219 South Main St. Barnegat, NJ
Phone: 609-698-1155
Click to Call

Understanding Gum Disease: Causes, Dangers, and Prevention

Posts Tagged ‘ gum disease ’



Understanding Gum Disease: Causes, Dangers, and Prevention

Posted on: October 30th, 2024 by admin

Bad breath is not only an unpleasant experience but also a warning sign that you may be suffering from a serious dental problem, such as gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a common oral health issue that can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health if left untreated. This article will cover everything you need to know about gum disease, including its causes, the dangers of leaving it untreated, how to prevent it, and its treatment options.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, ligaments, and bones that support your teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease produce toxins that irritate and inflame your gums, eventually causing them to pull away from your teeth. The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on your teeth and gums. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, and genetics.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious consequences such as tooth loss, gum recession, and even bone damage. In addition, research suggests that gum disease is linked to other health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Therefore, it’s important to take gum disease seriously and seek treatment if you notice any warning signs, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth.

The good news is that gum disease is preventable with proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria. You should also visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Additionally, avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and eating a balanced diet can also help prevent gum disease.

When it comes to treating gum disease, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. Mild cases of gum disease can often be treated with a professional cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and below the gum line. More advanced cases may require surgical treatments such as pocket reduction surgery or gum grafts. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics or recommend lifestyle changes to support the healing process.

Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can have lasting implications on your overall well-being. However, with proper prevention and treatment, it can be managed effectively. By understanding the causes, dangers, and prevention methods of gum disease, you can take proactive steps towards protecting your oral and overall health. Don’t ignore the warning signs of gum disease – seek the guidance of a dental professional and take proactive steps to maintain a healthy mouth.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on Understanding Gum Disease: Causes, Dangers, and Prevention

Everything You Need to Know About Gum Disease and Its Dangers

Posted on: September 18th, 2024 by admin

Gum disease is a common dental problem, yet it is often neglected and overlooked. Most people are not aware that it is not just a simple dental issue, but it can be a leading cause of serious health problems, such as heart diseases, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even cancer. With that in mind, let’s look at the common causes of gum disease, its dangers if left untreated, how to avoid it, and what options you have for proper treatment. Hopefully you will learn about the importance of maintaining a good dental hygiene routine and when to see your Ocean County dentist for proper care!

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows the bacteria to grow and spread in your mouth. The bacteria form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque, which if not removed, can harden and turn into tartar, a hard substance that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Tartar buildup can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease are smoking, stress, genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

The Dangers of Gum Disease If Left Untreated

If gum disease is not treated as soon as possible, it can lead to more serious health problems. The infection can spread to the bones and tissues that support your teeth, causing tooth loss and other dental issues. Moreover, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and affect other organs in your body, leading to serious health conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even cancer. Recent studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease due to the inflammation that results from the infection.

How to Avoid Gum Disease?

Prevention is the key to avoiding gum disease. You can reduce your risk by maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You can also make some lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing stress, and eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

How to Treat Gum Disease?

If you have gum disease, your dentist will recommend the best treatment options based on the severity of your case. The treatment may involve a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing, where the dentist removes the tartar and smooths the roots to prevent further buildup. In advanced cases, surgery may be required to remove the infected tissue or to restore bone and gum tissues that have been damaged. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Gum disease is a common dental problem that can lead to serious health risks if not treated properly. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is the best way to prevent gum disease. If you notice any signs of gum disease such as red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, or bad breath, see your dentist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember that taking care of your oral health is a crucial part of overall wellness, and an Ocean County dentist’ office like ours is always the best source of information and advice, so reach out today to schedule an appointment!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About Gum Disease and Its Dangers

Easy tips on caring for your teeth and gums

Posted on: August 28th, 2024 by admin

Taking care of your teeth and gums is a critical part of maintaining healthy overall wellbeing. Without good dental hygiene, you can be vulnerable to a range of issues including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and more. This comprehensive guide will explain the various parts of your teeth and gums, how they work together, common problems that arise and how to best practice good oral health. With just a few simple steps you can ensure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy for years to come – start tending to your oral health today with this guide!

