Anatomy Of Gingivitis The Anatomy Of Gingivitis Knowing how gingivitis affects tooth anatomy can be helpful in better understanding how flossing--and good oral care in general--can remove plaque, which helps stop gingivitis before it starts. If you looked at a cutaway picture of a healthy tooth, the main components include the gums (also known as gingiva) and the main parts of the tooth, as follows: Root: The root is the multi-pronged bottom of the tooth that extends into the gums and jaw. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis (periodontal or gum disease). In severe cases of gum disease, very infected gums can cause the roots to loosen and allow the tooth to fall out. Pulp: The pulp is the nerve-filled center of the tooth. The pulp is not directly infected in cases of gingivitis, but gum pain may radiate into the nerves in your teeth. Periodiontal or gum disease, however, may impact the pulp, if the pocket extends to the end of the root, known as the apex. Crown: The crown is the top part of the tooth that you see and brush. The crown is covered with tooth enamel, which helps protect teeth above the gum line. However, it's at and around the gum line that plaque can build up. That's why daily flossing is essential to maintaining healthy gums -- it clears away plaque-causing bacteria before buildup occurs. A picture of gingivitis shows how the gums pull away from the teeth and appear swollen and red. In addition, you would see hard, whitish deposits of tartar along the gum line. A dental hygienist's or dentist's skill is needed to remove the tartar, but you can keep it from accumulating by flossing regularly. If your gums are sensitive, try a product designed for sensitive gums, such as Oral-B® Ultra Floss®, which has a spongy texture that may be easier on tender gums.

Which Mouthwash or Rinse?

Choosing a Mouthwash or Rinse That's Right for You

If you’d like to add a mouthwash or rinse to your oral care routine, it’s important to be aware of just what a mouthwash or rinse does. Some freshen breath, others provide an anti-cavity benefit from fluoride, while others contain germ-killing ingredients to help prevent plaque buildup. You have many options, and the right mouthwash or rinse for you is the one that meets your dental hygiene needs for the health of your teeth and gums, and taste preference. To help choose the right rinse, keep these points in mind: Alcohol—yes or no? Alcohol is a component of many mouthwashes and rinses, which can problematic if a large quantity is deliberately swallowed.   If you want to buy one type of mouthwash or rinse for the whole family, and your household includes school-aged children or teens, you may want to choose from among the alcohol-free mouthwash products that are available. Also, some recovering alcoholics avoid mouthwash with alcohol because of the potential for abuse. Sensitivity. Some people find the ingredients in mouthwash irritating, especially people who have sensitive gums. Also, people who don’t usually complain of sensitive gums may find that their mouths are more sensitive for a short time if they are recovering from a dental procedure. If you have a sensitive mouth, consider an alcohol-free or natural mouthwash. Natural mouthwashes often contain ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile for a soothing effect. Plaque control. If you want a mouthwash that not only helps control bad breath but also helps to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, look for a dental rinse that contains anti-plaque ingredients. If you’re uncertain about which mouthwash or rinse would best meet your oral health needs, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for suggestions

Foods That Help Prevent Tooth Decay

 Food Choices That Prevent Tooth Decay

It's no fun passing up sugary treats like cookies and candies. But when it comes to tooth decay, food choices play an important role. Some foods can harm your teeth, while others contain essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. To help prevent tooth decay, keep the following food choices in mind.

Calcium

Calcium is a prime ingredient for preventing tooth decay, especially for growing children. Dairy is a great source, with choices such as milk, yogurt and cheese. And calcium isn't hiding in the fat, so skim milk and low-fat yogurt are just as good. Other options are leafy greens such as broccoli and bok choy, canned fish with bones, almonds, Brazil nuts and dried beans.

Fruit, Fiber and Veggies

Eating high-fiber foods keeps saliva flowing, which helps create mineral defenses against tooth decay. Good sources of fiber are dried fruits such as dates, raisins and figs, and fresh fruits, like bananas, apples and oranges. Other options include veggies, such as beans, Brussels sprouts and peas, along with peanuts, almonds and bran.

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide B vitamins and iron, which help keep gums healthy. Whole grains also have magnesium-an important ingredient for bones and teeth. In addition, whole grains are high in fiber. Look for foods such as bran, brown rice, and whole-grain cereals and pasta to be good sources of whole grains.

