Uncategorized
Effects of Manuka Honey on Plaque and Gingivitis
Effects of Manuka Honey on Plaque and Gingivitis
As we all know, honey is sweet and good for our health. There is yet another kind of honey known as Manuka honey. It has many more advantages than a regular honey.
It contains antibacterial properties to reduce some health problems. It contains properties known as Unique Manuka Factor or (UMF). This antibacterial factor is unaffected by bacteria in our body and also destroys the hydrogen peroxide components. Up to this day, findings still shows that no bacteria can overcome it.
In a recent study, Manuka honey with antibacterial properties that rated (UMF) 15 can be used to prevent plaques and gingivitis. They even experimented to put the components of these Manuka honey as the ingredients of a chewing gum, and it worked very well. It has reduced the bleeding of gums by 50%. Manuka honey can only be found in New Zealand hiding in Manuka bush, which was discovered by a group of medical professionals. The (UMF) is now compared to phenol (a standard antiseptic) and is now a registered trademark operating from New Zealand.
In fact, the medical investigative group has thirty volunteers from a certain University as participants in the study. They checked each and everyone’s teeth to be qualified to the test. To be exact, they should have at least 20 natural teeth with measurable plaque evident. The study was a success. The study shows that the components of the Manuka honey can reduce plaques and gingivitis.
It has shown to be more effective than other honeys against Helieohacler pylori (A Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that can inhabit various areas of the stomach, particularly the antrum), enterococci (a genus of lactic acid bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes), Staphylococcus aureus (a facultatively anaerobic, gram-positive coccus and is the most common cause of staph infections), and Escherichia coli (Gram negative rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms).
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery is a surgical procedure for the treatment of structurally damaged gums and connective tissues. Periodontal surgery is needed when any periodontal problem is affecting your oral health. There are many types of surgical options:
- Gingivectomy
- Periodontal flaps
- Osseous contouring
- Bone grafting
- Laterally sliding flap
- Free gingival grafting
It depends upon the type and severity of your periodontal disease and other conditions in your mouth to determine which surgery option is needed.
Periodontal surgery is carried out for the following purposes
Cleaning and reducing the periodontal pockets
Periodontal diseases have one common cause – the plaque. If not removed, toxins are produced which cause irritation of the gums and destroy the supporting tissues around the teeth thus forming periodontal pockets. This plaque eventually turns into tartar which results in pulling away of teeth from the gums. Consequently, attachment of gums and bones is weakened and the pockets deepen.
You cannot properly clean the deep pockets and prevent the plaque from occurring by just a regular brushing or flossing of teeth, neither your dentist can clean them adequately. Your periodontist can help you here by carrying out the necessary surgical procedures for removing the plaque and tartar, reducing the periodontal pockets and positioning the gums so as to remove all the areas where bacteria can reside.
Regenerating the tissues If left untreated, the periodontal disease results in the loss of attachment of the gum and bone to the teeth. The plaque easily finds its way to moves down into the roots of the teeth. This causes infection and eventually results in the loosening of the affected tooth and finally losing it. In this condition, the periodontist recommends surgery for regeneration of the gum and bone tissues.
Exposing the tooth structure for dental repairing
In some cases, tooth becomes decayed or gets broken below the gum line. For repairing this damage, the dentist needs to have the tooth structure more exposed. For this purpose, the periodontist performs a surgery for exposing more of the tooth structure to make this repairing procedure easy.
Periodontal Scaling
Periodontal Scaling
Periodontal scaling is one of the commonly performed treatments of periodontal diseases. It involves scraping away of the plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the root of the teeth, below the gum line. A non-surgical treatment, periodontal scaling, is performed by a dentist or a periodontist. Also known as ‘dental deep teeth cleaning’, periodontal scaling is quite safe. It is advised to perform it as a routine procedure at least once a year.
Periodontal scaling is performed by removing the plaque and tartar deposited on the root of the teeth. Local anesthesia is used in this procedure to make it more comfortable. The length of this procedure depends upon the extent of inflammation and the amount of plaque or tartar deposited on the teeth, but usually it takes two to four visits to complete this procedure. Periodontal scaling is quite beneficial for treating mild gingivitis when it is in the early stages. For severe periodontal conditions, periodontal scaling is performed as a preparatory step before performing any surgical treatments. Periodontal scaling reduces the inflammation around the gums and helps the gums in adhering firmly to the teeth. Periodontal scaling, however, has certain side effects too.
