It’s natural to spit out all the foamy toothpaste in your mouth after you brush your teeth. Some people like to rinse their mouths out after spitting out the toothpaste, and others choose to not rinse at all. There are mixed opinions regarding whether you should rinse your mouth out after brushing, but what is the correct thing to do?
A lot of people choose to rinse after brushing their teeth because they don’t want to have any toothpaste left over in their mouths. Toothpaste can stay in and around the mouth for a while after brushing and rinsing out your mouth gets rid of all the leftover toothpaste. Another reason why people rinse their mouths is because that is how they were taught at a young age. As common as it is to rinse your mouth after brushing, it may not be the best thing for your teeth. Read more to find out what you should do after brushing your teeth—and when it’s best to use mouthwash or floss your teeth—according to the Oral Health Foundation. Also, always consult with your dental professional when you have questions about your oral hygiene.
The effects of rinsing after spitting
The active ingredient in most toothpastes is a mineral called fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing the enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks.1 Rinsing your mouth can prematurely wash out the fluoride that is working on your teeth. By spitting out toothpaste then not rinsing it out with water, the fluoride in the toothpaste will remain in the mouth and continue to be effective.2 It may be difficult to break the habit of rinsing your mouth after brushing, but it might be good to start trying. Leaving residual toothpaste in your mouth can reduce tooth decay.7
Rinsing with mouthwash immediately after brushing may not be the best for your teeth, even if your mouthwash contains fluoride. Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but using any kind of mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth can wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth.3
Rinsing after flossing
Do you floss before or after brushing your teeth? If you tend to floss after brushing, you may want to try switching up your routine. Flossing removes plaque buildup and leftover food that a toothbrush can’t reach, so it is important to rinse out your mouth after flossing.4 Rinsing after flossing ensures that everything removed by floss is washed away. If you floss after brushing, you’ll have to rinse away the toothpaste that is left behind on your teeth. Try to remember to floss before brushing so that none of the concentrated fluoride gets washed away.
Changing your brushing habits
If you rinse after brushing your teeth, it may be time to make a change in your dental hygiene routine. The next time you’re brushing your teeth, try not to rinse out your mouth immediately after spitting, even with mouthwash. If you need to use mouthwash, use it at a separate time than brushing to help you get the full benefits of fluoride from your toothpaste.2
When should children start brushing their teeth?
Most children get their first tooth around six months of age. Teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they break through the gums, so start cleaning your child's teeth with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth as soon as they appearr.5,7,8
Children three and under only need to brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Children between three and six require a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Supervise your child while they brush their teeth or brush for them until they can do it on their own. Children over seven should be able to brush their own teeth, but it's still a good idea to supervise them to ensure they’re brushing correctly. Ensure to minimize your child’s swallowing of fluoridated toothpaste.5,6
Brushing up on good dental hygiene
It’s important to brush your teeth properly every day, so here are some tips from the American Dental Association to freshen up your brushing skills:7
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush. Twice a day is enough, so try not to overdo it and brush too many times a day.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or after the bristles are damaged.
Make sure you use a good toothpaste with fluoride in it so you can protect your teeth and keep them strong. Sensodyne Complete Protection is a toothpaste that contains stannous fluoride and helps remove plaque from teeth, keeping them healthy and clean. Sensodyne Complete Protection also provides sensitivity relief and lasting sensitivity protection to make it easier for your teeth to withstand hot or cold temperatures.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes.
Make sure to brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Remember to brush for 2 minutes each time to ensure that you’re brushing thoroughly.
Clean between the teeth once a day with dental floss.
See your dentist regularly for a check up to make sure that your teeth and gums are looking healthy.
You can also take a look at these 5 oral health tips to follow for more information on proper oral hygiene.
Source CitationsIt’s natural to spit out all the foamy toothpaste in your mouth after you brush your teeth. Some people like to rinse their mouths out after spitting out the toothpaste, and others choose to not rinse at all. There are mixed opinions regarding whether you should rinse your mouth out after brushing, but what is the correct thing to do?
A lot of people choose to rinse after brushing their teeth because they don’t want to have any toothpaste left over in their mouths. Toothpaste can stay in and around the mouth for a while after brushing and rinsing out your mouth gets rid of all the leftover toothpaste. Another reason why people rinse their mouths is because that is how they were taught at a young age. As common as it is to rinse your mouth after brushing, it may not be the best thing for your teeth. Read more to find out what you should do after brushing your teeth—and when it’s best to use mouthwash or floss your teeth—according to the Oral Health Foundation. Also, always consult with your dental professional when you have questions about your oral hygiene.
