Do you floss your teeth on a daily basis? The importance of flossing is most likely stressed to you by your dentist or dental hygienist each time you go in for cleanings. Why is flossing so important to your oral health?
The Importance of Flossing
You probably know that one purpose of flossing is to remove food particles from between your teeth. But it also helps to scrape tartar and plaque out from between your teeth and along the gum line. Flossing can reach parts of your teeth that brushing can’t. It even strengthens your gums, making them more resilient to plaque, bacteria, and infection.
Benefits of Flossing:
Prevent tooth decay. Removing food and plaque from in between your teeth can help to prevent cavities from forming in areas that are hard to reach with your toothbrush.
Prevent gum disease. Flossing removes food and plaque from along and under the gum line, which helps to prevent gum disease.
Prevent bad breath. Preventing tooth decay and gum disease helps to keep your breath more fresh.
Save money. By avoiding cavity fillings and other dental procedures you can save money on your dental care.
How To Floss Your Teeth
Follow these basic steps to effective flossing:
From your spool of floss, break off a piece about 18 to 24 inches long.
Wind it around your middle fingers until they are a few inches apart.
Use your index fingers to pull the floss tight and slide it in between each of your teeth. Make sure the floss rubs against both of the teeth.
In each space between your teeth, curve the floss, slightly wrapping it around the sides of each tooth so that it is able to reach the space between the tooth and the gums.
Repeat this process in each space between your teeth, using a clean part of the floss each time.
Tip: If you have a particularly tight spot between any of your teeth where it’s hard to get the floss between and back out, simply unwrap one end of the floss from your finger and pull it out from the side.
Flossing and Brushing: Which Should You Do First?
In your personal oral care routine, which do you normally do first, the brushing or the flossing? It is actually recommended that you floss your teeth first. The reason is that flossing loosens food and plaque from your teeth, making it easier to brush it away. Also, it is easier to remember to floss if you do it first. You are much less likely to skip brushing than you are to skip flossing, so once you get in the habit of flossing first you won’t forget.
How Often Should You Floss?
Dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day and brush at least twice a day. Flossing too often may irritate your gums and make them more susceptible to gum disease.
Different Types of Floss
Standard floss. This is your typical floss made of nylon. It comes waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored.
Dental tape. This is a flat strip of floss that is shaped more like a narrow ribbon. It is helpful if you have any larger spaces between your teeth.
Super floss. This floss is specially made for flossing with braces, bridges, or other dental work. It has one end that is stiffened (like the end of a shoelace) to make it easier to thread under braces wires, spongy floss to clean around your brackets, and regular floss for getting between your teeth.
Other Flossing Tools
Waterpik. Basically a water flosser, this is a motorized tool that sprays water with force. It can be used to clean out the spaces between your teeth. It is especially useful when you have braces or dental work.
Plackers. If you have trouble maneuvering floss or you just need a faster method for flossing on the go, floss picks or plackers are a bit easier to use. These consist of a small piece of floss stretched between the ends of a plastic stick in a U-shape. You simply push the floss between each of your teeth. Rinse it off a few times as you go.
As a parent, you care about your child’s oral health habits. But you may be wondering if they need to go so far as to take a toothbrush to school. Here, we’ll discuss a few tips to promote superb oral health for your child this school year.
Teach Them to Care for Their Teeth at Home
If your kids properly care for their teeth every day while at home, there is no need for them to bring a toothbrush to school. Teach them that they should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes every day in the morning before school. Then at night before going to bed, they again need to brush their teeth for two minutes and to floss between their teeth, moving the floss in a C-motion to reach under the gums and scrape around each tooth.
Provide Your Kids with a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet will not just benefit your child’s overall health, but their dental health too. Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, like candy, white bread, cookies, crackers, and potato chips, which all contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria in your child’s mouth. In turn, the bacteria accumulate into a sticky film of plaque and produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, causing decay. Instead of packing their lunchbox with prepackaged treats, pack nutritious foods that are good for their teeth, like string cheese, whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, send them to school with a refillable water bottle so they can stay hydrated throughout the day. Sufficient water allows for a healthy flow of saliva, which will help clean and remineralize your child’s teeth, and prevent bad breath and mouth dryness.