Periodontal scaling increases sensitivity to hot and cold, though it is temporary and with time, it will pass away. This sensitivity is because the roots get exposed when the gum shrinks. Bleeding for a few days might occur after this treatment. It would clear up on its own. But if the bleeding is excessive or lasts more than a week, then immediately consult your dentist.
It is advised to refrain from smoking for a few days after the treatment. Moreover, avoid those foods which might get stuck in the teeth and gums like nuts, popcorn, chips etc. Periodontal scaling causes gum tenderness, so it is advised to brush around the gum line very gently. Flossing should be done the day after the procedure is done.
Gingivitis Cure
Gingivitis Cure
A proper and good dental hygiene program can safe and prevent gingivitis. So try making brushing a habit consistently throughout the whole life. Gingivitis basically refers to gum swelling and inflammations which are caused by plague producing bacteria.
Avoid Gingivitis
The best and simplest cure is to avoid gingivitis from spreading deep into the gums. If discovered in initial stages it can be removed. Brushing properly after every meal and especially before going to bed avoids plague to accumulate in jaws. Besides brushing, flossing or dental floss can help preventing gingivitis bacterium from collection in gums. Brushing or flossing twice a day helps preventing bacteria. Use mouth fresheners and mouth washes like Listerine to avoid bad breath and plague. These oral washes help killing the bacteria which try to accumulate in pockets between gums. Brush at least for four to five minutes and same applies for flossing.
Cures for Gingivitis
Oral hygiene: Poor and improper oral hygiene is the cause of gingivitis. The therapy for gingivitis must work for you and your lifestyle. Dental surgeon must be referred, as they suggest best cure for plague and gingivitis. Many juvenile persons suffer from tooth dieses like gingivitis, bad odor and bleeding gums. The early stages of gingivitis are easy to control and it can be removed. Root planning and scaling are the best ways to cure bleeding gums and painful jaws.
Continuous teeth care: Assign regular checkups or at least four to five times a month. The dentist sets up a complete schedule of persistent brushing, flossing and oral hygiene. Use doctors recommended brushes and toothpastes. Many dentists refer to use round or electric brushes and fluoride pastes to avoid plague accumulation in teeth gaps. Mouthwashes and anti bacterial wash can also be used to avoid bacterium growth. Doxycycline is a string antibiotic used to treat gingivitis and it slow down the recession of gums and stops bleeding.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Hormonal transforms are caused during pregnancy, which risks a lot of health issues and oral problems. The inflammation and irritation in the gums may also occur, leading to health diseases like Gingivitis and gum disease Periodontitis. 50%-70% of women during pregnancy have chances of getting gingivitis due to hormonal transformations and this disease is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. The pregnancy hormonal transformations like the level of progesterone increases, and supply an easy opportunity for the bacterium to grow and increase level of Plague.
The plague created by the bacterium, fills in the gaps between teeth and the adjacent sides causing pain and bad odor. The bacterium slowly grows and turns into hard tater which causes Gingivitis. The tarter, if removed in its initial stages will not create much problem, but if not then dental surgery will be the only solution to get rid of the agony. During pregnancy the tissue response more to be poisons and gets more damaged. If anyone is a victim of gum diseases or has gum bleeding problems, then pregnancy will make it worst.
Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis in Pregnancy
Gum irritation and pain usually starts between the pregnancy period of second and eighth month. The signs are as usual, gums get redder and starts to bleed become more sensitive and everything hurts. The jaws become swollen and tooth ache increases. Other symptoms include:
• Gum digression/ tingling
• Bloated gums
• Hemorrhaged gums
• Tender gums
• Bad breath
• Gum tingling/paresthesias
• Gum deadness
• Gum itch
Beware of the Pregnancy Tumors
Don’t let this term get even near to you during pregnancy. The local irritations in the gums cause tremendous inflammations. 10% women during pregnancy suffer from pregnancy gingivitis and other gum diseases. These tumor growths can cause, excessive bleeding, eating and speaking very tough.