The effects of rinsing after spitting
The active ingredient in most toothpastes is a mineral called fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing the enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks.1 Rinsing your mouth can prematurely wash out the fluoride that is working on your teeth. By spitting out toothpaste then not rinsing it out with water, the fluoride in the toothpaste will remain in the mouth and continue to be effective.2 It may be difficult to break the habit of rinsing your mouth after brushing, but it might be good to start trying. Leaving residual toothpaste in your mouth can reduce tooth decay.7
Rinsing with mouthwash immediately after brushing may not be the best for your teeth, even if your mouthwash contains fluoride. Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but using any kind of mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth can wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth.3
Rinsing after flossing
Do you floss before or after brushing your teeth? If you tend to floss after brushing, you may want to try switching up your routine. Flossing removes plaque buildup and leftover food that a toothbrush can’t reach, so it is important to rinse out your mouth after flossing.4 Rinsing after flossing ensures that everything removed by floss is washed away. If you floss after brushing, you’ll have to rinse away the toothpaste that is left behind on your teeth. Try to remember to floss before brushing so that none of the concentrated fluoride gets washed away.
Changing your brushing habits
If you rinse after brushing your teeth, it may be time to make a change in your dental hygiene routine. The next time you’re brushing your teeth, try not to rinse out your mouth immediately after spitting, even with mouthwash. If you need to use mouthwash, use it at a separate time than brushing to help you get the full benefits of fluoride from your toothpaste.2
When should children start brushing their teeth?
Most children get their first tooth around six months of age. Teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they break through the gums, so start cleaning your child's teeth with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth as soon as they appearr.5,7,8
Children three and under only need to brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Children between three and six require a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Supervise your child while they brush their teeth or brush for them until they can do it on their own. Children over seven should be able to brush their own teeth, but it's still a good idea to supervise them to ensure they’re brushing correctly. Ensure to minimize your child’s swallowing of fluoridated toothpaste.5,6
Brushing up on good dental hygiene
It’s important to brush your teeth properly every day, so here are some tips from the American Dental Association to freshen up your brushing skills:7
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush. Twice a day is enough, so try not to overdo it and brush too many times a day.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or after the bristles are damaged.
Make sure you use a good toothpaste with fluoride in it so you can protect your teeth and keep them strong. Sensodyne Complete Protection is a toothpaste that contains stannous fluoride and helps remove plaque from teeth, keeping them healthy and clean. Sensodyne Complete Protection also provides sensitivity relief and lasting sensitivity protection to make it easier for your teeth to withstand hot or cold temperatures.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes.
Make sure to brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Remember to brush for 2 minutes each time to ensure that you’re brushing thoroughly.
Clean between the teeth once a day with dental floss.
See your dentist regularly for a check up to make sure that your teeth and gums are looking healthy.
When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If you're unsure of the answer, you're not alone. Even though toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months, it's easy to lose track of how much time has passed or forget to put it on your shopping list. Your toothbrush may look like it’s in good shape, but if you don't replace it on a regular basis, it could be making you sick.
1.- Your Toothbrush Can Reinfect You After an Illness
Although it's common to read that you should replace your toothbrush after a cold or flu because you can reinfect yourself, this isn't true. Both of these illnesses are caused by viruses, which means once you've had them, your immune system will have developed the necessary protection to prevent reinfection. The best reason to replace your toothbrush after a viral illness is because the infection can spread if your toothbrush comes into contact with another family member's brush.
It is possible to reinfect yourself with a bacterial illness. If, for example, you have strep and your toothbrush has been colonized by the strep bacteria, you can get strep again. Bacteria can also cause gum disease and other oral health conditions, which is why we always give you a new toothbrush every time you come in for a dental cleaning.
2.- Your Bathroom Is Full of Bacteria and Viruses
A wet toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria, so you should leave your toothbrush uncovered and in an open location between brushing sessions to allow the bristles to dry out.
