Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are very common, but that doesn’t mean they’re healthy or that patients should have to put up with them. If you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste or sometimes taste iron while chewing, you should schedule an appointment at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat and learn more about gingival infections.

Gingivitis is the medical term for gum inflammation. The gums can be injured by being brushed too hard, which is why patients should only use soft-bristled toothbrushes. But the vast majority of the time, bleeding gums is caused by outbreaks of bacterial growth in the gum pockets. There are always bacteria in the gum pockets, but when they have an excessive amount of food available, they produce a large amount of plaque, which acid gets trapped in. This irritates the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Only a dental professional can clean plaque from beneath the gum line, but brushing regularly can deprive bacteria of their food source. Some people are at increased risk of gum infection, including pregnant women, smokers, and people on blood thinner medications. People with dry mouth are also at risk because saliva plays an important part in washing away food debris and maintaining a healthy pH level.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.

 

Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children

Oral hygiene becomes a necessity as soon as a person’s first tooth erupts, and at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we provide preventive care to patients of all ages. But while dental check-ups should be a normal part of every child’s life, children do often develop anxiety about their visits. If you’re a frustrated parent whose child is afraid of a teeth cleaning, read on.

When children develop anxiety, they’re often picking it up from their parents. Every parent should be honest with themselves about whether visiting the dentist is something they are comfortable with, and if not, it may be better for someone else to accompany the child. Children also do better when they are with an older sibling or friend they can see go first, and many parents find it’s more convenient to have all their children’s appointments done at once, anyway.

If a child does not remember their last appointment, it’s best just to tell them that the dentist and hygienists want to clean their teeth and make sure they’re healthy. Telling children that they need to be brave will only make them worried, and guessing at which procedures will be done is likely to cause confusion. When the child arrives, we can give an age-appropriate description of what we plan to do and demonstrate the use of our technology.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.