Tag: gum disease

5 Tips to keep your Gum Healthy!

Gum disease is usually painless in the beginning and as a result, most people tend to ignore them. Though, doing so can lead to severe oral problems in the days to come. Here at Gentle Touch Dentistry, we have always tried to educate people along with providing them with quality dental care services. The very thought of oral health maintenance draws the picture of steps to keep your teeth healthy. You need to realize that the gums are equally important. Adapting a few steps and investing minimal time in gum care can help you prevent gum diseases. Keeping this in mind, we have come up with a blog that will discuss effective tips to keep your gums healthy. So, if you have any queries related to this topic, do go through the sections below.

How to Prevent Gum Disease?

  • Brush your teeth – Brush your teeth regularly to avoid the chances of suffering from gum disease. Brushing basically helps to get rid of the food particles stuck in between your teeth and on your gum line. Now, leaving these remnant food particles can lead to the formation of plaque which is a film-like substance consisting of harmful bacteria. These bacteria initiate gum disease. Be careful to brush along your gum line and tongue for better results. You can also use fluoride toothpaste that is available in today’s time. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day.
  • Floss regularly – Flossing daily is a must if you want to have healthy gums. Are you wondering why? Well, a floss can clean the areas that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. You should floss before brushing your teeth for the best outcome. Use a floss holder if you find it difficult to insert the floss in between your teeth. 
  • Use a mouthwash – Do not forget to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to fight against the gum-disease causing bacteria. There are different types of antibacterial mouthwashes available in the market. Do get the one that fulfills your oral needs. Studies say that using a mouthwash reduces the plaque up to 20%.
  • Do not smoke – Smoking cigarettes can be really bad for your gums. You should give up this habit as soon as possible. Smokers have a higher probability of suffering from periodontal or gum problems. 
  • Maintain a healthy diet – You should avoid sugary and starchy food items to prevent gum disease. There are a few harmful bacteria in your mouth that thrive in the presence of sugar particles. On the other hand, you include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. 
  • Go for regular dental checkups – It is essential to go for dental checkups on a regular basis. This increases the chances of any gum problem getting diagnosed at an early stage. Contact Gentle Touch Dentistry if you are looking for top-quality dental care in Richardson, TX. Our professionals are here to help you maintain healthy gums. 

Symptoms of Gum Disease

You should be careful to notice the first signs of gum disease. They are:

  • You can suffer from the problem consistent bad breath or halitosis
  • Having a bad taste in your mouth
  • Suffering from loose teeth
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Tenderness and reddishness in your gums

In case you face any of the above-mentioned symptoms, do not hesitate to consult the best dentist nearby. Just remember that gum disease can be easily prevented if acted on time. We hope that you have gathered a clear idea about the symptoms of gum disease and the tips to prevent it. 

5 Facts About Dentures You May Not Know

Dentures is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, used to resolve missing tooth issues. When some or even all of your natural teeth goes missing, due to an accident, tooth decay, infection or gum disease, dental dentures prove to be an effective way to replace your set of missing teeth.

In this regard there are 3 types of dentures available, depending upon its functionality:

  • COMPLETE DENTURES: When the entire set of teeth in either your upper jaw or lower jaw or both are replaced, it is known as complete or full dentures. Basically, in case of a full denture, the lower portion of the custom-made permanent denture is prepared such that it mimics your original gum tissue. It is made up of acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) and therefore, its surfaces can be highly polished to render a natural look. Also it keeps bacteria from building up on your dentures. A denture adhesive is used to hold the dentures in place.
  • PARTIAL DENTURES: When some of the teeth are missing and need to be replaced with a new set of that number of teeth, partial dentures are used.
  • TEMPORARY DENTURES: These are the ones that are fitted to the site of your teeth temporarily, while the custom-made permanent ones are being made in the laboratory.
  • FLEXIBLE DENTURES: Flexible dentures, as their name suggests are easily removable. They are applicable in case of partial dentures and are made of a different material, nylon (which is a thermoplastic), rather than the much heavier acrylic used in the complete dentures.

Facts about Dentures that you must know

The starting phase for using dentures should not be much of a cause of worry for you, since all new adaptations cause a bit uneasiness!

  • For the first few days after getting dentures, it is advisable not to open them at night while you go to sleep. Wear them for 24 hours because, especially after extractions, your gums remain swollen. Taking out the dentures might not allow them to be fitted properly again.
  • Even after the use of suction and clasps to hold dentures in place, denture adhesive aids enhanced retention and stability.
  • Eating and speaking feels difficult for a while. Usually individuals take about 1 to 2 months to fully accustom themselves with the use of dentures. Although you need to start with soft foods, eventually you can munch on anything after your dentures settle tight in their place.
  • Dentures (especially partial dentures) need to be cleaned regularly by placing them in a solutions like alkaline peroxides, acid cleaners or bleaches to make it germ-free and clean. Also while you have opened them use a mouthwash!
  • Dentures being made from acrylic are fragile. Therefore, these too, need to be handled with care. Biting on too hard substances carelessly (especially at an earlier stage of getting dentures done) might fracture them!

In a nutshell, dentures too need to be handled with care. Depending upon the heat cure that is applied on your denture (that helps to hold the denture in place) the cost of dentures may vary from a meagre $500 to a whopping $3000. Apart from your dental needs, determining the type of denture, greatly depends upon your affordability too. Visit your dentist to discuss details in order to click the option that suits you the best!

SOURCES

https://www.mydenturecare.com/en-gb/expert-advice/getting-dentures/what-are-dentures/what-are-complete-dentures/

https://www.medicinenet.com/dentures/article.htm#how_much_do_dentures_cost

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentures

A Minor Oral Problem Can Be An Indication Of Gum Disease, Don’t Let It Persist

Considering our general health is certainly essential, but along with that, you must also take proper care of your oral health because they are correlated. A minute dental problem can alter into something severe if a proper care is not taken, likewise, the condition of your gum disease can elevate if its symptoms are not detected on time.

You will get a clear insight into gum disease by the end of this write-up.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

  • When your gums become tender.
  • If gums are inflamed and red.
  • When your gums bleed while brushing or flossing.
  • A persistent bad breath.
  • Pus formation between your teeth and gums.
  • When your taste becomes unpleasant.
  • Receding gums.

The Stages of Gum Disease                                

  • The very first stage is termed as gingivitis which emerges due to plaque buildup. Brush and floss twice a day to restrain the formation of dental plaque or else it can produce poisonous toxins which can irritate your gums. This stage can be pretty much curable as the bone which supports your tooth stays intact.
  • The second stage of gum disease is stated as periodontitis. You may notice pockets forming right below your gum line which stores dental plaque and food particles.
  • The holding your teeth get sabotaged at the final and last stage which is known as advanced periodontitis. You can end up losing your teeth at this stage and your bite can get affected too.

Things You Must Follow to Restrain the Emergence of Gum Disease

  • You must brush your teeth properly rather than doing it vigorously.
  • Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
  • Scrape your tongue every day.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash to swish your mouth every day.
  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods.

Make it a point to see your dentist every six months.

We at Gentle Touch Dentistry do our best to take great care of our patients. Experience our convenient yet affordable services today, call us at (469) 336-3069 to book your appointment.