Bleeding gums are extremely common – to such an extent that most of us will experience them during our lifetime.  In fact, more than half the population have experienced bleeding gums while toothbrushing in the last year alone.

Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease and should act as a red flag that something needs to change in our oral health routine.

Worryingly, new statistics show that far too many of us are willing to overlook bleeding gums.  Almost one in five (19%) immediately stop brushing the bleeding area and nearly one in ten (8%) stop brushing all together.  A little more than one in five (21%) take the decision to book a dental appointment and more than one in four (28%) just discount the problem altogether.¹  

Just because it might seem normal for our gums to bleed, it doesn’t mean we should ignore it. Quite the opposite in fact.  That’s why, as part of National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and GSK have come together to list five ways we can help stop bleeding gums.

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste

This is first on the list for a reason. Brushing our teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste is vital for gum health and also helps protect against other oral diseases.

For best results, brush last thing at night and at one other time during the day, using an electric toothbrush.

It is equally as important that we spit out the excess toothpaste after brushing and don’t rinse our mouth out with water. This makes sure the fluoride stays on our teeth longer, giving us that extra protection.

Dr Soha Dattani, Director Scientific & Professional Affairs at GSK Consumer Healthcare says: “Twice-daily brushing is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, potentially leading to tooth decay and gum disease.”

2. Use interdental brushes or floss

Using interdental brushes or floss is another key component of a good oral health routine.  This is because a toothbrush cannot get in between our teeth like interdental brushes or floss can. It’s important to get into these areas which a toothbrush cannot reach, otherwise pockets of plaque may build up, potentially causing problems for our gums.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation says: “When we first start using interdental brushes or floss it is not uncommon for our gums to bleed.  If this happens, it is important to persist and keep going.  After a week or two the bleeding should stop.”

In recent years, studies have linked gum health to a reduced risk of heart disease, so the benefits go beyond our gum health.

3. Use a fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash is beneficial for oral health as it helps to clear our mouth of debris. It also helps prevent plaque build-up on our gums, in-between our teeth, and on the surface of our teeth in between brushing.

On top of all that, it can also help to freshen our breath by killing the bacteria associated with bad breath (halitosis). It’s important that when considering a mouthwash we choose one containing fluoride to help give our teeth that extra protection throughout the day.

Dr Dattani adds: “Gums are the foundation for healthy teeth and caring for them is important.  Mouthwashes such as Corsodyl can help treat and prevent gum problems and give our mouth the fresh and healthy feeling it deserves.”

4. Visiting the dentist

If we have something wrong with our car, it is likely we would call a mechanic, right?  The same principle applies to problems in our mouth and a dental care professional.  The dental practice is the best port of call for any oral health issues we are having, including bleeding gums.

If our gums continue to bleed over a prolonged period, it is important that we don’t wait for our routine appointment to come around – pick up the telephone and book a visit.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation adds: “Once we have removed the plaque, the health of our mouth should improve, and our gums should stop bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, tell we should tell our dental team. It may be that we are not cleaning correctly, or that our teeth and gums need a more thorough clean by the dental team.”

5. Healthy diet and lifestyle

This is important not just for bleeding gums but for good health in general. A healthy diet is important in order for our mouth to function properly. Remember that when we are reading the labels ‘no added sugar’ does not necessarily mean that the product is sugar-free. It simply means that no extra sugar has been added, but does not include the presence of naturally-occurring sugars.  

Lifestyle factors can also affect our mouth health such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Those who smoke are more likely to have gum disease. This is because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t get the chance to heal.

Dr Dattani says: “A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruit and vegetables can help us to prevent gum disease.  Healthy gums help us guard against tooth loss, bad breath, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. These benefits extend far beyond the mouth and really can help improve our quality of life.”

“It might be easy to overlook bleeding gums and think they is quite harmless,” adds Dr Carter.

“However, the harsh reality is that if we ignore them then we could end up losing teeth. It could also lead to a number of other diseases and have a negative impact on our overall wellbeing.

“Healthy gums are needed to support healthy teeth. Please don’t ignore bleeding when brushing. By following the steps outlined in this blog we can help give our oral health a boost it needs and halt bleeding gums in their tracks.”

To help keep your mouth moist, increase your fluid intake, ask holistic dentist Durango, CO about an artificial saliva product, or chew sugarless gum after a meal.

“Would you like sugar in your tea?”

According to the latest statistics, it’s a question that more than one in three of us (37%) say yes to.

Of course, the next logical step after a yes to that question is “how many?” and unfortunately the figures are quite shocking. Our research shows that around a third of Brits (32%) have one or two teaspoons of sugar in their tea and coffee.  More worrying, one in 20 add between three and four¹.

One sugar in your cup of tea might not sound like much but it all adds up at the end of the day.  Each teaspoon is around 4 grams of sugar.  This means it only take four hot beverages with one teaspoon of sugar to exceed half the recommended daily limit (30g).

In the UK, we have one of the highest sugar consumption compared to our European counterparts. Recent statistics show the UK came fourth out of the world’s 54 largest countries in a ranking of sugary food consumption, only behind the United States, the Netherlands and Finland². As someone who has always enjoyed indulging in a packet of sweets, I can understand the temptation to reach for the sugar pot. However, discovering the impact that sugar has on not just oral health, but general health too, really opened my eyes.