Bring Your Kids to Helotes Family Dentistry for Routine Dental Visits
Another vital part of your child’s oral care routine is bringing them in for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend your child’s first trip to the dentist to happen around their first birthday, followed by visits every six months. Adhering to this schedule allows us to track your child’s oral development, and to make sure their mouth and teeth stay clean and healthy.
Brushing your teeth is the most important step of your dental hygiene routine, and dentists recommend doing this at least twice a day. Since bacteria is all around you, including in the food you eat, your teeth are vulnerable to decay. That’s why it’s essential to not just brush your teeth, but to brush them thoroughly.
Dentists such as Dr. Kenneth Troutman in Huntingburg, IN, suggest brushing for two minutes each time you brush. This ensures that you’re reaching every area of your teeth and removing all of the plaque that might be stuck to them. If you’re struggling to brush for at least two minutes every time or just need more motivation to brush, check out these helpful dental apps that you can download.
1. Brush DJ
Unless you’re already using a timer app when you brush your teeth, you probably just brush your teeth for a certain length of time and assume it’s been two minutes. With the Brush DJ app, you’re able to know exactly how long you’re brushing without having to guess.
This app lets you choose a song from your own personal library or online and plays exactly two minutes of it. That way when the song stops playing, you know you’ve brushed long enough. The app also allows you to set reminders to do things like buy a new toothbrush, schedule a dentist appointment, or even let you know when it’s time to brush.
2. Brushy
An important part of brushing is making sure you brush every inch of your teeth — even the hard to reach areas that are hard to see. Brushy is an app that helps you remember to do this. It shows you a diagram of a mouth and indicates which section of your teeth to brush and for how long.
The app also features a simple timer that counts down from two minutes so you know how long to brush for. Thanks to the visual aid it offers, Brushy is perfect for people who need a reminder to brush more thoroughly.
3. Teeth Whitener
Having a white smile can boost your confidence and oral health as well. According to dentists like Dr. Randy Allain in Highland, MI, the whiter your teeth are, the more motivated you are to maintain them. On the other hand, having a dull smile will likely make you want to improve it by brushing regularly with whitening toothpastes.
Teeth Whitener is an app that allows you to upload a picture of yourself to see what you would look like with whiter teeth. It also allows you to track your progress and compare your current smile to past versions of your smile. Download this app to receive motivation to brush daily so you can achieve the smile of your dreams.
4. Colgate Connect
If you’re looking for a more advanced, personalized brushing app, try the Colgate Connect app. While it does require you to purchase the compatible toothbrush to use the app, users have found that it dramatically improves their oral health.
This app has a wide variety of features to help you improve your brushing. Not only does it include a two-minute timer, but it also allows you to upload a diagram of your own set of teeth. It even shows you spots that you missed and highlights areas that need extra attention.
The app also includes a fun game that lets you unlock new characters while you brush, making it a great app for children as well.
Seeking Additional Dental Care
Mobile apps are a great way to make sure you’re brushing your teeth consistently, but there are other important aspects of maintaining good oral health. Some of these include flossing frequently and choosing a good, alcohol-free mouthwash. It’s recommended that you floss and rinse your mouth with mouthwash at least once a day.
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups is also crucial.
Men and women have the same mouth structure, consisting of the teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw. Anatomically speaking, men and women are pretty much the same when it comes to their mouths. However, many studies have proven that women's oral health is far superior to men.
Most of us know how necessary bi-annual dental appointments are; however, women are much more likely to attend regular cleanings and exams. Below you will find other common reasons women are thought to have better oral health than most men.
Periodontal Disease Increases With Heavy Drinking
Plaque accumulation on the teeth and gumline happens quickly without regularly seeing a dentist for check-ups and cleanings. People who fail to see their dentist every six months often suffer from hardened plaque, which leads to periodontal disease. As soon as bacteria accumulate between the teeth and gums, visible side effects, including swelling and bleeding, begin. Men are more likely to develop periodontal disease, mouth sores, and tooth decay due to heavy drinking.
