The short answer is no. While both are technically gum disease, gingivitis is a bit different than full-blown periodontal disease. What are the differences between gum disease and gingivitis? Let’s review their similarities and differences, as well as why you shouldn’t ignore either of them!

Gingivitis: The First Stage of Gum Disease

Gingivitis literally means gum inflammation. During this earliest stage of gum disease, your gum tissue becomes inflamed by bacteria that aren’t being removed during your oral care process.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis, you may be more likely to develop gum inflammation if you smoke or chew tobacco, have a family history of gum disease, or are currently pregnant. Fluctuating hormone levels in the body can make gingivitis more likely, making women who are pregnant or on oral contraception more at risk to develop the condition [1].

Symptoms of gingivitis may not be noticeable at first, but your gums may appear puffy, red, or they may bleed during brushing. Symptoms will be more severe as gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease.

Gum Disease: Advancing Inflammation and Infection

Without treatment, gingivitis will eventually progress to gum disease. Full-blown gum disease is generally more difficult to treat than gingivitis. For many patients, gingivitis can be reversed with a deep cleaning from your dentist and improved home care habits. However, in cases of gum disease, more intensive or repeated therapies may be necessary.

Once gum disease develops, your gums can begin to pull back from your teeth in what’s known as gum recession. Your teeth may become sensitive as your tooth roots may become exposed, and bacteria can get underneath the gum tissue and cause infection.

This infection can destroy the connective tissue that helps anchor your teeth and can even impact the surrounding bone. Eventually, your teeth may begin to feel loose or feel as though they are shifting [2]. If left to progress, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.

What Can You Do?

Both gingivitis and gum disease can be prevented with the right care, which includes:

• Brushing and flossing every day. Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day go a long way towards keeping gum disease from getting started!
• Visiting your dentist. Your dentist can not only look for signs of gum disease, but thoroughly clean your teeth during your visit to help prevent gingivitis.
• Not using tobacco. Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco can help keep your smile free of gum inflammation and bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
• Eating a healthy diet. A balanced diet with lots of whole foods and minimal added sugars can help support a healthy smile!

Gum disease and gingivitis are also both treatable, so if you’re experiencing any symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional attention from your dentist to help remedy the problem!

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Gum Disease!

Both periodontal disease and gingivitis should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible to avoid long-term consequences for your smile. Regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist can help you avoid gum disease for a strong and beautiful smile for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886879/
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info#symptoms

The post Gum Disease vs. Gingivitis: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Bacteria in Your Oral Cavity Have Been Linked to Heart Problems

The oral cavity is full of different types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are helpful while others are harmful. Bacteria in your mouth that have negative effects have been linked to problems such as:

• Heart disease
• Endocarditis
• Damage to blood vessels
• Blood clots

Oral bacteria could also lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke [1]. While more research is needed to fully understand the link between oral health and heart health, having good oral hygiene is still important!

Gum Inflammation Can Affect Bodily Inflammation

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, causes inflammation in the oral cavity that can influence inflammation throughout the rest of the body. The bacteria involved in gum disease create an inflammatory response in your mouth that may influence your risk for vascular damage that affects the heart and the brain [2].

Again, while a direct connection hasn’t been established, there is substantial research to support the link between poor oral health and systemic conditions such as heart disease and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The Link Between Oral Health and Mental Health

Did you know your dental health can affect your state of mind as well? Some psychiatric disorders have been associated with tooth decay and gum disease [3]. While the link isn’t clear, experts suggest reviewing the oral health of patients experiencing severe mental illness, as poor oral health can significantly impact the quality of life of patients and could potentially play a role in the outcome of treatment.

Tooth Infections Can Be Life-Threatening

If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to a painful infection that has the potential to be life threatening [4]. Although rare, tooth abscesses can cause harmful oral bacteria to get into the bloodstream, which can then affect the brain and the heart. Early tooth decay is often asymptomatic, which makes getting regular exams with your dentist all the more important!

Take Care of Your Smile!

Taking care of your smile affects more than your appearance. Your oral health can affect your entire body and may even play a role in your mental health. As more research comes to light, medical professionals become ever more aware of the effect that the health of your teeth and gums has on your body!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841282/
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hidden-dental-dangers-that-may-threaten-your-whole-body

The post How Does Your Dental Health Affect You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Affected Tissue in Your Tooth Is Removed

Some patients who need root canal therapy have an infection inside their tooth, or extensive decay that’s compromised the inner tissue that supplies the tooth with blood and nutrients to keep it alive.

During a root canal, any tissue that’s been affected will be removed by your dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth. This tissue generally consists of nerves that may or may not be dead, and will be cleaned out from your tooth.

The removal of this material will prevent your tooth from being sensitive to temperature and, if your affected tooth is discolored, help restore its natural hue.