Sugar doesn’t just cause tooth decay.  It is also linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The UK is currently in the grips of an obesity crisis and high sugar consumption is a compounding factor. Every week in the UK there are 169 amputations due to diabetes, 680 strokes and 530 heart attacks.  This is on top of thousands of rotten teeth being extracted in dental practices and hospitals.

Cutting sugar out of tea and coffee is a great way to slash your sugar consumption. For just under a third of Brits, it would mean having up to 56 grams less sugar a week or 2,912 grams less a year. A significant reduction that can have an extremely positive affect on your quality of life.

If you really do crave some sweetness in your cuppa, then natural sweeteners such as xylitol or stevia might be something to consider. They’ll give you that ‘sweet’ taste, without contributing to tooth decay.  If you can bear to be without it, remember that plain tea or coffee is always best.

As always, regular dental visits are vital for keeping your teeth in good order. Your dentist is in the best position to tell you how your diet is affecting your oral health. A best Dentist in Mancos, CO can also offer you advice on how to adjust it to make your diet to make it more “tooth friendly”.

Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When one
undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the
inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.

There’s no need to be worried if Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO or endodontist prescribes a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this way each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy again.

Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

A modern root canal treatment is nothing like those old sayings! It’s very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. Getting a root canal is relatively painless and extremely effective. You’ll be back to smiling, biting and chewing with ease in no time.

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:

• Efficient chewing
• Normal biting force and sensation
• Natural appearance
• Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

All About Root Canals

A root canal (also known as an endodontic treatment) is a serious procedure, but one that specialists handle every day. Before engaging in any type of dental work, it’s important to know the facts about root canals.

Does a root canal hurt?

Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn’t more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

How do you know if you need a root canal?

Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations. 

There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal—

• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Pimples on the gums
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or darkening of the gums

Can I go to school or work after getting a root canal?

Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients are able to return to school or work directly following a root canal. However, it is advised against eating until the numbness is completely gone. 

How much does a root canal cost? 

The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat; the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.

Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.

Sugar is the main cause of dental decay when bacteria are present. However, the frequency of your sugar consumption is more significant than the amount of sugar you eat.

Probably the worst thing you can do to your teeth is to drink a soda and have a sip every few minutes over a long period of time; the same is true for snacking. It is recommended that if you want to have a snack, soda, or juice, it is better to have it after food, as dessert, or have it in one sitting. Eating or drinking something sweet over an extended period of time creates a constant supply of sugar for bacteria that causes tooth decay!

It is important to be aware of all the possible sources of sugar out there. It is not just everything that is sweet, but anything that can turn to sugar, like pieces of bread. Cutting down your sugar intake is good for cavity prevention, as well as your general health.

But what about when you have to have sugar? The best way to avoid cavities is to prevent the sugar from staying next to your teeth. Brushing after eating sugar, rinsing your mouth with Fluoride mouth wash, or chewing sugarless gum can help. However, nothing has the effect of avoiding sugar!

Is there any kind of food that prevents tooth decay? Well, not really. Some people believe that chewing foods like apples and carrots may have some plaque removal effects, but they still contain some sugar, so any advantage is not clear.

Another group of food that causes significant damage to teeth structure is acidic food. If in frequent contact with teeth, things like limes, lemons, and grapefruits can cause serious irreversible damage (erosion) to your teeth.

If you have serious dental issues, don’t hesitate to contact Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO with your oral health questions.

There are a few different causes of bad breath. Ranging from stomach problems to diet and teeth problems, most of the causes can be found in the mouth. They are:

• Tongue (when bacteria grows in between the papilla)
• Teeth cavities (especially when food particles get stuck in them)
• Gum diseases
• Extraction sites during healing
• Dentures when not cleaned properly
• Alcohol and tobacco

If you or someone you know is concerned about bad breath, the first step is a dental check up. Your dentist will be able to confirm or rule out the source of the bad breath. When the cause is found, treatment will be determined and explained by your dentist. If the source of the bad breath is your mouth, there is little chance that mouth washes or mints can treat the problem. They usually mask the problem for a short period of time, and can sometimes exacerbate the situation (mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause dry mouth and usually make the bad breath worse).

These are a few other, non-dental reasons that cause bad breath:

• Sore throat
• Tonsillitis
• Some food
• Infection of air passages

Following a good oral hygiene routine and receiving regular dental check ups are the best ways to prevent bad breath. If you have any dental problem schedule an appointment with Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO and also get rid of bad breath forever!

Deep tooth decay or other injury can cause damage to or infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal, or endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp and replaces it with a special filler, which helps maintain the remaining tooth structure.

If your tooth’s nerve chamber, which provides nourishment for the cells with in the tooth, becomes infected by decay or damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth.

Symptoms of a Root Canal

Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:

• Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone

Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is completed in five steps:

1. After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.
2. The length of the root canals is determined.
3. Unhealthy pulp is removed, canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
4. Canals are then filled and sealed. A metal post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials.
5. The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. Usually a gold or porcelain crown adds further protection.

The material used to fill your root canal will probably last you a lifetime, but there is a chance that the filling or crown may need to be replaced eventually. To help keep your mouth moist, increase your fluid intake, ask holistic dentist Durango, CO about an artificial saliva product, or chew sugarless gum after a meal.