Unfortunately, this means most toothbrushes are stored in cups or toothbrush holders on sinks, many of which are located near toilets. When you flush, you should always close the toilet seat first, otherwise fecal coliforms will be sprayed into the air every time you use the toilet. Because noroviruses, which cause serious gastrointestinal disease, can be spread via toilet spray, it's best to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, if not in a different room entirely.
3.- Your Toothbrush Is Almost Impossible to Keep Clean
While rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing your teeth is a must, it isn't enough to remove all of the bacteria from it. Are your bristles ragged and worn? Bacteria will be able to collect in them more easily. Is there any build-up on the brush's handle or where the bristles attach to the toothbrush head? This can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. The humidity in a bathroom doesn't help, either. The longer it takes for your toothbrush to dry after you've brushed, the more time bacteria has to multiply.
Best Practices for Toothbrush Care
The American Dental Association has some great tips for reducing the risk of getting sick from your toothbrush:
Don’t ever share your toothbrush with someone else.
Rinse your brush well after each use to remove all traces of toothpaste and food particles.
Store toothbrushes upright and allow them to air dry between uses.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or whenever you notice the bristles are frayed or matted.
Most of us treat our salivary glands with an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. But if something goes wrong with them, we'll quickly notice the problem. We rely on these glands to supply the saliva we need to chew, swallow and speak and to wash food debris away from our teeth. Submandibular gland swelling can be associated with dry mouth, infection and other conditions. However, most causes of gland swelling can be treated.
Where Are the Submandibular Glands?
Firstly, what is the submandibular gland? There is one walnut-sized submandibular gland on each side of the face, just in front of the curve of the lower jaw at the back of the mouth. Along with your other salivary glands, these glands supply saliva that contains enzymes to help break down food and minerals that reduce the damaging effects of food acids on your tooth enamel. Saliva also makes the food you chew wet and easy to swallow.
Causes of Submandibular Gland Swelling
If you feel swelling underneath your lower jaw, it could be a swollen submandibular gland. Swollen submandibular glands are usually caused by tiny stones blocking the ducts that channel saliva into the mouth. According to the Merck Manual, these stones can develop from the salts in saliva, especially if a person is dehydrated. When a stone blocks a salivary gland, a condition known as sialolithiasis, an individual may experience swelling and pain over the affected gland. Why these stones form isn't clearly known, though they can be associated with liver disease and gout. According to The Journal of Medical Research, sialolithiasis is the most common salivary gland disease, and the submandibular gland is affected in 83 percent of cases.
Salivary gland infections can result from blocked ducts. In these cases, swelling of the gland may be accompanied by redness and pus.
More rarely, salivary gland swelling occurs due to a tumor. Merck Manuals explains that swelling caused by a cancerous or noncancerous tumor on the salivary glands may be firmer than swelling caused by an infection. A cancerous tumor will likely be very hard and fixed to the gland tissue, while a noncancerous tumor may be movable.
See your dentist to determine what's causing your submandibular gland swelling. They will help you put an effective treatment plan in place.
Treatments for Swollen Salivary Glands
Early treatment of a swollen salivary gland — particularly when caused by a stone — could save you from developing an infection. The National Health Service recommends increasing your saliva production by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum. The Government of Alberta suggests gently massaging the stone to help dislodge it.
If you are unable to treat it at home, your doctor or dentist may be able to push the stone out by pressing the submandibular gland or pull it out by using a small instrument, according to Merck Manuals. In rare cases, the stone may need to be removed surgically. If you suffer from a condition that causes salivary gland stones, receiving treatment to alleviate other symptoms may also reduce your risk of developing stones.
If you have an infection in your submandibular gland, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics and, if necessary, drain any pus from an abscess. Swelling caused by a tumor can be addressed by removing the tumor through a surgical procedure. Cancerous tumors should be treated urgently and will likely require monitoring.
To ease the pain of submandibular gland swelling, apply a warm compress to the gland area and rinse your mouth with salt water.
How to Prevent Salivary Gland Swelling
Maintaining a thorough oral care routine reduces mouth bacteria and is an effective first step in preventing swollen salivary glands. Increase your water intake and avoid smoking and using chewing tobacco, because these habits may increase your risk of mouth infections.
Submandibular gland swelling may be caused by a blocked salivary gland that can be easily treated. However, make sure to see your doctor or dentist for an accurate diagnosis to assess this oral care condition.
