However, no procedure is without its risks, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. While
the majority of procedures go according to plan, you should be aware of the potential
complications of wisdom tooth removal before your procedure.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is one of the more common complications of wisdom tooth removal and happens
when the blood clot that forms over your surgical site is either dislodged or never properly
formed in the first place. Dry socket only causes pain, but delays healing as well.

Most people develop dry socket approximately three days following the procedure. Patients
most at risk to experience this complication include smokers, patients over 25 years of age, or
people who fail to follow their dentist’s instructions for healing.

How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to
severe with a bad taste in your mouth. Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of this complication.

Infection

There is a chance you may develop an infection in one of the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. Less than 5% of cases experience infection following the procedure, making this a rarer complication of wisdom tooth removal.

If your swelling hasn’t gone down in approximately three days after the procedure, you may
have an infection. Other symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth, worsening pain, or a
fever. You’ll need to be treated by your dentist for an infection; an antibiotic will usually suffice if the infection is caught early enough.

Significant Bleeding

Of course, bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and can usually be stopped with
gauze. However, some patients experience excessive bleeding either during their wisdom tooth
removal or after.

If you experience significant bleeding during the procedure, your dentist will be present to
handle the problem. If you experience persistent bleeding following the procedure, you can use
gauze and apply firm but even pressure on the area for 30 minutes, and be sure to keep your
head elevated.

Should you have any concerns about your amount of bleeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your dentist. Oral bleeding has a tendency to look worse than it actually is, as blood mixes with
saliva, but you should always call your dentist with any concerns.

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

The wisdom teeth are located close to a major nerve that runs through the jaw. During the
majority of procedures, this nerve is unaffected. However, in some cases, a difficult extraction
can cause the nerve to be damaged.

You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the soft tissues of your mouth as a
result of this damage, although in most cases, the numbness will subside and your nerve
function will return to normal.

It’s important to remember that while wisdom tooth removal isn’t without its risks, the
procedure is considered safe and most people return home to heal without issue. Should you
have more questions or concerns about potential complications of your wisdom tooth removal,
always ask your dentist!

The post What Are the Potential Complications of Wisdom Tooth Removal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Irritates Gum Tissue

Alcohol causes inflammation both in the mouth and in the body. This means it’s a major irritant to your gum tissue. Alcohol is acidic and corrosive to teeth, making it a harmful substance for your smile. This is especially true if consumed in excess. If your gum tissue looks red or swollen and you see blood on your toothbrush every so often—or even daily—this irritation could be caused by drinking alcohol. The less you drink, the better. Research shows that four or more drinks a week can majorly impact gum health!

Poor Dental Hygiene

One common characteristic of alcohol drinkers is that they tend to care less for their smile than people who don’t drink alcohol. The same is true for the body—people who drink alcohol tend to not eat a balanced diet and may even ignore health symptoms. Poor dental hygiene joined with frequent alcohol consumption is a bad combination that can lead to gum disease. Although your symptoms such as bleeding gums may be mild at first, soon you might experience chronic bad breath, root exposure, and loose teeth.

Increased Plaque

Since alcohol is very dehydrating to the body, it often creates a drying effect in the mouth with less saliva and more bad bacteria. Without enough saliva to act as a buffer between the bacteria that cause plaque and your teeth, you can experience increased plaque in your mouth. This plaque builds up around the gumline if not removed and can quickly irritate the gum tissue. This can lead to infection and bleeding gums if not treated. Alcohol also inhibits your body’s ability to fight infection, so bacteria are more likely to affect gum tissue and your body may not be able to stop them.

What Can You Do?

Your teeth need your gums. They help hold teeth in place and keep your mouth functional and healthy. To stop your bleeding gums, you can start by taking better care of your teeth. This not only means brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist, but also taking a look at your diet.

Try to limit your alcohol consumption to less than four drinks per week. The less you drink, the healthier your gums will be. Eat a well balanced diet and take care of your body and your mouth. Your immune system and your gums will thank you for it! When it comes to bleeding gums, gum disease is likely the problem. Consider if your alcohol consumption could be the cause of your bleeding or irritated gums. Talk to your dentist about treating your gum disease and starting fresh!