Men Are More Likely To Suffer From Dry Mouth
Certain medications, including antidepressants and those for high blood pressure, can significantly impact natural saliva production. Saliva plays a critical role in controlling cavity-causing bacteria and protecting your enamel. Because men are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, they should be mindful of common side effects associated with certain medications.
The Risk of Dental Trauma Is Greater
Men are more likely to suffer from dental trauma because they are much more involved in contact sports than women. Mouth injuries like knocked-out teeth, fractures, cracks, and other trauma-related issues can significantly affect the health of your smile. Using a mouthguard can help protect the teeth while participating in contact sports.
Men Use Their Teeth More as Tools
Using your teeth as tools to open things is never a good idea, and men are much more likely to suffer from damage because of this. From opening bottles to ripping open a snack bag, using your teeth as tools can result in a cracked tooth or damaged enamel.
Routine Cleanings and Exams Aren't a Priority
Dentists recommend visiting a dental clinic once every six months for routine dental cleanings and exams. During these appointments, accumulated tartar and plaque are removed, and your mouth is checked for potential issues. A study published by the CDC showed that women are more likely to schedule routine dental appointments than men. Women are also more likely to follow a dentist's recommendations than men.
Men Are More Prone To Oral Cancer
Males over the age of 40 are more prone to oral cancer than any other demographic. The most commonly affected area of the mouth where oral cancer develops is the lips, gums, tongue, and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer spreads quickly and can cause chronic pain, loss of function, facial disfiguration, and even death.
Chewing or smoking tobacco increases the chances of being diagnosed with oral cancer. Men who are tobacco users should make a strong point of seeing a dentist regularly to perform oral cancer screenings.
Routine Hygiene Isn't as Much of a Priority
In general, women are thought to pay more attention to their body's overall health. When it comes to oral hygiene, women are 26% more likely to floss daily, and 57% of women commit to brushing twice a day vs. 49% of men.
When was the last time you visited your dentist? If it's been longer than six months, it's been too long.
Unless you're a dental trivia champion, the term "crown lengthening" probably isn't familiar to you. Even though it's perhaps a new term to you, a crown lengthening procedure is actually relatively standard. Think of it as the dental treatment you need to make the next dental treatment possible. Your dental professional may tell you that you'll need this procedure because you don't have enough exposed tooth surface for them to place a crown or bridge appropriately. If so, you're probably very curious about what crown lengthening is.
Crown lengthening surgery involves removing gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of a tooth. It's done for therapeutic and sometimes cosmetic reasons. Let's go over why you may need it and what to expect from pre-op to recovery!
Why Would I Need Crown Lengthening?
Imagine this: your dental professional has examined your teeth and determined you need a crown. But what if there is not enough tooth for a crown? A periodontist may then suggest a crown lengthening procedure to support a dental crown or tooth bridge. There are a few reasons why you may not have enough tooth for a recommended treatment:
Your tooth may have broken off at the gumline.
Your gumline extends too far along your tooth for it to receive the restorative treatment it needs.
Your tooth structure isn't strong enough for restoration.
A crown or filling has fallen off, and there is decay underneath.
Is There a Cosmetic Reason To Get Crown Lengthening?
According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), a "gummy smile" is a common reason for getting a crown lengthening procedure. You may hear this term about short looking teeth. But did you know that "short" teeth aren't actually short? They may just have an excess of gum tissue! It's important to note that every smile is different, so some people are just born with more gum tissue. However, we believe you deserve to feel great about your smile! So we recommend having a conversation with your dental professional if you are self-conscious of your smile and would like to consider crown lengthening as a cosmetic option.
How Do I Prepare?
A periodontist will review your medical history and X-rays before setting a date for the procedure. You may also have a dental hygiene appointment done right before crown lengthening, as this will decrease your infection risk by clearing out any bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
If your dental professional performs a crown lengthening procedure to reveal enough tooth for a crown, there's a chance they will put a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it before surgery. This allows your periodontist to see how a crown will fit on your tooth once the tooth has "lengthened" and the gums around it have healed. After three months of healing, a final crown will fit onto your lengthened tooth.
