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love at first floss: valentine’s day meets gum disease awareness month

love at first floss: valentine’s day meets gum disease awareness month

It's almost Valentine's Day, so naturally, we're talking about love! And by that, we mean love for your gums...because February is also Gum Disease Awareness Month. So along with the chocolates, cards, teddy bears, and romantic dates, we invite you to carve out some time to optimize your oral care routine for a healthy mouth + healthy you. To get you started, we're brushing up on the causes and stages of gum disease, how gum disease is connected to other health concerns, why early detection and prevention are so important, and the special relationship between flossing and gum disease. what is gum disease? Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue, which can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and so much more. You might find gum disease disguised under different names, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or periodontal disease. Here's a brief look at what these names mean. gingivitis refers to the early, mild stages of gum disease. At this point, you can reverse the issue with diligent oral care and help from your dentist and hygienist. periodontitis (aka periodontal disease) covers the more serious, late stages of gum disease. At this point, your gums can separate from your teeth (leaving pockets for bacteria). You can also experience bone loss. While this stage cannot be reversed, it can be managed with help from your dentist. As you can see, gum disease prevention (and early treatment) are both very important. Here are a few symptoms to look out for as early red flags for gum disease, especially if they're persistent.  red, purple, or swollen gums gum bleeding gum recession tooth sensitivity, especially around your gums pain with chewing changes in your bite alignment loose teeth Now that we've covered what gum disease is, let's dive into some common issues.   what causes gum disease? While there are so many different causes of gum disease, we've outlined a few common ones below. plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene genetics smoking and excessive drinking chronic dry mouth rapid hormonal changes autoimmune disease certain medications crooked or crowded teeth dental work (like fillings, implants, and bridges) stress! The good news is that you can craft a diligent oral care routine for gum disease prevention!   why is gum disease prevention so important? Did you know that gum disease is a warning sign for larger, systematic diseases? Below we've outlined a few common whole-body conditions linked to gum disease. heart disease and stroke: bacteria in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to your heart's blood vessels, leading to complications. diabetes: gum disease can also disrupt your blood sugar regulation. If you have diabetes (or if you're at risk), you'll want to look out for signs of gum disease. cognitive issues: recent research suggests that gum disease could be linked to dementia and may speed up cognitive decline. It's no surprise that scientists are also linking metabolic issues (aka problems with blood sugar regulation) to dementia too...based on our last bullet point! respiratory infections: the bacteria from gum disease can also travel to your lungs, worsening respiratory issues like COPD, pneumonia, and more. On top of that, people who already have existing respiratory issues might have weakened immune systems that make them more susceptible to gum disease. We know this sounds scary, but it's so important to know, so you can keep a watchful eye on your gum health. If you start to experience sudden bleeding, swelling, or redness, get your gums checked out right away!   the relationship between flossing and gum disease It's true that every step in your oral care routine plays an important role in preventing and treating gum disease. But flossing and gum disease have a unique relationship.  Unlike brushing alone, flossing can clean the tight spaces between your teeth and areas along your gum line. This is why dental professionals recommend flossing once daily! Davids expanding floss is designed to scrub away bacteria and plaque in these pesky places to help you prevent gum disease and other oral health complications Many new flossers often experience gum bleeding, which can sometimes be a false alarm for gum disease. Here's what we mean: when you first start flossing, the impact of the floss on your gums can cause some bleeding. This is because (1) your gums aren't used to it (2) you're pressing too hard or (3) both! If your gums bleed as you go, we know it can be tempting to toss the floss altogether. But we want to remind you bleeding can be a sign that your gums need consistent flossing. So we recommend proceeding with caution. give it a week: continue to floss daily with proper technique for one week. Proper technique includes careful, gentle movements, wrapping the floss around each tooth and gently gliding it up and down. If the bleeding persists... visit your dentist: they can assess you for gum disease and recommend next steps to stop the bleeding and discomfort   your healthy gum + mouth routine for v-day Isn't it a funny coincidence that Valentine's Day falls within Gum Disease Awareness Month? In honor of these two occasions, we outlined an effective oral care routine to keep your gums and teeth feeling healthy and happy. floss once daily with Davids expanding dental floss: now you know flossing and gum disease have a unique relationship, so be sure to keep up with this daily ritual for your gum health! brush twice daily with Davids natural toothpaste: every flavor in our lineup is formulated with ingredients that work together to tame bacteria, scrub your teeth, prevent dry mouth, maintain a healthy mouth pH, and nurture your gum health. scrape your tongue with Davids stainless steel tongue scraper: this removes extra bacteria that love to sit in the pores and grooves of your tongue (and make their way to your gums).  freshen up as needed: don't forget to add in some extra brushing and flossing after your meals. It's Valentine's Day after all! schedule dental appointments: gum disease prevention (and early detection) are crucial. We encourage you to visit your dentist every six months for a deep cleaning and professional assessment. Why not schedule those appointments now? Did you know that every one of our toothpaste boxes contains a secret love message? If you look closely, you'll find "D2MFBAMB" printed on your Davids box. Keep your eyes peeled as we dive into the meaning of this secret message on Valentine's Day! buy now.  
bleeding gum toothpaste bleeding gums: a signal from your smile about your overall health

