Red Flag Symptoms You Should Never Ignore For A Healthy Smile

Health has dominated the headlines for the last year, but many people are still putting their oral health on the back-burner. There are several reasons why it’s essential to take good care of your teeth and gums, including enjoying confidence when you smile and reducing the risk of oral and general health conditions. Looking after your smile can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as gum disease and decay. Prevention is always better than cure. In this guide, we’ll explore some red flags you should never ignore for a healthy smile.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is one of the most significant symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease is a common oral health problem. Severe gum disease affects almost 50% of US adults, according to the CDC. There are two main forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild type of gum disease, which causes swelling and tenderness. If you spot traces of blood when you brush your teeth, it’s crucial to seek advice from your dentist. Gingivitis can be treated and managed effectively, preventing symptoms from getting worse. If gingivitis is left untreated, there is a risk of developing more advanced gum disease. Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, causes more severe symptoms, such as redness, inflammation and pain. Periodontal disease results in irreversible damage to the bone tissue, which supports the teeth. Eventually, the teeth will come loose in the socket. Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. 

It is normal to experience bleeding gums if you are using a new toothbrush for the first time or you haven’t flossed for a long time but if symptoms persist, always see your dentist. It is best to get the gums checked out as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. 

Dental pain

Most of us will have to deal with a toothache at some point in our lives. There are many reasons why dental pain can occur and some are more serious than others. Injuries and infections are common causes of tooth pain and discomfort. In many cases, pain is mild and it subsides without the need for intensive or long-term treatment. If you experience pain regularly or your symptoms get worse, it’s critical to consult a dental expert. Prolonged periods of pain or sudden, intense discomfort may be symptomatic of a dental infection, an abscess or extensive decay. Additional signs of infections to look out for include a fever and soreness and tenderness to the touch around the affected tooth.

The most effective way to prevent dental pain is to adopt and maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. Use dental products that actively remove plaque and clean and polish the teeth, taking care to cover every individual surface of each tooth and to clean the tongue. Brushing the tongue is an excellent way to achieve thorough cleaning and lower the risk of bad breath. When brushing, move the brush gently around the mouth avoiding applying too much pressure to the teeth. If you brush too hard, you could damage the enamel, which will increase the risk of sensitivity and caries.

Bad breath

Bad breath is a common dental issue. Most people experience bouts of bad breath in the morning or after certain foods but some people have persistent symptoms. If you are prone to bad breath, it’s wise to try and identify triggers and to see your dentist. You may be able to control symptoms by changing your diet or cutting specific foods or drinks out but there could also be underlying causes. The most common cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is poor oral hygiene. When bacteria feed, they release odorous gases, which cause the unpleasant smell we associate with bad breath. Brushing the teeth and tongue and flossing are designed to eliminate harmful bacteria and keep the mouth clean and fresh. If you are susceptible to bad breath, it’s particularly beneficial to clean the tongue after brushing. This is because bacteria collect at the base of the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum can also be beneficial to prevent odors after eating and stimulate saliva production to cleanse the mouth. 

It is possible for bad breath to be linked to other causes, including taking certain types of medication. If you still have symptoms after changing your diet or you have excellent oral hygiene but you experience bad breath frequently, make an appointment with your dentist. 

Slow-healing mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small sores, which usually form inside the cheeks or lips. In most cases, ulcers develop after accidentally biting the soft tissue or catching it while eating, for example. Ulcers usually disappear after 7-10 days without the need for treatment. Although they can be painful, mouth ulcers are often harmless. You can use over the counter products to ease discomfort. Ulcers can be a red flag if you keep getting them or they take a long time to heal. Recurrent ulcers can result from hormonal changes in the body and they may also be linked to stress.

Slow-healing mouth ulcers, which take longer than 2 weeks to disappear, can be symptomatic of mouth cancer. Oral cancer has become more prevalent in the last decade but many people are still unaware of the symptoms. In the US alone, it is estimated that over 54,000 people will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2021. In addition to slow-healing mouth sores, signs to look out for include red or white patches in the mouth, abnormal lumps or swelling in the mouth or throat, persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. Oral cancer checks are carried out as part of routine dental assessments so it’s vital to keep up to date with appointments. If you notice any changes in your mouth, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

We all want to feel confident when we look in the mirror. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy smile. One of the most important steps to take is to keep an eye on your mouth and seek advice if you notice any changes or you experience symptoms like pain, swelling or bleeding gums. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you’re worried about your oral health or you need help with brushing, planning menus or tackling common problems like tooth pain or bad breath.

Why Do We Neglect Our Teeth?