Another way to prepare for crown lengthening and to determine if it's the best option for you is to consider the cost. The price of your procedure will depend on several factors, such as whether or not you have dental insurance, what type of surgery you're having performed, how many teeth need it, your location, and whether it's for a restorative or cosmetic reason. Dental Treatment Guide estimates crown lengthening costs between $1000 and $2,000, while Cost Helper Health estimates it between $1,000 and $3,000.
What Can I Expect From a Crown Lengthening Surgery?
There are three types of crown lengthening surgery: a gingivectomy, surgical extrusion, and apically repositioned flap surgery. Your dental professional will know which type of surgery is best for you, based on the following considerations, noted by Medical News Today:
The appearance of your tooth's root
The crown to root ratio
If there is any bone loss
Aesthetic considerations
The position of the tooth that needs crown lengthening
What type of reconstructive surgery is necessary (like a filling or cap)
Crown lengthening surgery is usually done with a combination of local anesthesia and a sedative. Your periodontist will use a scalpel, laser, or a combination of the two tools, depending on the type of surgery. The amount of time your crown lengthening surgery will take will depend on the number of teeth that need treatment. It will also depend on if both bone and soft tissue need removal. You may only have one tooth that needs crown lengthening, but neighboring teeth are often also included in the treatment. This means that the tissues reshape gradually.
What comes next?
You can take anti-inflammatory medication and use a cold compress to help with any pain or swelling after your surgery. While you recover, we recommend consuming soft, healthy foods and rinsing your mouth after meals. Staying away from hard, sticky, and sugary foods will guarantee you're only introducing the most gentle and nutrient-rich ingredients into your mouth, letting your teeth and gums heal.
During the first few days of healing, your gums will continue to shrink as the swelling comes down. If the crown lengthening procedure was on a tooth in the back of your mouth, full recovery might take 6-12 weeks. You can expect the healing timeframe to be 3-6 months if the crown lengthening procedure occurred in the front of your mouth.
Are there possible complications?
The two main complications, bleeding and infection, can occur after any surgery. If you experience any symptoms beyond the expected, such as bleeding that doesn't stop, signs of infection, or pain that doesn't lessen, call your periodontist. Specific to crown lengthening surgery, you should watch for:
Sensitivity to hot and cold: This should go away with time or when your periodontist places the crown on your tooth.
Appearance: The affected tooth may look longer than the teeth next to it after the tissue and bone removal.
Looseness: It's a possibility that removing bone from around a tooth can make it feel looser
Regardless of the reason for you needing or wanting this procedure, maintaining a vigorous oral care routine before and after surgery is essential for the best possible outcome. You should brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss, a water flosser, or another interdental cleaning tool.
Everyone deserves a bright and healthy smile they're confident about. Whether your dental professional has told you that you'll need crown lengthening for a restorative dental procedure, or you personally feel it's a cosmetic surgery that will improve your smile, understanding the process is vital. Your dental professional can help you decide on the right course of treatment, so you feel confident showing off your healthy, gorgeous smile!
Your dentist has recommended that you see a periodontist, a dental specialist who treats periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that infects the gum tissue causing inflammation, redness, swelling and loss of bone around the teeth. It can affect one tooth or many.
The National Institute of Health reports that 80 percent of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease.
How did I get Periodontal Disease?Periodontal disease begins with bacteria present in the mouth attaching to the teeth. The bacteria collect and multiply, forming a biofilm called dental plaque. If this plaque is left on the teeth, the adjacent gingival tissues can become inflamed, resulting in the development of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.
Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing with a toothpaste that fights bacteria can help prevent gingivitis. Plaque and food debris are removed by oral hygiene practices and thus clean the surface of the teeth and eliminate bacterial plaque at the gum line of the teeth. [It needs to be clear from this section that gingivitis is an early form of gum disease that can lead to periodontitis, a serious form gum disease, if left untreated] However, if plaque and food debris are not removed and oral hygiene practices are not maintained, then gingivitis will get worse and the gum tissue can become more inflamed, bleeding can occur, the area between the tooth and gum tissue can become deepened to form a periodontal pocket and periodontal disease can develop.
