scaling

Receding gums

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Gum recession is a common dental problem that occurs gradually, so most people don’t realize they have it. It is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. When it occurs pocket or gaps are formed between the gum line, which makes it easy for disease causing bacteria to damage the tooth. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity, or you may notice your tooth looks longer than normal.

Reasons for receding gums

  • Aggressive brushing techniques- By brushing your teeth too vigorously, you can wear away the enamel on your teeth, and your gums will start to recede. Always use a soft or extra soft toothbrush and be gentle but thorough.
  • Tobacco products- People who chew or smoke tobacco are more likely to develop sticky plaque on their teeth which is hard to remove so therefore can lead to gum disease. The chemicals also damage all of the soft tissues in the mouth and leads to receding gums.
  • Gum diseases-Bacterial gum infections like periodontal disease destroy the gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. These diseases cause gum recession.
  • Insufficient dental care-Inadequate brushing and flossing habits will lead to excessive accumulations of plaque and tartar on and between your teeth. The buildup of plaque and tartar irritates the gums and can cause them to recede.
  • Teeth grinding and/or clenching- By putting too much unnecessary force on your teeth you can cause the gums to recede.
  • Genetics-Some people are simply more susceptible to gum disease. Therefore, even if you are a diligent brusher and flosser, you may be predisposed to gum disease, which leads to receding gums.
  • Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite-It can be much harder to keep crooked teeth clean. A misaligned bite can cause a person to put excessive forces on some teeth and minimal forces on others. Both can lead to gum recessions.
  • Lip or tongue piercings-Body jewellery can rub against your gums, which can irritate them and wear away the gum tissue.
  • Hormonal changes-For women who experience hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or menopause, their gums can become more inflamed and hence more vulnerable to receding gums.
  • Accelerated orthodontic treatment -By moving the teeth too quickly during an orthodontic treatment, the gums can start to recede, due to the body’s inability to adjust to rapid tooth movement.

Gum recession Treatment

For mild gum recession, your dentist can perform a deep cleaning also known as tooth scaling and root planning on the affected area. This procedure removes plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line. Then the exposed root area is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach on the tooth surface. Sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria. If you have excess bone loss, then you may require gum surgery and tissue grafts to repair the damage caused by gum recession.

How to prevent gum recession

The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day and visiting your dentist every six months. If you are experiencing gum recession, your dentist may want to see you more often. Also, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper brushing technique. If you have misaligned teeth, or if you grind your teeth, discuss treatment options with your dentist. Lastly, quit smoking if you are a smoker and eat a well-balanced diet. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.

Effects of Smoking on your oral health

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Most often while watching television programs or movies or on the tobacco products we get to see the warning messages concerning their health effects. They have been implemented in an effort to enhance the public’s awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. Warning like Smoking can kill, Smoking seriously harms you and others around you, Cigarettes causes lung cancer, Smoking can lead to blood circulation disorders and causes impotence, This product can cause mouth cancer etc. In general, warnings used in different countries try to emphasize the same messages. You have most likely heard several times again and again that smoking and chewing tobacco products can have a serious impact on your oral health. But what does smoking actually do to your mouth and oral health? Reasons why smoking is one of the most destructive habits when it comes to your oral health and the serious health risks that come with it.

Oral cancer– Tobacco products such as cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, and others are highly carcinogenic. The chemicals found in these products have been cited as a leading cause of many cancers affecting mouth, lip, tongue, gums and throat. There are numerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke, including several known to cause cancer. Oral cancer is especially dangerous in those who have it are unaware of it in the early stages since it does not produce painful side effects until it has spread. Oral cancer can take many forms including unexplained bumps, bleeding, swelling, numbness, pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Gum disease– Smoking causes decreased levels of oxygen in the blood leads to a weakened immune system and leaves your mouth vulnerable to infection. This means that bacteria found in your mouth can more easily build-up and infiltrate your gums. The bacteria can quickly destroy gum tissues, causing it to recede and become loose and unhealthy. The gums help to anchor teeth in place, so when the gum is compromised, it further also damages the bone causing the teeth to become loose and potentially fall out. When gum disease progresses it can affect the bones and surrounding tissues, causing them to break down, too. Smokers are two times more likely to contract gum disease than non smokers. Smoking is a cause of periodontitis, a common dental disease. Its symptoms may include infected gums, loss of the jawbone that supports the teeth and deep spaces forming around the teeth (periodontal pockets)