Oral hygiene is one of the most overlooked areas of our health. It's bizarre how we neglect our teeth so easily and yet, they provide us with the essential tasks that we need to not just enjoy life, but actually survive. Having a good set of teeth isn’t just so you can appear more appreciable, or look attractive on a date, but actually, so you can eat! Yet, so many of us actually forget about some basic things we can do to improve our health, strengthen our gyms and just live a better more comfortable life regarding our oral hygiene.

Flossing is a skill

The thing about flossing is, no one really wants to do it. Who would have thought that a little thread going through our teeth would be such kryptonite for some of us!? Well, it is. And the reason for it is, it's uncomfortable. When you floss for the first time, you may find that your gyms are a lot more sensitive than you previously thought. When the thread hits your gums, it can feel very sharp. You may even find that you are bleeding. But this isn’t because of flossing, it's because of your gums being so poor in health. We recommend that you learn how to floss, without touching your gums or not putting as much pressure on them.

Just set an alarm

We have to brush twice a day; that much everyone agrees with. However, when we do so is a hard question to answer. Some of us think that we could brush our teeth the second time, after dinner, no matter how late it is. But we have found that when we speak to many people, we rarely brush our teeth in the evening because we forget. So, rather than fuss about before or after a meal, we think you should just brush full stop. So set an alarm for when you should brush your teeth in the evening. We think it should be no later than 10 pm, otherwise, it will feel like a chore. 

Always visit the…

You should know by now that dentists are not something to be afraid of but some of us don’t get over the fear of metal sharp objects being used in our mouths. But there are some density brands that go the extra mile to increase patient comfort. When finding a dentist you need to look at their user reviews and ratings on Google. This dentistry especially has got a reputation for keeping you relaxed, always informing you of what is going on and not going too far too fast in their treatments. Once you are comfortable, then you can begin to receive the best kind of treatment, so you can have a good smile and most of all, a healthy smile.

We neglect our teeth because, A: we’re lazy, B: we find it a chore, and C: because we are afraid of the dentist. Make it your mission now, to no longer do any of these things.

5 Dental Practice Business Upgrades That Will Leave You Smiling

After working as a partner at another dental practice, opening your own is a dream come true. However, nobody could’ve predicted the stresses that 2020 would bring. With some normality restored, now is the time to ensure that your business is destined for success in 2021 and beyond.

Whether launching a new practice after losing your job or revamping an existing model doesn't matter. The following steps will help you gain the sweet taste of success.

1.Improve Your Web Game

The way that people interact with businesses was changing long before the pandemic. Nonetheless, the past 12 months or so have resulted in a major shift towards online interactions. Over 80% of shoppers research brands online, and those figures are a fair reflection for healthcare services too. So, developing a new website and redesigning your social media platforms will pay dividends. Perhaps most importantly, you should look to gain referrals from previous patients. This will put prospective clients at greater ease.

2. Upgrade The Interior Surroundings

Visiting the dentist can be a scary situation for many patients. Therefore, comforting surroundings may provide the key to a better patient experience. Furthermore, it has a telling influence on your mindset as well as your employees. Experts at Medifit can transform the look of your practice to give it a modern touch. Meanwhile, they can implement the adjustments needed to promote safety during the pandemic. A winning workspace will give you a far stronger platform to build upon. It should also deliver increased confidence.

3. Focus On Your Team

Assembling a great team is essential for any health service-based company. In today's climate, outsourcing can be very useful as it reduces the number of people on site. Nonetheless, you must familiarise yourself with the jobs that are best kept in-house. Moreover, it’s imperative that you cultivate a team atmosphere. Working closely with your dental assistants is the priority. Still, there should be good communication with receptionists and other workers. Patient health is on the line if you get this wrong.

4. Expand Your Financing Options

Dental procedures are expensive, which can potentially rule patients out. Missing out on custom from people that want to use your company is a major disappointment. Thankfully, the introduction of new repayment plans can change that for the better. GoCardless can allow you to accept recurring payments in an effective manner. However, you don’t want to provide treatments to patients that subsequently stop their repayment plan. As such, it’s worth running credit checks before accepting their custom. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Keep Learning

Advancements in dental care continue to grow at a rapid rate. As a dental practice owner, you can use this to your advantage. Courses to freshen up your skills or learn about new products is ideal. Meanwhile, you can familiarise yourself with related products on the market. Knowing about the best toothbrushes and toothpaste for example, enables you to offer a more detailed service. Crucially, it opens the door to new partnerships with suppliers and related services, which can create new revenue streams. You will be smiling.