth could be at risk for falling out too. So protect not only your gums, and teeth, but also your life. Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

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Why Should You Care About Gum Disease?

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

periodontal disease

You may wonder why it is important to end periodontal disease. But besides your teeth starting to look bad, and your gums bleeding there is much more to it than that. It can be linked to many different medical problems too.

When you first notice that brushing or flossing is causing your gums to bleed you should realize something is wrong. This is the first hint you will have that you are in the beginning stages of gingivitis. But don’t be foolish enough to think that just because you have no bleeding that you are home free. So many people have gum disease right now and think that they are disease free – don’t fall into that trap. Bleeding gums is only one symptom.

It’s recommended that you brush at least two times a day, and that you brush continuously for three minutes. But after you eat something that is full of sugar, or drink a soda, you should also irrigate your mouth at that time.

But be warned, brushing and flossing alone may not be enough. You should educate yourself on what else you can do at home to help stop or prevent this disease!

Researchers believe that this problem can lead to such serious problems as heart disease, strokes, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Plus you will couldose teeth and your overall appearance may not be as appealing.

You’ve seen people who’ve had advanced stages of gum disease, and how their teeth look. If you don’t stop your gum disease when you can that’s what you have to look forward too. Besides that the bacteria that is eating away at your gums and teeth can enter your blood and travel to other parts of the body.

Don’t let this disease side line you with a stroke just because you’re too worried about going to the dentist. Get that problem taken care of when you first notice that your gums are no longer the healthy pink they should be. When you see puffiness in your gums, or notice that they are pulling away from your teeth, take immediate action.

Author: Scott W. All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

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