Cavities – Considering the increased plaque and gum problems caused by smoking, you’re also at higher risk for tooth decay. If you smoke, you’re putting your mouth at risk for three times as many cavities as those who don’t. Because the chemicals in tobacco products weaken the tooth’s protective enamel, teeth become more susceptible to bacteria, acids, and other destructive substances. With no protective layer, these substances cause decayed teeth and eventually it might spread down to the tooth root. This can be extremely painful and can cause teeth to become loose, requiring removal, and even falling out. This decay can also lead to infection with swelling and severe pain. Smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the blood, which your body needs in order to fight these infections.

Tooth sensitivities– Because smoking weakens or erodes tooth enamel, smoker’s teeth are often vulnerable and can become extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This can be quite painful and very restricting when it comes to food and drink.

Bad breath– It’s no surprise that smokers have bad breath and it’s not the kind you can get rid-off it, with a quick breath mint or chewing gum. Many chemicals pass through your oral cavity every time you smoke and many of them end up collecting on the surfaces inside your mouth. Smoking also contributes to bad breath by drying out your mouth, which can trigger gum infection and even irritate your sinuses.

Stains– Smoking is well known for the yellowing effect it has on teeth. This discoloration is actually stains left by the nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Over time, this discoloration can seep into tiny cracks in the tooth enamel. That means that after several years of smoking, the staining may well be permanent.

Delayed healing – After a tooth extraction or other oral surgery can be seen after several years of smoking as it also cause change in the immune response.

Taste and smell– Often use of tobacco products over a long period of time may result in altered taste and smell sensation.

Tobacco users especially should visit their dentist regularly to have their oral health monitored closely. It’s important to keep in mind that the only truly effective treatment in restoring the health of a smoker’s mouth is to stop smoking. It usually takes a few times before you successfully quit smoking. Consult with your dentist or physician about nicotine replacement therapy. If you’ve just had your dental cleaning it’s a great time to quit, because your mouth feels fresh and clean.

 

Are your gums bleeding?

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Most of us once in a while or often must have noticed spitting a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, it may not seem like a big deal, and in fact you may not even notice it anymore. But the truth is that bleeding gums are never something to ignore. More often than not, bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease which should be addressed immediately. The common reasons for bleeding gums:

Inefficient oral hygiene practices
The most common reason for red, swollen, puffy, or bleeding gums is inefficient and inadequate oral hygiene. This means that the basic routine of brushing and flossing twice daily is not being done. It takes very little time for plaque and tartar to build up on teeth and along the gum line, in fact almost immediately after brushing it begins to rebuild. This buildup of plaque is what irritates gums and may cause irreversible damage in the gums and bones if left untreated for long.
Remedy: Be sure to follow your cleaning routine so that your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues are properly brushed in the morning and in the evening, being sure to also floss at least once every day. You may find it more effective to brush with an electric toothbrush which can be beneficial for gums as the rotating head massages gums and promotes blood flow to the tissues, which helps to fight off infection. Additionally, try using an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing to give cleaning routine a boost.

Your regular diet
Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and foods high in vitamin C are essential building blocks of a diet that keeps your mouth happy. Foods that are high in sugar, starch, and acid on the other hand are not good for your oral and general health. Sugars from sweet food items stick to teeth and along the gum line, if not removed soon after consumption, start to damage teeth and gum tissues. If you indulge in these types of foods throughout the day and don’t brush your teeth between meals, you are essentially adding more destructive bacteria to your mouth with each bite.
Remedy: Vegetables and fruits are great for your oral health as they scrape against teeth and dislodge destructive food and bacteria while being very low in sugar. Dairy products such as cheese contribute to healthy teeth and gums as well and, for swollen gums, foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as fish oil are great to add to your diet. Substituting a meal with a big salad filled with healthy proteins and vegetables can do wonders for your oral and overall health.