bleeding gums: a signal from your smile about your overall health

Did you know your gums might be trying to tell you something? While it’s easy to brush off bleeding gums as a minor inconvenience, they’re often a sign of something deeper. From early indicators of gum disease to clues about your overall health, your gums play a crucial role in keeping you well and signaling issues that need your attention. Let’s take a closer look at what causes bleeding gums, why they’re worth paying attention to, and how you can prevent them for a healthy mouth + healthy you. what causes bleeding gums? There are so many different causes of gum bleeding, so let’s dive into a few common ones. poor oral hygiene habits: are you flossing daily, brushing twice daily, and tongue scraping? Are you careful not to press too hard when you’re brushing and flossing? Are you eating a mouth-friendly diet that’s full of nutrient-dense whole foods and limited in sugary, acidic, and starchy items? plaque and tartar: tartar is the hardened version of plaque. If your teeth feel scratchy, it’s likely that you already have some tartar buildup. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by your dental hygienist using special tools, so be sure to schedule an appointment! hormonal changes: whether it’s puberty, pregnancy, menopause, menstruation or aging, rapid hormonal changes can cause bleeding gums. stress: when you’re stressed, inflammation increases and your immune system becomes weakened. This can lead to gum bleeding, irritation, and other systemic complications. medications: common medications such as aspirin, antibiotics, and birth control pills can cause gum bleeding too. vitamin deficiencies: vitamins C and K help keep your soft tissues healthy and prevent bleeding, so be sure your body gets enough of these. underlying conditions: diabetes, autoimmune disease, and so many more conditions are linked with gum bleeding. We’ll get into these in the next few sections. Now that you know some causes, let’s explore why you should always immediately address and treat your bleeding gums. why you should never ignore bleeding gums While it might be common, gum bleeding is a red flag you should never ignore. It’s often an early warning sign for gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), and early detection/prevention is so important for gum disease. It’s the kind of condition that you want to reverse in its early stages because it becomes much harder to tame once it’s progressed. Late-stage gum disease can cause your gums to “detach” from your teeth, which can lead to serious infections, tissue deterioration, and tooth loss. Gum bleeding is also linked with other systemic health (which we’ll dive into next). The good news is that when you catch gum bleeding at its early stages, you can do a lot to reverse it and prevent gum disease and larger systemic issues. If you experience persistent gum bleeding, book an appointment with your dentist right away. bleeding gums and your overall health Gum health plays a central role in your holistic health, and bleeding gums can be a warning sign for deeper issues and conditions. Because bleeding gums are closely linked with inflammation and bacteria, they can cause/impact other issues downstream. diabetes: gum disease and diabetes create a vicious cycle with one another. Diabetes increases your susceptibility to gum disease and bleeding gums, and gum disease can disrupt blood sugar regulation. If you’re insulin-resistant, prediabetic, or diabetic, keep a sharp eye on your gum health. heart disease: the inflammation/bacteria from bleeding gums and gum disease can enter your bloodstream, which can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. respiratory health: bacteria from gum infections can make its way into your lungs, leading to respiratory problems. pregnancy complications: due to rapid hormonal changes, gum bleeding is common during pregnancy. However, research flags gum disease as a potential risk for premature birth. cognitive health: while more research is needed, recent studies have linked gum disease (often signaled by bleeding gums) with cognitive decline and dementia. The good news is that treating and solving your gum bleeding can also relieve larger issues, so we’ve included tips on how to prevent bleeding gums in the future. how to prevent bleeding gums As we mentioned, gum bleeding can be an early sign of gum disease, making it the perfect opportunity to stop gum disease in its tracks. Here are a few tips to stop/prevent gum disease for a healthy mouth + healthy you. hone your oral care habits: you already know the drill here! Brush twice daily, floss daily, tongue scrape, hydrate, and eat a month-friendly diet. Use proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure you’re not pressing too hard or putting extra stress on your gums. Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste will give your enamel an extra dose of minerals for an extra line of defense against harmful bacteria and plaque. use a toothpaste for bleeding gums: a bleeding gum toothpaste is specially formulated with ingredients to soothe inflammation, reduce plaque, fight bacteria, and prevent gum bleeding. visit your dentist on the dot: make an appointment every six months even if you’re feeling totally healthy! Maintenance and prevention are key when it comes to gum disease, gum bleeding, and beyond. manage your stress: whether that looks like meditating, walking outside, strength training, singing, laying in a patch of grass, or something totally different, be sure you’re doing something every day to regulate your nervous system to prevent stress and inflammation. avoid alcohol and tobacco: using these substances is a sure way to harm your oral and overall health, so avoid (or at least reduce) them as much as possible. Whether you already have bleeding gums or you’re just looking to maintain your oral health, our essentials bundle has some incredible, effective products to get started on your holistic oral care routine. buy now.

