Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

 

Periodontal disease is essentially an infection in the gums. It occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth, allowing bacteria to multiply. The bacteria then cause the gums to swell and become infected. Periodontal disease can lead to a variety of problems and can even result in tooth loss.

What Contributes to Periodontal Disease

There are many factors that contribute to periodontal disease. Most of these factors are based purely on the individual. Genetics can make you more vulnerable to periodontal disease. A poor diet can cause tooth decay and infection in the gums. The biggest contributing factor to periodontal disease is a poor oral hygiene routine.

Though individual factors are the main cause of periodontal disease, it is an infection. This means that it is caused by bacteria. Bacteria can be transmitted through saliva, slightly increasing your chances of obtaining periodontal disease.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Preventing periodontal disease is always easier than fixing it after it has occurred. Practicing good oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent periodontal disease. You must brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. Brush thoroughly and ensure that you remove all food particles from your teeth. Mouthwash can also help kill the bacteria that lead to periodontal disease. You should see your dentist for a professional cleaning every 6 months.

Try to avoid sharing saliva with someone who has periodontal disease. Don’t share drinks or utensils. Consider referring them to your dentist to help fix their oral health problems. Sharing saliva with someone with periodontal disease can increase your likelihood of getting periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can cause many problems with your oral health. Keep in mind that though it may not be easy to reverse, it is always possible. See your dentist regularly to catch oral health problems before they progress. To learn more about how to prevent periodontal disease, contact us at Jenson Dental today!

Is Morning Breath Preventable?

 

Morning breath is natural. However, this does not mean that it isn’t embarrassing. It can cause you to feel self-conscious when seeing your significant other, family members, or roommates first thing in the morning. Though morning breath is a common occurrence, there are several ways you can prevent or minimize it.

The Cause

Morning breath is caused by bacteria. When bacteria break down food particles, they release foul-smelling chemicals. These chemicals are what make your breath smell. During the day, saliva production helps limit the number of bacteria in your mouth. Overnight, the mouth tends to dry out, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria build up throughout the night, which is why your breath may be less than pleasant in the morning.

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential for helping bad breath, in general. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss once. Cleaning your tongue whenever you brush your teeth can help eliminate the bacteria residing there. You may also want to consider using a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol. Mouthwash can help kill the bacteria in your mouth, but mouthwashes that contain alcohol can also dry out your mouth.

Hydration

Stay hydrated. The more hydrated you are, the less dry your mouth will get overnight. Consider keeping a glass of water next to your bed, in case you wake up in the middle of the night.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Besides all of its other negative effects, smoking also dries out the mouth, creating an environment where bacteria flourish.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help lessen the bacteria in your mouth. Replacing sugary treats with fruits and vegetables can help prevent your teeth from harm.

Even though morning breath is extremely common, it is less than desirable. Following these steps can help you reduce your morning breath. If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene, contact us at Jenson Dental today!

Is It Possible to Brush Too Much?

 

The short answer? Yes, it is possible to brush your teeth too much. Brushing your teeth too often or too vigorously can wear down the enamel of the teeth. Overbrushing causes the gums to recede, which can make them more susceptible to disease. The enamel is the protective layer of your teeth, so wearing it down can make your teeth more sensitive and susceptible to damage.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Failing to remove all of the plaque and food particles from your teeth can result in bacteria growth and tooth decay. However, brushing your teeth between meals isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You should refrain from brushing more than three times a day, because brushing too often will wear down the enamel of your teeth. You must brush at least twice, but not more than three times a day.

How to Prevent Overbrushing

Don’t use a medium or hard bristled toothbrush. The only reason to use these types of toothbrushes is if you have limited dexterity that will prevent you from reaching all areas of your mouth. Soft bristled toothbrushes can prevent enamel damage from occurring. Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly.

Brushing your teeth aggressively won’t clean the plaque off any more completely than gentle brushing will. Thoroughness is more important than the pressure you use while brushing. Electric toothbrushes can help prevent overbrushing, so they are a great option if you consistently brush too hard.

Preventing damage to your teeth doesn’t just consist of vigilant care. You must ensure that you take all the necessary steps to protect your teeth. To learn more about how to improve your oral hygiene routine, contact us at Jenson Dental today!