There are many consequences to not having regular dental hygiene. Some of which are gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath and tonsillitis. All of these are caused by bacteria that constantly thrive in the mouth. Regular brushing and flossing help minimize the growth of these bacteria. Plaque is the debris which is left by the food particles and drinks when take. Another big contributor to plaque buildup is tobacco smoking, which leaves behind nicotine and tar. If the plaque is left to buildup in a long period, that bacteria that it contains will also thrive and settle on the borderline between the teeth and gums. It will slowly go down creating a gap between the teeth and gum line.

Once this happens, the gap will continue to widen allowing more food particles to settle. When this happens, the bacteria will eventually reach the root of the tooth that will cause decay and damage. If not taken cared of immediately, other areas will be affected creating a chain of gum disease that starts the cycle to tooth decay.

An indicator of gum disease is called gingivitis which is characterized by red, swollen and receding gums. This means that the gum line as you would notice, starts to drop and separate from the tooth or teeth it envelopes creating a gap. Gingivitis is also characterized by bleeding gums when you are brushing or if you eat something that aggravates the gums. When you detect these symptoms, immediately visit a dentist to have a dental cleaning and treatment. It is best if you are able to detect gingivitis at an early stage as sever tissue damage has still not occurred.

When not immediately brought to a dentist’s attention, gingivitis may progress to Periodontitis. This is a condition when the inner layers of the gum and bone structure pull away from the teeth and form pockets. This will eventually lead falling tooth as the bones that hold it collapse.

Although, there are many televisions, radio and internet advertisements regarding the negative impact of smoking in our body smokers still continue to advocate it.   Once a smoker neglects to brush his or her teeth regularly there is a big chance that he or she will acquire gum disease. Cigarette adds to the build up of bacteria in the teeth and gums.

You can easily detect if you have gum disease because your gums are bloated, sore and it bleeds when you are brushing your teeth. When spotted at an earlier stage make sure to schedule a dental check up with a professional dentist. Your dentist will give you recommendations that will surely resolve the problem. Studies have shown that gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and this is still reversible.

However, you didn’t treat at its early stage; there is bigger chance that you will have receding gums or lose your teeth. Receding gums is when your teeth becomes larger than the before. The roots or veins of your gums are visible when you smile. In addition, when the tissues and bones that support your teeth are infected, you will begin losing your teeth. This is the periodontal stage. A stage where you may or may not undergo dental surgery, it depends on how severe the gum disease has infected your teeth and gums.

If you love your life and what to show your gorgeous smile, start quitting now.  Smoking may give you pleasure each time you puff a cigarette but it will also deprive you of the life you truly deserve; a healthy and happy life. Quitting at first is difficult. There is a possibility that ones in awhile you puff a cigarette but eventually with determination and help from your family, you will be able to succeed.

Stop now while you still have the chance. Your reward is greater when you stop smoking. You will not only save your life but also your loved ones. Remember that you will only live ones.

All twenty baby (or primary) teeth come in by the time your child is two or three years old.

Primary Teeth

This chart tells you when baby teeth come in (or erupt) in most children.

If your child is getting his or her teeth and seems to be in pain, you can:

• rub the gums with a clean finger, or
• rub the gums with the back of a small, cool spoon.
• If your child is still unhappy, your dentist, pharmacist or doctor can suggest an over-the-counter medicine to ease the pain.

Here’s what you should not do:

• Do not use the kind of painkiller that can be rubbed on your child’s gums. Your child may swallow it.
• Do not give your child teething biscuits. They may have sugar added or contain hidden sugars.
• Do not ignore a fever. Getting new teeth does not make babies sick or give them a fever. If your child has a fever, check with your doctor.

Permanent Teeth

At age six or seven, the first adult (or permanent) teeth come in. They are known as the “first molars,” or the “six-year molars.”

They come in at the back of the mouth, behind the last baby (or primary) teeth. They do not replace any primary teeth.

Also at around age six, children start to lose their primary teeth. The roots slowly get weak, and the tooth falls out. Children lose primary teeth until they are about 12 years old.

It’s okay for children to wiggle their primary teeth if they are loose. But it’s not okay to use force to pull out a tooth that’s not ready to come out. When a tooth comes out at the right time, there will be very little bleeding.

Why do the new permanent teeth look yellow?

Permanent teeth often look more yellow than primary teeth. This is normal. But it could also be caused by medicine your child took, by an accident that hurt a primary tooth, or by too much fluoride. Ask your dentist about this when you go for a check-up.

Healthy Gums

Cavities are the main problem children have with their teeth. But children can get gum disease too, just like adults. It happens when the gums that hold our teeth in place get infected.

Daily brushing and flossing can stop gum disease. If your child’s gums bleed, don’t stop brushing. If the gums are always swollen, sore or bleeding, there may be a serious problem. You should take your child to the dentist.

Dental Safety

Here are some ways to protect your child’s teeth:

• Always use infant car seats and seat belts when you drive.
• Babies will chew on almost anything. Keep them away from hard things that could crack their teeth.
• Children fall a lot when they are learning to walk. Teeth can break, crack, get knocked out or become loose. See your dentist if this happens.

If you have questions about your child’s teeth, talk to your dentist.

• Smoking. In addition to increasing your risk of many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, smoking also increases your risk of gum disease.
• Hormonal changes. Women are especially at risk of gum disease during times of hormonal change such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Nutrition. A poorly-balanced diet can increase your risk of developing gum disease.
• Medications. Some drugs may increase your risk of gum disease, such as birth control pills and high blood pressure and arthritis medications.

There is a strong link between gum disease and diabetes. People with diabetes are not only more at risk of gum disease, but gum disease can also affect the severity of their diabetes, putting them more at risk of diabetic complications later on in life.

The same bacteria found in plaque can also be inhaled into the lungs where they may cause an infection or aggravate any existing lung condition, especially in older adults. This can happen even if you don’t have serious gum disease, but have lots of plaque.

Studies are also examining whether pregnant women with gum disease, including gingivitis, may be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight (PLBW) babies than women without gum disease. Even though this research is still ongoing, it remains important for pregnant women to take care of their gums and teeth.