Category: Tips and Tricks

Some patients who are new to the Invisalign procedure may experience slight headaches. This is due to the adjustment that the teeth are going through when Invisalign trays are initially worn. The good news is that these headaches generally go away within a few hours as the patient adjusts to wearing Invisalign.

Does Everybody Feel Headaches When Using Invisalign?

Not everybody will experience headaches when wearing Invisalign, however, almost everyone will feel some soreness from Invisalign at the least. This pain will last for a few hours to a day after you put your new Invisalign trays in. It is usually described as pain around the teeth and when pressure is applied to your teeth.

You will most likely experience pain when you put each new set of Invisalign trays in. your teeth will immediately start to adjust according to the Invisalign mould you are wearing.

How to Help Headaches From Wearing Invisalign

If you experience headaches from Invisalign, most dentists will recommend that you take some over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. This should help the pain go away after a few hours.

Some people find relief by putting a cold compress on their forehead or temples. This can help to ease any inflammation and pain that is caused by the headaches. If you find that the headaches are severe, you should contact your dental professional to see if there is anything else you can do to find relief.

In most cases, the headaches caused by Invisalign will go away after a few hours or days. If you find that the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you should contact your dental professional. They will be able to help you determine if there is anything else you can do to find relief from the pain.

How Often Will You Feel Pain From Invisalign

Most patients say that the pain from Invisalign lasts for a few hours every time a new set of trays have to be worn. You will have to put in new trays once every one to two weeks depending on your alignment plan. After you wear your trays for the first few days, you will no longer feel the pain which you initially did when putting in your Invisalign.

Contact Lane and Associates Today!

If you are looking for an Invisalign provider in the North Carolina look no further than Lane and Associates. Our dental professionals would be more than happy to help you get started on your journey to a straighter smile! Give us a call today to set up your consultation. We have many offices around NC so you can find the one closest to you and book your appointment!

Gum Disease or Periodontitis is a very serious condition that occurs when the tissues and bone that support your teeth become infected. The main cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. If left untreated, gum disease can destroy the gums and the bones that support your teeth.

Invisalign treatment will not be the direct cause of developing gum disease. This procedure involves wearing clear, plastic aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. During treatment, it is important to brush and floss your teeth as usual and to visit your dentist for regular checkups.

Can Invisalign Cause Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the process in which the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the root. Recession can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Brushing too hard
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Dental procedures
• Tobacco use

Invisalign treatment will not cause gum recession. However, if you already have gum recession, it is important to tell your dentist before beginning treatment.

While Invisalign will not cause gum disease or gum recession, it is important to practice good oral hygiene during treatment. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as usual and visit your dentist for regular checkups.

How To Take Care Of Your Teeth With Invisalign

In order to maintain good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment, it is important to:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings

In addition, it is important to remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything other than water. Be sure to brush your teeth and aligners before putting them back in your mouth. This will prevent plaque and bacteria from accumulating on your teeth and aligners.

If you have any concerns about gum disease or gum recession, be sure to talk to your dentist before beginning Invisalign treatment.

Contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry

If you are located in North Carolina and you would like to speak to a dentist about getting Invisalign, contact Land and Associates today! We have several offices around North Carolina and we offer a free consultation. Visit our website and fill out a contact form online or give our office location closest to you a call to schedule and appointment.

Many older dental patients are worried that their teeth are shifting as they get older. Do your teeth naturally shift as you age?

Unfortunately, your teeth may be subject to shifting as you age due to the wear and tear of biting down, eating, and countless other things. If you have noticed that your teeth have started to shift as you get older, there are things you can do about it.

What Causes Teeth To Shift With Age?

Due to the fact that you are constantly using your teeth and putting pressure on them throughout your life means that they will slowly shift around over time. Although not all of the reasons your teeth shift are preventable, there are some ways that you can minimize how much your teeth will shift.

Wisdom Teeth

If you have never had your wisdom teeth removed, your teeth may become crowded and start to shift as they come in. When this happens, your other teeth may start to move out of the way to make room for your wisdom teeth, causing them to shift.

While you can’t necessarily prevent your wisdom teeth from coming in, you can have them removed before they have a chance to crowd your other teeth and cause them to shift.

Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, your gums may start to recede. This can cause your teeth to become loose and shift around. If you are suffering from gum disease, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting.

Tooth Decay

According to Webmd, tooth decay can cause your teeth to shift with age. This mainly happens when you loose teeth and don’t have the gaps fixed. Just as wisdom teeth will crowd your teeth and cause them to shift, having a missing tooth will leave extra space in your mouth allowing your teeth to shift to fill the gap.