Your toothbrush is a wonderful tool for ridding plaque and bacteria that collects on our teeth and in our mouth. A toothbrush works well with fluoride toothpaste to also keep our breath fresh. We brush our teeth faithfully everyday; it seems like second nature to do it. The toothbrush is a tool we cannot live without.
When it comes to our dental care, we rely so heavily on the toothbrush but what do we really know about this odd-shaped tool?
Here is an interesting fact about toothbrushes that you may not have known; the most popular color of toothbrushes is blue. The second most popular color is red.
Keep reading to find out more about your toothbrush:
1.The most important thing is to ensure the toothbrush you select has the ADA approved sealThese toothbrushes are efficient for the removal of plaque and bacteria.
2. Toothbrushes have been around for more than 4,000 yearsBrushing teeth goes back to 4000 B.C. Ancient Hindu Indians frayed twigs to create fibers that worked as much the same way as the bristles on a toothbrush. The Babylonians, during the year 3500 B.C. brushed their teeth with tooth-sticks. Tooth-sticks were small sticks with frayed ends for cleaning teeth with.
3. The toothbrush was first invented for mass production in prisonA hundred years after toothbrushes were created in mass production in the U.S. they were already being made in England. Americans go through 25,000 toothbrushes in an average year; spending $850 million.
4. Your teeth do not prefer a toothbrush that is powered or manualThe first electric toothbrush was created in 1956 in Europe by the Squibb Company. Bruxodent manufactured the first electric toothbrush in the U.S in 1960.
5. Brush and floss your teeth daily–in whatever order you prefer, teeth don’t care.Ensure you brush and floss your teeth every day for better oral health. When you clean the stuff between your teeth your are preventing plaque and bacteria build-up as well as bad breath.
6. A toothbrush prefers to be exposed to the open airTo prevent the growth of bacteria, store your toothbrush at least six feet away from the toilet. In addition, put the toilet lid down when flushing to avoid germs from being spewed through the air.
7. The natural life of a toothbrush is from three to four monthsA toothbrush needs to be changed out when the bristles begin to show signs of fraying–usually every 120 to 160 days. Also, you should get rid of your toothbrush following a period of sickness once you have recuperated
8. It is always best to go a little soft when it comes to your toothbrushIt is better to use a soft bristled toothbrush because the harder bristled ones can cause damage to the gums.
9. The best rule is two and two–two minutes brushing, twice a day.For the best oral health, this is a good rule of thumb.
10. It’s nice to share, just not when it comes to a toothbrush.A toothbrush that is wet is capable of breeding literally billions of bacteria. For this reason, you should not put a cap on your toothbrush. This allows bacterial microbes to grow within the humid environment of the wet toothbrush under a cap.
Learning about dental care and health gives new meaning to your oral hygiene practices. Regular dental visits and teeth cleanings are always recommended and should be practiced in order to achieve optimal dental health as well as overall physical health.
At this point, most of us know we should be brushing and flossing every day, but have you ever wondered if there were other things you should be doing on a daily basis to keep your pearly whites as healthy as possible? How much of a focus should you be putting on your toothbrush? Do you really need to brush your tongue? Should you be using a specific kind of mouthwash?
To answer all these questions and more, we sat down with Dr. Kristin Piper, DDS, out of Clintonville, OH, to get some advice on a few oral health tips everyone should be following.
Daily Oral Health Tips
Don’t Forget Your Tongue:
First thing’s first, yes, you can definitely clean your tongue! “If you haven’t yet, think about using that tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface of your tongue,” said Dr. Piper. It can be a great way to go the extra mile for your mouth.
Your Toothbrush Type Matters:
When it comes to toothbrushes, there really is a specific type you should be using. “There are so many types of toothbrushes out there, but some are definitely better than others,” she said. “Finding a toothbrush with soft bristles that can reach back to the crevices of your molars should be your go to. Just make sure that the toothbrush has an ADA Seal of Acceptance.”
Clean Teeth Need a Clean Brush:
And speaking of toothbrushes, did you know that you should clean your brush after every use? “Unless you want new bacteria to breed and wind up in your mouth, you need to clean your toothbrush,” Dr. Piper said. “The American Dental Association (ADA) says to rinse your toothbrush after each use and allow it to air dry. And whatever you do, don’t cover your toothbrush — this can lead to bacteria buildup. So, skip the toothbrush covers unless you need them for traveling.”
