The Value of Your Smile

Your smile is your best and most important asset. A smile that is friendly conveys warmth and openness whereas a beautiful smile shows confidence. 

Teeth play an important part in enhancing the appearance of your smile. If you have missing teeth or poorly finished tooth replacement, you will have inhibitions with your smile. Today, we have dental implants that serve as root replacements for missing teeth and provide a foundation for new teeth. These new teeth will improve your confidence and make you smile again. Do get in touch with us to discuss your options. 

Flossing Technique

Daily flossing removes plaque along your gumline and between your teeth. Flossing also greatly improves the health of your gums. However, it is important that you floss correctly to ensure effective cleaning. Here are a few tips:

1. Wind the floss around your middle fingers.

2. Using your thumbs and index fingers, guide the floss carefully between your teeth. 

3. Make a C shape around each tooth using the floss in order to get between your gums and teeth.

4. Use a mirror while you floss in order to see your mouth and the condition of your gums. Your gums should be firm and pink. 

Checklist for a Diabetic Patient’s Dental Visit

1. If you have diabetes, you should let your dental professional know along with all the medicines that you take. You should also advise if you have any trouble managing your blood glucose levels.

2. Make sure that you eat well before you visit your dentist. The best time for dental work is when blood glucose is in the normal range.

3. Unless advised otherwise, all usual medicines must be continued between dental treatments.

4. Unless advised otherwise, all meals should be taken normally after your dental appointment.

5. If you are suffering with uncontrolled diabetes, discuss this aspect with your dentist and your physician before starting any dental treatment.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of tissues that support your teeth. When you allow plaque to build up on your teeth, toxins that are produced by bacteria lead to inflammation of your gums. Early stage periodontal disease is called gingivitis and this is reversible. An advanced stage of gingivitis is known as periodontitis. One of the early indications of periodontal disease is when gums start bleeding during brushing. 

Other signs of periodontal disease are summarised below:

1. Gums that are red in colour and swollen.

2. Bleeding gums.

3. Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. 

4. Recession of your gums.

5. Loose teeth and teeth that drift apart.

Diabetes and Gum Disease

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is basically an infection of the gums and bone that support and hold your teeth. Just like infections in other parts of your body, any infection in the gums makes it a challenge to manage blood glucose levels. Gum disease is of two types:

1. Gingivitis: This is a mild form of gum disease that is reversible with appropriate treatment. A buildup of plaque at the gum line causes gingivitis. It leads to gums becoming red and tender, leading to painful gums. 

2. Periodontitis: This is an aggressive form of gum disease that develops when gingivitis is left untreated. The body’s natural response to the bacteria causes the gums to recede and destroy the bone that holds the teeth together. This condition is irreversible but the problem can be prevented from worsening. 

Gum disease is prevalent at any age; children or adults with diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting this disease. Get in touch with your dentist or hygienist to get tips on effective and ongoing oral care. 

Diabetes and Oral Care

Anyone with diabetes needs to take extra care of their mouth. This is because people with a poor glycemic control are at a higher risk of developing problems in the mouth. Conversely, people with poor oral health experience problems in controlling their blood glucose levels. To prevent dental problems, you need to take good care of your teeth and gums. Some of the most common dental problems for people with diabetes are:

1. Different types of gum diseases that will eventually lead to paining gums and bleeding gums. 

2. Fungal infections, especially for people who use dentures. 

3. Dry mouth symptoms and impairment of taste. 

Does a Healthy Lifestyle Mean Healthy Teeth?

It is a common misconception that if you have healthy eating habits, exercise regularly and brush frequently, you are assured of a healthy set of teeth and gums.

The main issue to consider is how long your teeth are exposed to an acidic environment. Prolonged exposure, such as by eating too much sugar, tends to dissolve the enamel surface of your teeth. When strong acid is continuously present, the natural defence system of your mouth loses its relevance and this leads to rapid tooth wear. This erosion of the enamel on the surface of your teeth will lead to the soft inner part being exposed. In turn, this leads to sensitivity which is a disturbing condition. 

Oral Care Products

In this post, we highlight five types of dental care products that you need to use for clean teeth and healthy gums. 

1. Fluoride toothpaste: Saliva is your body’s natural defence against bacteria, but fluoride is also needed. Scientific evidence shows that using a toothpaste containing fluoride twice a day, and regular drinking of water that contains fluoride, provides sufficient protection. Depending on your specific oral condition, your dentist or dental hygienist will advise the levels of fluoride needed in your toothpaste. 

2. Toothbrush: It is necessary to remove plaque everyday from all tooth surfaces. This can be achieved by brushing and flossing your teeth. Plaque is easily removed by using a toothbrush. Depending on your preference, you can use a manual toothbrush or a power toothbrush. 

3. Dental Floss: A dental floss is a useful tool to clean those areas which are hard for a toothbrush to reach. These areas are mainly between the teeth, also known as interdental surfaces. 

4. Mouth Rinses: A mouth rinse provides extra fluoride when there is a risk of higher tooth decay. Mouth rinses are used once or twice daily. 

5. Fluoride Varnish: Your dentist or dental hygienist will apply a thin coating of resin to protect it from tooth decay. The varnish delivers the fluoride directly to the tooth surface to slow down the process of caries formation. This product is used in children or those who have a higher risk of developing caries, such as orthodontic patients. 

At Smile Concepts, we use different products based on the situation and requirements. We have the necessary experience and expertise to tackle all your dental concerns, be it teeth or gums.