AL Fairhope Best Family Dentist

AL Fairhope Best Family Dentist

Fighting Gum Disease at Home

Gingivitis, or to non-dentist people, gum disease, is a very common condition.  Symptoms like bad breath often, red/swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums, and even loose tooth are all possible with gum disease.  If it isn’t treated, periodontitis can happen, leading to even further complications.

One of the main reasons a person battles gum disease is because of poor oral hygiene.  This causes the plaque to build up along and under the gum line.  When plaque builds up, bacteria attach to the tooth and gum area.

Certain factors like smoking, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, poor nutrition, stress, medications, diabetes, and other illnesses can all contribute to gingivitis.

So now that we know what it is, it’s time to start battling it at home.  If pain is involved, one of the best ways to help relieve pain and discomfort is to rinse your mouth with warm water and salt.

Here is one great home remedy to try at home:

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a strong antibacterial agent that can kill germs and fight gum disease.  It also is a great way to whiten and brighten those teeth!  Use the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (comes in brown bottles) rather than any highly concentrated solution. Al Fairhope Best Family Dentist

  •  Mix hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts).  Put it in your mouth, rinse for a few seconds, and then spit it out.  Do this a few times a week until you have seen the results you are looking for!
  • Another alternative is to mix hydrogen peroxide (small portions at a time) with one teaspoon of baking soda until a paste form.  Put the paste onto the toothbrush and brush your gums and gum line.  Spit it out, and rinse your mouth.  Do this a few times a week, for a few weeks.
  • You can also apply a paste of clove oil and hydrogen peroxide, leave it on for a few seconds and then spit it out. Repeat as needed.

Be careful with hydrogen peroxide.  Using it once a day is enough.  Do not swallow any solution.  Al Fairhope Best Family Dentist

 

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Simple Ways to Fight Gum Disease

  1.  Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory with healing properties.  It also can be beneficial when dealing with gum disease.  It is an antimicrobial, and it can kill the bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease.  It fights bad breath and can heal mouth ulcers.

  •  Put a small amount of aloe vera on your finger and massage your gums.  Leave it on for at least a half hour and then rinse it off.  You can repeat this several times a day.
  • You can also swish aloe vera juice around in the mouth, then spit it out.
  • Aloe Vera juice can also be drunk, 2 teaspoons on a daily basis.

Follow any of these remedies for several weeks to see results.

  1. Cranberry Juice

This juice is great for fighting gum disease and infection.  It has a high vitamin C content.  There was a study published in the Journal of Periodontology that associated lower intake of vitamin C with higher rates of gum disease.

  •  Simply drink 4 oz (2 tablespoons) daily to help prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
  • You can also eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C.  This includes lemons, oranges, grapefruits, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, papaya, red pepper, and broccoli.

 

  1. Oil Pulling

This is a traditional Ayurvedic technique that is great for oral care.  It will strengthen the teeth and gums, help reduce plaque and relieve bad breath.  It also is something that is good for your overall health because it helps to remove toxins from the body.

  •  Swish one tablespoon of sesame oil in the mouth and through your teeth.  Do this for about 15 minutes.  The oil will become thinner and turn milky.  Spit it out and then rinse your mouth with water.
  • Repeat this process daily for about 1 month.

For better results, try coconut oil.  Do not gargle or swallow the oil.

 

Come Visit your local dentist at Sweet Water Dentistry, Down by the Bay!

Baby Oral Care: Baby Teeth Matter!

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your child has a healthy and happy life. One thing you may not have considered is baby oral care. Yes, baby teeth matter!

Here are three reasons why:

  1. Good oral health starts with baby teeth. If your child develops a habit of brushing and flossing their teeth from an early age, it will be easier for them to maintain good oral health as they get older.
  2. Baby teeth help guide adult teeth into place. If baby teeth are missing or lost too early, the adult teeth may not grow in properly.
  3. Baby teeth are important for eating. Baby teeth help your child chew food properly, which is necessary for healthy digestion.

So as you can see, baby teeth matter – and it’s important to start taking care of them right away! For more information on how to care for your child’s baby teeth, check out our latest blog post.

Tooth Development in Babies

A baby has 20 primary teeth that are present in the jaw at birth but don’t begin to appear until the baby is between 6 months and 1 year. Most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they turn 3 years old. There are baby teeth eruption charts that will show the order in which teeth break through and what ages you can expect certain teeth to appear.  All children are different, but typically the first teeth to come in are in the top and bottom front of their tiny mouths.

Baby Teeth Eruption Chart

When the teeth first come in, you can expect them to have sore or tender gums.  You can gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger, a small and cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad. Some babies love a teething ring to chew on as well. If your child still is experiencing pain and seems to be a bit cranky, consult your dentist or physician.

The Important of Baby Oral Care

Your baby’s oral care is very important to their health and development. They help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They also hold the space in the jaws for the permanent teeth that are growing underneath the gums.  If a baby loses a tooth too early, the permanent teeth can drift into that empty space and make it difficult for the other adult teeth to find room when they are ready to come in. When this happens, expect some crooked or crowded teeth.

This is why it is so important to start infants off with good oral care. It allows them to protect their teeth for decades to come.

Baby’s First Dentist Appointment

You should start taking your baby to the dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months old.  Your dentist can help you know what steps you should be taking at home and how to care for your child’s teeth during all of the stages of their life.

As your child continues to grow, there are many more things that you need to be aware of in terms of their oral health.

Some tips include:

  • Limiting sugary drinks and snacks as much as possible, since these foods can contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
  • Encouraging regular brushing and flossing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste that is safe for your child’s age.
  • Making regular dental check-ups a priority and getting any teeth problems treated as early as possible to prevent complications later on.

Overall, taking good care of your baby’s teeth is essential for their long-term health and well-being. If you start early and practice consistent baby oral care at home, you can help ensure that they have healthy, strong teeth as they grow up!