How to Prevent Your Teeth From Shifting As You Age

If you want to ensure that your teeth stay aligned as you age, you should make sure that you are practicing good oral hygiene and seeing the dentist regularly. If you’re keeping your teeth and gums clean by flossing and brushing regularly, you won’t need to worry about gum disease or tooth decay shifting your teeth.

If you are visiting a dentist twice a year, they will be able to help you with your oral hygiene and make sure that your teeth aren’t starting to shift over time.

How to Fix Teeth That Have Already Shifted with Age

If you believe that your teeth have already started to shift as you age, and you would like to have them realigned, there are always options available to you. You can consult with your dentist to see if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment or another type of cosmetic procedure. If Invisalign isn’t an option for you, many older dental patients opt into getting a whole new smile with a set of veneers.

Contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign or veneers, contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry today! We have offices throughout North Carolina and would love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Although aging may cause your teeth to shift, there are plenty of things that you can do about it. Whether you want to prevent your teeth from shifting in the first place or you already have shifted teeth and would like to fix them, Lane and Associates is here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

As you change out your Invisalign trays, you will feel a bit of soreness associated with the pressure that is being put against your teeth. Each Invisalign tray is made to shift your teeth little by little. Your teeth are shifted as the Invisalign trays are changed throughout weeks that you are changing them. You will only feel soreness when you first start wearing Invisalign trays, or when you change to a new set of Invisalign trays.

How Often Do You Have to Get New Invisalign Trays

Typically, your dentist or orthodontist will give you 3 sets of Invisalign trays every six weeks. Most patients will return to the dentist for a check up every six weeks. During this appointment you will get new sets of trays and the dentist will take a look at the progress of your alignment treatment.

As previously mentioned, your teeth may be sore when you put in your new Invisalign trays. The soreness should last no more than a day until your teeth have shifted enough to fit in the tray more comfortably. The soreness that you will feel is nothing that can’t be handled. Most describe it as a sensitivity in the teeth as you bite down.

How to Reduce Soreness From Invisalign

Now that you know your teeth will be sore when you start wearing each new Invisalign tray, you are probably wondering if there is anything you can do to minimize the pain. Most dentists will recommend that you take over the counter pain relief medication to reduce the pain.

You can take medication once you are planning to put in your new Invisalign trays. Once you take your medication, the soreness should recede.

Wear New Invisalign Trays Before Bed

Sometimes it can help if you put in your new Invisalign trays just before you go to sleep. This will give the trays time to adjust to your teeth while you are asleep and hopefully, you will wake up with minimal discomfort.

If you can go to sleep with the initial pain of putting in your new set of Invisalign trays, most of the pain should be over with by the time you wake up in the morning.

What to Expect After You Get Your Invisalign Trays

Invisalign is a popular clear aligner system that helps to gradually shift your teeth into place over time. The Invisalign process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist or orthodontist to see if you are a good candidate for treatment. If you are, impressions or digital scans of your teeth will be taken and used to create a customized treatment plan just for you. From there, you will be given your first set of Invisalign trays to wear.

Wearing Invisalign is generally very comfortable, but as with anything new, there may be a period of adjustment as you get used to wearing the trays. You may experience some soreness in your teeth and gums for the first few days, but this is normal and should go away within a few hours or so.

Contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry for Invisalign

If you are interested in getting Invisalign and are located in North Carolina, contact Lane and Associates today. We have many offices across NC and we would love to help give you the smile of your dreams.

Patients who are thinking about getting Invisalign treatment wonder whether or not the procedure can fix an overbite. Many think of Invisalign as only a way to straightening teeth but as you will see, the treatment can help with other dental issues.

Invisalign can successfully correct an overbite or jaw misalignment. There is a treatment for many different cases of teeth misalignment including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and more. You can visit Invisalign’s official site to see what can be treated.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth when biting down at the molars. Overbite is one of the most common cases of malocclusions. This can cause the lower teeth to become worn down, and it can also make it difficult to clean the back teeth properly.

In some cases, an overbite can be caused by genetics. However, in other cases, it can be caused by bad habits when very young, such as thumb sucking or using a pacifier for an extended period of time. Overbite can also be caused by teeth that are too big for the mouth.

How Invisalign Can Fix an Overbite?

An overbite must be fixed by moving the lower jaw slightly forward to align better with your top front teeth. With traditional braces, this is done using elastic bands that connect from the molars to the front canines in most cases. The elasticity of the rubber bands will slowly pull the lower jaw forward over time for alignment.