Your teeth and gums are comprised of very important structures that protect your mouth from infection and decay. The first line of defense for the body is the outer layer of enamel on your teeth, which makes up the strong protective shell around each tooth. In addition to this, your gums contain connective tissue that helps to hold your teeth in place and creates a barrier against infections. Each of these structures are incredibly important, and it is critical that they remain in good health to ensure your overall wellbeing.

Daily dental hygiene is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, focusing on the back molars which tend to be more prone to plaque buildup. Flossing is also important as it helps remove debris, bacteria and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Using a tongue scraper or mouthwash can further help keep your mouth clean by reducing bacteria growth.

In addition to daily dental hygiene, regular checkups with your dentist are necessary in order to address any problems that may arise. Your dentist can check for cavities and gum disease, as well as provide guidance on how to best practice good oral health. They may also recommend certain treatments such as fillings, root canals or crowns to address any issues that have already occurred.

Ultimately, taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your mouth remains healthy and strong for years to come.

Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • – Brush and floss your teeth every day.
  • – Use a tongue scraper or mouthwash to reduce bacteria growth in the mouth.
  • – Visit your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and any necessary treatments.
  • – Avoid smoking, as it can damage gum tissue and increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
  • – Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

 

By following these tips, you can ensure that your mouth remains healthy and strong for years to come.

Want a little more help. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on Easy tips on caring for your teeth and gums

These 5 oral health problems are more common than you think

Posted on: January 17th, 2024 by admin

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on These 5 oral health problems are more common than you think

7 Oral Health Issues You Need to Know About

Posted on: April 12th, 2023 by admin

Keeping your mouth healthy is essential for overall wellbeing – yet, many of us don’t know enough about oral health issues and how to keep our smiles in top condition, even if we regularly see our dentist in Ocean County. If you’re looking to brush up on your own knowledge, then this post exploring the 7 most common oral health issues is a great place to start. From what causes them to how to prevent them, we cover all the information you need to understand and take care of your teeth.

1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on your teeth due to bacteria, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed with professional cleaning. If not addressed, this buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To prevent it from occurring in the first place, good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing are key.

2. Tooth Decay

Also known as cavities, tooth decay occurs when bacteria erode away at enamel – the hard shell protecting your teeth’s inner layers – which can result in pain, infection, or even complete destruction of the affected tooth if left untreated. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods are key to avoiding decay.

3. Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums, gingivitis is a mild and reversible form of gum disease that’s caused by bacteria accumulating along the gum line. This can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing teeth, but with regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits (brushing, flossing) it can be prevented.

4. Periodontal Disease

Also known as periodontitis or gum disease, this occurs when bacteria in plaque causes an infection in the gums which results in deep pockets of infection around the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, advanced periodontal disease can cause tooth loss – so regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for prevention.

5. Dry Mouth

A condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva, dry mouth can cause an increase in cavities and gum disease due to lack of lubrication to rinse away bacteria. Common causes include dehydration, certain medications, or even salivary gland issues – so if you have a dry mouth, speak to your doctor or dentist about possible treatments.

6. Tooth Sensitivity

This is when the teeth become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures due to worn enamel or exposed dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). To reduce symptoms of tooth sensitivity, avoiding acidic foods/beverages and using special toothpastes/mouthwashes may be helpful – and see your dentist if needed.

7. Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be caused by a number of factors – from poor oral hygiene to certain medical conditions. The best way to prevent it is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once, plus using an antibacterial mouthwash. If you still have persistent bad breath, see your dentist for further evaluation.

