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Why my gums HURT when i brush my teeth?

If you feel your gums are bleeding, swollen, painful or sore then it is not a good sign and you need to do something about it, Following are some reasons why your gums have problem:

1. Gum disease :
Gingivitis, mild gum disease, and periodontitis (a severe gum disease), can cause your gums to swell, feel tender and turn red. This can lead to sensitivity, pain and soreness when you brush your teeth.

2. Wrong brushing technique :
Many times people think that brushing teeth vigorously will make their teeth more clean and white, whereas in reality, brushing in that manner can lead to more problems like gingival trauma, irritation, pain, and recession along with tooth erosion.

3. Hormones :
More female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause more blood to flow to your gums, which causes them to become more sensitive and “overreact” to anything that may irritate them.

4. Acidic diet :
Acids break down the tissue of your gums and create corrosion. The weird, painful sensation after eating or drinking certain foods means your gums are wearing thin.

5. Tobacco :
Smoking is an important cause of severe gum disease ,it starts with bacteria (germs) on your teeth that get under your gums. If the germs stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque (film) and tartar (hardened plaque) develop and leads to gingival recession.

7. Burns :
Sometimes we are so hungry and in hurry that we burn our tongue, gingiva cheeks or lip, food like pizzas or hot beverages like coffee or tea are responsible for it. Gingival burns hurt much and later it bleed while brushing, so take care while munching on hot foods.

8. Abscessed tooth:
It occur due to infection in the tooth, as a result of it, gum swells and hurt. Just get it treated, often root canal will solve the purpose.

9. Vitamin deficiency :
Balanced diet is very important for oral and overall health, vitamin deficiency can lead to number of conditions like- SCURVY: it cause swollen and sore gums with other symptoms as well.

10. Canker sores :
These are painful mouth ulcers which appears on lip, cheek, tongue and gingiva, they have white coating and they bleed on touch.

11. Braces /Retainers /Dentures /Mouth guards :
They could tug, pull or rub against gums contantly which might lead to soreness, bleeding and pain.

12. Chemotherapy:
Mouth sores caused by chemotherapy treatment usually develop a few days after treatment begins and go away within two or three weeks after stopping chemotherapy. The mouth sores usually reach their peak around the seventh day after chemotherapy treatment ends.

13. Toothpaste /mouthwash allergy :
Some people have allergies with the ingredients of mouthwash , toothpaste or other oral hygiene products, you need to identify the product and discontinue.

14. Oral cancer :
Soreness which refuse to heal might be a cancerous lesion, if you have soreness which doesn’t heal in two weeks, VISIT YOUR DENTIST.

My kids hate brushing their teeth.

Most kids hate toothbrushing and oral hygiene practices, poor oral hygiene is a significant contributor for cavities and other oral problems, These children have difficulty in eating and sleeping due to pain and discomfort.

Whats the reason for kids to continuously ignoring oral hygiene practices?
a) It feels weird
b) It hurts/tickle
c) Uncomfortable
d) Bad taste of toothpaste
e) Toddlers like to move continuously.
f) kids are not wise enough
g) boring activity

When should child start brushing their teeth?
Mostly at around 6 years of age children are wise and responsible enough to brush, they have required ability and control by this age.

What to do and what is the solution ?
It is very common for kids to copy their parents so brush your teeth first and they copy you.
Encourage
Involve
Appreciate
Reward

Wish you a happy and healthy smile.

HOW DOES ORAL HEALTH AFFECT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH ?

It is said that oral health is overall health as it is essential part of well being. poor oral health might lead to gum disease , cavities , bad breath and has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, heart disease, cancer , bacterial pneumonia , diabetes mellitus and even low birth weight of child.

HEART DISEASE:
Poor oral health might lead to infection in blood which affects heart valves.
Tooth loss patterns are connected to artery disease.
An oral bacteria can cause blood clots and leads to serious heart problems

CANCER:
Researches has found that people with poor oral health are more likely to have an oral infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) which in certain cases eventually lead to cancer.
There is surprising link between gum disease and development of some cancers (cancer-related death.)

BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA:
Bacterial chest infection are supposed to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from mouth and throat into the lungs, this can cause pneumonia.
so now it seems justified to say that good oral and Dental health is essential to prevent oral disease and general Health as well.

WHAT IS DENTAL PLAQUE AND HOW CAN I GET RID OF IT ?

Definition:
It is a bacteria containing yellowish white/ clear, sticky film which covers teeth.

Q. Why do I get plaque so quickly ?
Foods containing carbohydrates (simple sugars found in soft drinks and candies), cakes , sweets and fruits can increase in plaque and bacteria in it.

Q. Does mouthwash helps removing dental plaque ?
Yes, it can help reduce plaque , gingivitis as well as fight tooth decay, it improves oral health. Fluoride containing mouthwash can remineralize teeth.

Difference between dental plaque and tartar.
Plaque is soft , clear/ yellow film of bacteria and can be removed by tooth brushing.
Tartar is hardened dental plaque and only dental professionals can remove it.

Q. What happens if dental plaque is not removed?
If dental plaque is not removed , it gets calcified and hardens which becomes difficult to remove. It can damage tooth, associated gums and leads to tooth cavities.

Treatment
1. Regular brushing (2 times a day) and flossing (at least once a day)
2. Use of fluoride mouthwash
3. Regular teeth cleaning by dentist (Scaling and polishing).

Valentines dental advice

Valentine week is most important for couples especially young ones, lots of activities and things happen-promises, gifts, outings and all.

Here are few tips and advices from us to make this time an extra special for you & your partner.

1. Take care of the bad breath: it might play a villain in your date, so better be 100% sure about it visit your dentist for regular cleaning to prevent it happen.

2. Avoid smelly/strong food: avoid onion, dairy and garlic before an outing, they create bad breath and might ruin your partners mood.

3. Smoking is a big NO-NO: along with oral health harm, it leads to bad breath & may create problems.

4. Regular rinsing after every meal: remove food particles, plaque and freshen your breath.

5. Drinking optimal water will help you maintain your oral & overall health.

6. Maintenance of oral hygiene : brushing & cleaning tongue 2 times, flossing at least once a day will make it good.

7.Visit your dentist for more.


Hope it helps, wish you a very happy valentine.