How to avoid oral health problems
Photos Rachelle Simoneau
Words Matthieu Bobard Deliere
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Gingivitis, sensitive teeth, and bad breath: Here are our tips.
It’s important to take care of your precious teeth. Essential for a beaming smile and a sign of good health, they are subject to a lot of daily attack, and as such, are weakened. How do you avoid the inconvenience? We’re here to offer you advice, with the invaluable help of Dr. Christophe Capron, dentist in Valenciennes.
Watch out for Gingivitis
Once you’ve finished brushing your teeth, it might taste like there is blood in your mouth. Or you might spit some blood in the sink. Don’t stop there, though – that would be your first mistake. Bleeding is rarely normal. Dr Christophe Capron has seen these behaviours: “Bleeding from the gums is very common and that’s why it is unfortunately overlooked by the patient. However, having red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums is not normal.” Whether it is a brushing error or something deeper, you must take this small inconvenience into larger consideration. Before it’s too late.
There are several possible explanations for repeated bleeding. Firstly, it is likely you suffer from gingivitis, caused by the build up of dental plaque and tartar between the teeth. Bacteria proliferate and the gums become inflamed. In this case, it’s likely the bleeding will continue daily until treated. Gingivitis destroys gum tissue and can lead to loss of teeth if left unchecked.
If this is you, you must continue being rigorous with brushing your teeth: twice a day, for two minutes, vertically, and ensuring you brush between each tooth with an appropriate toothpaste. Using mouthwashes can be great, but you have to be careful. Their antiseptic properties can damage the oral flora. A quick trip to the dentist for a good check-up is also a recommended solution. “To preserve your oral health, it is vital to take advice from your dental surgeon who will be able to detect all oral anomalies,” assures Dr. Capron.
Smoking, besides having a bad effect on your teeth’s appearance, can cause bleeding too. The smoke can leave toxins that become difficult to eliminate. As the body and immune system of the smoker is weakened, the gums will be attacked and have a hard time healing. In addition, it can occasionally be linked to more worrying medical reasons: vitamin K deficiency, taking certain medication, or even, in the most severe cases, leukemia.
Hot and Cold: Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is more than a recurring issue. Nearly one in two French citizens complain of having it, and this seemingly harmless problem can become a troubling part of daily life. Afraid to bite into an ice cream, or a hot tea? It’s better to tackle the issue head on, because there are solutions.
Do you know why you suffer tooth sensitivity? Because of the dentin. The part of the tooth filled with nerve endings. Normally, dentin is covered and protected by enamel and gum tissue. But sometimes, the enamel wears down and the tissue retracts, leaving it exposed.
To counter this, we must adopt new habits. First, limit acidity. To do this, reduce a consumption of fizzy drinks, citrus juices, and even wine. The trick is to swallow a glass of water directly after to rinse your mouth. You could also brush your teeth, but be gentle: tooth sensitivity can come from aggressive brushing too. It is best to be gentle, and use a brush with soft bristles. Go top to bottom and between the teeth, and if you like, use dental floss.
If the pain continues and becomes unbearable, it is best not to play with fire. Go to your dentist as soon as possible. It may be a more serious problem that needs expert treatment.
A Fresher Lifestyle
Who has not been embarrassed in meeting by their breath odor, having to speak sideways? Or the opposite. Who hasn’t been around someone with bad breath? This is a troubling issue that is difficult to deal with. While we are all familiar with chewing gum, we know its effects are temporary.
Bad breath is caused by different factors. Alcohol, tobacco, are the most common reasons, but also gingivitis (as mentioned above), dentures and cavities. Bacteria builds and you have a tragedy that lasts the whole day.
Fortunately, there are simple, natural solutions to counter this threat. For example, drinking a glass of water with lemon juice every morning. With its antiseptic properties, it will eliminate bacteria from the mouth, leaving breath fresh. Gargling baking soda is also a great idea. By fighting the acidity of the stomach, it manages to overcome breath odor. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water in a glass and gargle, and voila: impeccable breath.