Out With the Old:
Thirdly, if you’ve been using the same brush for months and months and months, you should know that there’s definitely a toothbrush expiration date! According to the ADA, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months — sooner if the bristles are looking frayed or worn.
Hello, Mouthwash!
Another important oral health tip that many of us may not realize? Mouthwash can do more than just freshen breath! “Sure, mouthwash works great as a breath freshener, but it can also have oral health-boosting abilities,” she said. “Some special mouthwashes can help strengthen your teeth, reduce plaque, and fight off gingivitis before it even starts. Talk to your dentist about therapeutic mouthwashes that can help with oral hygiene if you’re interested in more than just over-the-counter mouthwashes.”
Now that you’re in the know when it comes to daily oral health tips and tricks, make sure that you’re going the extra mile and protecting your teeth from sensitivity pain every time you brush.
Cavities are common oral health problems, and they’re actually the first stage in the process of tooth decay. The buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth is common; it happens over time. During a checkup and cleaning, your dentist can evaluate the progress of this bacterial buildup while also cleaning it away. If your oral health professional doesn’t get to treat you in time, however, a cavity can form. Treating a cavity with a dental filling can be a straightforward procedure, especially if you catch it early. If you ignore your cavity, you may need more substantial treatment.
Cavities Get Bigger and More Difficult to Repair
Tooth decay is a progressive condition that will continue to get worse over time. Any cavity that you have will continue to get bigger the longer it goes unaddressed. Unlike a cut or scrape, your body can’t simply heal a cavity with time. As long as there is an active infection in your tooth, the condition will get worse. You need your dentist to clean out the bacteria and infected tissue inside your tooth before the tooth can heal. Once the tooth is clean, your dentist can repair the cavity with a dental filling. The longer you wait, the more substantial the filling will have to be.
Dental Crowns Can Be Used When Fillings Aren’t Enough
The goal of a dental filling is to repair the structure of your tooth. A cavity represents a structural deficiency in your tooth, and you need to repair that hole to be able to comfortably chew again. If a cavity becomes too large, a dental filling alone may not be able to repair the structural damage. In that case, your dentist may opt to use a dental crown to protect the tooth. Dental crowns allow you to preserve the root structure of your tooth, while using a tooth-shaped cap to cover and protect that structure. Dental crowns are fabricated to fit alongside your other teeth from both a functional and esthetic standpoint.
The Damage from a Cavity Won’t Heal on Its Own
The longer you wait to address your infected tooth, the more damage it will do. Neither the damage from a cavity, nor the bacteria itself will go away without treatment. If you choose not to receive a dental filling early on, then you may end up needing a dental crown. If you choose not to receive a dental crown, then your root canals may become infected. If you don’t treat the tooth with root canal therapy, if may become so infected that your dentist has to extract it so that it doesn’t spread infection to your other teeth.
We’re funny creatures, us humans. We’ll happily lick, slurp and nibble another human all over their body, but the suggestion of using their toothbrush afterwards is, for many of us, a step too far. But is this sudden blech at the thought of your partner’s germs justified? According to Dr. Mark Ryder, DMD, R. Earl Robinson Professor and chair of the Division of Periodontology in the UCSF School of Dentistry: No.
“Sharing a toothbrush is probably about the same as kissing,” says Ryder, when asked about the risks of swapping infections. “The difference with a kiss is that you’re transmitting saliva, too, so the bacteria may be able to survive a little better in that saliva.”
This doesn’t mean that kissing is worse than sharing a toothbrush — it’s just a different form of risk. “With a toothbrush, although you’re actually putting the bacteria a little closer to the gum and around the tooth, a lot of those bacteria are probably going to die off on the toothbrush before they go from one person to the next,” says Ryder. “One kind of balances out the other: With a toothbrush, you’re pushing it closer to where you don’t want it to be. With a kiss, maybe more of the bacteria can survive going from one person to another.”
When it comes to something more serious than everyday bacteria, however, the toothbrush can become more problematic. “If one person has bleeding gums and hepatitis, that virus might last a little longer on the toothbrush,” warns Ryder. “If you now brush your teeth and you have a cut in your mouth, some of that virus may get into your bloodstream.” His advice on staying safe? “I would say the bottom line is to keep your teeth clean if you have an active sex life. And don’t be so cheap! Get another toothbrush.”
