Older people are findig gum disease to be a bigger problem than decay.

Many older people are no longer suffering from bad teeth, but instead are feeling the pain caused from poor gum health.

The problems facing older people in the modern world are no longer losing their teeth because of decay, but instead they are doing so because of gingivitis and gum disease.

In addition, there is a growing trend for sensitive teeth and exposed gums.

“We see so many perfect teeth now, through orthodontics, great home and dental care, but what we have as a result of the aging population is great teeth and poor gums,” commented Pickering dentist Dr Steven Weiner.

Elsewhere, Doc Q recently posted a blog on Q News that claimed people should look to visit their dentists at least twice a year and they should ensure they brush their teeth twice daily.

Furthermore, oral health can receive a boost through perfecting the technique of brushing, with people advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, circular motion.

Flossing teeth could help prevent memory loss.

Research carried out in the US has pointed to a link between regularly flossing and improvements in memory.

ABC Local reported that gum disease could be a contributory factor to mental decline in old age and, as such, maintaining a good oral health routine and flossing daily could significantly improve a person’s memory as they get older.

“Researchers looked at a group of men and women over age 60 and what they found was that those who scored lowest on tests of math and memory had been exposed to greater amounts of bacteria that are known to cause gum disease,” commented Jenny Cook, executive editor of Good Housekeeping magazine.

Elsewhere, Dentistry IQ reported that Chicago periodontist Dr Robert Pick has claimed that individuals worried about their oral health should ensure they floss regularly.

He said that poor oral health is a contributory factor to cardiovascular disease and this accounts for the deaths of more than 2,400 people per day.

Many people could suffer from problems with mouth breathing.

A new study has shown that a condition known as mouth breathing could be harmful to the oral health of sufferers.

Carried out by researchers in the US, the study showed the problem can result in crooked tooth development in children, as their bite can become misaligned by having their mouth open all the time while they sleep.

In addition, gingivitis, high blood pressure and a number of other ailments are associated with the illness, something that can only be treated through surgery.

“Allergies can cause upper airway obstruction, or mouth breathing, in patients. Almost every family has someone with mouth breathing problems,” commented Dr Yosh Jefferson, a dental professional from New Jersey.

Meanwhile, it has recently been reported that a former dentist is continuing to campaign against jaw surgery for children.

John Mew, an 81-year-old former dental professional, has said he will continue to lobby the industry to stop resorting to unnecessary surgery for young people with jaw problems.

People do not just have to use toothpaste to brush their teeth.

Everyone knows that maintaining a regular oral health routine is beneficial to the long-term health of their teeth, but when a person runs out of toothpaste, there are alternatives that could help them avoid missing their daily brush.

WorlDental reported household baking soda is a constituent of some toothpastes and at a push, using a small amount of a brush with water can help to clean the teeth due to its abrasive qualities.

Furthermore, using a clean cloth soaked in warm water can also be a useful way to clean the teeth, although the publication noted that none of these methods should be used on a long-term basis.

Elsewhere, Mark Wolff, chair of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University School of Dentistry, recently told Boston.com that people should refrain from brushing their teeth directly after drinking acidic beverages.

He noted that the enamel is weakened by acidic foods and drinks and therefore brushing soon after consuming these things could be detrimental to long-term oral health.

Poor dental hygiene is Kelly Osbourne’s pet peeve.

Kelly Osbourne has claimed that one of her biggest pet peeves is people not having good oral hygiene.

The 25-year-old relayed a story of being in a London taxi and having to hold back her rage as the driver incessantly sucked and licked his teeth throughout the journey.

She tweeted: “In a taxi and the driver keeps licking and sucking his teeth and it’s making me SICK and putting me in the worst mood.”

The reality TV and pop sensation made her comments while back in London last week – although she spends most of her time living in Los Angeles.

Elsewhere, it was recently revealed that Lady Gaga has commissioned a set of gold teeth to promote her new single.

The pop star has splashed out on a set of false teeth made of solid gold, which she will use during her stage show while performing her new song Teeth.

People should remember to floss regularly.

Individuals worried about their oral health should ensure they floss regularly, it has been claimed.

Dentistry IQ reported Chicago periodontist Dr Robert Pick has said people should be aware of the dangers of not flossing regularly, as this can lead to gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.

In fact, Dr Pick claimed poor oral health is a contributory factor to cardiovascular disease and this accounts for the deaths of more than 2,400 people per day.

As a result, he highlighted the importance of regular brushing and flossing and maintaining a good oral health routine at all times.

Elsewhere, I-Newswire recently reported the use of teeth whitening gels or strips may be pointless if a person does not carry out a good oral health routine.

