Sunday, March 1, 2015

Is Your Smile Embarrassing?

Your Dentist has always known that the best way to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is to brush twice, floss once each day, maintain a healthy diet and visit your dentist regularly, but unfortunately, a good oral hygiene routine doesn’t always keep your mouth feeling or looking great.

According to Web MD, common oral problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, receding gums, and erosion can happen to anyone, even people who are meticulous about oral hygiene.

Fortunately, the right dental treatments can help solve the above embarrassing teeth and gums problems.

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, can vary, and really depends on the root cause. Brushing and flossing is critical as it keeps the food particles in your mouth from collecting bad bacteria. Without flossing, food particles and debris can be caught between your teeth causing a foul smell. If your dentist has given you the all clear, but you are still suffering from bad breath it could be something else entirely.

Check with your doctor as bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and respiratory infections can be the cause of your chronic halitosis. Kidney and liver disease can also affect your breath. Medications that give you dry mouth could also be the cause of your halitosis.

Your bad breath can also be sweetened just by changing your diet. Cut down on onions and garlic, which can stay in your system for up to 72 hours and it may help your breath. Stop smoking and you will notice a difference in your breath and so will everyone else.

When you brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice each day, floss and see your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings, you are well on your way to fighting tooth decay. Your dentist may also recommend sealants on un-restored teeth to help reduce decay on your back molars. If you avoid acidic foods, which can strip away the enamel on your teeth, you may not have as many cavities.

Gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, but if caught in time, can be reversed. Gum disease in its earliest stages, known as gingivitis, causes your gums to bleed when brushing and flossing. Your gums may also be swollen and red. If periodontal disease is present, your dentist may notice damage to your gums and bones that support your teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can eventually cause tooth loss.

For more information regarding healthy teeth and gums and a beautiful smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.