A periodontal pocket develops as the plaque bacteria from the biofilm continues to accumulate and moves below the gum line. At this point, home care is not very effective in removing the dental plaque. If it is left untreated by the dentist or dental hygienist, the biofilm will continue to spread below the gum line and infect the inside of the pocket. The bacteria in the plaque produce by-products that cause the adjacent soft and hard tissue to degrade, forming a deeper pocket in the process.
This type of advanced periodontal disease can affect the roots of the teeth and they can become infected, too. The teeth may become loose or uncomfortable and the patient will require gum surgery. The patient would be required to have initial therapy to treat diseased periodontal pockets through scaling and root planning. The dental hygienist would utilize an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque, tartar and food debris below the gum line and would hand scale the tooth and root surface to make it smooth and disease free. Scaling and root planing can be completed in two to four sessions depending on how much oral disease the patient may have. Thorough oral hygiene procedures would be reviewed with the patient to improve oral care cleaning techniques at home.
Types of Gum Surgery
1. Gingival Flap Surgery – If pockets are greater than 5 millimeters in depth, the periodontist would conduct this procedure to reduce the periodontal pockets that were noted in a patients chart. Most patients who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis would go through this procedure. The periodontist would cut the gum tissue to separate the gum tissue from the teeth, conduct a thorough deep cleaning with an ultrasonic scaling device as well as hand instruments to remove tartar, plaque and biofilm below the pockets.
2. Gingivectomy – This procedure is conducted to remove excess gum tissue that may be overgrown on the teeth to provide a better area to clean the teeth. The periodontist would numb the patients gum tissue and cut and eliminate the extra gum tissue in the mouth.
3. Gingivoplasty – This type of gum surgery is used to reshape healthy gum tissue around the teeth to make them look better. If a person has tooth recession where the gum is pushed away from the tooth, a gingivoplasty can be done. A gum graft can be done where the tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth (this is called a graft) and then stitched into place on either side of the tooth that is recessed.
After gum surgery, it is important that the periodontist or dental hygienist inform you how to clean the teeth and gum tissue with a toothbrush and an antimicrobial fluoride toothpaste, floss and antibacterial mouth rinse. Please consult your periodontal specialist or dentist for more information of how to care for your gum tissue and teeth after gum surgery.
It’s easy to get into a routine when you brush your teeth, but have you ever wondered if you’re spending enough time on this important task?
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH?
You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time to make sure you’re removing enough plaque. It can help to set a timer for this amount of time since most people only brush for about 45 seconds.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PRACTICES FOR BRUSHING TEETH?
It’s best to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use short strokes and gentle pressure to move your toothbrush along the outer surfaces of your upper and then lower teeth. Do the same with the inner surfaces of your teeth but hold your toothbrush vertically and brush up and down. Brush the chewing surfaces using a back-and-forth motion and brush your tongue by moving your toothbrush from front to back.
IS IT OKAY TO BRUSH TEETH ONCE A DAY?
Brushing your teeth only once a day allows harmful bacteria to quickly build up in your mouth or in between teeth.
SHOULD I FLOSS BEFORE OR AFTER I BRUSH MY TEETH?
There’s not a strong consensus either way on whether you should floss before or after you brush your teeth. The important thing is that you floss and brush thoroughly.
IS BRUSHING YOUR TEETH 3 TIMES A DAY TOO MUCH?
It’s OK to brush your teeth 3 times a day if you’d like. Whether you brush 2 or 3 times a day, it’s important to not apply too much pressure. This can damage the enamel and gum tissue, which can make your teeth more sensitive.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE MORNING?
As you sleep, your body produces less saliva, making it easier for bacteria in your mouth to multiply without getting rinsed away. If you don’t brush your teeth in the morning, the bacteria have a chance to multiply and eat away at the enamel in your teeth.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU CAN’T BRUSH YOUR TEETH?
If you’re in a situation where you can’t brush your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with water and swish it around.
To be more thorough, wash your hands and rub across your teeth and gums with your wet finger. Then wrap a wet paper towel around your fingers and rub it over your teeth. Rinse well and swish water around in your mouth.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE BRUSHING MY TEETH AFTER EATING?
