An antioxidant known as Catechins was identified as responsible for resolving symptoms of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth and has been known to become a precursor of cardiovascular disease, lung disorders as well as diabetes.

So how does Green Tea help?

The way it works is it prevents the growth and sticking of disease-causing bacteria or virus to teeth and gums. Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells against the effects of free radicals which are molecules produced when our body breaks down food or by being be exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation.

Not a lot of tea is required for general oral health. Just about 1 cup of tea per day gives indication of healthier gums and teeth.

Aside from watching what you eat and increasing the foods that maybe good for your teeth, such as Green Tea, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and dental checkups are important steps to maintaining good oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in the Minnetonka area, why not consider our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are innovative – just take a look at our office – and will lead you to dental success!

So what is gum disease? Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque, the film that sticks to your teeth. It is important to remove plaque on a regular basis – by brushing and flossing. If not, gum disease can affect the bone that supports your teeth because bacteria will infect basically your entire mouth — gums and teeth. Soon, your teeth will become loose, fall out or have to be extracted by a dentist.

How do you know if you have gum disease?

Although you can get gum disease at any age, it is most common among adults. Gum disease can be reversed if caught early so it is important to maintain regular dental visits, especially if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Red, puffy or swollen, or tender gums.
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth, creating a pocket or making your teeth appear longer.
• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing.
• Bad breath or change in odor from your mouth.
• Changes to your bite – your teeth aren’t feeling comfortable or fitting together.
• Any evidence of pus coming from teeth or gums.

The only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar is by visiting a dentist. Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. If you have a more serious problem, a root planing procedure may be performed, which smooths irregularities on the roots of the teeth. This procedure makes it harder for plaque to deposit there.

To avoid dental problems, you need to be proactive about your dental hygiene and care. Brush, floss, eat right and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. It’s the perfect formula for healthy teeth and gums.

Make Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa your family dentist. We work with our patients to help them not only prevent dental issues like gum disease but help create a lifetime of beautiful and healthy smiles to be proud of. Visit us! Make a dental appointment online or give us a call at (952) 473-4900.

Hormonal changes as well as a change in the diet and sleeping habits of a new mom make caring for teeth a step that takes a back seat. Often exhausted from tending to a new baby’s needs, a new mother will forgo her own physical and oral hygiene from being just too tired and a time-starved day. This, of course, is a domino effect. Bad hygiene results in bad dental health.

Here are some important facts about dental health after having a baby.

• Hormones: Hormonal changes exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque. Vigilant brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups are essential.
• Sleep:Deprived new moms require at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep to fight off infections of all kinds including oral infections. Sleep also helps to regenerate cells.
• Nutrition: Smiles require good nutrition. New moms need to make sure to eat properly and getting proper vitamins – including A, C and calcium for healthy gums and teeth.

Good oral health, before, during and after pregnancy, is crucial in maintaining an overall healthy life. Having a new baby is exciting, but new mothers need to remember that their babies want to have a health mommy. This means taking care of your teeth and gums.

Contact Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa. We can help you get those gums back into shape, so you can give your new baby a happy, healthy smile for years to come.

Gum disease comes in two major forms, gingivitis and periodontitis. Of the two, gingivitis is the easiest to treat, and while it may cause some discomfort, does no long-term damage on its own. However, untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a much more serious problem that can be painful and can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis can also lead to general health problems including heart disease and problems with the digestive system.

These gum diseases have obvious symptoms so if you notice any of them, consult your dentist immediately. These symptoms include:

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Soft gums
• Prolonged bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pus between your teeth
• Sensitive gums
• General discomfort around your gums

Brushing your teeth twice a day and rinsing between meals can help to prevent gum disease. Keeping your mouth hydrated is also important as it dilutes the amount of bacteria in the mouth. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, there are a range of treatments which may include antibiotics and antibacterial mouthwashes. Be sure to follow the dentist’s advice on any treatment plans – the sooner you bring gum disease under control, the fewer long-term effects there are on your teeth and overall health.

Yogurt has a number of benefits for your teeth. It’s full of calcium and that’s one of the building blocks for strong teeth. More importantly, yogurt is full of probiotics or active bacterial cultures. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to fight against the bad bacteria in the mouth, and it’s that bad bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Studies have found that individuals that eat yogurt on a regular basis, particularly those who eat it on a daily basis, are less prone to gum disease.

An over abundance of bad bacteria is also one of the major causes of bad breath so eating yogurt regularly could be one way to control this problem. On the negative side, if you consume yogurt that is full of sugar, then you may find that those sugars will harm your teeth. However, that is the only downside to eating yogurt when it comes to your dental health.

When it comes to dental health, yogurt is not the only dairy product that has a beneficial effect. Cottage cheese is in the same class as yogurt while most other cheeses provide some level of protection. Cheeses eaten at the end of a meal help to clean teeth, increase saliva flow, and help to correct the acid balance in the mouth. Dairy products in general, so long as they have not been overly sweetened, can help to protect your teeth. Yogurt is the one product that delivers the biggest punch – and you only need to eat one six ounce container of yogurt each day to get the best results.

