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Chessington Dental Practice Blog

The Hidden Issues with Bleeding Gums

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Do you notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? If so, you might be suffering from the early stages of gum disease (called gingivitis). Gingivitis can lead to a more severe condition called periodontal disease which can cause loose teeth - and can affect your overall health.
What are reasons why your gums might bleed?
-  You could be flossing incorrectly, or perhaps you have not flossed for a very long time.
- A toothbrush with hard bristles can irritate the gums.
- Your dentist can instruct you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to removal dental plaque and prevent gingivitis.
”Make an appointment with your dentist if you think you might have gingivitis.”
Check out other warning signs here:
http://www.health.com/oral-health/oral-symptoms#91e274f6-0309-4f45-89fc-0efbd737ab40

What Your Mouth Can Reveal About Your Health

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Dental problems like mouth ulcers, enamel erosion, and dry mouth can indicate underlying health problems.

Key takeaways:

- A sudden increase in cavities, a dry mouth and oral thrush could indicate diabetes.
- Excessive enamel erosion may be linked to acid reflux.
- Severe gum disease has been associated with many conditions, even heart disease.

Your general health and oral health are closely related. See a dentist for regular check-ups and ensure that any problems are identified quickly.
"Problems with your gums, teeth, and tongue can hint at health concerns deeper in the body..."
Read the full article:
http://www.health.com/oral-health/oral-symptoms#91e274f6-0309-4f45-89fc-0efbd737ab40

Causes of White Spots on Gums

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White spots on the gums could be caused by something as simple as failing to brush your teeth properly. In most cases these white spots or patches will quickly disappear or can be easily treated by a dentist. However, if the spots fail to clear up after a few days they could be indicative of a more serious underlying health problem.
These more serious conditions include:

- Leukoplakia - mostly benign patches caused by smoking and tobacco
- Canker sores - mouth ulcers
- Oral cancer
- Oral thrush - an infection caused by the Candida fungus.

In the case of oral thrush, it may be necessary to consult a doctor who may prescribe an antifungal medication to cure the condition. Persistent white spots or patches on the gums should be seen to by a dentist and you can find out more at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321454.php.

Why Were Wisdom Teeth Important in the Past?

undefinedMany of us will need to have our wisdom teeth removed by a dentist. This arises from the fact that they have been known to crowd other teeth. Why were they necessary in ancient times?

- They were used to chew hard materials like meat and roots.
- Humans would not have been able to digest such foods without these teeth.

Our smaller modern jaws often cause issues with these teeth, resulting in the need for extraction. Your dentist will let you know if you’re a candidate for wisdom tooth removal.

More interesting details can be found here:
https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/do-we-need-our-wisdom-teeth/

How To Brush Your Teeth Without Damaging Them

undefinedIt is possible to have dental problems, even if you are brushing twice per day. Research shows that your brushing equipment and habits have a significant effect on your teeth.
Key points:
• Enamel erosion occurs when you brush your teeth too aggressively.
• Brushing too hard accelerates gum recession and exposes your tooth roots.
• Signs of enamel erosion are sensitivity to hot and cold meals, and discolouration due to dentin exposure.
See the dentist for assessment and consult on which toothbrush to use.
Learn more here:
https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/am-i-brushing-my-teeth-too-hard-what-are-the-signs/

Toothpastes Versus Dental Erosion

undefinedMany toothpastes claim they can treat dental erosion and dentin hypersensitivity. A recent study in Switzerland has proved otherwise:

Key points:

- Dentin and nerves become exposed when tooth enamel erodes, resulting in sensitivity.
- A study of nine different toothpastes indicated that they were not capable of preventing enamel loss.
- Avoid acidic/sugary foods and drinks to minimize enamel loss.
- Don’t brush aggressively and use a moderate toothbrush.
As enamel erosion is caused by multiple factors, regular check-ups at the dentist are important to spot any problems as early as possible.
"Specialists stress that diet and treatment by a dentist are key to avoid the problems originated by dentin exposure."
Read the full story here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180313152118.htm

Choosing an Implant-Supported Bridge

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If you are searching for a permanent solution to replace a series of lost teeth, an implant-supported bridge is a great option. This involves using dental implants to support your bridge instead of natural teeth - which makes the bridge much more secure.
What should you ask when you speak with your dentist in order to know the available options?

- What are the benefits of an implant-supported bridge?
- What will the treatment entail?
- How long will the healing process take?
- What regular maintenance will keep the bridge lasting a very long time?

"If you have gum disease or another type of oral health condition, it’ll need to be fully treated."

Check out this additional resource:
https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/who-is-a-candidate-for-an-implant-supported-bridge/

What Smoking Can Do To Teeth And Gums

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Smoking has a negative effect on our overall health and can have particularly harmful consequences on our oral health.

Key takeaways:
- Tobacco limits circulation to the gums, so oral tissue becomes vulnerable to infection and disease.
- Harmful chemicals in cigarettes can turn healthy oral cells into cancerous cells.
- Smoking can cause bone loss along the jaw, which can in turn result in teeth loss.
If you’re struggling to quit, speak to your dentist or GP for advice on how to successfully ditch this habit.
Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/are-cigarette-smokers-more-prone-to-dental-health-issues/

Brushing My Teeth: How Hard is Too Hard?

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We are all aware that brushing our teeth twice a day is the best way to avoid a trip to the dentist and to stave off cavities. However, there are times when too much pressure can cause unwanted oral problems. What are three indications which should be viewed as warning signs?
- Receding gums could indicate that you are brushing too hard.
- Sensitive teeth are another common indicator to take into account.
- You might notice a slight indentation where the gum meets the tooth.
"Research shows that brushing your teeth is non-negotiable."
Learn more here:
https://www.self.com/story/how-long-to-brush-teeth

Should Your Child Have Orthodontic Treatment at a Young Age?

undefinedA dentist does not hesitate in recommending orthodontic treatment for children as young as seven to ensure they grow up with the best possible smile.
The aesthetic of a good smile is becoming increasingly significant with more adults looking for bright, white, straight, gorgeous as well as healthy teeth. Are there benefits to be gained by starting orthodontic treatment at a young age? Yes!

The benefits are:

- Early correction of bite problems that can worsen with age. Bit problems include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
- Early treatment saves costs. Treatments become more expensive with an aged condition to be corrected.
- Treatment engenders a good oral health regime.

"It's never too late to begin correcting you or your child's smile."

Read more about early orthodontic treatment in this article https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-early-orthodontic-treatment/

 

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