Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed which is not considered normal. This is due to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth which causes inflammation called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, the plaque can turn into a hard deposit called tartar or calculus which will require professional scaling by your dentist or hygienist to remove it.It is important even if your gums bleed they are still brushed to keep the mouth clean otherwise the bacteria build up in the mouth will make gum inflammation worse. After a few days of thorough cleaning, your gums should stop bleeding. If this does not happen you will need to ask the advice of your dental team as you may need professional cleaning.A good oral care regime should be able to prevent your gums from bleeding if done correctly. We would always suggest that you have regular examinations at your dentist. This can help diagnose and treat anything unusual in your mouth so you get the correct care and advice.You may have to use a softer brush whilst the gums are inflamed until they become healthier. It is also important to clean in between teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss.Smoking can cover up a gum problem as it restricts the blood flow to the mouth. If you have recently given up smoking this could allow the gums to get a better circulation and therefore start to bleed.

Generally any discomfort after an extraction does not last for long and can easily be controlled by the painkillers you would normally take for a headache. If it lasts any longer than 24 hours you should go back to your dental team for advice.Sometimes pain may occur 3-4 days after the extraction when a blood clot has not formed properly in the extraction socket and the bone becomes infected. You will need to go back to your dentist, who will dress the socket and/or give you antibiotics to relive the symptoms of the infection..

Your tooth enamel is naturally white and shiny, however as the enamel becomes thinner, to becomes more transparent and the inner layers of your teeth begin to show through. In this case it’s the dentin that is showing through and your dentin is naturally more yellow in colour that the enamel that covers it.Sadly as we age the enamel layer of our teeth naturally becomes thinner. This is the main reason why as we get older our teeth begin to look increasingly yellow.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects at least 40 million adults in the United States. To prevent tooth sensitivity, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Using a fluoridated mouthwash, flossing daily, and avoiding highly acidic foods may also help in minimizing sensitivity. If you are currently bothered by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist. He or she can identify the cause of your tooth pain and recommend specific treatments to provide relief.

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in many foods and water. Fluoride plays an important role in fighting tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid-producing bacteria. Over time, plaque and bacteria can contribute to the erosion of teeth enamel. By drinking fluoridated tap water, using toothpaste with fluoride, or rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash, you can protect your teeth against cavities.

Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication – especially heart, blood pressure, and depression tablets.If you have a dry mouth, this can be very uncomfortable and it can make eating certain foods very difficult.Many prescription medicines can cause a dry mouth, if you are taking any regular medication from your doctor, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with him to see if there is an alternative that does not have the same side effects.

Aside from the obvious – brush twice a day for 2-3 mins each time– here are some steps you can take for great dental wellbeing.

• Floss daily
• Use mouthwash daily
• Use products that contain fluoride
• Eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables while limiting your intake of high sugar snacks
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid tobacco