• Your tooth brush is too hard
• You are too rigorous with your brushing
• You have a periodontal disease (gum disease or infection)
• Age – As you get older your gums can become softer
• Medications – Some medications such as blood thinners can cause bleeding gums
• Illness – Some illnesses can cause your gums to soften and bleed easily
• Pregnancy – Hormones can also cause your gums to soften and bleed easily

Often, the problem is a combination of factors. For example, as you get older, you may need to go to a softer tooth brush and to use a gentler brushing action. The same can be said for those on medications – use a softer tooth brush and don’t be too vigorous with your brushing.

If the bleeding persists, and you are experiencing any discomfort with your teeth and gums, go and see your dentist. You could be suffering from a gum disease or infection – your dentist can help you to resolve that issue. If gum disease is not the problem, then your dentist can help you to devise an oral hygiene routine that will allow you to clean your teeth while reducing any bleeding problems.

What you shouldn’t do is ignore bleeding gums. If bleeding has suddenly started, look at any lifestyle changes, illnesses or new medications (or new tooth brushes for that matter). Most importantly, see your dentist to rule any problems related to your teeth.

There are two general problems that involve the gums. Either the gums are too long, making the teeth look very short, the so-called ‘gummy’ smile, or the gums are too short with teeth looking too long – the so-called ‘toothy’ smile. A cosmetic dentist can deal with both, turning what some may feel is an unattractive look into a well-proportioned smile.

For the ‘gummy’ look, a cosmetic dentist uses laser technology to sculpt the gum back to a more natural look. This exposes more of the tooth and provides a better balance between the amount of tooth exposed and the amount of gum visible when you smile. The end result is a very pleasing look that helps to bring back an individual’s confidence in themselves.

A ‘toothy’ smile can be a little more difficult to resolve. However, because there is a lot of tooth exposed and very little gum, appearance may not be the only reason for undertaking a corrective procedure. The tooth’s stability could be under threat if left untreated as there may not be enough gum to maintain it. To change a ‘toothy’ look, a cosmetic dentist may take skin from the roof of the mouth and graft it onto the gums. Over time, this graft will add support for the tooth, and remove that ‘toothy’ look.

If your teeth look great but you’re not happy with your gums’ appearance, have a chat with your dentist. You’ll be surprised at what cosmetic gum surgery can now achieve.

Let me tell you it is – very much so. Gum disease is a major health problem no matter how old you are. However, as you get older, other health problems appear such as heart, kidney, and liver diseases. The last thing that older people need is to add any unnecessary diseases to these health issues.

If you are getting to an age where dental hygiene is taking a lower profile, then consider a rethink. If you have an older parent in your care, then encourage them to continue on with their daily dental routine. A soft brush is best as this will ensure the teeth are cleaned while the gums are not being overly irritated. For those with dentures, taking them out and giving them a good clean is equally important.

Gum disease can cause a number of health problems in otherwise healthy people. One of these health problems is heart disease – this has been linked directly to gum diseases. Your gums provide a good conduit to the blood system – this means that bacteria in the gums can migrate into the blood causing those problems with the heart. For older people, the body’s ability to resist can be far less than those of much younger people.

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Gum disease can be a serious problem. For the elderly in our community, the effects can be much worse.

Cosmetic dentistry is often done for looks and looks alone. However, there are just as many people undergoing cosmetic procedures, not just because of looks, but because of their mental state of being. If your dental state is poor and you are self conscious, it is going to affect how you interact with others, and perhaps even how they interact with you.

Gum contouring is a good example of this situation. If your smile displays short unnatural looking teeth, then you are more likely to mask your smile, perhaps reduce it or hide it behind your hand. Some people stop smiling altogether. This obviously affects how they interact with others, sometimes to the point where people think they are cold, when really they are just self-conscious.

A cosmetic dentist can reshape your gums, allowing more of your teeth to show through – this is what gum contouring is all about. Modern technology and the use of lasers makes this a much quicker and easier treatment, and most patients come away feeling more comfortable and happier to open up their smiles.

Yes, cosmetic dental procedures are expensive and they could be considered vain, however, they can be procedures which help many people get on with their lives. Gum contouring is one of many procedures a cosmetic dentist can perform to help you restore confidence.

Although gum disease is a major reason, your dentist may detect tartar below the gum line and recommend the procedure to prevent major gum disease. Generally speaking, root planing is performed on those who already have gum disease.

Root planing itself can be involved and may require several visits to the dentist with different teeth being worked on each time. Root planing involves getting down below the gum line and removing all the plaque and tartar that has settled on the tooth. Tartar is the hardened form of plaque, and while brushing will remove plaque, it will rarely remove tartar.

Your dentist may use either a hand tool to pick away at the tartar or ultrasonic devices that use vibration. While ultrasonic devices can remove a lot of tartar very quickly, your dentist will still need to use hand tools to complete the job.

Tartar build up below the gum line can lead to the loss of bone in the tooth’s support structure. Eventually, your teeth can become loose and fall out. More importantly, tartar below the gum line generally leads to gum disease, a problem that can then affect the rest of the body, especially the heart (heart disease has been linked to gum disease). If you’re dentist recommends root planing, get it done sooner rather than later – the longer that tartar sits around the tooth, the more damaged that tooth could become.