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Don’t let gum disease spoil that mistletoe kiss
8th Dec 2010
Hoping for that special kiss under the mistletoe this year?
Beware the hidden effects of gum disease and ensure your mouth is as fresh and inviting as possible.
'Partygoers often think a quick gargle of mouthwash is enough to dispel bad breath but it may not be enough. There may be a more serious underlying cause, such as gum disease,' warn oral care experts from Eludril and Elgydium.
With Christmas almost upon us, our thoughts turn to looking our very best for the festive party season and the possibility of a romantic rendezvous with someone special under the mistletoe.
The custom of kissing underneath a branch of mistletoe goes back hundreds of years, certainly to the early 17th century.
A man was allowed to steal a kiss under a hanging branch of mistletoe but when he did, one berry was plucked from the plant and discarded.
Once the berries were all gone, the kissing charm of the mistletoe branch was spent and the kissing stopped. However, this aspect of the custom is rarely applied these days!
So, if you intend to surprise that special someone under the mistletoe, you need to ensure that your oral hygiene is up to scratch.
'Bacteria are the main cause of bad breath. Leftover food can become trapped in difficult to reach areas of the mouth – this acts as a breeding ground for the bacteria that can cause bad breath,” warns the Eludril and Elgydium team.
'This can be remedied by brushing your teeth after every meal to remove food particles from your mouth. You should also floss once a day and also brush your tongue as this is covered with thousands of tiny hairs that can trap bacteria.'
The second most common cause of bad breath is gum disease – also known as gingivitis.
'Gum disease affects the majority of all adults in the UK and it is the primary cause of tooth loss after the age of 35.'
Gum disease is usually caused by the long-term effects of dental plaque deposits which cause the gums to become inflamed.
'When identified immediately, treatment of gum disease is simple. Treatment and prevention are based on a good oral care routine including brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
'If left untreated, gum disease can lead to chronically inflamed gums, receding gums, tooth decay and bad breath.'
The advice from the manufacturers of Eludril antibacterial mouthwash and Elgydium toothpaste is as follows:
* brush at least twice a day for around two minutes
* floss every day to reach areas that a toothbrush might miss
* replace your toothbrush regularly (every three to four months, as soon as the bristles look worn)
* avoid starchy, sugary foods and drinks, as these make the problem worse
* eat plenty of fresh foods and vegetables and avoiding snacking between meals.
'Should you spot the early signs of gum disease, visit your dentist as soon as possible, as the condition is easily and effectively treated if caught early – it need not result in any long-term health issues,' advise the Eludril and Elgydium experts.
These are the gum disease symptoms you should be aware of:
· Sore gums or swollen gums
· Bleeding gums
· Receding gums.
Receding gums will expose the root of your tooth, often resulting in sensitivity and pain.
As this condition worsens, a receding gum line will de-stabilise your teeth and they will gradually loosen, move and ultimately either fall out or have to be extracted.
Quick, easy and effective treatments are available for those who have detected the early signs of gum disease.
Experts from Eludril and Elgydium recommend that you check with your dentist for advice on which gingivitis treatment is right for you.
'The gold standard treatment for gum disease for many years has been chlorhexidine which has been proven effective against the key organisms that cause gum disease and works by inhibiting the build-up of dental plaque.'
Eludril mouthwash – which contains chlorhexidine – is an antibacterial and analgesic solution used to prevent and treat gum disease.
Choosing the right toothpaste is just as important. The Elgydium toothpaste range includes a regular Anti-Plaque paste containing chlorhexidine to help prevent dental plaque and tartar build-up.
There are also Whitening, Sensitive and Decay Protection toothpastes – but unlike many Whitening toothpastes, the whitening agent in Elgydium Whitening (Sodium Bicarbonate) is micropulverised to reduce harmful abrasion of the teeth.
Elgydium Sensitive contains a unique new-generation Fluoride called Fluorinol clinically proven to reinforce teeth against decay by binding to the enamel five times more effectively than ordinary fluoride.
Elgydium Decay Protection also contains Fluorinol, as well as a special agent called Siliglycol that keeps more fluoride on teeth – even after rinsing – to give day-long protection against decay.
For more information about protecting teeth against gum disease, please contact Nikki Pounds on 01202 780558, email nikki.pounds@ceutahealthcare.com or visit www.gumproblems.co.uk.
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