Grove's Blog

Grove's Blog

Posts for tag: Gingivitis

August 09, 2011
Category: Oral Hygiene
Tags: Gingivitis   Cavities   Sports Drinks  

The same beverages that boost your performance may be deteriorating your teeth.

Chugging your favorite sports beverage or energy drink may recharge your body and mind, but these drinks may be causing irreversible damage to your enamel, the outer layer of the tooth that helps preserve the natural tooth structure and prevent decay.  

A recent study in General Dentistry found that extended consumption of popular energy and sports drinks can cause tooth erosion, hypersensitivity and staining.  In fact, the study claims that sports and energy drinks can do 3 to 11 times more harm to tooth enamel than soft drinks over time.    While cola-based drinks may contain one or more harmful acids, sports and energy drinks contain additional additives and organic acids that can be extremely erosive to tooth enamel.  The additives found in sports and energy beverages actually break down calcium, which is necessary to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.

To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports and energy drinks in moderation and brush your teeth or rinse with water afterward.  Choosing water when you’re thirsty can preserve dental enamel and protect teeth from decay. Your smile will look and feel better for it!

To maintain good oral health and a cavity free smile, remember to practice healthy oral habits at home with proper brushing and flossing, and visit our office regularly for checkups and cleanings. Grove’s dentists can detect decay and other dental problems in their earliest stages. We’re here to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy smiles for life.

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October 06, 2010
Category: Dental
Tags: Oral Hygiene   Gingivitis   Gum Disease  

Grove Dental Periodontists can help you with your gum health"Don't forget to brush and floss your teeth!" If you've heard this once, you've heard it a thousand times. But this simple warning isn't just for your teeth. Your gums need included in on your daily oral health regimen as well.

Improve Gum Health & Save Your Teeth
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Every year, millions of people lose teeth as a result of gum disease, most often caused by poor oral hygiene. You can brush and whiten your teeth all you want, but if your gums aren't healthy, then the health of your teeth is probably deteriorating as well.

Healthy teeth depend on the health of your gums. The gum tissue protects the foundation of the teeth including the supporting bone. If unhealthy gum tissue is Left untreated, even the healthiest teeth can become loose and fall out.

Early Detection is Key
Gum disease may progress painlessly with few obvious warning signs. In fact, many people do not recognize the warning signs of gingivitis - the earliest stage of gum disease -- until it has progressed to periodontitis. Untreated, the inflammation can invade connective tissue and even bone. The earlier you detect warning signs of gum disease, the better chance you will have of reversing the damage and preventing tooth loss.

Common signs of gum disease include:

  • Gums that appear red or swollen
  • Gums that feel tender
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Gums that pull away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Change in bite

The good news is that for most patients, gum disease is easy to prevent and even reverse in the early stages. Attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), coupled with professional exams and cleanings with a Grove Dental professional, could be all that's needed to avoid gum disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime. If you think you might have gum disease, Grove Dental has periodontists on staff who specialize in helping patients regain healthy gums.

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