Spirit Dental Resources

Even as an adult, a trip to the dentist can cause some anxiety. But, for kids, it could be downright frightening. So what can you do to ease your child’s fears when it’s time to have their teeth checked or when a cavity needs to be filled?   Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It Communication can be a first step in helping your son or daughter feel more relaxed about going to the dentist. You could start by letting your child know that you’ve set up a dentist appointment for them. Then, explain why it’s necessary to see the dentist regularly. Your message could also include the fact that everyone goes to the dentist, including you, and it really isn’t anything to fear. It’s best to keep your attitude towards the dentist as positive as possible, and clarify that the dentist is there to help keep everyone’s smile looking beautiful. Avoid the use of words like “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt.” Keep it lighthearted! By simply allowing your kid to talk to you about their fears, and by giving straightforward answers to any questions they have, you might find that their anxiety is reduced. Tip: If your child is asking a lot of questions about dental procedures that seem scary, it might not be a good idea to dive into too many details. Instead, leave all of that to your dentist, who has experience with explaining things to kids in a way that could help them calm down. You could even let your dentist know in advance that your child has anxiety so that steps can be taken to make the experience as non-threatening as possible.   Let’s Play Pretend! In addition to talking to your kid about an upcoming trip to the dentist, you could even move through a pretend exam at home. Have your child recline in a comfortable chair to act as the patient, while you pretend to be the dentist. Fun! Using imagination and playtime can be a good way to prepare for what to expect in a real dentist’s chair. You might start by looking at your kid’s teeth and counting them, and you could even use a mirror so that your child can see what’s happening. Tip: During your pretend dental appointment, avoid using a dental drill or making drilling sounds. No one likes that! Read a Book Together There are many children’s books written with the intention of reducing a little one’s fears of going to the dentist. Purchasing one or more of these books and reading them with your kid can be another helpful step. Here are some options to get you started: What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff Dora the Explorer's Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist SpongeBob SquarePants’ Behold No Cavities! A Visit to the Dentist Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi Take a Favorite Toy to the Appointment If your child is very young, having a favorite toy to hold might be extremely comforting while their mouth is being examined. A toy may even serve as a calming distraction while you’re in the waiting room. We all know how sitting for a long time before your appointment can lead to anxiety and frustration! Stick with a Pediatric Dentist A pediatric dentist’s office will be quite different from one that’s designed for adults. It might be less intimidating, especially if it’s filled with distracting toys and games, TV shows, and fun pictures on the walls. Although every great dentist will know how to make a child feel comfortable and secure during an exam or a procedure, the staff at a pediatric dentist’s office might have even more tricks up their sleeve to make your kid giggle. Fun fact: A study found that the simple act of looking at positive photos, such as those of a stuffed animal in a dental chair, or kids smiling while being examined, could help reduce anticipatory anxiety while in the waiting room. It’s Never Too Early to Learn Deep Breathing What are some of the techniques that you use to calm down when your anxiety is kicking in? If your answer includes deep breathing, why not share that technique with your kid? A few minutes of simple deep breathing could help relax both body and mind, and you can practice this with your child before the actual appointment. Then, once your child is in the waiting room and in the dentist’s chair, you can evoke this deep breathing exercise again. Ahh…much better! Get Ready: Your Dentist Might Recommend Sedation If your kid’s anxiety is super high and nothing seems to be helping, your dentist might recommend a form of sedation. An option for minimal sedation is laughing gas, which is also referred to as conscious sedation. What’s great about laughing gas is that it calms you down but you’re still able to respond to stimuli, and you can also breathe on your own. For these reasons, it’s considered a safe choice for children who just need a little extra help relaxing. Start ‘Em Young Did you know that experts recommend taking your baby to the dentist for the first time no later than their first birthday? The sooner your child experiences a dental appointment, the quicker they can realize that it’s not so bad after all. In fact, seeing the dentist could become just another routine that your kid becomes used to, especially if you have family dental insurance and you schedule appointments for cleanings and checkups throughout the year. No Need for Anxiety! Anxiety about a dental appointment? Hey, we’ve all been there! And it’s totally normal for kids who are unsure of what to expect to feel overwhelmed. It might take a bit of time and effort, but it’ll be worth it to ensure your child won’t be so scared when it’s time to see the dentist—which means you’ll be able to relax, too!  Sources: https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/19-dentistry-for-kids/161-your-child-has-dental-anxiety-here-s-what-you-should-do https://www.parents.com/health/dental/kids-overcome-fear-dentists/ https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/blog/8-books-for-dentist-fearing-children/ https://www.turnaroundanxiety.com/child-afraid-dentist-managing-dental-anxiety/

