lynxbravo, Author at Bravo Dental Dallas

Why do you need to take a CBCT Scan?

If you’ve recently been to the dentist for severe toothache, you’d be asked to take a Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) scan. You might be wondering why your usual x-rays aren’t good enough. And that a CBCT scan can sound overwhelming. Moreover, have you noticed the machine’s size?

That’s why we are here to answer all your questions and clear out your fear of CBCT Scan in this blog.

What exactly is a CBCT Scan?

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan is the golden standard in dental imaging and can help dentists get a more comprehensive image of your mouth, jaw, nasal, and throat areas. It produces stunning 3D images of the oral region’s bone, airway, and soft tissue.

CBCT do use radiation, but they are extremely safe. Just like any other scans this technology also involves radiation; however, the usage of radiation is far less compared to others.

What is the difference between CBCT and x-rays?

A dental CBCT scan is considerably more detailed and effective for obtaining information about your dental health than standard x-rays. In addition, this technology uses less radiation and requires fewer scans to see the various views and angles of your mouth. Furthermore, unlike typical dental x-rays, the cone beam CT scan may see both bones and soft tissues which help the dentist to diagnosis the problem accurately and give the best suited treatment for you.

What happens during a CBCT Scan?

You’ll be sitting comfortably while the CBCT imaging machine gently rotates around your entire head. You must be perfectly motionless during the scan process. You may be offered something to rest your head against to help you do so. There are no specific preparations needed for CBCT scans. However, you will be requested to remove any metal objects such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins, or hearing aids prior to the scan because they may interfere with the scan. It is quick and painless, requiring only approximately 20-40 seconds. During the few seconds of scanning, over 150 photos are captured and then combined to create a single 3D image for your dentist to view. It’s better than the old black-and-white, hazy photos, right?

Why do you need a CBCT Scan?

A dentist may recommend a CBCT scan for various reasons. First, it can be used as part of the dental treatment planning. This scan will provide the dentist with specific information about your oral condition. This information may include photos of bone deterioration, cavities, nerves, soft tissues, fractures, infections, root canal problems, symptoms of jaw issues, or abnormal growths on the face.

Obviously, these are all things you’d want your dentist to be aware of before beginning any treatment. However, even something as simple as a sleep appliance (snore guard) can be easily customized and fixed by the extra precision a CBCT scan provides for your teeth. Now that you know why taking a CBCT scan is necessary to identify the deepest oral problems and to treat it right away, let go of your fears and get your CBCT scan.

Bravo! Dental has now started using CBCT Scans for accurate diagnosis and provides better treatment for patients. This technology is not used in most dental offices. But we, at Bravo! Dental, are always on the search for newer, better technologies and ways to help patients get the best treatment. For further details on how this scanning is done and how it can improve your oral health book an appointment with our Bravo! Dental experts simply by ringing 1-888-682-7286 now.

Dental Veneers: Its Pros & Cons

Veneers are an excellent way to permanently improve your smile. Dental veneers, which are made of wafer-thin porcelain or composite resin, conceal flaws in your teeth, such as discolorations and cracks.

Veneers, like any treatment procedure, come with significant pros and cons. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers can help you decide if they are the best option for improving the cosmetic appeal of your smile.

Pros

Whitens Teeth

Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, or eating highly pigmented meals can eventually give your teeth an unappealing shade of yellow or brown. Dental veneers may be a wonderful option if you want a simpler way to brighten your smile permanently. In addition, because veneers are generally stain-resistant, you won’t have to worry about discoloration or whitening your veneers.

Corrects Minor Cosmetic Issues

Veneers can repair numerous cosmetic dental concerns such as chipping, cracks, gaps between teeth, mild misalignment, and discoloration. Veneers are fixed to the front surfaces of your teeth and can conceal minor orthodontic issues once placed. Your original teeth may still be gapped or misaligned, but only you and your dentist will notice.

Enamel Replacement

Enamel is tough, but it is not indestructible. Your enamel may still be worn away by excessive tooth brushing or by very acidic meals and beverages. Veneers are a fantastic treatment option for teeth with enamel wear or getting eroded, as they also look great on you.

Strong and Long Lasting

Durability and the capacity to last long are two additional benefits of veneers. Veneers are sturdy and long-lasting enough to withstand regular use. All you need to do is take the same precautions and care for them as you would for your natural teeth.