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Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that precedes periodontitis (gum disease). If you are experiencing gingivitis, it is important to take care of it before infection sets in. You will recognize gingivitis by mild swelling in the gums. If you care for your teeth regularly and stick to a good schedule of professional dental cleaning, gingivitis should clear up on its own. If you reach gum disease stage, your dentist will have to help you clear it up, so take good care of those gums.

For pregnant women, gingivitis is a particular concern. Changing hormones can result in an increase in dental bacteria. This can lead to gingivitis and gum disease. If you experience bleeding while brushing or flossing during pregnancy, talk to your dentist. Controlling gingivitis is important for your health and the health of your unborn child.

Just Getting Back Into Your Flossing Routine

If you haven’t flossed for a while (or ever), you are likely to bleed a little at first. If it doesn’t stop within a week of regular flossing, then you are likely experiencing gingivitis or another cause. Again, bleeding isn’t normal, so if you think you just missed a day or two of flossing, and then you bleed, you probably missed several days or more.

Your Toothbrush Is too Firm

Soft bristles are really all you need for brushing (medium at most). If you get a firm toothbrush, it may irritate your gums. Since the gums are already irritated, they are more prone to bleed when you floss. You can talk to your dentist about what type of brush is best for you.

Medications that Reduce Clotting

Certain medications may make a person bleed more easily. You should always keep your dentist up to date on any medications that you are taking. Your dentist can help you to determine how to control bleeding while you floss.

Obviously, some of the causes of bleeding gums are more serious than others. There’s no need to call your dentist if you just started flossing for the first time or if you didn’t floss for a few days while on vacation. However, if your gums are red and inflamed, it may be a sign of gum disease which will require the help of your dental professional.

The post My Gums Bleed During Flossing. Is This Normal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Alcohol Irritates Mouth Tissues

The soft tissues in your mouth can become inflamed when exposed to alcohol repeatedly. Irritating your gum tissues can lead to inflammation, which over time can damage the roots of your teeth. The
components of alcohol (mainly acidic components and sugar) can also be very eroding to the enamel of your teeth, meaning you’re even more at risk for sensitive or painful teeth over time. In addition, alcohol dehydrates you, and these dehydrating effects take a big toll on your mouth. Our saliva protects our teeth and helps keep our oral bacteria balanced, but when drinking alcohol, the mouth becomes dry and is therefore a breeding ground for bad bacteria and plaque. If you are going to drink alcohol in moderate amounts, be sure to stay hydrated while doing so. Alcoholic drinks do not count towards your hydration fluids.

Poor Oral Health

People who drink alcohol excessively tend to neglect their oral health by not brushing and flossing
regularly in addition to not getting dental check-ups. This combination of practices can lead to buildup of plaque and bacteria over time from the dry mouth that alcohol creates as well as symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. Frequent drinkers tend to not notice or ignore any symptoms they’re experiencing when it comes to their oral health, such as gums that are red and inflamed, bleeding, sensitive, or pulling back from their teeth. It’s important to get regular check-ups at your dentist so that your dentist can help you treat any symptoms you have before they get worse. Alcohol can be very harsh on the gums and can eventually lead to tooth loss because of gum disease, tooth decay, or cavities.

A Maintenance Routine Is Important

If your drinking habits are causing you to forget to brush once in while, this is not a big deal. If, however, this is happening regularly or several times a week, you’re giving bacteria and plaque time to build up on your teeth. Many people enjoy mixed drinks, which can be very high in sugar and damaging to the teeth. The combination of the sugar and alcohol can irritate your gums, damage your tooth enamel, and if left with enough time in an ideal environment such as a dry mouth, can wreak havoc on your teeth.

Nearly everyone has different ideas about what they consider abuse of alcohol to be. When it comes to your oral health, drinking alcohol can be considered abusive when it interferes with your oral health through gum disease or other problems with your mouth. Keep to a routine and remember to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly—your teeth depend on it.

The post How Does Drinking Alcohol Promote Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The terms periodontal disease and gum disease are often used interchangeably. Both phrases refer to two types of gum problems. The first is Gingivitis which is gum inflammation. The second is Periodontitis which involves bone and ligament loss inside the gums which can result in loss of teeth. Both conditions are detrimental for oral health, but also have far reaching effects on the body, even being responsible for certain forms of cardiovascular disease. The good news is that periodontal disease can be reversed.