In general, you should brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating. But if you eat acidic foods, like oranges or grapefruits, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing since your enamel can become temporarily weakened.
IS IT HARMFUL TO BRUSH TEETH WITHOUT MOUTHWASH?
A bacteria-fighting mouthwash can help prevent gum disease, and one that prevents fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. However, it’s not harmful to brush your teeth without using mouthwash.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN TEETH?
Brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended. You should also floss once a day and talk to your dentist about which type of mouthwash he or she recommends for your needs.
We are painfully aware what potholes do to our cars and trucks. They are the result of high usage and high impact on our roads which lead to cracks in the pavement. If the cracks are not fixed, they turn into large holes. This analogy plays out similarly with decay in your teeth. “Dental potholes” are small perforations in the enamel that become sensitive and are prone to tooth decay. Over time, the potholes in your mouth will get bigger and deeper unless you take care of the problem.
HOW DO YOU GET THEM?
The food and drinks you consume impact the health of your teeth. Acidic food and drinks can gradually wear down the enamel and make your teeth soft. Another leading cause of tooth erosion is heavy clenching or grinding. There are people who unconsciously, grind their teeth while asleep and others do it subconsciously, perhaps while they’re working. The grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety but also by sleep disorders.
For people who drink alcohol or smoke, consider this 2016 study by the Journal of the American Dental Association. Researchers discovered that people who drink or smoke are about twice as likely to grind their teeth.
HOW CAN YOU TREAT THE POTHOLES IN YOUR TEETH?
Dr. Alejandro Cavazos at Advanced Smile Care said there are several treatment options. One is a sealant that protects the chewing surface of the back teeth, where potholes typically arise. The sealants help avoid further decay or fillings. He said if you do have potholes, it’s best to take care of the decay when it’s small. There are several safe materials available for fillings. As for the grinders at night, ask your dentist about getting fit with a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Cavazos says anyone who is experiencing mouth pain should visit the dentist office immediately. Do not wait any longer. This is a sign of nerve damage, which may require more extensive treatment such as a root canal, a crown or perhaps an extraction.
“The level of predictability goes up and better treatment outcomes can occur by catching potholes before they become sinkholes,” said Cavazos. “We can help in this way and other ways by addressing dental issues that are relatively small and straightforward before they become large problems, more involved and more costly.”
How can something so tiny be so annoying and painful? Cuts inside your mouth can happen to anyone. They can make your lips or cheeks swell, and they burn when you eat citrus fruits or drink hot beverages. Thankfully, because they are so common there are clear and easy tips to help them heal. We'll give you the rundown of why these little injuries can be a real pain and answer your questions about how to treat inner lip or mouth wounds.
Why do mouth wounds happen?
Cuts on the lips, tongue and the inside of the mouth happen to almost everyone. These areas have the softest, thinnest skin on your body, so the smallest bump or scrape can break the skin. You may have gotten wounds from your teeth cutting the inside of your mouth or bruised your lips from accidentally biting down. Some inner lip wounds can be canker sores or cold sores.
Most inner lip or outer lip wounds are minor. Sometimes injuries can be more serious, such as injury to the face in a fall or car accident. In these instances, you should call your dentist to examine the wound.
It may be scary at first to feel or see a wound in your mouth because they tend to bleed more than a cut on another part of your body. Not only is that skin soft and vulnerable, but it's close to blood vessels, increasing the amount of bleeding. It's important to clean this area with good oral hygiene which will help it heal.
How do you treat cuts on your lips?
If the cut or wound is on the outside of the mouth like on your lips, you can easily keep it clean with mild soap, warm water and a clean cloth. Apply pressure with the towel to stop or slow any bleeding.
What should you put on cuts inside your lip or mouth?
You can easily do inner lip wound care at home. Rinse with salt water or a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water multiple times a day, like after meals. Salt water rinses have been shown to help your body heal. Don't swallow these solutions, especially not hydrogen peroxide. Don't worry if putting hydrogen peroxide on the lip or mouth wound makes your wound foam up a little, that's normal when peroxide meets skin. Cleaning the wound with these solutions will ensure there's no dirt or debris in the cut and allow your body to heal itself even faster.
