Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Many people complain that their gums bleed when they brush or floss. The majority of these people think that bleeding gums is a normal occurrence and ignore it. Did you know that bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease? Here are 5 things you can try at home to stop bleeding gums. 

• Change your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. When oral hygiene is lacking, plaque can build up along the gumline and cause irritation if not removed promptly. Plaque causes tarter (which becomes hard and can't be removed at home). Tarter is a rough surface which allows plaque to form in these areas easier. 

• Change what you are using. You may think that using a medium or hard bristle toothbrush will give you the pearly whites you've always wanted, but they can actually cause more harm than good. You should use a soft or very soft bristle toothbrush. Also, if you make sure you are flossing at least once a day, you should begin to see improvement in your gum health. 

• Consume a healthy diet. Foods that are high in sugar can create more plaque. It is important to eat healthy foods such as, vegetables, low sugar fruits, and protein. You don't need to rid your life of sweet entirely, just make sure you eat them in moderation. 

• Medication. According to Colgate, "Certain medicines also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin, thin the blood and can therefore increase bleeding. It's also possible for prescription medication to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing side effects, even if they seem mild."

• Visit your dentist. If you are having any bleeding, even if it is mild, it is important to see your dentist for proper diagnosis. You could have an underlying issue that needs professional attention. You dentist can advise the best treatment for you personally. 

Keeping up to date on regular checkups and professional cleanings is the best way to maintain a healthy smile. 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan D. Davis visit our website at www.davisdentalutah.com or call us at (801)292-5812

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com picture taken from shapingthefutureofdentistry.org

Fluoride Benefits

Many people are on the fence about fluoride and its benefits. Here at Davis Dental we have experienced the true difference fluoride use can make not only for children, but adults as well. Fluoride is vital in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride comes in many forms and can be used in different ways such as, in toothpaste, drinking water (in some areas) and mouth rinses. 

There is some controversy about having fluoride in drinking water, but according to the American Dental Association "more than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride's cavity prevention whether they are at home, work or school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century." 

• How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride that comes from foods, beverages, and supplements helps protect teeth before they come into the mouth by helping the tooth enamel become stronger therefore resisting decay. 

After teeth erupt (break through the gums) fluoride helps to remineralize enamel (making it stronger) and can even reverse the signs of early decay. 

• Why should I want to drink fluoridated water?

You can better your overall oral health and prevent cavities simply by drinking water. It is a very easy and safe way to provide your teeth with fluoride. 

Overtime, the fluoride from your drinking water will be present in your saliva and will help to bathe your teeth with very small amounts of fluoride to help protect and remineralize teeth. 

• Why should I choose a fluoridated toothpaste?

Toothpaste helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and mouth. Adding fluoride to this method helps to strengthen enamel. 

• Should my children be using fluoridated toothpaste?

For children younger than 3 years, parents and caregivers should begin brushing children's teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. 

For children 3 to 6 years of age, parents and caregivers should dispense no more than a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

Teeth should be brushed thoroughly twice a day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Children's brushing should be supervised to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste. 

If you feel that your child isn't brushing thoroughly, we recommend that you help them brush and show them the proper technique. 

Fluoride is a simple, effective, and safe way to ensure healthy teeth. 

For more information visit our website at: davisdentalutah.com or contact Davis Dental at: (801) 292-5812

All information gathered from ada.org. Photo credit to ada.org.

CLINPRO 5000 ANTI- CAVITY TOOTHPASTE

Clinpro 5000 Anti-cavity Toothpaste* 

                                       

*Our office proudly carries Clinpro 5000. Dr. Davis and his team also use this product for their personal use. Please contact our office for more information. 

About this product 

Clinpro 5000 toothpaste is a breakthrough in anti-cavity toothpaste technology. This prescription-strength 5000ppm fluoride toothpaste aids in caries prevention, helps strengthen enamel and helps reverse white spot lesions. Available in three flavors: Vanilla Mint, Bubble Gum and Spearmint.

• Strengthens teeth better than leading brands.
• Remineralizes lesions throughout—not just on the surface.
• Delivers more fluoride to the tooth than other leading brands tested.
• Contains 1.1.% NaF (5000 ppm fluoride ion).
• Contains tri-calcium phosphate ingredient (TCP), so Clinpro 5000 toothpaste releases a high level of fluoride plus calcium andphosphate—components found naturally in saliva.
• Gentle cleaning, gentle whitening.
• Low abrasion.
• Replaces conventional toothpaste regimen.
• Available in a convenient 4 oz flip-top tube (approx. 6 month patient supply).
• Prescription only.

Patient Brochure 

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=66666UgxGCuNyXTtNxTV5XfcEVtQEcuZgVs6EVs6E666666--&fn=clinpro_5000_p_brochure_R1.pdf

Scientific Research

"The placebo resulted in the deepest indentations, while the 

two dentifrices containing fTCP and the 1,100 ppm fluoride dentifrice 

containing ACP resulted in the shallowest indentations. Therefore, 

sodium fluoride (NaF) formulations containing calcium technologies 

such as fTCP show promise in remineralizing white-spot lesions."

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=66666UF6EVsSyXTtOxfcmxT2EVtQEVs6EVs6EVs6E666666--&fn=TCP_Espertise_Booklet.pdf

"Due to this superiority, these results suggest the combination of 5,000 ppm fluoride plus the tricalcium phosphate system may provide significant anticaries benefits relative to fluoride-only and fluoride-free dentifrices."

http://www.academicjournals.org/jdoh/PDF/Pdf2010/June/Karlinsey%20et%20al.pdf

"The Chief Executive Officer at Indiana Nanotech, Robert Karlinsey reported the findings in American Journal of Dentistry’s December 2011 issue. Karlinsey found that Clinpro toothpaste, which comprises a fluoride-compatible tricalcium phosphate system developed by him, demonstrated high effectiveness at filling the tubules when compared to four other major brands."http://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=24279