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bleeding gums five common myths about bleeding gums, a red flag you should never ignore

five common myths about bleeding gums, a red flag you should never ignore

When it comes to your dental health, it can be tempting to brush off pesky symptoms. But we’re here to remind you that gum bleeding is a red flag (pun intended) you should never ignore. While there are so many causes of bleeding gums, they can often indicate another issue, such as gum disease, stress, nutrient deficiency, and beyond. So for the sake of your oral and overall health, let’s dive into some common myths about bleeding gums, debunking the misinformation and empowering you to take charge of your well-being. After all, early action (and prevention) can make a world of a difference for your oral health, and knowledge is one key ingredient for positive action. myth 1: bleeding gums are normal Bleeding gums might be common, but they aren’t normal (especially when persistent). Be sure to take note of the severity and duration of your gum bleeding. If it’s persistent, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible since it could be a sign of gum disease (nearly half of all US adults over 30 experience gum disease). Early treatment is key when it comes to bleeding gums and gum disease. Your dentist can give you a treatment plan that can allow you to reverse gum disease so it doesn’t progress to advanced stages like periodontitis. Along with gum disease, other common causes of gum bleeding include plaque buildup, hormonal changes, medications, rough brushing/flossing, and more. No matter what the cause, know that gum bleeding calls for a dental checkup. myth 2: you only need to see the dentist if your gums are bleeding Prevention is key in the world of dental health. We don’t recommend waiting until you need the dentist to go to the dentist, as this approach can miss important opportunities to prevent more severe issues down the line. As always, we recommend dental cleanings and checkups every six months to detect early signs of gum disease, assess gum bleeding, and look out for any other oral health issues before they escalate. During routine visits, your hygienist can use techniques and tools you don’t have at home to perform deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist can assess your gum health and recommend personalized care routines that prevent gum bleeding, sensitivity, and other complications. We recommend visiting your dentist every six months, especially (and more frequently) if you experience persistent gum bleeding. They can assess whether the bleeding is a sign of gum disease, confront the stage, and outline a treatment plan. If your gums are actively bleeding, don’t hesitate to get them checked, as gum disease is linked to so many other conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. myth 3: you have to brush harder and floss more for bleeding gums It’s a common misconception that brushing and flossing harder can help your bleeding gums. In reality, this can worsen things. Harder brushing does not equal a deeper clean, and it can actually harm your gums, lead to gum recession, and make them more prone to bleeding and gum disease. Instead, we recommend a gentle, thorough approach using a soft bristle toothbrush, effective toothpaste, smooth waxed floss, and proper technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and clean each tooth with gentle, circular motions. When flossing, glide the floss gently between your teeth and hug each tooth rather than forcing it down. Be sure to brush twice daily and floss (at least) once daily, avoiding excessive force that can harm your gums. With consistency, this intentional approach can help improve your gum health without the risk of injury, gum bleeding, and discomfort. myth 4: only people with poor oral hygiene have bleeding gums While poor oral hygiene can lead to gum bleeding, it’s not the only cause. You can have the best oral care habits and still experience the occasional bleeding gums, and sometimes that feels even more frustrating! As we mentioned earlier in this article, there are so many causes of gum bleeding that aren’t related to your hygiene habits. rapid hormonal changes: like pregnancy, menopause, puberty, and menstruation certain medications: such as birth control pills, antihypertensive medications, asthma medication, blood thinners, aspirin, chemotherapy, antibiotics, and more stress: which can trigger inflammation throughout your body and weaken your immune system, causing gum bleeding, irritation, and infection vitamin deficiencies, specifically vitamins C and K, which play important roles in tissue repair and blood clotting medical conditions: diabetes and autoimmune disorders can also affect your oral health and cause bleeding gums Remember, you can be doing everything right and still experience gum bleeding. If that’s the case, give yourself some grace and schedule an appointment with your dentist and primary care doctor to investigate and address the root cause as soon as possible. myth 5: gum bleeding and gum disease can’t be reversed The great news is that gum bleeding and the early stages of gum disease can be reversed! That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist and address the issue immediately. With guidance from your dentist, diligent oral care habits, and some great products, you can work to ease your redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.Whether you have bleeding gums or not, developing a holistic dental care routine is crucial for your oral and overall health. At Davids, we’re proud to offer an expanding line of premium oral care products that nurture your long-term health. From natural toothpaste formulas crafted with xylitol and nano-hydroxyapatite to soft-bristled bamboo toothbrushes to innovative expanding dental floss, explore our premium products and give your bleeding gums (or perfectly healthy gums!) the love they deserve. buy now.