Mandibular Advancement Feature of Invisalign

The way that Invisalign fixes an overbite is by using the Mandibular Advancement Feature. This feature of Invisalign is when a small piece of plastic juts out from the sides of the upper and lower Invisalign mould. When you bite down with this feature in place, it guides the jaw forward into the correct position for alignment.

The difference with Invisalign is that instead of using rubber bands, it uses a physical piece to guide the lower jaw into place. This is a much more comfortable way of fixing an overbite and can be done gradually over time until the teeth are aligned correctly.

If you have an overbite and are considering Invisalign treatment, be sure to talk to your orthodontist about the Mandibular Advancement Feature. This is a great way to fix your overbite without any discomfort!

Contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry Today!

If you are located in North Carolina and have been looking for the right place to provide you with Invisalign treatment, consider reaching out to Lane and Associates. We can sit down with you to discuss what is necessary too get your teeth looking their best!

At Lane and Associates, we want to ensure that you are getting the smile that you have always wanted. We specialize in many different types of dental procedures, so you can be sure that we will be able to help you get the perfect smile. Contact us today by filling out an online form or by calling one of our dental offices.

Many patients ask if their teeth will shift after wisdom teeth removal. This question must be reviewed on a case by case basis as you will see.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted (that is, they’re growing in at an angle and pressing against other teeth), then removing them can prevent your other teeth from shifting out of place. However, if your wisdom teeth are not impacting other teeth, their removal is unlikely to cause your teeth to shift.

Do Teeth Shift if You Don’t Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

As previously mentioned, your teeth can shift as a result of an impacted wisdom tooth. An impacted wisdom tooth is what occurs when one of your wisdom teeth is growing under your gums at an angle rather than straight up and out of your gums.

If an impacted wisdom tooth is left untreated, it can cause the tooth to grow into another molar and push the teeth out of position. This can also be quite painful.

Wisdom teeth that are not impacted generally don’t cause problems and don’t need to be removed. However, if you have wisdom teeth that are coming in and causing crowding, your dentist may recommend removing them to prevent your teeth from shifting.

Should You Get Braces Before or After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Patients want to know whether or not wisdom teeth will shift their teeth. A large reason for this is understanding when they should get braces or have Invisalign treatment before or after removing their wisdom teeth?

Many times it depends on your individual situation when you should have your wisdom teeth taken out. You should consult with your dentist who can help you understand the best timing for braces or Invisalign treatment in your case.

In general, if your wisdom teeth are impacting other teeth, it is best to remove them and then have orthodontic treatment. If your wisdom teeth are not impacting other teeth, it is generally ok to have alignment treatment done at any time. Once again, consult your dentist about the right time to get braces or Invisalign concerning your wisdom teeth.

When Should Your Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

When you should have your wisdom teeth removed really depends on your individual situation. Some patients may need to have their wisdom teeth removed as early as age 16, while others may not need them removed until they’re in their 20s or 30s.

In general, the earlier you have your wisdom teeth removed, the better. This is because it’s easier to recover from surgery and there’s less risk of damaging other teeth when the roots are not fully developed.

If you’re experiencing pain or crowding from your wisdom teeth, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss whether or not removal is necessary.

Visit Lane and Associates Family Dentistry

If you are located in North Carolina and would like to consult a dentist about when you should have your wisdom teeth removed, contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry. Our team of skilled professionals can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your smile. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations today! You can fill out one of our online forms or give us a call today!

It’s not uncommon for your gums to bleed a little when you brush or floss your teeth. This mostly happens when you have not flossed in a while and you carefully floss between all your teeth. Although it is somewhat common to see your gums bleed, you should monitor how much they are bleeding and tell your dentist if it is concerning you.

That being said, it’s important to see your dentist if your gums are bleeding frequently or excessively, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem. If you have any other symptoms of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen, or tender gums; receding gums; bad breath; or loose teeth, be sure to see your dentist right away.

Treating periodontal disease early is important to prevent it from becoming more severe, which can lead to tooth loss. If you have any concerns about your gum health, be sure to talk to your dentist.

Is It Normal For Your Gums To Bleed When Flossing and Brushing?

It is somewhat normal to see your gums bleed a little bit when you floss your teeth for the first time in a while. This doesn’t mean that you should not pay attention to the fact that your gums are bleeding.

