Icky Mouth Mysteries Solved

Unhealthy Gums and Your Health

Are you suffering from red gum or is the upper area of your mouth swollen? Some dental issues, such as pale gums, red gums, and bad breath, could be a sign of gum disease. If you are suffering from gum disease, you are not alone. Over 64.7 million Americans are suffering from mild, moderate, or severe gum disease, according (CDC) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease ranges from gingivitis, which is known as unhealthy gum swelling to bone destruction and serious tissue and in worst cases, loss of teeth.

A Healthy mouth is full of mucus, bacteria, and other smaller food particles that form a sticky and colorless “plaque” on the teeth, and plaque can be handled of by flossing and brushing regularly. But when plaque accumulates due to poor oral hygiene, it causes inflammation, gingivitis or bleeding gums; and if the Plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. The tartar will then lead to more bleeding and serious gum disease which is known as periodontitis. With this advanced form of gum disease, the unhealthy gums then start pulling away from the teeth, and it will then start forming small pockets that will then become infected. If periodontal disease is left untreated, the connective bones, gums and tissue, which supports the teeth, are going to be destroyed. Gingivitis is a form of mild gum disease. Brushing twice a day, regular dental checkup, flossing daily and non-smoking habit will help prevent gingivitis.

According to the analysis of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, some people are at risk of higher gum disease than others, and these risk factors are:

• Ageing
• Diabetes
• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal changes in girls and women
• Other illnesses, such as AIDS and cancer treatments
• Smoking

Taking full care of gum disease can perfectly save your teeth and here are some home therapies to consider:

• Brush at least two times a day
• Make use of a soft toothbrush
• Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three months
• Floss daily
• To reduce plaque, make use of an over-the-counter mouth rinse after brushing
• For professional dental cleanings and mouth checks, see your dentist regularly
• Avoid smoking

Unhealthy Gums Causes Bad Breath

Most people experience stinky breath, but regular brushing of the tongue or making use of a tongue scraper should stop bad breath. But if it doesn’t stop, It could be a sign of an advanced gum disease, so it is very important to talk to a professional dentist before this form of oral condition perfectly ruin healthy teeth, says David M. Leader.

Every time, the biggest culprit of bad-breath is your diet, which includes Onion, garlic, and pungent spices that produces mouth odor for several hours after consumption.” Also, people who have uncontrolled diabetes, eat a high-level protein diet or suffering from alcoholism tend to have breath with a fruity or sweet odor, from a severe metabolic condition known as ketoacidosis.

Swollen Red Gums

Swollen gums are another form of gum disease. Swollen gums require the attention of a dentist. You can also check swollen gums by yourself through drying your gum with a tissue or a napkin. To confirm swollen gum, the surface of the gum that is close to the teeth will appear pebbled, not smooth and shiny” Dr Leader says. Swollen gums might seem to look fine, but they tend to bleed during brushing. Also, this dental health issue also can cause red gums.
Uncover the Cause of Eroded Enamel

During dental erosion, the surface layer of the teeth gradually wears off. Any source and form of acid can erode the tooth enamel of healthy teeth. Acid like the ones from citrus fruits and soda, but one of the most common sources of acid in the mouth is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a situation whereby acid from the stomach comes up to the oesophagus and causes heartburn, and gets to the mouth, says Dr Leader.
Another cause of this type of dental health problem might be bulimia, an eating disorder whereby people binge on a large meal frequently and then starts vomiting.

Sour Taste

If you have a sour taste frequently, it is often mistaken for bad breath, but it could be a sign of GERD, most especially if it is followed by a hoarse voice, chest pain, and a sore throat. Dr Leader warns. This oral and dental erosion condition can also lead to other problems like oesophagal ulcer, chronic cough, and swelling of the oesophagus. If you suspect any form of GERD, be sure to get tested and treated.

Dry Mouth

Xerostomia or Dry mouth is a common oral condition. And there are also over 425 drugs with the side effect of dry mouth. It is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and Sjogren’s syndrome. If you suspect any form of chronic dry mouth consult your dentist.

Loose Teeth

A Loose tooth is another form of dental health symptom that should be attended to because this might be a sign of gum disease which is potentially a serious oral condition. The Bacteria that grows below the gum line can cause break down to the tissues and bones which then leads to the separation of the teeth from the gum. And if the tissue and bone are destroyed, then it will lead to teeth loss.

Mouth Sore SOS

Did you know that the most common sign of oral cancer is the white or red patch on the tongue or the linings of the mouth? Mouth sores are common, but to be safe, consult your dentist on any issue related sores in the mouth that does not heal after two weeks. Mouth sores due to oral cancer occur alongside other oral conditions like the strange taste, chewing problems, pain when swallowing, and trouble when talking.

White or Brown Lines on Kids’ Teeth

Children that exposed to too much fluoride tend to have white or brown lines on the surface of their teeth. To maintain healthy teeth, avoid too much exposure to fluoride, store fluoride toothpaste in a very safe place. Have it in mind that most community water supplies are stimulated with fluoride for dental health.

Burning Mouth

If you are experiencing severe scalding sensations in the mouth, tongue, or lips, this could be a result of mouth syndrome. But burning mouth syndrome is not common, and when it occurs, it is due to the result of certain specific oral conditions, medicines, nutritional deficiencies, mouth fungal infections, and hormonal changes in women.