By understanding these 7 common oral health issues, you can take steps to ensure that you keep your smile healthy for years to come! So make sure to practice good oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing!) regularly, and don’t forget to schedule regular dental visits in Ocean County for thorough checkups and cleanings. Doing so will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on 7 Oral Health Issues You Need to Know About

5 dental problems more common than you realize

Posted on: December 29th, 2021 by admin

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on 5 dental problems more common than you realize

Don’t Be Embarrassed About These 5 Common Dental Problems

Posted on: April 17th, 2019 by admin

Dental problems. Many of us are embarrassed by the dental problems we have, but the truth is that just about everyone has some sort of dental malady or another. It’s not unusual, and therefore is nothing to be embarrassed about – as long as you’re getting it treated by your local dentist, that is! Here are five of the most common:

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photo-of-brown-monkey-2213575/

1) Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone. The truth is, there is no larger oral health problem than bad breath, also called halitosis. In 4 out of 5 cases, a dental condition is to blame. This can be dry mouth, having cavities, gum disease, bacteria on your tongue and other factors.

2) Mouth Sores

If you have them, don’t worry. Lots of people do. They come in many varieties, too.  Canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters, ulcers, and more among the most common. They can be really bothersome! Thankfully, they are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They often go away after a few weeks. Once in a while one of them can point to a bigger problem. If you have a mouth sore that lasts for more than two weeks, see your Ocean County dentist!

3) Cavities

The scourge of tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in America, and in fact it’s one of the most common medical problems of all. Cavities hit almost as many Americans as the common cold. If you brush twice a day, however, and remember to floss, watch what you eat , and more, you’ll enjoy the best defense – which is prevention!

4) Gum Disease

Technically this is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease happens when the gums surrounding your pearly whites become infected. This usually begins with gingivitis. After a while it progresses and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the most common reason for tooth loss among adults

5) Oral Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get the attention other cancers do, so you might be surprised to learn that there are 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. At any time, millions of Americans may have oral cancer. As with any cancer, it can be a deadly problem if left untreated, but thankfully it’s also very treatable, especially if caught early. That’s a good reason to see your dentist regularly!

We’re sure almost everyone reading this has suffered from at least one of these at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin regularly so small problems don’t become big ones!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | Comments Off on Don’t Be Embarrassed About These 5 Common Dental Problems

5 Common Dental Problems Many People Have

Posted on: December 26th, 2018 by admin No Comments

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | No Comments »

5 Common Dental Problems Almost Everyone Has

Posted on: April 20th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Dental problems. Many of us are embarrassed by the dental problems we have, but the truth is that just about everyone has some sort of dental malady or another. It’s not unusual, and therefore is nothing to be embarrassed about – as long as you’re getting it treated by your local dentist, that is! Here are five of the most common:

woman-covered-mouth-pexels-photo-6989281) Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone. The truth is, there is no larger oral health problem than bad breath, also called halitosis. In 4 out of 5 cases, a dental condition is to blame. This can be dry mouth, having cavities, gum disease, bacteria on your tongue and other factors.

2) Mouth Sores

If you have them, don’t worry. Lots of people do. They come in many varieties, too.  Canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters, ulcers, and more among the most common. They can be really bothersome! Thankfully, they are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They often go away after a few weeks. Once in a while one of them can point to a bigger problem. If you have a mouth sore that lasts for more than two weeks, see your Ocean County dentist!

3) Cavities

The scourge of tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in America, and in fact it’s one of the most common medical problems of all. Cavities hit almost as many Americans as the common cold. If you brush twice a day, however, and remember to floss, watch what you eat , and more, you’ll enjoy the best defense – which is prevention!

4) Gum Disease

Technically this is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease happens when the gums surrounding your pearly whites become infected. This usually begins with gingivitis. After a while it progresses and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the most common reason for tooth loss among adults

5) Oral Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get the attention other cancers do, so you might be surprised to learn that there are 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. At any time, millions of Americans may have oral cancer. As with any cancer, it can be a deadly problem if left untreated, but thankfully it’s also very treatable, especially if caught early. That’s a good reason to see your dentist regularly!

We’re sure almost everyone reading this has suffered from at least one of these at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin regularly so small problems don’t become big ones!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Dentistry / Dental | No Comments »