How to Reverse Gum Disease
How to Reverse Gum Disease
Gum diseases are quite common in people of all ages. Eating habits, not brushing and flossing regularly, rare or no visits to a dentist, and some medical conditions, all contribute to gum diseases. Gum disease is called periodontal disease by the dentists. Its most common cause is plaque that accumulates around the teeth and gums. Bacteria living and thriving in plaque make your gums irritating and weaken your teeth.
Early warning signs of periodontal disease include swollen and tender gums, bleeding, especially after brushing, bad breath, toothaches and loose teeth. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss. There are different stages of gum disease: halitosis or bad breath, gingivitis, periodontitis, and pyorrhea. These are all caused by the bacterial that live in the crevices of your teeth and gums producing toxins.
Reversing gum disease is not impossible. A visit to your dentist can get you proper treatment. However, you can do a little every day to get rid of the disease too. Here’s how:
1. Brush your teeth regularly especially in the morning, in the evening and after having a meal. Brush the teeth for two minutes using a good toothpaste. Scrub your teeth in circles. Don’t ignore the areas along your gum line and also your tongue.
2. Use mouthwash twice a day. Take the recommended quantity of mouthwash mixed with water and rinse your mouth with it keeping it in your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Mouthwash kills most of the bacteria in your mouth.
3. Floss your teeth, the area between the teeth and deep along the gum line. Do it everyday to reverse the gum disease. Flossing kills the bacteria left behind after brushing.
4. Use an oral irrigator. It’s a special kind of brush with special tips which cleans the crevices between your gums and teeth. Oral irrigator is very effective at reversing gum diseases.
5. Visit your dentist regularly. The dentist would spot your gum disease early and would give you treatment before it sets in deeply. You will also have your teeth cleaned professionally to get rid of the plaque and bacteria.
Periodontal Pocket
Periodontal Pocket
The term periodontal pocket refers to the presence of abnormally deep gingival sulcus around the area where the gums come in contact with the tooth. The sulcus cannot be removed through proper brushing of teeth when it has reached to a depth of 3 millimeters. A dental surgery is needed then, for thoroughly cleaning the infected area. If the gingival sulcus is left untreated, it causes the debris to build up and the attachment fibers holding the teeth in place to loosen up and thus leading to weakening of the teeth. Periodontal pocket should be immediately taken care of.
During the dental probing, if bleeding occurs it shows the existence of periodontal pockets because they are highly sensitive and even the slightest probing will cause inflammation and bleeding.
There is another closely related term – gingival pocket. When the attachment fibers do not become weakened due to the deep gingival sulcus, then it is known as gingival pocket. This condition can be cured by improving oral hygiene habits.
Treating periodontal pocket requires removing of debris and bacteria. It involves various steps. The dentist first tries to remove the bacteria as much as possible using the non-surgical procedures like scaling and debridement techniques. If the non-surgical treatments do not prove to be useful, the dentist resorts to the surgical treatment procedures and performs root planning.
In root planning, the bacteria are removed mechanically from the gingival sulcus. Numerous visits to the dentist are required till the successful removal of bacteria. After the completion of the surgical procedure, the patient is required to visit the dentist every three months for thoroughly cleaning of the infected area so that it does not get repopulated with the bacteria. A strict dental cleaning routine needs to be followed after the treatment.
It is recommended to follow proper dental cleaning routines and have periodic dental visits for preventing the periodontal pockets.
Gingivitis Causes
Gingivitis Causes
Gingivitis, an inflammation and infection of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth, is also known as pyorrhea.
It has various causes. The most frequently occurring cause is the plaque. Plaque is actually bacteria which constantly form soft, sticky and colorless film over the teeth and on the gums. If this film is not removed properly it can result in the production of toxins which cause inflammation of the gum tissues.
Normally there are bacteria in our mouths. When the sugars and starches in our food interact with these bacteria, plaque forms. A normal brushing of teeth can remove this plaque, but plaque has a notorious reputation of restoring again within 24 hours. When plaque stays on the teeth for 2 – 3 days, it becomes hard and turns into tartar. This tartar sticks firmly under the gum line and becomes very difficult to remove. A great reservoir for bacteria, tartar cannot be removed by just brushing and flossing, a professional cleaning by the dentist is required.