The publication noted that ensuring teeth are kept clean and healthy will make sure plaque build-up is kept to a minimum so stains and yellowing of teeth can be kept under control.

People have faster check-ups when they have good oral health.

People who keep their teeth in good condition have faster check-ups with the dentist and suffer from less stress as a result, it has been claimed.

Dr David Mady Jr told the Windsor Star that it is important to keep up a regular oral health routine and while this will ensure a person’s teeth are in the best condition, it will also enable them to spend less time in the dentist’s chair when they come in for a check-up.

Dr Mady Jr noted: “Remember that no matter what is done for you when you come to the dentist, the most important thing is how you are with your dental home care.”

Elsewhere, the Manila Bulletin recently reported patients are being urged to “rest and relax” at the dentist’s office rather than to feel nervous.

The publication claimed times are changing and people now expect more out of a visit to their dentist than just the medical expertise on offer – they want to be made to feel comfortable and relaxed.

People have been warned of the dangers of brushing too soon after drinking.

People should refrain from brushing their teeth directly after drinking acidic beverages, it has been advised.

Mark Wolff, chair of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University School of Dentistry, told Boston.com that the enamel is weakened by acidic foods and drinks and therefore brushing soon after consuming these things could be detrimental to long-term oral health.

He commented: “Acids tend to soften the teeth; if you brush while they’re in this vulnerable state, you can actually cause more damage.”

Elsewhere, Fiji Village recently reported dental officer Dr Maher Angez noted people should ensure they brush their teeth twice daily and also use floss regularly to ensure they keep their smile in the best condition possible.

He noted that as people reach their 20s and no longer have their parents telling them to brush regularly, they can let their oral health routines fall by the wayside.

Daily brushing is key to a healthy smile.

Ensuring teeth are brushed daily is key to helping teeth stay healthy and a person’s smile stays bright, it has been claimed.

Fiji Village reported dental officer Dr Maher Angez as saying that as people reach their 20s and no longer have their parents telling them to brush regularly, they can let their oral health routines fall by the wayside and this can lead to health problems in the future.

She noted failure to brush twice a day and the increased consumption of sugary snacks has meant oral health in general has declined in recent years. Dr Angez therefore noted, it is time for young people to get to grips with dentistry and ensure they have a healthy smile for years to come.

Elsewhere, the Hindu Times recently reported sensitive teeth do not have to be a problem for sufferers.

The publication claimed there is a simple and effective way for those afflicted by sensitive teeth to get relief and that is by using desensitising toothpaste.

Police have caught a man flossing while driving on the M4.A man was caught by police officers flossing his teeth while driving on the M4 in Gwent.

While it is important to floss regularly, there is a time and a place and behind the wheel of a fast moving vehicle is not one of them.

In total, the crackdown by local police – which took place over eight days during January and February – resulted in 57 people being pulled over, all of which were dealt with either through a fixed penalty notice or the driver being reported for summons.

Inspector Lee Ford told the publication: “The potential risks that some of the offences detected as part of this operation can have not only on the safety of the driver involved, but also other road users, should never be underestimated.”

Elsewhere, a man in Indonesia recently had to have emergency dentistry treatment after a cigarette he was smoking exploded in his mouth while he was riding his motorcycle.

The explosion resulted in him losing six teeth and needing 51 stitches. He is currently in the process of suing the manufacturers of the cigarettes.

Having a healthy set of teeth is important to overall health.

Gum disease has been linked to an array of serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and as such, it is important to maintain good oral health, it has been claimed.

Dr Samuel Low, associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, claimed just three per cent of people suffering from the disease actually seek out treatment.

He commented: “Patients are not aware of the long-term and potentially dangerous implications of untreated gum disease. There are a variety of myths surrounding periodontal disease.”

Elsewhere, the Manila Bulletin recently reported having dental implants installed could be the next best thing to having real teeth.

Dr Mark Gan told the publication that gone are the days when extractions and other procedures might be likened to torture, as modern methods can be virtually pain free for some people.

Dental health must remain a priority.

Maintaining good oral health is about more than just having straight, white teeth, it has been noted.

FW Business reported more needs to be done to ensure people are aware of the dangers that surround poor oral health and the consequences of not getting regular check-ups with their dentist.

Dr Kavitha Viswanathan, assistant professor for paediatric dentistry at the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, commented: “Oral health is tied to overall health … and yet the general public still isn’t widely aware of this. A tooth infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause serious illness, for example.”

Elsewhere, Softouch Dental Care of North Carolina recently claimed anyone who has suffered damage to their teeth should make sure they visit a dentist quickly, as the area could harbour bacteria.

The surgery noted filling and dental bonding can help reduce this problem, although for more severe cases the use of porcelain dental veneers could be more appropriate.