The Pulp Chamber Is Cleaned and Sealed

Once the affected tissue is removed, your dentist will carefully clean the inside of your tooth—sometimes called the pulp chamber—with special tools. This cleaning process will remove any bacteria and remaining microscopic tissue in your tooth that could contribute to future problems.

After the cleaning is done, your dentist or endodontist will dry and seal the canal to protect the tooth and ensure an infection can’t happen. The pulp chamber of the tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material, meaning your body will not react to it and it won’t cause any problems [2].

Your Tooth Is Capped Off With a Dental Restoration

Now that your tooth has been properly cleaned and sealed, you’ll need to have some type of restoration placed over your tooth to protect it from further trauma [3]. Many patients will get a dental crown, which is a porcelain replication of your natural tooth, placed over the area. However, some patients will only need a filling material to keep the treated tooth protected.

Your dentist can let you know more about what you need during your consultation for root canal therapy!

Could a Root Canal Benefit Your Smile?

Root canal therapy can save a tooth that’s been impacted by decay or an injury, and for patients that have a single discolored tooth, a root canal can generally restore its color. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t fret about this common procedure. Your root canal will be handled by an experienced dentist or endodontist to save your tooth!

Sources:
1. https://news.llu.edu/patient-care/let-s-get-root-of-root-canal
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm

The post What Happens to Your Tooth During a Root Canal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How exactly does oral thrush happen and who’s most at risk for getting this infection? Here we detail what you need to know about this oral health condition including the most at-risk people and its treatment.

What Causes Oral Thrush?

Candida is actually a type of fungus that normally doesn’t cause problems in the body [1].
However, certain factors can cause candida to become rampant, which can then cause issues such as infections.

There are numerous factors that can cause oral thrush, including prolonged antibiotic use, treatment for cancer via immunosuppressive therapy, and poor oral hygiene.

Oral thrush can cause infections in the mouth, throat, and even the esophagus. Oral thrush can present as white patches in the mouth, redness or tenderness in the mouth, loss of taste, and cracks at the corners of the mouth, which can be painful.

Who Is Most at Risk for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is common in babies as their immune system isn’t fully developed yet and not able to ward off an overgrowth of candida [2]. Babies and people who have compromised immune systems are the most likely to get oral thrush.

Oral thrush is also common in people who are pregnant, those who smoke, people who
experience chronic stress, and others who have suppressed immune systems [3].

People who have dry mouth may also be more likely to get oral thrush, as are people who have dentures, especially if the dentures aren’t properly cleaned or removed as directed by your dentist.

How Oral Thrush Is Treated

Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medicines. This will usually be a liquid that you’ll either rinse out your mouth with or apply directly to your mouth. However, your doctor may also prescribe capsules you can take orally to help treat your thrush.

Treatment for oral thrush can last up to two weeks [4]. If you or your child has been diagnosed with oral thrush, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for healing so you can treat thrush right the first time and not have it return!

Are you concerned about your risk for oral thrush? You can talk more with your doctor or your child’s healthcare provider about oral thrush. Fortunately, the condition usually isn’t considered to be serious and is relatively simple to treat, provided you follow your doctor’s instructions!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/thrush.html
3. https://www.medicinenet.com/thrush/article.htm
4. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/oral-
thrush-in-adults

The post What Is Oral Thrush and Who Is at Risk for Getting It? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While periodontal disease can be mild or severe, it’s important to know that nearly everyone is susceptible to this condition, including children. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s risk of periodontal disease.

Chronic Gingivitis Is Common

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease which involves inflammation of the gum tissue. Unfortunately, chronic gingivitis is common in children [1].

Children who have a poor diet consisting of a lot of sugars and refined carbohydrates as well as those that neglect their oral care are most at risk to get gum disease.

It’s essential to know that just because gum disease is more common in adults doesn’t mean it can’t happen in children as well, so doing your part to help prevent gum disease is important!

Risk Factors for Gum Disease in Children

Children may be more at risk for gum disease if they:

•  Have a family history of gum disease
• Eat a poor diet lacking in nutrients
• Have an autoimmune disorder
• Breathe through their mouth
• Grind their teeth

Having one or more of these factors can mean your child may be more at risk for periodontal disease than the average child [2].

Gum tissue is also sensitive to changes in hormones, so while teenagers are going through puberty and experiencing hormones change, they may be more at risk for gingivitis. Teenage girls are typically more susceptible to gum disease than teenage boys [3].

In addition, kids or teens who have braces may not be able to clean their teeth as well. If your child has braces, it’s imperative that you provide them with the tools necessary to clean under their oral appliances to remove plaque and bacteria, such as interdental cleaners.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of gum disease in children are the same as gum disease in adults and may include gums that bleed when brushing, a receding gumline, loose teeth, constant bad breath, or red gum tissue [4].