Oral cancer will affect more than 50,000 people in 2018 alone, and it’s estimated that more than 10,000 people will die from this terrible disease. Knowing the most common risk factors for this type of cancer might help you feel more in control, as you can take steps to reduce your odds by leading a healthier lifestyle. Below are a few oral cancer risk factors to consider for yourself and your family. Things You Can’t Control When it comes to risk factors for any disease, there are sometimes a few things that you just can’t control, and this applies to oral cancer as well. Age - The risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer increases with age. The average age of patients who are diagnosed is 62. Two-thirds of the people who have oral cancer are over the age of 55. Genetics - Your genes might influence your risk of developing oral cancer, particularly if you have certain abnormalities that are inherited from your parents. Genetic syndromes like Fanconi anemia and Dyskeratosis congenita are a couple of examples. In fact, if you’re diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, your oral cancer risk is a whopping 500 times higher, while being diagnosed with Dyskeratosis congenita may cause you to have a very high risk of oral cancer at a younger age. Yikes! Gender - Oral cancer is twice as common in men than women. However, experts think that this might have more to do with differences in lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Things You Can Control Even though there are some risk factors, like age, genetics, and gender, that you can’t really control, there are plenty of things that are in your power. UV Exposure - Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun may increase your risk of cancers of the lip, so protecting yourself with a lip balm that provides SPF protection is a smart move. Diet - According to some studies, eating a diet that’s low in veggies and fruits might increase the risk of oral cancer, particularly if a poor diet leads to deficiencies in key nutrients. So be sure to eat your greens! Tobacco Use - It should come as no surprise that tobacco use is also to blame for an increase in oral cancer risk (this includes cigarettes, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco, and cigars). Roughly 80% of individuals who are diagnosed with oral cancer chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes. And just being exposed to secondhand smoke might also boost your risk of cancer as well. A great reason to quit! Alcohol Use - Drinking too much alcohol might also make you more susceptible to someday being diagnosed with oral cancer. Roughly 70% of the patients who are diagnosed are considered heavy drinkers (an average of more than one drink per day if you’re a woman; an average of two or more drinks per day if you’re a man). And if you combine smoking and drinking, your risk will be even greater. Medical Conditions and Viruses In addition to the factors that you can and can’t control above, there are also other medical conditions, as well as viruses, that may contribute to the risk of developing oral cancer. Compromised Immune System – If your immune system is suppressed because of another condition or certain medications, you might be more susceptible to oral cancer. Consider talking to your doctor to find out how you can better support your immune system to help reduce your risk. HPV –Some strains of the human papillomavirus (better known as HPV) may contribute to the development of oral cancer. Roughly 25% of individuals with oral cancer are also infected with HPV. And those who have oral cancer that’s linked to this virus tend to be non-drinkers and non-smokers. Scary! Graft-versus-host disease – Also known simply as GVHD, this is a condition that may develop after a stem cell transplant. Basically, the transplanted stem cells attack the patient’s cells, damaging the body’s tissues and potentially increasing the risk of oral cancer. Lichen planus –If you’ve been diagnosed with severe lichen planus, which can lead to white spots or lines in the throat and mouth, you might also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer. Your Dentist: An Asset in Your Fight Against Oral Cancer! You might only think of your dentist when you need to have your teeth cleaned or you need to check for cavities and gum disease, but seeing your dentist is another way that you can stay on top of your oral health. After all, in addition to looking for signs of tooth and gum problems, your dentist is also equipped to look for symptoms of cancer in the mouth. In other words, when it comes to cancer prevention and early diagnosis, your dentist is your friend! Oral cancer is definitely frightening, but when you look at the risk factors, what you’ll realize is that there are a lot of things that you can do to reduce your odds of being diagnosed. Lead a healthy lifestyle, see your dentist regularly, and take care of yourself at home by brushing, flossing, and examining your mouth in the mirror every day.  Sources: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html   https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html https://www.cancercenter.com/oral-cancer/risk-factors https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/oral-cancer-slideshow