Immediate Results

The ability to start seeing results right away is another benefit of veneer installation. You do not need to undergo months of treatment before you start to see effects. Most of the time, your teeth can be completely transformed in just one or two dentist visits, and the best part is you can start eating and drinking immediately after getting your veneers.

Cons

Increased Sensitivity

Following the application of veneers, some people notice an increase in tooth sensitivity. After the first few days following the veneer placement, you could feel sensitive to hot or cold conditions, but it usually goes away.

Irreversibility

To position your natural teeth correctly, your dentist will need to alter their structure. Because the natural teeth’s structure cannot be restored, it stays permanent. However, keep in mind that many veneers will eventually need to be replaced because they only endure for around 10 years on average. In their stead, you can select a different restoration method.

Susceptible to Damage

The occasional chipping and cracking of veneers are one of their issues. Biting carelessly on hard objects that aren’t food might harm veneers and reduce their lifespan. Even biting a pen cap forcefully can result in chips and cracks and necessitate veneer replacement.

Dental veneers are a great way to cover up stained, misaligned, or broken teeth. But it’s vital to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before investing in them. Contact us at 1-888-682-7286 or make an appointment with our experts at Bravo! Dental to determine whether dental veneers are the best option for enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence.

Top 6 Benefits of Dental Filling

Almost everyone has had cavities at some point in their lives. White fillings, often known as composite fillings, are the most frequent treatment nowadays to overcome it. This popular dental filling substance is a gentle and visually acceptable alternative to metal counterparts like amalgam. In addition, it heals decaying or broken teeth.

Once the cavity has grown to the point that the pulp chamber is threatened, saving the tooth will cost much more than fillings. Once a tooth is filled up, any kind of pain or discomfort related to cavities goes away.

Let’s look at the top 6 benefits of tooth fillings:

1.Prevents Cavities

Your dentist will first clean out the decaying section of your tooth when you obtain a filling. And then, pour in the filling material, sealing the hollow hole. This shields the teeth nerves in your dentine from foods that cause sensitivity and the acids produced in your mouth.

2. Improves Teeth’s Structure

Composite fillings can help to improve your teeth’ structure. Instead of the cavity hollowing out the tooth, the filling will provide much-needed support. As fillers are only temporary, they do not cause any damage to your teeth.

3. Repairs Broken Teeth

When you get a hard hit on your teeth or as you age, your teeth can become weaker, making you more prone to chipping and fractures. A fractured tooth can be repaired with fillings. For this purpose, a white composite is frequently employed.

4. Removes Teeth Discoloration

Your teeth can become discolored as a result of the foods and beverages you consume, such as coffee and red wine. Unhealthy behaviors such as bruxism can also cause your teeth to lose their natural luster. Composite fillings can be used to repair not just damaged teeth but even discolored teeth.

5. Offers Long-lasting results

Gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, and composite resin can all be used to make fillings. If you take care of your fillings and visit your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings, they can last up to ten years or more. Additionally, if you are willing to pay a little more money and request cast gold or porcelain fillings, you can expect your fillings to last up to 15 years.

6. Gives a Natural Look

Today’s filings are designed to look quite natural and mirror your natural teeth’ appearance. Your dentist will fill your tooth after removing the decay in the cavity. The filling will be sculpted and polished to seem like a natural tooth. Your dentist will also go through all possible composite combinations with you and keep you updated throughout the process.

Visiting your dentist and having a cavity filled is one of the important components of maintaining your dental health. If you desire to keep your teeth healthy, avoid cavities and decay and preserve your overall oral health, filling a tooth can only help you in the long run. If you are looking for expert dental filling, visit us at Bravo! Dental and protect your teeth for years!

Everything you need to know about dental sealants

Taking good care of your teeth and overall oral health is a daily commitment. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss. However, cleaning every inch of your teeth is hard, especially those back teeth you use to chew (molars). These molars are rough and uneven, a perfect place for cavity-causing bacteria to hide. That’s why dental sealants are an alternative treatment that helps keep teeth clean.

Dental sealants consist of thin plastic coatings that are placed on the biting surfaces of teeth, often the back teeth (the premolars and molars) to prevent teeth from cavities. The sealant instantly forms a protective barrier over each tooth’s enamel by bonding to the depressions and grooves of the teeth.

