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Why are my gums bleeding when I brush?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, brushing too hard, or using a toothbrush with hard bristles. If it persists, see a dentist.
How does tobacco use affect oral health?
It increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, and can cause bad breath and tooth staining.
How can I maintain healthy gums?
Brush and floss regularly, have professional cleanings, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco, and manage conditions like diabetes.
How can I treat receding gums?
Practice good oral hygiene, consider dental procedures like scaling and root planing, surgical grafts, or using specifically designed toothbrushes or toothpaste.
What are dental sealants?
Protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped and causing cavities.
Why should I avoid oral jewelry like tongue and lip piercings?
They can lead to chipped teeth, gum damage, infection, and interfere with speech, chewing, or swallowing.
What is the role of an oral pathologist?
They study the causes, processes, and effects of oral diseases, providing diagnoses and suggesting treatments.
How should I handle a knocked-out tooth?
Hold it by the crown, rinse with milk or saline, try to reinsert it, if not possible, keep it moist in milk/saline, and see a dentist ASAP.
How do I care for my braces?
Brush and floss regularly, avoid hard or sticky foods, wear mouthguards if needed, and see your orthodontist for regular adjustments.
How does plaque contribute to gum disease?
If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, causing gum inflammation (gingivitis). Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, affecting the bone.
What are night guards?
Night guards are protective devices worn at night to prevent teeth grinding or clenching.
What’s the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth, while an implant replaces a tooth root and requires a crown on top.
How can I alleviate tooth pain at home?
Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoid certain foods. However, see a dentist for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
How can I treat a toothache at home?
Rinse your mouth, floss to remove debris, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Why might a tooth extraction be necessary?
Reasons include severe decay, infection, crowding, gum disease, or if it’s damaged beyond repair.
Why do I have bad breath?
Causes include poor oral hygiene, certain foods, dry mouth, smoking, dental issues, or systemic diseases like diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders.
How are dental X-rays taken?
They can be taken inside the mouth (intraoral) or outside (extraoral), using a small film or sensor and a controlled burst of X-ray radiation.
How can I protect my teeth from grinding?
Use a nightguard, manage stress, practice relaxation techniques, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and see a dentist for treatment options.
Why do wisdom teeth often need removal?
They might be impacted, cause crowding, be at risk for infections or cysts, or might not erupt properly due to lack of space.
How does dry mouth affect oral health?
It increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, and fungal infections, and can cause difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and wearing dentures.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatments vary from non-surgical therapies like cleaning to surgical treatments like flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts.
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