When it comes to aligning teeth, you might immediately think of braces. But, these days, there are a lot of options to choose from, especially when you’re searching for the perfect solution for your teen’s teeth. One of the most popular products available is Invisalign. But how does it stack up against traditional braces?  Keep reading for a comparison of Invisalign vs braces so you can make the right decision. A Few Things You Need to Know About Invisalign First up, let’s talk about Invisalign. Here are some of the features that this dental treatment comes with: Invisalign aligners are made of clear, BPA-free plastic, and they’re virtually invisible, so no one will know that you’re wearing one. Yay! There aren’t any wires or brackets to worry about. Woohoo! This also means you don’t have to deal with them breaking, and you won’t have to book an emergency appointment to fix them. You could—and should—remove your aligner for drinking and eating (you don’t have to remove it to drink water). And it’s easy! But you do need to make sure you keep the aligner in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours per day, and you should brush your teeth before putting the aligner back in your mouth in order to prevent stains.   You could also remove the aligner so you can maintain your at-home brushing and flossing routine. Keep those pearly whites looking fabulous, without having to worry about your braces leaving stains or causing plaque to build up. Sweet! The aligner is trimmed to your gum line for a customized and comfortable fit. No need to worry about discomfort from the wires of traditional braces. However, there might still be discomfort as a side effect of the teeth being moved into position.  You need to be diligent about cleaning the aligner whenever you remove it. The Invisalign Cleaning System can be purchased from your dentist or online, or you can brush the aligner with toothpaste and a toothbrush before rinsing with lukewarm water. The aligner will be changed, on average, every couple of weeks, and it will be up to you to stay on track in between your orthodontic appointments. You also need to follow up with your orthodontist every four to six weeks, on average, to keep track of progress. Like braces, your orthodontist might recommend that you continue using a retainer or positioner, perhaps only while you sleep, after your teeth are in proper alignment so that they can stay that way. Many orthodontic insurance plans, such as those that are offered by Spirit Dental, will help cover the cost of Invisalign for a teen in the same way that braces would be covered. A Few Things to Consider When It Comes to Braces Next up are traditional braces. You can already picture them in your mind as we speak, right? Braces are set in place by your orthodontist, and they can’t be removed, so you have to wear them 24/7. However, this eliminates the risk of leaving them out for too long, so braces are a good choice for absent-minded teens or those who lack the self-discipline to use Invisalign correctly. If you don’t want metal braces, you could opt for those that are made to more closely match the color of your teeth. Or, you could choose a fun color if you want to be a little more adventurous and make a statement. Braces might be harder to set into place, and they’ll need to be adjusted regularly. On average, you’ll need to have a follow-up visit with your orthodontist every month. You need to carefully brush the wires and brackets, and perhaps incorporate the use of a water flosser, to ensure you keep the braces and your teeth as clean as possible. Because you don’t take braces out of your mouth, you can brush and floss your teeth as you always did, without having to worry about cleaning an aligner. One less step to worry about! There might be side effects, such as discomfort, sores, or pain. It might also be more difficult to eat foods that are hard or sticky. No fun! Treatment time might be longer with braces than with Invisalign. However, for complex alignment problems, braces might be more effective than Invisalign. It really all depends on the condition of your teeth! Braces aren’t recommended for teens who participate in contact sports, and they might also get in the way of other pastimes, whereas Invisalign can be removed for certain activities.   Braces might be more affordable than Invisalign, but the final cost will ultimately depend upon the complexity of the treatment needed to align the teeth. A Lot to Think About! Whoa, that’s quite a bit of information to consider, and a lot of pros and cons to weigh as you and your teen decide on whether to go with Invisalign or braces. The bottom line is that both of these options can help give anyone a perfect smile. When it comes to making the right choice for your teen’s unique needs, an orthodontist will be able to steer you in the right direction, so it all starts with making that first appointment. And when all is said and done, your teen can finally have a smile they’ll be proud to show off.    Sources: https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/comparison-chart   https://myorthodontistus.com/braces-vs-invisalign/ https://myorthodontistus.com/invisalign-teen-vs-braces/ https://brimhalldentalgroup.com/bakersfield-ca/invisalign-vs-traditional-braces/ https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions

Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Well, you certainly aren’t alone. This common condition can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite hot and/or cold foods and drinks, which is a real bummer. Determining the reason for your sensitivity can be your first step in getting relief. To learn more about what might be to blame, check out this list of some of the main causes of tooth sensitivity. First, a Quick Lesson on Tooth Anatomy Picture a healthy tooth. There will be a layer of strong enamel on the outside of the tooth to protect the crown, and there will also be a layer of cementum to shield the root underneath the gum line. Beneath the cementum and the enamel will be the tooth’s dentin, which is less dense. If the enamel or the cementum wears away, the dentin will become increasingly sensitive to cold and heat, as well as foods that are sticky or acidic. That’s because there are tubules within the dentin that let the aggravating qualities from foods and drinks reach and stimulate the nerves in the tooth. And that’s why you might experience hypersensitivity when you drink or chew certain foods, or even when you breathe in and out through your mouth. Ouch! What Can Cause Your Teeth to Become Sensitive? There are several ways that your enamel or cementum could be worn away, leading to increased discomfort when eating and drinking.   Tooth Decay & Damage: If there is tooth decay present, if a tooth is fractured or broken, or if a filling is leaky or worn out, the dentin of the tooth might be exposed, leading to sensitivity. Seeing your dentist, who can make necessary repairs to the tooth, can make your tooth feel fabulous again. Diet: Your teeth can erode over time if you consume too many acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, soda, orange juice, pickled foods, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Sugary foods, such as cake, cookies, ice cream, and candy, can also contribute to the formation of acids that break down teeth. As enamel wears away, the inner parts of a tooth become more exposed and you start to feel the sensitivity. Pro tip: check out our list of the best and worst foods for your teeth so you can vary your diet and take a step towards protecting those pearly whites. Receding Gums: Gum recession can leave the roots of your teeth exposed and vulnerable, and that could result in sensitivity. If you start to notice that your gums are beginning to look as though they’re pulling away from your teeth, talk to your dentist to find out what’s causing the gum recession so that it can be resolved.   Gum Disease: If you have periodontal disease that has infected your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, you may experience sensitivity. Leaving this condition untreated will allow it to progress to the point that your gums separate from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and cause a lot of damage, including tooth loss. Super scary! Brushing All Wrong: You could end up wearing away your enamel by brushing your teeth too hard, or by using a toothbrush that has stiff, hard bristles. Plus, brushing too hard isn’t only capable of damaging your enamel; it could also lead to gum injuries and gum recession. That’s why experts recommend brushing with gentle pressure and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. How can you know if you’re brushing too hard? Well, you might find yourself going through toothbrushes more often than you should. Grinding Your Teeth: If you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw a lot during the day, the outer layer of your chompers can become damaged as a result of the pressure and friction. Consider talking to your dentist about bruxism and the treatments available to combat it. Dental Treatments: After you have your teeth cleaned, they might feel sensitive for a little while. This should be temporary. The same holds true after your dentist has placed a filling or a crown. If the sensitivity continues, however, discuss your symptoms with your dentist. Whitening Treatments: Everyone wants a beautiful white smile, but whitening your teeth can cause them to feel sensitive temporarily as well. Whether you whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office, sensitivity might be a side effect, so you don’t want to overdo it and bleach your teeth too often.   Feeling Sensitive? Time to Make an Appointment with Your Dentist! If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity that just won’t go away, or if the sensitivity is getting worse, it’s best to call your dentist and make an appointment. After a thorough exam, your dentist will be able to figure out the cause of your tooth sensitivity, as well as offer up some treatment options. The solution might be as simple as switching to a desensitizing toothpaste, or as complex as a surgical gum graft, depending upon the reason for your discomfort and the level of damage.   Tooth sensitivity isn’t any fun at all, but if you work with your dentist, there’s hope that you can get the relief that you need so you can eat and drink without pain.  Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_33.pdf?la=en https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity/what-causes-sensitive-teeth   https://www.smilebrilliant.com/articles/tooth-sensitivity-causes-solutions-prevention https://www.listerine.com/tooth-sensitivity/causes-tooth-sensitivity