If your child is complaining that their gums are sore or that they’re seeing blood when brushing, it’s time to get a checkup with your local dentist.

Treatment for gum disease will depend on how severe the condition is. For gingivitis, a deep cleaning may suffice. For more advanced cases, antibiotic therapy along with a deep cleaning or even surgery may be necessary.

You Can Prevent Gum Disease!

To prevent gum disease in children and teens, the best you can do is encourage healthy eating and oral care habits as well as take your children to the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. The right habits combined with your dentist’s help can prevent gum disease in your children and set them up for healthy oral care habits for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-children
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&conte
ntid=p01865
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/hormones
4. https://www.chw.org/medical-care/dental-care/dental-and-oral-health/periodontal-
disease

The post Are Children Susceptible to Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Chronic bad breath is usually a sign that an underlying problem is present, so you should always follow up with your dentist to evaluate your smile if you have persistent bad breath.

It’s understandable that you’d want your stinky breath to go away as soon as possible. While you’re waiting to see your dentist, what can you do the meantime to have a clean and fresh smile?

Mouthwash

Mouthwash can temporarily help your chronic bad breath although it won’t fix the cause of it. It’s important to not rely on mouthwash as a permanent solution to a constant bad odor or foul taste in your mouth.

You can ask your dentist which mouthwash you should use or he or she may prescribe a
mouthwash for you based on your symptoms and the cause of your bad breath [1].

You can also try to rinse your mouth out with essential oils if you have them on hand, such as peppermint. Try rinsing with one or two drops of peppermint essential oil in water which can give you a powerful boost of fresh breath!

Drink Water

Another major cause of chronic bad breath is dehydration, which can affect saliva production. When your oral cavity doesn’t have enough saliva, bacteria can quickly get out of control [2]. If your mouth feels dry, try drinking more water throughout the day and reducing your caffeine intake (which includes coffee, soda, and most teas).

Drinking water can help alleviate your chronic bad breath quickly, so don’t overlook this simple but important practice!

Chew Gum

Chewing gum can not only help mask your chronic bad breath, but will help increase saliva production which could be contributing to your bad breath in the first place.

The best gum to chew is sugar-free gum so it won’t increase your risk of cavities. When you need a fast chronic bad breath remedy, chewing gum is easy enough to have on hand.

Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue is home to many bacteria so be sure to brush your tongue along with brushing your teeth and flossing daily. Whether you use your regular toothbrush or a tongue scraper, don’t overlook this important part of your oral care routine!

Foods That May Help

There are certain foods that may help your chronic bad breath in a pinch. These include:

• Spices such as cinnamon sticks, clove buds, and fennel seeds that you can suck or bite
  on (but not chew). You’ll want to spit out these spices after biting as they tend to be
  strong and can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Citrus fruit rinds such as lemon, lime, or orange, which you can rinse off and briefly
  chew on to alleviate stinky breath.
• Eating or chewing herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint can help as well, so order a dish with these when you’re out at lunch!

Getting Help for Your Chronic Bad Breath

It’s important to remember that gum disease is the main cause of chronic bad breath, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your dentist to check for this oral health condition [3]. By addressing the root cause of your bad breath, you can get it to go away once and for all!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350925
2. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig258649spec
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412664/

The post Fast Remedies for Chronic Bad Breath appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Eating the right foods can help accelerate healing of your restoration and avoid unnecessary discomfort, or worse, damage to your newly-restored tooth. It’s understandable that you’d be worried about what you can eat after a root canal.

Being prepared with the following dietary guidelines can help your root canal heal as fast as
possible!

Avoid Hard, Sticky, or Chewy Foods

After getting your root canal done, you’ll want to avoid eating anything until the numbness
from your procedure fully wears off. When you do reach for food, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth while your restoration is healing.

Make note to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy for at least the first few days. These don’t just include sweet foods like gum or candy. Even hard breads and some fresh foods such as raw apples and carrots should be avoided.

Ice and nuts are also off-limits while your tooth is healing. Research shows that food can
influence the possibility of an infection after root canal therapy, so eating the right foods
absolutely helps [1]!

Exercise Caution with Foods That Contribute to Tooth Sensitivity

Some people may experience some tooth sensitivity following root canal therapy.

If you have a history of tooth sensitivity, your dentist might have you avoid overly hot, cold, spicy, or sweet foods. These are all foods that have the potential to bother your new
restoration while it’s healing.

If you experience extreme sensitivity when eating after your root canal procedure, contact your dentist to follow up with your discomfort.

Great Soft Foods You Can Enjoy

Following your root canal procedure, it’s a good idea to stick with softer foods. Eating soft foods can give your mouth time to heal and avoid any potential damage to your tooth.

