Unless you recently had oral surgery, gums that bleed with eating, flossing, or brushing is not normal. Bleeding gums, especially if they bleed easily, are a sign of infection in your gum tissue. This is called periodontal (gum) disease. In the early stage, called gingivitis, proper oral hygiene can remove the infection. This includes proper flossing and brushing, as well as routine dental visits.
If not treated, the disease progresses to periodontitis. This means the infection has spread and can lead to irreversible damage and tooth loss.
If you experience bleeding gums, it is time for a professional cleaning and examination.
With periodontitis, the infection is too deep for brushing and flossing to reach. It is also too deep for routine professional cleaning. You will need a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is deep cleaning below the gumline. For your comfort, your dentist will numb the affected areas with a local anesthetic.
After treatment, your gums may be tender. Tylenol and a soft diet will help with any discomfort. You can also expect to be placed on a periodontal maintenance plan. This means you will need to return to your dentist more often than twice a year.
Many things can cause a temporary oral odor. Common culprits include smoking, coffee, onions, and garlic. A dry mouth can also contribute. Think “morning breath,” especially if you are a snorer or mouth breather. If you take medication that dries out your mouth, be sure to drink plenty of water. Sugar-free gum or hard candies can also help.
Another common cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is poor oral hygiene. This is because food particles between the teeth can cause a bad odor.
If you struggle with bad breath, the first step is to improve your home hygiene routine. Floss daily and brush after every meal. Invest in and use a tongue scraper. Use antiseptic mouthwash each time you brush. If bad breath continues, it could be a sign something more serious is going on. It is time to see your dentist for a thorough examination.
The most common causes of chronic halitosis are periodontal disease, oral yeast infection, and cavities. Other illnesses, however, such as diabetes, a sinus infection, strep throat, and acid reflux, can be the problem.
Most often, sensitive teeth come from gum recession. The recession exposes the dentin (the part of a tooth below enamel). This allows food and fluids, especially if hot or cold, easier access to the sensitive nerve root.
If you have tooth sensitivity, you may get some relief with dental products such as gels or toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
There are many options to chose from if you want to improve your smile. The easiest and quickest fix is teeth whitening.
If you have a tooth that is chipped or misshapen or a small gap between teeth that bothers you, dental bonding can fix that.
When one or a couple of teeth cause problems, a tooth-colored dental crown will hide severe chips, discoloration, or misshapen teeth.
If, however, you have numerous issues with several teeth, you may be interested in veneers. These are thin covers for the front surface of your teeth. At Bright Smile Dental, our veneers are custom-made with medical-grade porcelain to give the most natural look. Whether placed on one tooth or used for your entire smile, the results are immediate and dramatic.
While a bridge is a cheaper option, it does not replace the missing root of a tooth. This can lead to bone loss and further tooth loss. A dental implant fills the hole left from the missing tooth root and keeps other teeth in place while halting bone loss.
In addition, a bridge may only last around ten years, whereas an implant can last a lifetime.
The least-best option is dentures. Since they are removable and nothing replaces the tooth roots, bone loss is increased and leads to changes in facial structures, giving a sunken or “caved in” appearance. Also, dentures can move and slip, interfering with speaking and eating.
Even though dental implants are more expensive up front, the long-term benefits make them worth it.
Yes! Contact a member of our team today at (253) 475-0262 to discuss the financing options we have available to help you achieve your perfect smile.