Updated 1.11.2021 Also known as baby bottle tooth decay, bottle rot is a serious problem that can affect the teeth of a baby or a toddler. Put simply, it’s the formation of cavities in a baby’s teeth. Sure, your child will eventually lose all of those baby teeth and replace them with adult teeth, but those temporary chompers are necessary not only for proper chewing and speaking, but also to help ensure the permanent teeth will grow in beautifully. So check out the information below to learn more about the causes of bottle rot and what steps you can take to prevent it. Before Prevention, Let’s Cover Causes To better understand how you can go about avoiding bottle rot, you need to know about what contributes to its development in the first place. One mistake that parents make is using a baby bottle filled with a sweet drink as a sort of pacifier to keep a child calm and happy. Another mistake involves putting their baby to bed with a bottle, which essentially has the same effect. Basically, doing either one of these things could expose your little one’s delicate teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. What’s the problem here? You probably already guessed it—when teeth are exposed to sugar frequently and for too long, the risk of decay increases. It’s why you make it a point to brush your teeth after you’ve had a sugary drink and before you head to bed. Simple Steps Can Help Prevent Bottle Rot! Preventing bottle rot is probably a lot easier than you might imagine. Here are a few steps that you can take every day to help keep your baby’s teeth healthy, strong, and clean: Establish a brushing routine early on. You can simply wipe your baby’s gums gently using a washcloth after every meal and before bed. Then, once your baby has teeth, using a toothbrush designed for babies and a rice-sized amount of toothpaste should do the trick. This not only helps to establish a healthy habit but also serves to remove bacteria and debris that would otherwise cause problems if left on those tiny teeth. Ensure your baby finishes drinking from a bottle before naptime or bedtime, rather than giving it to your child in bed. It’s also a good idea to prevent your baby from keeping a bottle in his or her mouth for too long during the day as well. However, if the bottle is necessary, just fill it with pure water. That way, if your baby falls asleep with the comfort of the bottle, the water won’t contribute to tooth decay. Fill your baby’s bottle with formula, breast milk, or water, rather than soft drinks, juices, or sugar water. Once your child is ready to graduate to a sippy cup, you can add juice, and you could even dilute the juice with water to avoid excess sugar. Doing so may help encourage your toddler to transition from the bottle to the cup. Avoid dipping a pacifier into honey or sugar, and limit the sugary beverages that your little one drinks. Both of these habits would end up exposing your baby’s teeth and gums to too much sugar, and you don’t want that. Sterilize your baby’s bottle regularly. This will help thoroughly clean the bottle and remove any bacteria that might be hanging around. As an example, you could wash the bottle with soap and water in between uses, and then sterilize it once a week in an effort to keep bacteria at bay.   Having Trouble Breaking Bad Habits? Even babies can develop bad habits that can be hard to break, but it isn’t impossible to get back on track. If your baby gives you a hard time when you try to take the bottle away, such as before a nap, you can still reduce the risk of bottle rot by diluting the sweet drinks gradually with some water. Genius! Diluting your child’s drink over the course of two to three weeks could help establish new habits and preferences. Before you know it, you’ll be able to fill the bottle with water and give that to your bundle of joy instead, and you’ll both be able to rest easy. Yes, Your Baby Can See the Dentist! Did you know that you could start taking your baby to the dentist when you notice the first tooth erupting, or by the time your son or daughter turns one year old? These checkups are the perfect opportunity to talk about the health of your baby’s teeth, as well as steps that you can take to avoid problems like bottle rot. Plus, you can even discuss options like sealant coatings that are used as a preventative measure against tooth decay. Bottle rot doesn’t have to be a problem that you encounter while raising your baby. With some simple strategies, your child’s teeth will grow in perfectly and remain clean and strong. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/what-is-baby-bottle-tooth-decay#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/three-ways-to-prevent-bottle-rot