These foods could include:

 Protein in the form of fish, eggs, tofu, oats, or beans
 Fruits such as banana, mangoes, and peaches
 Snacks such as applesauce, yogurt, or smoothies

You can plan ahead of time to ensure you have plenty of foods available in your home or at
work to eat so you’re not tempted to eat off-limits foods while your smile is healing.

Remember to contact your dentist should you have any questions after your root canal or if
you’re not sure what you’re experiencing is normal. Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding after
your appointment may require additional medical attention [2].

When it comes to healing after a root canal procedure, what you can eat can make a big
difference. Simply by exercising caution after your procedure when eating, you can avoid pain,
sensitivity, and speed up the healing process!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4601489/
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/your-office-visit/post-treatment-care/

The post What Can You Eat After a Root Canal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Root canal therapy can help restore a weakened or damaged tooth. During your procedure,
your tooth will be numbed and your dentist will clean out the affected tissue and seal your
tooth, therefore helping to prevent any further problems. But what can you expect after the
procedure? Here’s how to care for a tooth after a root canal.

Use Caution When Eating

It’s important not to attempt to eat until the numbness has worn off from your mouth after
your root canal procedure. When you do eat, do your best to resist chewing on the side of your
mouth that contains the tooth that just had the root canal. Until you receive your permanent
restoration—a porcelain dental crown—you’ll want to put as little stress as possible on your
tooth.

You’ll also want to stick to softer foods during this time. It’s likely your mouth will be tender in
the hours and days after your root canal procedure, so be sure to have softer foods on hand.
It’s essential to avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that could quickly damage your newly
restored tooth.

Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene

While your tooth is healing, you’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth as normal. In fact,
keeping up with your oral hygiene will help to prevent an infection in your tooth, which is a
complication you’ll want to avoid following your root canal.

Although cleanliness is important, you should also be gentle when brushing your teeth. If your
dentist hasn’t yet advised you to, take this opportunity to get a soft-bristled toothbrush. You
can still brush gently while being thorough during this time of healing for your tooth.

Be Prepared for Some Discomfort

You can and should expect some soreness in the mouth following your root canal. For many
people, over-the-counter pain medication can help manage this discomfort. Your dentist will
prescribe something stronger if necessary.

Eating soft foods and keeping your mouth clean can also help to manage your pain or soreness,
but always follow up with your dentist if you’re concerned about your level of pain.

Always Ask Your Dentist

Keeping in touch with your dentist following your root canal if you have any questions or
concerns can help you have a speedy recovery. Calling your dentist is especially important if you
have increasing pain, swelling, or bleeding following the procedure, all of which should be
addressed by your dentist.

Getting root canal therapy can help save your tooth and alleviate pain from an infected or
damaged tooth. Taking proper care of your tooth following a root canal procedure can help you
recover quickly to enjoy a pain-free smile for life!

The post How to Care for a Tooth After a Root Canal appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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.

Infection or Decay

Tooth infections can happen when decay or trauma goes untreated and bacteria gets into the root of your tooth, which contains all the nerve tissue that keeps your tooth alive. When bacteria enter your tooth root, an infection can make the tooth die inside and may even progress to the jaw bone.

If you suspect you have a tooth infection, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get your infection addressed, the better chance you have of saving your tooth!

Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth feel like they’re aching from the inside out, you might be experiencing a case of severe tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is caused when the tooth enamel is
compromised—whether due to over-brushing, decay, or bacteria—and temperatures reach the center of the tooth and can cause pain.

For some people who experience tooth sensitivity, their pain may linger long after they’ve eaten the offending food, leading them to wonder if something else is going on. Sensitive teeth can be treated with help from your professional dentist, so don’t wait to seek help.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding—also called bruxism—is a cause of toothaches. You may be grinding your teeth while asleep and be unaware of this dangerous habit, but during the day, your teeth may ache.
Bruxism is extremely harmful to your smile and can cause immense stress on the teeth as well as the tooth roots, making your teeth more likely to fracture and become sensitive and your gum tissue more likely to be inflamed.

A mouthguard or relaxation techniques can help you conquer bruxism and stop your perpetual toothache!

Trauma to the Tooth

If you’ve experienced any type of trauma to your tooth, such as an accident, a chip or a crack, or even tooth decay, the tooth may respond by causing pain.

Tooth trauma can take many forms, but it should always be checked out by a dentist. Even though a chip or a crack can seem minor, it has the potential to allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s nerve, therefore causing pain and even an infection that could compromise your tooth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth happen when the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt in the mouth, which can cause them to push against the other teeth and cause pain. Typically, impacted wisdom teeth will need to be removed by an oral surgeon, so don’t delay in getting them evaluated if you’re having pain in the back of your mouth!

If you’re having a toothache, getting it addressed sooner rather than later is always a good idea. The longer you wait to have your tooth pain addressed, the higher the chances that your tooth will need to be removed. Regular checkups can help you avoid a toothache, so don’t wait to talk to your dentist!

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