During Pregnancy
Most women experience gingivitis during pregnancy, which can lead to gum disease. Hormones released during pregnancy make mothers-to-be much more vulnerable to gum disease even if they brush and floss twice each day as the gum tissues are in general more irritable and less able to fight off infection.
REMEDY: Visiting your dentist as soon as you know that you are pregnant is essential so that you can get professional advice and set up regular appointments for cleanings and checkups throughout your pregnancy. Brushing and flossing at least twice every day is the most important thing to do to keep your oral hygiene in check. You may want to use a non-alcoholic antibacterial mouthwash after each time you brush and floss your teeth to ensure each corner of your mouth has been cleaned.

Hereditary Gum disease
For those who know that gum disease runs in their family, they must be even more cautious in their oral hygiene. Knowing your family oral history may help to manage your own oral health.
Remedy: If gum disease does run in your family, tell your dentist. They can offer expert council about how best to care for your teeth daily to prevent issues from showing up. Brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash daily is essential in fighting against the bacteria that irritates gum tissues and cause destruction.

If you’re a smoker
The toxins found in cigarettes are extremely destructive and weaken the gum tissues which can cause discoloration, swelling, and bleeding in gums. In addition, once gums are exposed to such harmful toxins, bacteria found in the mouth are more able to enter the gums and into the bloodstream. This can cause further irritation, bleeding, swelling, and infection.
Remedy: Quitting smoking is the only way to completely rid you of cigarette toxins and allow your gum tissues to rebuild and become healthy again. In addition to this, brushing and flossing twice daily is important to keep harmful bacteria from attacking weakened gum tissues. Speak to both your health care and dental professionals about smoking cessation programs that can help you kick cigarettes for good and for your overall health.

Conclusion
Finally, regular professional cleanings from your dental professional are essential even if your oral hygiene techniques are good. Professional cleanings offer a deep clean and can eradicate plaque and difficult tartar that you may not be able to reach or were unaware was there. It’s important to keep in mind that gum disease is not the end of your oral health. Most of the time it can be reversed if treated at the right time and, with proper oral hygiene and dental professional care it can be eradicated. Call your dentist today to set up an appointment to discuss your oral health concerns and to have a check up.

TEETH WHITENING

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile. Tooth whitening is an increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can make a massive difference on the appearance of your smile.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration
As we get older, our teeth naturally darken and discolor due to factors such as diet, age, lifestyle-smoking habits, drugs (like tetracycline), grinding (due to stress), trauma and even genetics. Tooth whitening can make your teeth look younger, cleaner and healthier.

Types of Tooth Stains
Extrinsic stains are those that appear on the surface of the teeth as a result of exposure to dark-colored beverages, foods and tobacco, and routine wear and tear. Superficial extrinsic stains are minor and can be removed by prophylactic dental cleaning and whitening.
Intrinsic stains are those that form on the interior of teeth. Intrinsic stains result from trauma, aging, exposure to minerals (like tetracycline) during tooth formation and/or excessive ingestion of fluoride. There are alternative cosmetic solutions to treat intrinsic staining, such as dental veneers and crowns.

Types of Teeth Whitening
There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are office whitening and the home whitening systems-
Office Teeth Whitening
Professional tooth whitening in a dental office is the preferred whitening method because it is more effective. Even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth, including the gums, is protected from these materials. The best whitening systems feature a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage, are extremely effective, and can transform teeth color in a single visit. Your teeth can literally brighten up to 5 shades in about an hour.
Tooth whitening can last for 6 months or more, depending on how well you take care of your teeth.
Home Teeth Whitening Systems
They can either be used as a primary whitening option or as secondary option after office whitening to maintain the whitening result for longer time. Dentist’s supervision is must before you start using Home tooth whitening methods. They include whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, mouth trays with gel. These are typically safe products.

Teeth Whitening Risks
Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:
Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch.
Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. It is recommended to use desensitizing toothpaste for few days after a whitening session.
Gum irritation: You might experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to 1-2 days.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results
To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, it is recommended

  • To use home whitening  once to twice a month
  • Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
  • Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
  • Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.