You might have gum disease without even knowing it

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease – is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and its a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

But its usually painless so you may not even know you have it.

Its caused by plaque a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. In this stage, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, you can usually still reverse the disease by daily brushing and flossing.

The more advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. At this stage, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth may then become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Its therefore very important to look out for any signs of gum disease. These signs include:

– Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth

– Red, swollen or tender gums

– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

– Bad breath that doesn’t go away

– Pus between your teeth and gums

– Loose teeth

– Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

– Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you notice any of these signs, contact you dentist quickly and they'll help you take action to make improvements.

Why a dental abscess should be treated quickly

If you have any kind of swelling in your gum, it almost certainly indicates a serious infection that should be treated urgently.

Dental abscesses result from a bacterial infection in the teeth or gums.

For example, it may come from an untreated cavity. Cavities result when some of the bacteria in our mouths mix with sugars and starches in our diet to produce acid.

This acid attacks the hard enamel coating of our teeth and, as the cavity gets deeper, it eventually infects the nerve and blood supply of the tooth.

In some cases, a dental abscess is caused by an infection of the gum. Bone loss from gum disease can create a pocket between the tooth, gum and bone.

When bacteria and other debris get into this pocket, an abscess can form.

The treatment for an abscess depends on how severe the infection is.

If the abscess has been caused by decay, root canal treatment may be needed or the tooth may even have to be removed.

If the abscess has been caused by the gum, the gum will need deep cleaning or surgical treatment. Again the tooth may need to be removed.

Sometimes, a small incision may be made into the gum to drain the abscess. If this happens, antibiotics and pain medication may be used to relieve discomfort.

If you wait until the gum is severely swollen before seeking treatment, the situation can become very serious.

The abscess at this stage can prevent you breathing properly and can be life-threatening.

So if you have any signs of swelling in your gum, contact your dentist immediately.

How to Have a Top-Notch Mouth This Spring

Do you want to have strong and healthy teeth and gums this spring? If so, our dentists, Dr. Christian Berdy and Dr. Cary Berdy are happy to help you reach that goal! The stronger and healthier your teeth and gums are, the better off your smile will be. Fortunately, there are many things you can do this spring to help you have the top-notch mouth you deserve. Those things are:

-Brush twice a day: When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It’s best to brush every morning and every night. If you can brush after lunch at work or at school, that can help your smile as well. Brushing can remove plaque, bacteria and food from the surfaces of your teeth to keep them healthy and strong.

-Floss once a day: When you floss, use a product that is easy to use. This can help you avoid forcing the floss into place and injuring the gums. Some products that are handy to use include waxed dental floss and a water flosser. Flossing can remove dangerous substances from between your teeth and help you prevent cavities and gum disease.

-Attend your dental checkups: If you’re due for a checkup this season, then it’s important to set a reminder for yourself so you don’t forget. Dental checkups are extremely important for your oral health. The treatments provided are the only way to remove tartar (hardened plaque, which is a toxic substance) from the smile.

Do you have any questions about how to have a healthy spring smile in Jacksonville, Florida? If so, please reach out to Berdy Dental Group and talk to a member of our dental team. All you need to do is dial (904) 647-2789 and we will be thrilled to help you!

Let’s talk about toothbrushes.

What should you use? It comes down to two basic types, powered (electric) or manual.

Toothbrushes come with big handles and little handles, many bristles or few bristles. Studies have shown that powered brushes work better but only if they are used correctly! One of the best electric toothbrushes I have found and I recommend to my patients is the Philips Sonicare FlexCare or FlexCare Plus. It’s a bit expensive, but many patients have remarked that their teeth feel nearly as clean as they do after a cleaning! They can often be found at local drugstores, Walmart, or Amazon.com.

A manual brush that is well applied works wonderfully. Don’t forget, the bristles of the brush should be soft, so as not to harm the gums or tooth. Brushes used to be real stiff and made from boars hair, but studies show that although they were efficient at cleaning, they were harmful to the gum tissue and caused excessive tooth wear. Ideally, you should get your teeth healthy and clean after every meal. They should be as clean as if you have just had a professional cleaning. Brushing, along with flossing, rubber tipping, and water picking, is a crucial part of your home regimen to keep a healthy mouth and prevent periodontal disease. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask myself or any part of our team- we will be happy to show you proper technique. Happy brushing!