Think you know all there is to know about gum disease? Well, there are quite a few little known facts that you should be aware of so you can take the right steps towards keeping those gums clean and healthy. Want to know just how important gum health really is, and how scary gum disease could be? Read on! Gum Disease Could Cause Tooth Loss If you thought that gum disease only affected the gums, you might be surprised to learn that it could actually result in the loss of your teeth as well. Adults of all ages should be aware of the fact that they could lose their teeth because of periodontitis, a.k.a. gum disease. Taking steps to ensure your gums are strong from a young age is important when it comes to maintaining the strength of your teeth as you get older. You could help reduce the odds of gum disease wreaking havoc on your pearly whites by brushing and flossing every day, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dental hygienist and dentist will be equipped to look out for signs of gum disease that could make your teeth loose enough to fall out. Basically, once gum disease has been diagnosed, it’s important to receive the appropriate treatments, as leaving it untreated might result in losing your teeth—and nobody wants that! It Could Affect Your Unborn Baby Studies have found that there may be a link between a pregnant woman’s oral health and the health of her unborn baby. Whoa! Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gum disease, in particular, might have an increased risk of delivering premature babies. On top of that, a pregnant woman suffering from gum disease might give birth to baby with a lower than normal weight. Both premature birth and low birth weight are factors that may result in other health problems for your child. Scary stuff! Seeing your dentist while you’re pregnant is recommended. You could have all of your questions answered, and the earliest signs of gingivitis could be caught before gum ailments cause other problems. Genetics Might Play a Role Your oral hygiene routine plays a role in whether or not you end up with gum disease, but genetics is also considered a risk factor. Researchers have found that, for some people, brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings might not be enough if they’re susceptible to periodontitis thanks to their genes. So, ask around. If your family has a history of gum disease, be on the lookout, and consider following a strict oral hygiene routine that, combined with support from your dentist, might help boost your defenses.   Note:In addition to genes and home care, other factors that may play a role in the development of gum disease include smoking, medications, and diet.   Symptoms Aren’t Always Obvious Here’s another unsettling tidbit about periodontitis that you may not know: it could be a silent disease that doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, at least early on. It’s believed that many people have gum disease without even realizing it, especially if you aren’t seeing your dentist often enough (another reason to keep those appointments!). So here’s what you should know: Gum disease is considered an inflammatory ailment. Catching it sooner rather than later may help ensure that treatment will be easier. Gum disease could affect both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers. Gingivitis is the name given to the early stage of gum disease. This is when you might notice that your gums are red and swollen as a result of bacteria. When gingivitis goes unchecked and unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis. At this point, you might notice your gums separating from your teeth. Gum tissue and bone could become damaged and, ultimately, lost, resulting in teeth that become loose and—gasp!—fall out. It Could Lead to Embarrassing Bad Breath Do you have trouble keeping bad breath at bay? Your gum health might be to blame. It’s true! If you notice that your bad breath won’t go away, no matter how hard you try, and you can’t blame your bad breath on the foods that you ate recently, consider seeing your dentist ASAP to find out if gum disease is the problem.   Here are some tips to help you combat stinky breath. It May Be Associated with Other Health Problems Gum disease is terrible enough on its own, but did you know that researchers have found that it might also be linked to a range of other diseases? Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even heart disease have been associated with periodontal disease, perhaps because of damaging inflammation. So, by keeping your gums clean and free of disease, you may also be taking an additional step in helping other parts of your body stay healthy. Who knew?! The More You Know, the Better! Knowing as much as possible about how to keep your teeth and gums clean could give you more confidence. After all, you’ll be aware of risks, as well as what steps you can take to reduce those risks. Now that you’ve discovered a few lesser-known facts about periodontitis, you could impress your dentist at your next appointment, and maybe even feel empowered by the fact that you can do something to protect your gums as you get older, so you can keep your lovely smile for years to come.  Sources: https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile.html22,DD110 https://fightgumdisease.com/10-astonishing-facts-gum-disease-can-change-life/ https://www.nassaucountyperiodontist.com/10-facts-about-periodontitis