The best way to heal a cut in your mouth in 3 steps
Often small wounds in the mouth can heal quickly with good hygiene and time. The American Dental Association (ADA) says minor sores or irritations like these can heal within a week or two. Follow these three steps from the University of Rochester Medical Center:
Do salt water rinses or hydrogen peroxide and water solution rinses after meals to clear bacteria and food debris
Make sure you aren't touching the cut with your tongue or fingers. It's tempting to check on it, but touching it may get the wound dirty and slow down healing. Wash your hands regularly just in case you do touch it.
If your inner lip wound has caused swelling or bruising, you should press gently on the wound with an ice pack or crushed ice wrapped with a clean cloth.
If your at-home care is not helping and you're worried about it, you may need to see the doctor.
When should you call your doctor about a mouth wound?
Here is where it may be scarier than a little cut. Pay attention to your body and if any of the following are true, contact your doctor:
Bleeding does not stop even after putting pressure with a cloth
The cut on your inner lip is deep
The cut extends from your mouth to the face
The cut in the lip is a puncture or hole
You develop any of these signs of infection:
Redness that expands to the surrounding area
Tender and painful
Fever develops
A pimple-like swelling with pus
Swelling increases and bruising of skin or hematoma may occur
If your mouth wound is around a tooth and the tooth is loose or broken, call your dentist. While you are waiting to see your dentist, the ADA suggests cold compresses and rinses in the meantime for sores and mouth injuries.
How do you prevent cuts in your mouth or on your lips?
If you've developed an injury from sports or other physical activities, a mouth guard could prevent your teeth from scraping your cheeks. Mouth guards provide a solid yet soft surface for your teeth. Your teeth can clench down on it instead of the inside of your mouth! They will also prevent you from biting your lips and accidentally breaking the skin. Mouth guards can be found in stores or customized for you by your dentist.
Be patient and let your cut heal
By keeping your wound clean, you are letting your body focus on healing the wound. If you are still concerned about the pain or swelling, call your doctor or dentist, and they can assess if you need further treatment. Until then, rinse with salt water or a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water, stop yourself from touching it and use cold compresses to help with any swelling or bruising. With these tips, the injury is on its way to healing.
Oral and gum inflammation are not only indications of decreased oral health, but they can also gauge or affect larger health problems. According to an article on the Mayo Clinic's website, "Your oral health might affect, be affected by, or contribute to" heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, pregnancy, and other conditions.
Heart Disease
No direct link between gum disease and heart disease has been proven yet, but the possibility is always being explored. An abstract published on the American Heart Association's website in 2012 suggests that inflammatory gum disease may be related to the way bad cholesterol affects the body. And of course, as Ann Bolger, M.D. states, "People with periodontitis often have risk factors that not only put their mouth at risk, but their heart and blood vessels, too."People who smoke, are sedentary, or have problems controlling their weight or blood pressure tend to be candidates for both health issues, so the connection is certainly one worth considering.
So, in addition to a good diet and exercise, like hiking or nightly walks, consider taking good care of your oral health part of your heart-healthy routine. There are products that fight germs for 12 hours, can help keep your gums, and maybe even your heart, healthy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, "new research suggests that tooth loss – a marker for periodontal (gum) disease – may predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its severity. The more teeth lost, the greater the risk of RA."Before periodontal disease becomes acute, one major indicator is gum inflammation. However, the good news is that periodontal disease is treatable with regular dental checkups, oral care and attention to your health. The earlier you start attending to this kind of discomfort, the greater your chances of preventing serious gum disease.
Alzheimer's Disease
It may surprise you to find out that oral inflammation is also associated with the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Periodontal disease can be a factor in how Alzheimer's Disease gets worse. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease says certain kind of oral bacteria "are implicated in the development of a number of inflammatory pathologies at remote organ sites, including Alzheimer's disease (AD)."Start taking preventative measures early on by brushing and flossing regularly to ensure periodontal disease is one less factor in negotiating good health as you age.
Make a Habit of Good Oral Care
If you're not sure where to start, be sure to brush and floss twice a day, and make an appointment with your dentist to learn how best to care for yourself, and your teeth, through the years.
