Posts Categorized: Health

  • Top Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed When Flossing

    Posted
    From the Desk of Kelli Biller

    You have likely experienced bleeding with brushing or flossing, however many don’t recognize the reason “why” their gums might be bleeding or that most causes are completely preventable.

    Long story short, your gums bleeding during routine dental hygiene is an indicator that you might not be maintaining a good standard of health.

    Your mouth is exposed to numerous types of bacteria. If oral health is not maintained properly this can result in bleeding gums. A few things you can do to help kill or decrease the impact of bacteria in your mouth are:

    1. Change your toothbrush regularly. Every couple of months is a general rule of thumb.
    2. Floss after brushing to remove any leftover food debris between teeth. Food can easily get trapped in places your toothbrush can’t get to effectively.
    3. Maintain routine appointments to your periodontist. We specialize in gums, so if you are concerned by excessive bleeding please contact us or let us know at your next visit.

    Common Causes Of Bleeding Gums

    • Gingivitis
      Gingivitis is one of the leading causes of bleeding. This is a condition where there is a buildup of plaque on the roots of the teeth. The condition causes the gums not to attach properly so that they easily bleed every time your gums are disrupted.
    • Smoking
      Smoking is a common, but smoking can cause damage to your teeth due to excessive tobacco. This makes cleaning your teeth very difficult. Quitting smoking is crucial to maintaining the health of your teeth.
    • Lack of Vitamin K
      Vitamin K is beneficial for protein in doing work against coagulation to be healthy. Vitamin K deficiency can cause the gums to bleed because the coagulation system does not function properly.
    • Age Factor
      Bleeding gums also depend on a person’s age. The older you are the greater potential for bleeding gums.
    • Stress
      The cause of bleeding gums is stress. Stress can cause the weakening of the tissues of the mouth and gums, causing bleeding.
    • Uneven Teeth
      Uneven teeth or losing a part of your teeth can cause your bite to rub against your gums causing bleeding.

    The biggest protection against oral health complications such as bleeding gums is early detection. Please notify us as soon as a problem arises or at your regular hygiene check-ups. Making your oral health a priority is critical to a happier, healthier you!

  • Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health - Omaha Specialty Dental - Omaha Periodontist

    The Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

    Posted
    From the Desk of Kelli Biller

    Your oral health is actually a snapshot into your overall health. The health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health, causing or even accelerating other health issues. At Omaha Specialty Dental in Omaha, we work closely with our patients to ensure their oral health is at its optimal level.

    How Your Oral Health and Your Overall Health are Connected

    Your mouth is actually filled with bacteria. Most of these bacteria are harmless. Normally, daily brushing and flossing coupled with your immune system can keep this bacteria under control. Not following proper oral hygiene can jeopardize this balance, causing tooth decay and even gum disease.

    Alternatively, various medications (i.e. decongestants, painkillers, antidepressants) can reduce saliva flow. Saliva is crucial to washing away food and neutralizing acids. This helps protect you from bacteria invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.

    Conditions Linked To Oral Health:

    Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

    • Endocarditis.
    • Cardiovascular disease.
    • Pregnancy complications and low birth weight.

    Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:

    • Diabetes.
    • Immune System destructive diseases
    • Autoimmune diseases and allergies
    • Osteoporosis.
    • Alzheimer’s disease.

    This is why we do an updated health history form at every visit. It allows us to see if you might be taking any medications that would impact your oral health or if you’ve had any changes in your overall health we should be aware of.

    How To Keep Your Mouth Healthy

    Protecting yourself from oral health issues is a daily practice. Here are a few steps to proper oral hygiene:

    • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
    • Floss daily.
    • Eat a healthy diet and limit snacking on sugary foods.
    • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
    • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
    • Avoid tobacco use.

    The biggest protection against oral health complications is early detection. Please notify us as soon as a problem arises or at your regular hygiene check-ups. Making your oral health a priority is critical to a happier, healthier you!