How do you know if you have periodontal disease? Your dentist is in the best position to diagnose the condition, and sticking to regular cleanings will allow your practitioner to catch the disease before it progresses. You can also tell at home, often when brushing or flossing. Diseased gums are quite tender and are more likely to bleed. Darker red or swollen gums are tell-tale signs of Gingivitis. What can your dentist do to help?

The treatment will depend on how severe the condition is. A professional cleaning will remove all of tartar and plaque that are causing the irritation. Then you will need to do your part at home by brushing and flossing regularly. Some who are unfamiliar with proper brushing techniques can benefit from using an electric toothbrush which will provide the right brushing motion for you. If you find using floss difficult, floss pics may help you to stay regular.

What if your condition has progressed? If you are experiencing Periodontitis, additional scaling on the part of the dentist may be necessary. Medication may also be provided. If you will need to continue applying medication at home, you will be given instruction on how to do so properly. Finally, don’t wait another 6 months to see your dentist. If the condition is serious, your dentist will want you back in about 4 weeks to make sure you have kept up with the routine and are making progress in fighting the disease.

In the worst case scenarios, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist who specializes in treating conditions of the supporting structures of the teeth. Surgery can be used to combat deep gingival pockets and sure up the bone structure. Sometimes a tooth or two needs to be sacrificed to save the rest.

Yes, periodontal disease is treatable. Early detection is the key to a full and speedy recovery. It is also vital to follow the instructions received by your dentist closely. Of course, the best way to fight periodontal disease is to avoid it in the first place through regular checkups and a good oral care routine at home.

The post Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease Reversible? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

1. What Do the Gums Do?
Your gums form a protective layer that keeps bacteria away from the bones that support your teeth. They are a soft layer of skin that seals the area around your teeth tightly when everything is working right.

2. How Do You Protect Your Gums?
Brushing after meals and flossing daily can keep your gums healthy. Without proper dental care, plaque can form along the gumline. Plaque forms when food particles are not removed quickly enough. It only takes about eight hours for plaque to form, so do not go very long without caring for your mouth.

3. How Are Gums Damaged?
Plaque releases toxins, so if food particles are allowed to remian on the teeth, more than just the teeth are affected. Those toxins irritate the gums and can cause gingivitis, a form a gum disease. Gingivitis needs to be treated promptly, otherwise it may turn into periodontal disease, a more serious gum condition in which the gums become inflamed by infection. You may not even feel any pain from this condition, but know one thing for certain, it will erode your gumline.

What are Complications of Gum Disease?
The ADHA estimates that up to three-quarters of the US population have some form of gum disease, and most do not know it. While gum disease can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, that is not the only reason to be on guard against it. Poor gum health can also be bad for your heart. When bacteria from your gums get into your blood, it can make a clot more likely to form. Poor gum health thus contributes to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the US. Research has also linked periodontal disease with respiratory infections and chronic conditions such as COPD.

With all of the serious medical conditions that can result from poor oral health, it is clearly vital to keep your gums in good shape. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.

The post Don’t Ignore Your Gums! appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gum disease or gingivitis is a bacterial infection. It’s contagious, and it can cause a lot of problems. When the infection is present, the plaque or film of bacteria on your teeth and gums causes irritation, which causes the bleeding. Your body reacts to the injury with inflammation, which is the body’s response to disease or injury. It’s a form of protection, but for us it means reddening and swelling. Gum disease causes bad breath, it can undermine the support structure of your teeth, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. The infection can also spread to other parts of your body.

Bleeding gums are a definite sign of gum disease. Without treatment at this stage, the gingivitis is likely to progress to periodontitis, the more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis is the stage where the infection has spread below the gum line. If this is not treated, the gums can begin to separate from the teeth, and in time, the teeth can fall out. The disease can also get inside the teeth, necessitating a root canal to save them.

Good oral health care at home can decrease the chances of gum disease, but it can still be caused by other factors, including genetics, hormones (especially in women), taking certain medications or certain health conditions. Having regular dental checkups can help because the dentist can detect gum disease early, when treatment is easy. When gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, deep cleaning and scaling of plaque and tartar from below the gum line may be necessary. Severe gum disease may even require surgery to correct. This is why if you see any bleeding while you are brushing your teeth, you should get to the dentist as soon as possible to reverse gum disease before it becomes worse.

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