Although it is not harmful in many cases to see a few drops of blood when you are flossing, this is a tell tale sign that you aren’t flossing enough. Once you start flossing on a regular basis, your gums will not bleed when you floss or brush.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

There are a number of reasons why your gums may bleed, but the most common cause is gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause)
• Certain medications (such as blood thinners or oral contraceptives)
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Brushing too hard
• Trauma to the gums (from rough flossing or brushing)

If you are concerned about your gum health, be sure to talk to your dentist. They will be able to determine the cause of your bleeding gums and recommend the best course of treatment.

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Gums Bleeding?

You should be concerned if your gums are bleeding excessively and if there is a lot of pain when you floss between your teeth. If you have any other symptoms of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen, or tender gums; receding gums; bad breath; or loose teeth, you should see your dentist right away.

Treating periodontal disease early is important to prevent it from becoming more severe and causing tooth loss. If you have any concerns about your gum health, be sure to talk to your dentist.

How to Make Your Gums Stop Bleeding?

The treatment for bleeding gums will depend on the underlying cause. If your gums are bleeding because of gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) to remove the plaque and tartar buildup beneath your gum line. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore the health of your gums.

If your gums are bleeding for another reason, such as hormonal changes or certain medications, your dentist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of a more serious problem, so it’s important to see your dentist if your gums are bleeding frequently or excessively. If you have any other symptoms of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen, or tender gums; receding gums; bad breath; or loose teeth, be sure to see your dentist right away.

What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?

If you have experienced excessive gum bleeding, it is important to look for other signs of gum disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to see your dentist right away. Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated early. If you do not have any of these other symptoms, it is most likely that you just haven’t flossed in a while and your gums aren’t used to the flossing.

Treating periodontal disease early is important to prevent it from becoming more severe, which can lead to tooth loss. If you have any concerns about your gum health, be sure to talk to your dentist.

Contact Lane And Associates Today!

If you are experiencing bleeding gums and you think that your gums are bleeding more than what they should, get in contact with a dentist if you do not already have a regular practice you visit. Lane and Associates Family Dentistry has multiple locations throughout North Carolina and can help you with all of your dental needs. We offer a variety of services, such as teeth cleanings, dental implants, and more. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a progressive condition that affects the gums and bone around the teeth. Gum disease begins with gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and chronic health conditions.

There are four stages of gum disease: gingivitis, early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove.

Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.

Early Periodontitis

Early periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. It is characterized by bone loss around the teeth. Early periodontitis can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Early periodontitis can be treated with a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. A deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root planing is a procedure that smoothes the roots of the teeth to prevent bacteria from attaching to them.

Moderate Periodontitis

Moderate periodontitis is the third stage of gum disease. It is characterized by deeper pockets around the teeth and further bone loss. Moderate periodontitis typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. It is characterized by deep pockets around the teeth, extensive bone loss, and gum recession.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone around your teeth. Periodontitis occurs when plaque and tartar are not removed from your teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed. The inflammation eventually leads to periodontitis, which can destroy the bone and soft tissue around your teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss.

If you think you may have gum disease, it is important to see a dentist for an evaluation. Gum disease is treatable in its early stages. However, it is important to catch it early to prevent it from progressing to the more severe stages.

See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. brush twice a day and floss daily. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent dental visits, special mouthwashes, or deep cleanings.

What are the Symptoms of the Gum Disease Stages?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone supporting the teeth. It is a common condition in adults, and its incidence increases with age. Gum disease is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque gradually turns into tartar (calculus), which is harder to remove. If tartar is not removed, it can irritate and inflame the gums, causing gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

All stages of periodontist have the symptoms of gingivitis, including red, swollen, and bleeding gums. However, as periodontitis progresses, the symptoms become more severe. The gums may begin to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and deep pockets may form between the gum and tooth. These pockets become filled with plaque and tartar, which can further damage the gums and bone. As periodontitis progresses, the teeth may become loose and eventually may fall out.

What Treatments are Available for Gum Disease?

Just like any other disease, gum disease has different stages. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, the gums become inflamed and may bleed when brushed. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis destroys the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

There are a number of different treatment options available for gum disease, depending on how severe it is. In its early stages, gingivitis can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. More advanced forms of gum disease may require more aggressive treatment, such as scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacteria below the gum line), antibiotics, or surgery.

How to Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. If you have any risk factors for gum disease (such as diabetes or a family history of the condition), it’s important to be extra diligent about taking care of your teeth.

If you think you may have gum disease, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so that it can be diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and much worse health conditions, so don’t delay in getting the help you need.

Contact Lane and Associates Today!

If you’re concerned about gum disease or would like to learn more about how to prevent it, contact Lane and Associates today. Our team of skilled dental professionals will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Fill out a contact form on our website or call the office location most convenient to you to schedule an appointment.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to bleeding, swelling, and other issues. Periodontal disease is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. While both conditions are serious, periodontal disease is more likely to cause tooth loss. Here’s a look at the differences between gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque can irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.

