Posts Tagged gum disease
How To Tell If You Might Need a Gum Graft?
Posted by Goldy in Uncategorized on September 29th, 2009
The question “How do you know if you need a gum graft?” is often asked by people who meet a dentist in a social setting or at some function or another with some frequency. This is a bit surprising, considering how most people not only don’t want to see a dentist but how they never want to meet up with one in any sort of setting, dental-related or not. Those with gum disease are at particular risk of requiring such a treatment.
For some reason, the thought of having to be treated by a dentist chills people far more than having to be treated by a medical doctor. Perhaps, though, if people would take better care of their teeth the annual visit to the dentist wouldn’t be quite so unsettling to many. Regarding the matter of gum grafts, which seem to be more common with every passing year, there are a few indicators of possible need. Those who use an oral irrigator, such as the hydrofloss, might have a better chance of avoiding gum disease.
For one, a person would benefit from a grafting might have a root exposed, though he or she wouldn’t be able to see it just by looking in the mirror. Generally, it’s painful to brush that exposed root. Also, a dentist might see a lot of plaque buildup on the same root or the root of the tooth may even be decayed. A good graft can cover and even protect that root from further harm.
Another good indicator that a gum graft might be called for is what dentist’s call “tooth hypersensitivity.” Just the phrase is enough to conjure an ache of the tooth, most people would say. Many times, covering that hypersensitive root area with a gum graft can help eliminate such sensations. Lastly, an exposed or decaying root can make a tooth look unattractive. A graft can help correct that.
Gum graft surgery has a high success rate and complete healing of the gum and the area of the palate from which the tissue that goes onto the gum was taken will usually take from 4 to 8 weeks. About 14 days after surgery, the tissue over that donor site will begin to thicken and pain in the area will decrease markedly.
Author: Scott W.
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Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition. |
The ‘Secret Weapon’ That Improves Dental Health
Posted by Goldy in Uncategorized on September 15th, 2009
People in the United States have a problem with their teeth. We are constantly on the lookout for ways to make sure our teeth say healthy. The link between Xylitol and gum disease is thus of immense interest. You see, by “link” we do not mean Xylitol causes dental disease. Rather, we mean that it might be able to prevent it.
One of the main reasons people in the United States are so prone to dental disease and tooth decay is partly due to our rampant intake of sugar. We eat too much of it. An excess of sugar can have a weakening effect on the immune system. In turn, that makes the environment in your mouth very acidic. Sugar can cause the bacteria we all have in our mouths to grow out of control.
Bacteria that eat sugar, produce waste that is acidic. It might strip the enamel on your teeth of the minerals it needs. This can cause very weak teeth, which makes them even more susceptible to disease. One other tool you may find useful is an ozone generator. It can be used to create an oxygenated mouthwash that could carry great power.
That is where Xylitol comes in handy. It is said to actually not do all of the awful things sugar can do to your teeth. It is not fermentable. Instead, it helps restore the balance in your mouth, of alkaline versus acid. Bacteria do not like an alkaline environment.
It is possible to use Xylitol before going to sleep. You see, Xylitol can stay on your teeth all through the night. Doing so on a consistent basis could possibly help to stop your teeth from decaying. It may even help cavities from becoming more sensitive. Don’t forget the power of oral irrigators. Every little bit of extra help is valuable!
Author: Scott wells
Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.