Gum disease (periodontal) is an infection of the gums that can affect the bone structure that supports your teeth. In severe cases, it can cause your teeth to fall out. Smoking is a major cause of severe gum disease in the world. Remember that if you have any type of problem with your teeth, you should visit Parkwood Green Dental, here we will help you with that.
Gum disease begins when the bacteria (germs) in your teeth get into your gums. If these bacteria remain on your teeth for a long time, layers of bacterial plaque and tartar (hardened bacterial plaque) form. This build-up causes early gum disease, called gingivitis. When the disease gets worse, your gums separate from the teeth and leave spaces that become infected. This is called severe gum disease, also called periodontitis. The bones and tissues that hold the teeth in place can break down, and your teeth may come loose and have to be removed.
Warning signs and symptoms of gum disease
- Red or inflamed gums
- Gums sensitive to touch or bleeding
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Gums that have separated from the teeth
How is smoking related to gum disease?
Smoking weakens the wrestlers in the body to fight infections (their immune systems). This makes it more difficult to fight an infection in the gums. Once the gums are damaged, smoking makes it harder for them to heal.
- If I am a smoker, what does this mean for me?
- You are three times more likely to have gum disease than a non-smoker
- The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk of gum disease
- The longer you smoke, the higher your risk of gum disease
- In people who smoke, treatments for gum disease may not be as effective
- Tobacco use in any form-cigarettes, pipes, and non-smoked tobacco (to spit) -increases your risk of gum disease
How can gum disease be prevented?
You can help prevent gum disease with good dental hygiene habits.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use silk or floss frequently to remove plaque.
- Go to the dentist regularly for examination and professional cleaning.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, stop it.
How is gum disease treated?
Periodic cleanings in your dentist’s office, and brushing and flossing every day can help treat early gum disease (gingivitis). More severe gum disease may require the following:
- A deep cleaning below the gum line.
- The use of a mouthwash or prescription medication.
- An operation to remove the tartar that is deeper under the gums.
- An operation to help heal the bone or gums affected by periodontitis. Your dentist may place small pieces of bone in spaces where bone has been lost or use tissue from one part of the mouth to cover the roots of the teeth that are exposed.
- If you smoke or use tobacco to spit, quitting will help your gums heal after treatment.
Tips to keep your teeth white
If you want shiny teeth and restore their whiteness, it is possible to do it from home. Here are some easy tricks to achieve the desired whiteness:
Sodium bicarbonate
All types of toothpastes use it. So why not use it at home? If you use it combined with meticulous brushing, you will be able to erase certain stains from your teeth. You can use it every time you brush your teeth, but do not use it next to the toothpaste, as you could increase its abrasive effect. You will find this product at a drugstore.
Baking soda is one of the most effective natural remedies for whitening teeth. The toothpastes found in the commerce also contain it regularly. Thanks to its fine particles, using baking soda in effect, combined with meticulous brushing, we will be able to remove stains from the teeth. As if it were an exfoliant. You can use baking soda every day when you brush your teeth, on your toothbrush. In this case, the toothpaste increases the abrasive action, which can cause damage to the teeth. Wash your teeth as usual, and when finished, rinse with clean water.
Lemon
Its acidity is perfect to return the white colour to stained or yellowish teeth. In addition, it will also help you with bad breath. How to use? Brush your teeth with a little juice of lemon finished squeezing. And do it twice a week, no more.
Due to its acidity, lemon is ideal to restore the whiteness of yellowish and stained teeth. It is also perfect for reducing tartar and keeping a fresh breath always. With vitamin C that contains lemon will also strengthen and clean your gums.
Wash your teeth with just a little bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Brush gently before rinsing with clean water. Repeat twice a week, no more. The lemon is acidic and can damage the enamel of the teeth. To offer a greater whiteness of your teeth, you can also mix 75 g of baking soda with the juice of 1/2 lemon. Mix and brush your teeth with this mixture every morning for 1 week.
Teeth whitening paste
To whiten teeth naturally, brush your teeth with this mixture1-2 times a week. Soak the toothbrush in the green clay or baking soda. Add a drop of lemon or tangerine essential oil. Brush your teeth and finish with a mouthwash made with a mint infusion.
Another option is to go through the drugstore. There are many products and systems that whiten teeth: whitening pastes, gels, rinses.
All toothpastes with bleaching effect help remove stains because they contain abrasive components (such as baking soda we mentioned at the beginning). Some, in addition, contain chemical products that help to brighten the toot
Other products that you can use at home are gels and strips. The gels, based on a chemical compound called peroxide, are applied with a small brush directly on the teeth. The instructions recommend applying it twice a day for 14 days. The initial results are seen after a few days and the result lasts about 4 months.
A similar procedure is carried out with the whitening strips: they are very thin, almost invisible strips, also covered with peroxide-based whitening gel. Apply 2 times a day for 30 minutes and for 14 days. They have the same results as the gel.
All these products can be found in your supermarket, in the pharmacy, or if you prefer a high-quality product specially designed for you, visit your dentist and he will recommend the products that will fit you best.
Remember that visiting a dentist cannot be replaced by any type of tip, visit Parkwood Green Dental and ensure your teeth remain as healthy as always.