Who can have sealants?

Anyone with permanent teeth and premolars can consider sealants. The deep grooves and depressions on the back teeth are quite likely to cause decay and cavities. Sealants are therefore advised for teenagers and kids. Dental sealants could also be helpful for adults who were fortunate enough to grow up without developing dental problems that affected their molars. Children can have sealants as soon as the premolars, and permanent molars spring up. Rarely, children under the age of six may require dental sealants. A dentist may suggest using sealants if they see that a child’s teeth have deep grooves and depressions.

When can dental sealants be used?

Once the molars erupt, dental sealants are routinely applied to children and teenagers because they offer potent protection against tooth decay.

How are sealants applied?

The technique of applying sealant is easy and painless. Your dentist can apply the sealant to each tooth in just a few minutes. The steps for applying are as follows:

The teeth are first meticulously cleansed.
Then, each tooth is dried.
An acid solution is applied to them to make the chewing surfaces of the teeth rougher so that the sealant would adhere to them.
After rinsing, the teeth are dried.
After being painted onto the tooth enamel, the sealant hardens, chemically bonding to the tooth.
The sealant can occasionally be hardened with a specialized curing lamp.

Are there any side effects to dental sealants?

Dental sealants have no side effects, and allergic reactions are rare. However, let the dentist know if you have any allergies so they can proceed with caution.

How long can sealants last?

During your routine dental visit, find out if sealants need to be reapplied. Sealants can protect your teeth from cavities and last from a few months to 10 years.

Even after placing dental sealants, you must continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. This helps in defending the surfaces where the sealants aren’t applied. Since dental sealants are only preventative procedures, good dental hygiene standards should be followed. We ensure that you have a beautiful and healthy smile while helping to prevent cavities in your teeth. So, make an appointment right away with our experts at Bravo! Dental for a smile free of cavities.

Top 5 Benefits of Opalescence Boost Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening procedure is just like any other makeovers are. There are many products on the market that your dentist might advise using or suggest an in-office whitening treatment. In addition to gorgeous, long-lasting white teeth, teeth whitening has numerous benefits.

Many times, over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpaste, and trays may not produce the favored results. Opalescence Boost whitening is the perfect solution for you in such circumstances.

Opalescence Boost is an in-office whitening treatment that has a chemically activated gel that provides brighter, whiter teeth in an hour. The powerful 40% hydrogen peroxide gel is chemically activated, so it doesn’t require a hot light to work and has less relapses.

Why choose the Opalescence Boost teeth whitening method?

As you’ve seen, drinking red wine, smoking, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages can cause teeth to become discolored. Of course, age is also a contributing factor.

Opalescence Boost teeth whitening method is said to have commendable advantages for those who struggle with teeth discoloration. Using the unique double-syringe configuration, the dentist activates the 40% hydrogen peroxide formula just prior to application, ensuring every dose of Opalescence Boost whitening is fresh and effective.

Benefits of Opalescence Boost teeth whitening

Here is a list of the major 5 benefits of Opalescence boost;

It’s simple and faster

Opalescence Boost whitening doesn’t require a lengthy procedure for teeth whitening. The active whitening part of the treatment can be completed in under an hour. It takes around an hour and twenty minutes, including prep and cleanup. It is no doubt Opalescence boost teeth whitening can whiten your teeth quickly and easily.

It’s ideal for sensitive teeth

You don’t have to give up on Opalescence Boost whitening if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride and potassium nitrate in Opalescence Boost helps to strengthen the enamel and keep peroxide out of the tubules of the teeth, specially formulated not to irritate your teeth or gums thus, preventing sensitivity.

It contains high water content

Many whitening solutions on the market dry teeth, causing patients to experience painful sensitivity. Opalescence Boost teeth whitening kit contains at least 20% water, preventing dehydration.

It’s more effective

Even though there are many over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, choosing professional treatment yields better results because it is more effective. Opalescence Boost averages an eight-shade change delivering better results than many competitors. Over time, many over-the-counter teeth-whitening products contain ingredients that can damage your tooth enamel and increase your sensitivity. Fortunately, your smile will be noticeably whiter after just one treatment, thanks to Opalescence Boost teeth whitening!