If plaque and tartar stay for too long on your teeth, they cause irritation in the gum area around the base of the teeth – known as gingiva – resulting in the swelling and bleeding of gums. So it is better to visit a dentist as soon as you develop gingivitis, before things get worse. Besides the plaque, there are several other causes which contribute towards gingivitis. One of them is the injury or trauma caused to the gums. The injury may be due to vigorous brushing and flossing of teeth. Moreover, poor oral hygiene also leads to gingivitis. It is advised to brush teeth at least 2 – 3 times a day and to floss regularly. Anyone with uncontrolled diabetes can also develop gingivitis. Inadequate eating habits, vitamin deficiencies, reactions to medications which tend to reduce saliva in the mouth, smoking and vitamin deficiencies are some of the notable causes of gingivitis.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
Diabetes and Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is quite common in people of all ages. However periodontal disease has a relationship with diabetes too. Both diabetes and periodontal disease contribute to each other in persisting and making it worse for the patient.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria living in mouth. These bacteria grow in the crevices and pockets around teeth and in gums. Periodontal disease is also caused by plaque. Early signs of periodontal disease include swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, toothaches and loose teeth, etc. All these are caused by the bacterial living in the mouth and producing toxins.
Diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease. People with diabetes have more vulnerability to catching infections and periodontal disease. Gum disease is thought to be one of the complications of diabetes. So people with their diabetes not under control are especially at risk.
A study by the Journal of Periodontology revealed that people with diabetes have a higher probability of developing periodontal disease than people who have their diabetes under control. There is a two way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for diabetic patients to control their blood sugar.
Periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, which contributes to increased periods of time when the body has high blood sugar. This increases the risk of diabetic complications. So, people with both diabetes and periodontal disease should get their periodontal infection quickly. The study showed that after treatment of their periodontal disease, patients had marked improvement in the management of their diabetes.
When diabetes is not managed well, it can make the patients vulnerable to periodontal. Diabetes affects the structure of the blood vessels in patients. Blood flow in diabetic patients does not remain as efficient as it should be. This weakens the bones and the gums, making them vulnerable to infections. If diabetes is not managed strictly, the level of glucose in the mouth fluids increases which helps gum disease-causing bacteria to grow rapidly.
Apical Periodontitis
Apical Periodontitis
Apical periodontitis is an inflammation of the teeth’s supporting structures around the apex of the tooth. This inflammation is caused by a tooth infection and results in the destruction of bone and root apex of the tooth. If properly treated and the reason for inflammation is removed, then periodontitis can be cured.
Apical periodontitis can be caused by infection, trauma or a root canal treatment. Out of these, infection is the most common. Bacteria contribute in the tooth decay and as a result cause the inflammation of the tooth’s pulp, called pulpitis, and eventually cause the pulp to die. If not properly treated, the inflammation extends towards the root canal and thus causes apical periodontitis.
Another cause of apical periodontitis is trauma. If there is any direct blow to the tooth, the tooth’s pulp dies and becomes infected with bacteria; finally resulting in apical periodontitis. Biting on a hard object and putting undue pressure on the teeth during a dental treatment are also some of the causes of apical periodontitis. Moreover, during the root canal treatment, mechanical dental instruments or chemicals used in the root-filling materials might cause this condition too.
Apical periodontitis is divided into acute and chronic apical periodontitis.
Acute apical periodontitis is characterized by a spontaneous onset of moderate-to-severe pain, persisting for a longer time. The pain gets aggravated when the teeth bite into something. It can be treated by either extracting the infected tooth or by doing the root canal treatment. These methods remove the source of infection and drain out the infection.
Chronic apical periodontitis occurs if the acute apical periodontitis is not healed completely or was not properly treated. The tooth becomes very sensitive; even the slightest touch or tap on the infected tooth is very painful.
Chronic apical periodontitis is treated in a similar way as the acute apical periodontitis i.e., tooth extraction and the root canal treatment.
Having a good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing teeth properly, using mouthwash, avoiding injuries or blows to the teeth and gums, and avoiding biting too hard on food are some of the preventive measures. Moreover, regularly visits to the dentist also pay off.
