When teeth are not properly cleaned, plaque forms on the tooth’s surface. Plaque can cause irritation of the gums, making them red and slightly swollen - this is gingivitis. More serious forms of gum disease such as periodontitis start with gingivitis.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Red, swollen or tender gums that bleed when brushed or flossed
- Bad breath
Good management of gingivitis is a sign of good oral hygiene. This helps prevent halitosis, bleeding gums and other more serious dental diseases. Remember, there is a link between oral health and overall health.
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org
Center for Advanced Dentistry
Ushma Patel, DMD
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500
Suwanee, GA 30024
(770) 623-8750
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com
Learn more about the importance of saliva.
In most cases, the cause of bad breath can be simple. However, if the issue is persistent, it can be a symptom of something more serious, and a problem sign of something to avoid long term.
- Diet places a key role in bad breath, and the food you eat can often affect the smell of your breath.
- Oral bacteria can cause an odour, and also indicate you have plaque build-up.
- Dry mouth often affects your breath, as saliva (or lack thereof) affects plaque buildup and food particles from sticking to your teeth. Read more about dry mouth on the dry mouth page.
- Smoking.
- Unclean dentures. Just like teeth, dentures need to be cleaned regularly to keep them feeling, and smelling, fresh.
- Some medical conditions, often affecting your liver or kidneys, can affect your breath. Alerting your dentist of previous medical conditions, or current medications is always a good idea.
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org
Learn more about why gums recede.
Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.
Those suffering from dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can reduce their risk of chest infection or other serious issues by maintaining good oral health by keeping their mouth clean. Other medical issues include neuromuscular conditions, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancers of the head and neck and certain respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aspiration pneumonia can also be caused when saliva, food or liquid goes down the trachea into the lungs, instead of the esophagus and into the stomach.
Risk of dysphagia increases with age and frailty, as well as smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medications and poor oral hygiene including your teeth and dentures.
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org
Center for Advanced Dentistry
Ushma Patel, DMD
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500
Suwanee, GA 30024
(770) 623-8750
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com
