ASK A DENTIST

I have been having bleeding gums for the past six weeks. Is it serious and what should I do to prevent it?

If you have bleeding gums, it might mean you have a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by the inflammation of the gums in response to the presence of bacterial plaque. Plaque is usually left behind because of incorrect brushing technique, lack of flossing or insufficient brushing time. Other causes include the use of the wrong kind of toothbrush or malpositioned teeth. A single tooth which is constantly bleeding should be investigated. There is a possibility of tartar lodged inside that causes irritation and constant plaque accumulation. In these cases, a professional cleaning done by a dentist or a dental hygienist usually eliminates the source of the problem. It’s a good idea to take an X-ray as well for confirmation. Crowns and fillings which are defective or not well designed will also accumulate plaque and can potentially cause bleeding. These defective fillings or crowns must be changed. Please remember that all fillings, crowns, implants and bridges should be flossable to prevent plaque collection and allow for good hygiene. It’s also a good idea to ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best way to brush. Circular motion, which was taught in the past, is not usually the best or most efficient way to brush.

I have a five-year-old boy who has some oral health issues. Four of his teeth developed cavities and had to be filled. He still complains of pain frequently. Please advise.

First off, stop the pain! If the teeth that have been filled are still hurting, it’s possible that the decay was so deep that it has infected the nerves inside the tooth. In this case, the treatment will depend on which teeth are decayed. If the teeth are about to fall out naturally in the near future – the front teeth usually fall around the ages of 6 or 7 – then it might be a good idea to remove them. If it’s the back teeth that are involved then it's best to keep the tooth and treat the infected nerve. This is because the permanent back teeth that replace the milk teeth only come out at the age of 10-12. Second, prevent. Please remember that the diet of children is absolutely crucial to prevent cavities. Lastly, please bear in mind that toothpastes are not medicines. There is no tooth paste that can make a tooth infection vanish. They are primarily for prevention of cavities. In this regard always look for toothpastes that have fluoride because that is one of the most effective ways of preventing decay.

RELATED POST

COMMENTS