Gingivitis is a reversible condition. With proper oral hygiene, it can be cleared up in a matter of weeks. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a more serious form of gum disease. It is caused by plaque that has not been removed and has begun to damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. It is also associated with an increased risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Treatment for Gingivitis vs Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis can be treated with a good oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. If gingivitis does not improve with these measures, a dentist may recommend a professional cleaning.

Periodontal disease requires more aggressive treatment. A dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, in which plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage caused by periodontal disease.

Prevention of Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. It is also important to see a dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, it is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment. With proper care, you can prevent the progression of gum disease and keep your teeth healthy.

Which Condition is Worse?

While both gingivitis and periodontal disease are serious, periodontal disease is more likely to cause tooth loss. This is why it is important to see a dentist regularly and to practice good oral hygiene. Gingivitis is actually the predecessor to periodontal disease. Once you let gingivitis get out of control, it will develop into periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the milder form of periodontal disease, so it stands to reason that periodontal disease is the worse of the two. If you have either gingivitis or periodontal disease, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

Contact Lane and Associates Family Dentistry

We have locations throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Garner, Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest. If you believe that you have some form of gum disease, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today. We can help you determine if you have gingivitis or periodontal disease and develop a treatment plan to keep your smile healthy.

It’s possible that your gingivitis may cause your breath to smell bad. This is because the bacteria that cause gingivitis can release foul-smelling chemicals. If you have gingivitis, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove the bacteria and help prevent bad breath.

What Does Gingivitis Smell Like?

Gingivitis can cause your breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. This is because of the bacteria in your mouth releasing chemicals that smells like these things. If you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gingiva, or gums, are red and swollen. You may also bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease and is often reversible with good oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, it can progress to more serious forms of periodontal disease. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to see your dentist so that they can diagnose and treat the problem.

Can Other People Smell Gingivitis?

Yes, other people can sometimes smell gingivitis. The bacteria that cause gingivitis produce foul-smelling chemicals, which can lead to bad breath, or halitosis. This unpleasant odor can be noticeable to others, especially if the gingivitis is severe or left untreated.

What Does Periodontitis Smell Like?

Periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease that follows gingivitis, can also cause bad breath. The smell is often described as worse than that of gingivitis, sometimes resembling rotting meat or a metallic odor. This is due to the increased bacteria and infection present in the mouth as the disease progresses.

How Do You Know if Gingivitis Is Bad?

Gingivitis is considered bad when it leads to noticeable symptoms that affect your daily life. Signs that your gingivitis may be severe include:

• Persistent Bad Breath: If you have a constant bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing and flossing, it may be a sign of severe gingivitis.
• Red, Swollen Gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Red and swollen gums are a sign of inflammation.
• Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss, this is a common sign of gingivitis.
• Tender or Painful Gums: Gums that are sore or painful to the touch can indicate a more serious level of gingivitis.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist for an evaluation and treatment plan.

How Can You Treat Gingivitis?

Treating gingivitis involves maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Here are some steps to help treat and prevent gingivitis:

1. Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
2. Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
3. Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
4. Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
5. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.

By following these steps, you can help reverse gingivitis and prevent it from progressing to more serious gum disease.

Can You Get Rid of Gingivitis Smell?

One of the best ways to get rid of bad breath caused by gingivitis is to reverse the condition by brushing and flossing regularly. This will remove the bacteria from your mouth and help to reduce the amount of foul-smelling chemicals. You may also want to use a mouthwash to help freshen your breath.

If you have gingivitis, be sure to see your dentist so that they can diagnose and treat the problem. In some cases, you may need to have a professional cleaning to remove the tartar buildup on your teeth. You may also need to use a medicated mouthwash or toothpaste. If your gingivitis is severe, you may need to have surgery to correct the problem.

No one wants to have bad breath, but if you have gingivitis, it’s important to seek treatment so that the condition doesn’t progress to something more serious. By practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly, you can help keep gingivitis under control and keep your breath smelling fresh.

What Causes Gingivitis?

The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. This means that you are not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, or that you are not doing a good enough job when you do brush and floss. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Tartar can irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and more likely to bleed.

Contact Lane and Associates

If you are experiencing bad breath and you believe that it is due to gingivitis, contact Lane and Associates. We can help you determine the cause of your bad breath and develop a treatment plan to improve your oral health. We have multiple offices located across the state of North Carolina.