Most of the problems that cause bleeding gums and gum disease is plaque, a sticky film-like bacteria that covers the teeth and gums. It is formed by acids secreted by the mouth after eating. Plaque is found in spaces between your teeth. Gingivitis causes gum bleeding and if left untreated, it can lead to the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. It is long term infection which involves the progressive loss of the bone around teeth and may lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Less serious causes of gum bleeding include: intake of drugs that causes the thinning of blood; and lack of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C.

Gum diseases may be simple inflammation or serious ones causing major damage to the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth. These diseases are caused by bacteria that reside in the mouth. Acids readily form in our teeth a few minutes after eating. A mixture of bacteria, mucus and other particles forms the plaque that covers the teeth’s surface. Plaque can be removed by simple brushing and flossing but there are areas that cannot be easily reached. When plaque hardens into tartar, a yellow or brown mineral buildup, it can irritate the gum tissues thus causing cavities and gum diseases.

What happens during the child’s first visit to the dentist will determine his reaction to succeeding visits. The dentist normally talks to the child to gain his confidence and once a child realizes that he is a friend, the examination of the child’s mouth can be done while the child is sitting on the parent’s lap. This first examination is brief with the dentist using the mouth mirror, telling the child that they will only count his teeth. From there the tooth doctor will be able to determine if the teeth, the gums and soft tissues are healthy. In addition, the child’s facial and oral development can be examined.

Have you ever heard of the “three-three” rule? My father used to remind me about this all the time and every member of the family is a strict follower of this rule.

So what is the three-three rule? It is a simple rule which states that you should devote at least 3 minutes 3 times a day to oral hygiene in maintain good health. This popular rule among dentists is non-negotiable and there should be no ifs and or buts about it. Following the rule is good for you and your teeth. You should give them the attention that they truly need from you.

Conservative procedures such as scaling and root planning are effective methods to control infections and could facilitate natural healing. Scaling removes the plaque and tartar below the gum line. Local anesthesia numbs the area to be treated. Root planning procedure removes the rough spots on the tooth’s root to help remove the bacteria. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. If the damage is too severe and the area is infected, surgery is usually recommended. This reshapes the damaged support structure around the tooth to eliminate the pockets. Prescription drugs maybe used with the treatment but cannot substitute for the surgery.

Have you heard of the popular belief on brushing? Some old folks claims that using toothbrushes with hard bristles and applying to much pressure while brushing will give you a cleaner and better teeth. That information is oh so wrong! Do you really want o torture your teeth?

Following that infamous belief can cause damage to the teeth enamel. Not only that, you will also give your precious gums a hard time too. You don’t want to feel too much pain, right?

Next time, see to it that you use a toothbrush with soft bristles and another reminder – don’t push it too hard! Don’t be a saddist!

Do you know what Plaque really is? It produces substances that can irritate the gums thus making them red and bleed. Gums might pull away from the teeth in a while. Pockets will form and fill up with more bacteria and pus. The scary fact here is that the bones around the teeth can be destroyed if the gums are not treated as soon as possible. There is a tendency that soon, the teeth will have to be removed. This is the main reason why a lot of adults lose their tooth which is specifically known as the periodontal disease.

 

Do you know that baking soda can do good for your teeth? Yes it does! A lot of people are unaware that baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can aid in getting rid of plaque. It can also neutralize the acidity produced by bacterial wastes in the mouth, serve as an effective deodorizer and give your teeth a gleaming polish! Isn’t that great? For best results, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste and use it to brush your teeth, giving special attention to the gum line. Do this at least once or twice a week and see the difference!