It is available with an easy home use product

Although Opalescence Boost teeth whitening is an effective tooth whitening treatment, many patients also prefer and benefit from the home use simple product Opalescence Go. Opalescence Go teeth whitening trays help you achieve the goal of whiter teeth over several days rather than one hour, or use it on a regular basis to maintain the whitened teeth after Boost.

Opalescence Boost teeth whitening’s advantages are extremely effective, feasible and simple. With our expert assistance, you can achieve the best results. You can always look for teeth whitening expertise from our dental professionals at Bravo! Dental to provide the right treatment for you and help you get rid of your tooth discoloration or stains.

Crossbite: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Do you feel your teeth are messed up? You could be having a crossbite. Crossbite, also known as an underbite, is a type of malocclusion, or bad bite, that causes rows of teeth to overlap improperly. Crossbite is common in both children and adults. You may have trouble chewing food, or your dentist may have mentioned it during a check-up. No matter your age, there are several options for correcting a crossbite.

What exactly is a crossbite?

When you bite, your lower teeth cover one or more of your upper teeth, which is known as a crossbite. In short, it is the irregular contact between the upper and lower teeth. This intermittent contact can occur in a variety of locations throughout the mouth.

Crossbites are classified into two types,

Anterior Crossbites: They occur when the lower front teeth (canine and incisors) protrude further than the upper front teeth. Crossbites can be treated with orthodontics, but for severe cases in adults, some crossbites require a combination of orthodontics and surgery to set back the lower jaw and achieve optimal results.

Posterior crossbites: They are a type of improper back tooth bite in which the lower back teeth (the premolars and molars) protrude further than the upper back teeth. An expander, a common orthodontic appliance, can be used to correct posterior crossbites.

Causes

Crossbites can be inherited, but they can also be acquired. Crossbites in children can result from permanent teeth emerging before all baby teeth have fallen out. If this happens, the new teeth cannot grow properly, resulting in misalignment issues.

It can be caused by various other factors like thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and prolonged pacifier or bottle use.

Symptoms and Risks

A crossbite can cause headaches, jaw pain, and tooth decay. Crossbites can also impact the appearance of your teeth and lips. A crossbite in the back teeth can cause teeth grinding, abnormal facial development, and jaw problems. If left untreated, it could cause speech impediments, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), gum diseases, or tooth loss.

Treatments

Most crossbites can be corrected by adjusting the teeth or jaw with orthodontic treatments and appliances. Most dentists agree that the best time to fix a crossbite is when you are young. Adults can also be treated, but the earlier the crossbite is detected and treated, the better.

Each case is unique and necessitates an examination to determine the best treatment. There are several options for treatment for correcting a crossbite:

- Removable Palatal Expander
- Braces
- Retainers
- Dental Restorations (bonding, capping)
- Teeth extraction
- Headgear
- In severe cases, surgery

Many orthodontic professionals use a combination of expanders and braces therapy. The expanders work to create the proper amount of space between the teeth so the bites are correctly aligned throughout the mouth. A removable expander that is only worn at night may be prescribed in adults. However, everyone’s condition is different and will require a treatment strategy.

As said before, untreated crossbites can lead to more severe health problems in the future. Make an appointment with Bravo! Dental today to correct your bite! The best place to begin is to speak with your dentist about crossbite correction and treatment options for you or your child.

Everything you need to know about sensitive teeth

Have you ever experienced pain or discomfort after eating a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup? Don’t be troubled! Many people experience such symptoms after consuming cold or hot foods. It is known as dentin hypersensitivity or tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity can be either chronic or temporary. It can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth at the same time.

In this blog you’ll get to know everything about sensitive teeth and how to treat it.

Symptoms of teeth sensitivity

Here are a few symptoms that may help you become aware of the sensitivity and take preventive measures as soon as possible.

Spontaneous tooth pain with no apparent cause.
Tooth sensitivity particularly on a single tooth.
Milder pain sharply raising suddenly.
Staining on your teeth’s surface.
Pain while biting or chewing.

