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Gum recession

Gum recession can happen due to a simple cause like clenching and grinding the teeth at night. The repeated pressure on teeth can negatively impact gums. Toothbrush abrasion and chronic gum disease(periodontal disease) are the principal causes of gum recession. “We have commonly seen toothbrush abrasion is common in younger patients,” says Dr Neeti Salvi, dentist at Stoma Advanced Dental Care. “People who scrub their teeth with hard-bristled brushes can end up having their gum tissue recede from the tooth, thereby exposing the root surface. Besides brushing with hard bristled brush, malpositioned teeth, or bad habits such as clenching, grinding, or scratching your gums with foreign objects can be the culprit behind gum recession. This is the early stage of gingivitis when gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily, while the more advanced periodontitis damages the gums and bones that support the teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. “

Stoma recommends: The use of soft-bristled toothbrush and change the way you brush from a scrubbing back-and-forth motion to a shorter up-and-down motion. We also advise wearing a night guard to reduce stress on your teeth if you tend to clench or grind at night. For chronic gum disease, see the dentist, orthodontics, or periodontics help to get a comfortable bite, properly aligned teeth, and if necessary, gums grafted. This process requires a visit to an oral surgeon, who takes tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaches it to your recessed gums. The procedure is done under local anesthetic, and both sites heal over six weeks. Also seek professional help for regular cleanings to reduce inflammation and halt the loss of supporting bone. And don’t forget to floss.

Caution: Left untreated, gum recession can lead to notched teeth as you erode the root surface. Eventually, your teeth will become mobile, meaning you’ll end up losing teeth, either because they fall out or you need them removed because they are too loose.

Gingivitis

Do you spit blood when you brush your teeth? This is a classic sign of gingivitis, are inflamed gum tissues caused by a build up of plaque around the teeth. "Gingivitis is reversible," says Dr. Salvi.

We recommend that the gingivitis will disappear if you clean the area, remove the debris and practise good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist to scale and clean your teeth to remove the calculus (also known as tartar) and get instructions about proper oral hygiene. At home, brush teeth regularly, floss and consider an antibacterial oral rinse.

Caution: You may develop chronic gum disease if you do nothing. This will result in the loss of bone support to the tooth and receding gums. Plus, you will have inflamed red gums which are neither comfortable nor attractive.

Canker sores

Canker sores and cold sores are two of the most common sores that show up around the mouth. They can be painful, annoying, and unsightly. No one knows what causes those sore spots that crop up on your tongue or inside your cheek. Cankers develop inside the mouth, while cold sores appear externally, usually on the edge of the lips. Fortunately, both of these types of sores tend to heal on their own in about 10 to 14 days.

We recommend treating canker sores with over-the-counter topical anesthetics or antimicrobial mouth rinses to reduce discomfort. Topical anesthetics may also provide temporary relief for cold sores. If you're embarrassed by frequent cold-sore outbreaks, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for antiviral drugs that could help reduce infections from the herpes virus. You’ll be more comfortable during these 10 to 14 days, if you avoid foods that irritate them, like hot and spicy foods.

Caution: The odd canker sore that clears up on its own is no cause for concern. But, says Dr. Salvi, if you’re getting them regularly, or if a given canker sore lingers for two weeks, it’s time to see a dentist. "It may be something that needs attention," she says. "A lesion that’s there for a long time may be a precursor to oral cancer." Canker-like sores may also be a symptom of Crohn’s disease.

Bad breath

Halitosis or bad breath is the result of foods eaten: Onions, garlic and spices affect your breath, when they enter your bloodstream and are carried to your lungs. If you're a smoker cut your smoking. It can also stem from poor oral hygiene, says Dr. Salvi. Or, bad breath can be the result of a medical disorder, such as a respiratory infection; chronic sinusitis or bronchitis; diabetes; a gastrointestinal disturbance, such as GERD; or a liver or kidney ailment. The use of particular medications can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.

Stoma recommends: Treatment depends on the cause. Sometimes, the solution may be as simple as changing your diet: If you are garlic or onion lover, cutting down on these foods will help. The same holds true for infamous "morning breath," which Dr. Salvi explains is caused by the decrease in saliva flow at night, which, in turn, means food particles stay in the mouth. As a result, the oral bacteria proliferate and produce an odour," she says. Here the solution is brushing and flossing, since it keeps food particles from rotting in the mouth. A short term solution is swish mouth twice daily with mouthwash. This includes brushing your tongue while brushing your teeth, says Dr. Salvi. "Brush the surface of your tongue can be helpful because some people have fissures on their tongues, and food and debris can collect in the fissures and cause a smell."

Caution: If your mouth is as clean and your bad breath persists, it’s time to see your doctor. Some medications can lead to halitosis by drying out your mouth or causing your body to release odour-causing chemicals. Don’t ignore a lingering odour because some diseases and metabolic disorders can cause bad breath.

Yellow teeth

Are your teeth stained? Consider your diet. "Tea, coffee, certain foods can stain your teeth," says Dr.Neeti Salvi. "As we age, our teeth naturally darken and appear more yellow because as we lose tooth enamel. The dentin inside the tooth becomes more visible.”

Our advice is to avoid eating food which discolour teeth or use a straw to prevent liquids from touching your teeth. Get teeth cleaned regularly by a dentist to reduce stains. If you’re looking to brighten your smile, there are all kinds of whitening products available both at the chemist and dentists. Ask for a product that would be appropriate for you, but keep in mind that some stains can’t be removed (such as ones caused by tetracycline, a type of antibiotic), and the same goes for discolouration after a root canal. If your yellowing teeth are simply due to the aging process, you can consider crowns or veneers.

Caution: Some whitening products can create tooth sensitivity or irritate gum tissue, warns Dr. Salvi. She suggests beginning with a good cleaning; if the results aren’t white enough, try bleaching. And remember, if you decide on crowns and veneers, they come with an end date, so be prepared to replace them in course of time.

Lastly remember, your best defence is good oral hygiene coupled with regular visits to the dentist - a combination to keep you smiling.