There are, of course, situations where you might consider sharing a toothbrush with someone you’re not regularly smooching. If you crashed at a buddy’s place the night before and want to clean the taste of beer and pizza out of your mouth, should you consider using their toothbrush? “The chances of getting something are extremely rare, but I would wait till you get home and use your own toothbrush,” says Ryder. Alternatively, he recommends borrowing a clean washcloth, wrapping it round your finger, wetting it and cleaning your teeth with that. You can also run a toothpick across your teeth and along your gum line, or just use mouthwash.Also, just remember, there are more things than the other person’s mouth germs to worry about when using their toothbrush: Toilet flush blast radius is a very real thing.
Tongue bumps can appear for all kinds of reasons. Accidentally biting your tongue can result in bumps, or they could be due to something more serious. If you're concerned about a bump on your tongue that isn't going away, book an appointment with your dentist or GP.
Tongue bumps can appear for all kinds of reasons. Accidentally biting your tongue can result in bumps, or they could be due to something more serious. If you're concerned about a bump on your tongue that isn't going away, book an appointment with your dentist or GP.
Natural Bumps on the Tongue
Papillae are the small, natural bumps that cover the surface of the tongue. The four types of papillae are:
Filiform
Fungiform
Circumvallate
Foliate
All of the types except filiform contain taste buds. Filiform papillae mostly appear at the back and center of the tongue, fungiform papillae are located on the sides and tip, circumvallate papillae appear at the back of the tongue and foliate papillae sit just in front of them and on the sides of the tongue.
Causes of Enlarged Tongue Bumps
Circumvallate and foliate papillae are normally large enough to be seen with the naked eye, but sometimes a papilla grows unusually large due to irritation or inflammation. This condition is called transient lingual papillitis. An accidental bite to the tongue or irritation from foods or chemicals can cause enlarged papillae. Transient lingual papillitis may also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, smoking, alcohol consumption, plaque build-up or dental appliances. The condition is temporary and often resolves on its own.
Tongue bumps can appear as blisters, ulcers and lumps. According to the Merck Manual, other causes of bumps on the tongue include canker sores, bacterial infections, oral herpes, allergies, immune system disorders and oral cancer. A bump can also develop on the side of the tongue in the space created by a missing tooth. Although most cases of bumps on the tongue are harmless, unexplained white or red areas, sores or hard lumps on the tongue should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Prevention
You can prevent tongue bumps by avoiding the triggers that cause them. Take care when chewing your food and wear a mouth guard while playing sport to avoid accidentally biting your tongue. Avoid eating foods that cause mouth irritation to lower your chances of developing enlarged papillae. Maintain a good oral care routine, including brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth.
Healing Time
Treatment is rarely necessary for most cases of tongue bumps, including mouth ulcers and enlarged papillae due to tongue injury. Drinking plenty of water and rinsing with warm salt water can assist the healing process. Topical over-the-counter treatments like oral numbing gels and mouth ulcer medication may help numb any discomfort. However, if the condition persists for longer than a week or becomes more severe, visit a dental professional for an evaluation.
Bumps on the tongue can be annoying and tedious, but most bumps are harmless and disappear without any treatment. See a medical professional if you have a bump on your tongue that doesn't go away or that gives you another cause for concern.
When you brush or floss, you may notice a little bit of blood coming from your gums. While many people brush this off as normal, gum bleeding and sensitivity are signs of inflammation, and potentially underlying disease.
If you notice that your gums are bleeding, you should always check in with your dentist to rule out something serious.
That said, there are some home remedies that can help prevent and relieve the symptoms of sensitive or bleeding gums.
Common Causes of Sensitive or Bleeding Gums
Bleeding or sensitive gums are a sign of inflammation or irritation of the gum tissue. This can be due to a number of underlying causes, ranging from improper oral hygiene practices to gum disease.
Common causes of sensitive or bleeding gums include:
Poor oral hygiene, including not brushing at least twice and flossing at least once per day
Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, or brushing too vigorously
Using a frayed, worn toothbrush that does not clean effectively
Improper use of dental floss that irritates the gums
Early-stage gum disease, which may be more common in older adults
Systemic health problems or a weakened immune system
Taking certain medications such as blood thinners, aspirin or ibuprofen
Relieving Gum Bleeding and Sensitivity
Gum bleeding and sensitivity can be both uncomfortable and upsetting. Fortunately, simple at-home first aid can go a long way in helping to relieve some of the symptoms.