Triggering factors of unexpected teeth sensitivity

Many factors can contribute to the onset of sensitive teeth, such as:

Brushing too hard: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and expose dentin over time. It can also lead to gum recession.
Gum disease: Sensitivity may result from the loss of supporting ligaments, exposing the root surface and leading directly to the tooth’s nerve.
Cracked teeth: Bacteria from plaque can enter the pulp of a chipped or broken tooth, causing inflammation.
Teeth whitening products: These are significant contributors to tooth sensitivity. Use only dentist-suggested products.
Age: You are likely to experience teeth sensitivity between the ages of 25 and 30.
Plaque build-up: Cavities on the root surfaces can start causing sensitivity.
Mouthwash: Some acid containing mouthwashes can aggravate tooth sensitivity. Discuss with a dentist if a neutral fluoride mouthwash can help you with your dentin sensitivity.
Acidic foods: Consuming foods with a high acid content regularly, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
Recent dental procedures: Fillings, teeth cleanings, and dental restoration placement can all cause sensitive teeth.
Bruxism: Grinding or clenching your teeth can wear down the enamel.

Treatments for teeth sensitivity

Use desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash to reduce pain associated with sensitive teeth after several applications. Consult your dentist to determine which product is best for you. Exposed root surfaces can occasionally be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen is always advisable. Wearing a mouth guard can help if you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night. In the worst-case scenario, if other treatments are ineffective and your sensitive teeth are causing severe pain, your dentist may recommend a root canal. And above all visit your dentist regularly for professional exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.

If you have any of the above symptoms or have discomfort in your gums, feel free to get in touch with our dental experts at Bravo! Dental. We can assist you with your sensitive teeth and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Don’t let your teeth sensitivity get in the way of experiencing the flavours of life

The connection between oral problems and heart disease

It’s becoming more common to hear that good oral health is important for overall health. Most of us have periodontal or gum disease, which often goes undiagnosed. This could be because we avoid going to the dentist because our teeth feel fine.

Recent research, however, suggests that there are two distinct links between oral health and heart disease. For starters, the study indicates that people with moderate or advanced gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease than those with healthy gums. Second, your oral health can provide doctors with early warning signs for various diseases and conditions, including heart disease.

What is the connection between the heart and teeth?

Bacteria and other germs from your mouth spread to other parts of your body via the bloodstream, thus connecting oral health and heart disease. When these bacteria enter the heart, they can attach to damaged tissue and cause inflammation. Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart, can result from this. In addition, inflammation caused by oral bacteria can be linked to other cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and stroke.

Who is at risk?

Patients with chronic gum conditions such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease are at the highest risk of developing heart disease as a result of poor oral health, especially if the condition goes undiagnosed and untreated. Bacteria associated with gum infection live in the mouth and can enter the bloodstream, where they attach to blood vessels, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Even if you don’t have visible gum inflammation, poor oral hygiene and plaque build-up put you at risk for gum disease. The bacteria can also enter your bloodstream, causing an increase in C-reactive protein, a marker for blood vessel inflammation. This can increase your chances of developing heart disease or having a stroke.

Symptoms of oral condition:

You may experience these few symptoms if you are having an oral condition;

You may have gum disease if your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch.
When you eat, brush, or floss, your gums bleed.
Pus or other signs of infection are visible around the gums and teeth.
Your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth.
You have bad breath on a regular basis or notice a bad taste in your mouth.
Some of your teeth are loose or appear to be moving away from the others.

Preventative measures

The best way to avoid gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental examinations. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that fits comfortably in your mouth and adequately reaches every tooth surface. You should also floss daily and schedule regular professional cleanings with your dentist. Above all, if you happen to find any abnormality in your teeth or gums, visit your dentist without delay at once. A regular dental check-up is highly recommended to maintain your oral health which in turn maintains your overall health.

Book an appointment and talk to our dental experts at Bravo! Dental to ensure that your oral health is benefiting your overall health. Your heart counts on it!

Do I need to go to the dentist while pregnant?

It’s an old wives’ tale that going to the dentist while pregnant is risky for the growing babies and mothers-to-be. In fact, the opposite is true: good dental hygiene is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. It is absolutely essential to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that raise the probability of developing a gum disease, which can impact the health of your growing baby.

Mothers with the most severe periodontal disease tend to give birth at the earliest, around 32 weeks. However, it is still not sure that treating gum disease lowers the risk of premature birth. Anyway, seeing a dentist during pregnancy is pivotal for your and your child’s health.

Many pregnant women are concerned about the safety of dental care during pregnancy. It’s understandable; mothers want to do the best for their children, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there.

Here are some pointers to maintaining good oral health before, during, and after pregnancy.

