You know the old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, well sadly we are all guilty of doing just that. Think about how you felt the last time you met someone who had poor dental hygiene (oh how quick we judged), was it your first thought that you were not taking good care of his or her health or maybe you weren’t concerned. about how they looked. His smile is an important part of his overall appearance, and his appearance not only affects his personality, but also plays an important role in his self-confidence. Let’s face it, most of us don’t think much about our health until a problem arises, then we all say, “I should have exercised, I should have eaten right.” The same goes for your dental health. Therefore, a proper routine of flossing, brushing, and regular visits to your dentist will help you maintain his overall health and a beautiful smile.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums, one cause is plaque that builds up around the teeth, but it’s not just plaque, almost everyone has plaque on their teeth. People with leukemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure take certain medications that can leave the gums vulnerable to infection. But the most common cause is due to poor dental hygiene, it’s an infection that most people don’t even know is present until they visit the dentist. Some of the signs are, bleeding after brushing and flossing, red or swollen gums, even bad breath. Sometimes there are no signs at all, because it can also be painless. There are some home remedies and treatments, but the best cure is preventive care. Regular brushing and flossing will minimize plaque buildup.
Bad breath
Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by the breakdown of the food we eat by the bacteria that live in our mouths. Bacteria are present under the plaque that has formed, in the space between the teeth, and on the tongue. As bacteria break down food particles, they produce volatile sulfur compounds and gases that can give off a rotten egg odor. Brushing your tongue with a tongue scraper or soft brush can help remove some of these bacteria, 50% of the problem lies on the tongue. Another main cause is the food you eat. Some foods have Smelly Molecules (garlic, onions) when ingested they eventually make it to your lungs, and you know what happens next. Smoking is also a cause of bad breath, it can dry out the mouth by reducing the amount of saliva that is produced. Saliva acts like a rinse, washing away bacteria and food particles that can become trapped between the teeth and gums. It is very important to try to brush, floss, or use a mouthwash after every meal. If you can’t brush your teeth, try eating a piece of fruit. The fruit helps control the bacteria that form in the mouth when eating.