Applying Pressure with Gauze
You can stop gum bleeding by holding a clean, dampened piece of gauze against the affected area. Gently press the gauze in place until the blood stops flowing.
Using Cold Compresses in 10-minute Increments
To relieve gum sensitivity and discomfort, hold a small ice pack against the affected area. This will reduce pain and swelling. Only treat the area with ice for 10 minutes, and then take a 10-minute break before reapplying.
Rinsing with Warm Salt Water
Rinsing with warm salt water can help kill bacteria and soothe inflamed gums. Add a half teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for a few seconds. Repeat this several times daily.
There are also a number of actions you can take to help prevent getting to a point where you need these kinds of treatment.
Preventing Gum Bleeding
If you’ve recently noticed that your gums are beginning to bleed while brushing, you should always talk to your dentist and get checked out to rule out serious oral or systemic health problems.
Once you’ve ruled out those types of conditions, you can try some at-home remedies to help decrease gum bleeding.
Step Up Your Oral Hygiene
Gum bleeding is often a sign of poor oral hygiene, as gums become inflamed and bleed when plaque builds up along the gum line.
To maintain good dental hygiene, make sure to do the following:
Brush your teeth using the proper technique at least twice per day — ideally after mealtimes or sugary snacks, too
Consider using a toothpaste formulated specifically for gum health or sensitivity
Floss at least once daily using proper floss and flossing technique
Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing
Eat a Healthier Diet
Eating the right diet can help improve your oral health and stave off gum bleeding:
Eat fewer carbs and sugars. They encourage bacterial growth and plaque buildup, which can contribute to bleeding gums. Cutting back prevents plaque.
Increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C strengthens your immune system and helps you fight gum infections that can cause gum bleeding. Deficiencies can also worsen bleeding.
Increase your potassium intake. This mineral is integral in staving off gum bleeding, as it helps your blood clot. Potassium deficiency may also contribute to gum bleeding.
Drink green tea. Green tea contains natural antioxidants that can decrease gum inflammation and gum bleeding.
Do Your Best to De-Stress
Emotional stress has a negative impact on the immune system, which can impair your body’s defenses against gum infection and therefore increase gum bleeding.
Emotional stress may also cause you to neglect your oral hygiene.
Quit Smoking if You Haven’t Yet
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease. Residue from the smoke itself is harmful to gum tissue, and smoking also impairs the immune system’s ability to fight off gum infections. Quitting smoking can help your gums heal, and improve your overall physical health.
Stop Sharing Items Involving Oral Contact
The bacteria that cause gum disease and bleeding gums are contagious. If your partner has a high bacterial load in his or her mouth, your risk for gum problems increases.
Avoid sharing anything that comes into contact with other people’s mouths as well, such as water glasses.
While bleeding gums are extremely common, make no mistake – they are not normal. If you notice even the smallest amount of bleeding from your gums, head to your dentist for a full oral health checkup. In the meantime, incorporate these easy home-care practices to begin improving your gum health today.
White teeth are often perceived as being a sign of youthfulness, but they don’t necessarily mean that teeth are healthy and strong. Dental health is about far more than just having a beautiful set of pearly whites. While white teeth might not have any visible evidence of tooth decay, some areas are hidden from view and then there are your gums to consider; all teeth need healthy gums for support.
Why Healthy Teeth Need Healthy Gums
Teeth can be beautifully white, but unless your gums are strong and free from disease they are in danger of being lost. Your gums are meant to fit snugly around your teeth. They should feel firm to the touch and be a healthy pink colour.
Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss and is where gums become inflamed and infected, and begin to bleed and fit less snugly around the teeth. One of the main problems with gum disease is that it is often a ‘silent disease’ meaning the first symptoms are easy to ignore or simply miss. This is why we recommend our patients visit us at regular intervals for check-ups and professional cleanings.
Regular Check-ups Mean Healthy Teeth and Gums
Regular dental check-ups enable our dentists to see if you have any signs of gum disease. This condition can often be completely eradicated if caught early on but otherwise may soon become chronic, requiring on-going dental care to help control it.
Even though gum disease is common, you don’t have to develop this condition. With professional dental care, you can have a smile that is truly healthy.