Before Pregnancy

Make an appointment with your dentist beforehand if you are planning to become pregnant. That way, your teeth can be professionally cleaned, your gum tissue can be thoroughly examined, and any oral health issues can be addressed before your pregnancy.

During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, notify your dentist about your pregnancy and your medications. Dental care can be performed at any time during pregnancy. However, all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.

Dental X-rays can be taken while pregnant. To protect you and your baby, your dentist will use extreme caution, such as shielding your abdomen and thyroid. In addition, technological advancements have made X-rays much safer today than in previous decades.

Don’t put off your dental check-up just because you’re pregnant. Regular exams are more important than ever before because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of pregnancy gingivitis. At some point during their pregnancy, 42.62% of pregnant women will develop gingivitis. If you already have severe gum disease, pregnancy can exacerbate it.

Pay close attention to any changes in your gums while pregnant. If you experience tenderness, bleeding, or gum swelling during pregnancy, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

If you have morning sickness and frequent vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse.

If morning sickness prevents you from brushing your teeth, switch to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist for brand recommendations.

Sugary snacks should be avoided. Cravings for sweets are common during pregnancy. Keep in mind, however, that the more frequently you snack, the more likely you will develop tooth decay.

Consume a well-balanced diet. Around 3 months into the pregnancy, your baby’s first teeth appear. Healthy diets rich in dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are high in these minerals and beneficial to a baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.

After Pregnancy

If you had gum problems during pregnancy, see your dentist as soon as possible after delivery for a full oral health check.

While some dental care will be limited during pregnancy, maintaining good oral health prior to or during pregnancy will help prevent emergencies with limited pain relief options and provide additional health benefits for the mother and baby. As the need for dental care for pregnant women can differ from person to person, it is suggested to consult your dentist, what’s the right time to visit for a dental checkup and follow their advice. If you are thinking about starting a family, make sure to book an appointment with our dental experts with our experts at Bravo! Dental.

6 Proven Ways to Stop Gum Bleeding

Bleeding gums are extremely common, to the extent that 90% of the population can have Gingivitis (Gum problem that causes bleeding).

Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease and serve as a warning sign that something needs to be changed in our oral health routine. However, just because your gums bleed seems normal doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Quite the contrary, in fact. That is why we have compiled six ways to prevent bleeding gums.

Brush Twice a Day

This is listed first for a reason. Brushing our teeth for two minutes twice a day with a doctor-recommended toothpaste is essential for gum health and helps protect against other oral diseases. Brush your teeth last thing at night and once more during the day for the best results.

Use Interdental Brush or Floss

Another critical piece of a good oral health routine is the use of interdental brushes or floss. This is because a toothbrush cannot reach the gaps between your teeth. It is essential to get into these areas as cavities can form, potentially causing gum problems.

Apply an Ice Pack

Hold a small ice pack or an ice cube against the bleeding gums for about 10 minutes to help relax the gums. Ice packs are very effective at reducing bleeding and swelling in the mouth caused by minor mouth injuries or gingivitis.

Use Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash is beneficial to oral health because it aids in the removal of debris from the mouth. It also aids in the prevention of plaque build-up. Moreover, it can help to freshen our breath by killing the bacteria causing bad breath (halitosis). When selecting a mouthwash, make sure it contains fluoride to help protect your teeth throughout the day.

Healthy Living

This is important not only for bleeding gums but also for overall health. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables nourishes your body from inside out. When reading labels, remember that ‘no added sugar does not always imply that the product is sugar-free. It simply means that no additional sugar has been added and excludes the presence of naturally occurring sugars. Smoking and drinking alcohol are two lifestyle factors impacting your oral health. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease.

Go to the Dentist

The dental office is the best place to go for any oral health issues, including bleeding gums. If your gums continue to bleed after 7-10 days, you mustn’t wait for your routine appointment and visit your dentist at once. A deep dental cleaning may be required to remove plaque and tartar and help heal gum. In addition, your doctor may prescribe lab work to rule out any vitamin deficiencies that could be causing gum bleeding.

Healthy gums are necessary for healthy teeth. Studies have linked gum health to a lower risk of heart disease in recent years, so the benefits extend beyond our gum health. If you are experiencing discomfort in your gums or the bleeding has not stopped, then make your Bravo! Dental appointment right away. Say goodbye to gum pain!