Sugar Snacks

When you get the munchies, focus on choosing healthy foods, like the ones we mentioned earlier. Try to steer clear of sweets, because sugar partners with plaque to weaken enamel, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay. In fact, each time you eat a sugary snack, your teeth are under siege for the next 20 minutes.

Beware Bleeding Gums From Blood Thinners

Preventing Bleeding Gums There are many reasons for bleeding gums, but one to keep in mind is that gums can bleed due to a person's use of blood thinners. An obvious way to cure bleeding gums would be to stop the medication, but blood thinners are necessary for many people, since they are designed to prevent blood clots. Some blood thinners are meant to be taken long-term, while others are prescribed for a few weeks only. Be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking a blood thinner before you schedule a dental procedure. You may need to stop taking the medication for a few days prior to the procedure and undergo a blood test. But don't stop taking medication without consulting your doctor. Communication is the key to successfully managing a dental procedure and maintaining good oral hygiene while taking blood thinners. People who take blood thinners must be especially careful in all aspects of personal hygiene, including shaving, tooth brushing, and flossing. Use a toothbrush with very soft bristles, and a soft floss, such as Oral-B's Satin Floss, to reduce any discomfort associated with oral care and to reduce your risk for bleeding gums. Brush and floss gently; don't apply too much pressure. Also, be sure to wear a mouth guard if you participate in a contact sport, because the blood thinners will make you more susceptible to bleeding in the event of a mouth injury.

5 Steps to a Flawless Floss

We know we should floss at least once a day, but not everyone knows the right way to do it. Use this step-by-step guide to find out how to properly floss your teeth:

	Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
	Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
	Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
	When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
	Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

Once you’re finished, throw the floss away. A used piece of floss won’t be as effective and could leave bacteria behind in your mouth. 

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. Look for products that contain the ADA Seal of Acceptance so you know they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids

Dental Hygiene Tips For Kids One of the best ways to prevent tooth decay in children is to get them enthusiastic about daily dental hygiene. After all, tooth brushing is probably not at the top of your child’s list of favorite things to do. But you can make it more acceptable – and even fun — by choosing a toothpaste and toothbrush that your child will like and will want to use. Look for toothpaste with fluoride that’s child-friendly, with flavors and colors that appeal to kids, such as Kid’s Crest. There are toothpaste choices more appropriate to adult needs as well, so many families find themselves using more than one type of toothpaste. Knowing how to brush your teeth is just as important as the type of toothpaste you choose. Teach children the proper technique early to help encourage them to develop good oral health habits. Explaining how to brush your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these simple steps to get kids off to a good start. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Move the brush back and forth gently, in short strokes, over the fronts, backs, and tops of your teeth. Don’t scrub hard along the gum line; you can irritate your gums. Don’t forget to brush (and floss) behind your top front teeth and behind the bottom front teeth. (The area behind the bottom front teeth is prone to tartar buildup and needs attention.) Use the top bristles of the brush to reach this area—some toothbrushes have a slightly longer tip to make it easier to reach these spots.

Experts say that your oral health could clue you in to the condition of your heart — so listen up! Here's what you should know about the links between your teeth, gums, and ticker.

 

 

 

 

 

How is this related to your heart? The bacteria may increase your risk for heart disease by contributing to the formation of clots or further plaque build-up in your arteries that can interfere with blood flow to the heart.

However, it will take long-term clinical trials to more directly identify gum disease as a cause of heart disease. “We’re not going to have the answers to these questions for quite some time,” Spalding says.

Meanwhile, researchers are also uncovering possible links between gum disease and stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, respiratory disease, and even preterm babies.

Important Steps for Your Teeth (and Heart)

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, half of all people over age 55 have gum disease. Gum disease is also the main reason people 35 and older lose their teeth.

Your risk for gum disease increases as you get older, but staying on top of your dental health should start in childhood. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help you keep gum disease at bay.

If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, let your dentist know immediately — they could be warning signs of gum disease.

• Sour taste in the mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen, tender gums
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain when chewing

And remember: Preventing gum disease — or treating it with deep cleanings, medication, or surgery — may just help you prevent heart problems down the road.