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causes of gum bleeding red is reserved for love: how to alleviate five causes of gum bleeding this v-day

red is reserved for love: how to alleviate five causes of gum bleeding this v-day

February has arrived, which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! While February is famously the month of love, it’s also National Gum Disease Awareness Month, which leads us to the question: are your gums bleeding for no reason? In the US, nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease, and we want to help lower that number by spreading awareness and creating incredible gum-nurturing products. One of the most common warning signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, one of the many messages from your mouth that you should never ignore. To help you nurture your gum health and have the freshest Valentine’s Day yet, we’re covering some of the most common causes of gum bleeding....and the best Davids-centered routine to care for your gums. are your gums bleeding for no reason? common causes of gum bleeding and how to alleviate them 1: brushing too hard It’s a common misconception that you can achieve a deeper clean by brushing harder. The truth is that brushing harder can actually do more harm than good. It can hurt your gums and lead to bleeding and stinging. It can also lead to sensitivity because it can cause your gums to recede and your enamel to weaken, both of which can expose the “tubules” that lead to your tooth’s ultra-sensitive center nerve. The good news is that this is one of the causes of gum bleeding that’s super easy to fix. All you have to do is go light on the brushing....and make sure you’re using a soft bristle toothbrush, like our premium bamboo toothbrush. For a gentle, effective cleaning, try completing a mini-mindfulness practice during your oral care routine. Carefully clean each tooth with intention, holding your soft toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and cleaning the front, back, and top surface of each tooth. Be sure to gently brush back and forth on the gum line to remove any plaque buildup that could lead to gingivitis. 2: improper or inconsistent flossing If you’ve recently started a new flossing routine and notice your gums start to bleed out of the blue, your gums might not be used to flossing yet. While it can be tempting to toss the floss when your gums bleed, it actually might be a sign that your teeth really need flossing. The trick is to floss every single day with consistency, and the bleeding should eventually subside. Be sure to use proper technique by gently “hugging” each tooth with the floss and gliding the floss up and down without too much force in the downward direction. Also, ensure you’re using carefully designed dental floss like the Davids expanding dental floss. It’s woven with over 250 strong yet soft threads that expand as you go to fit in tight crevices and grab more plaque and debris along the way. Not to mention, it’s infused with xylitol and nano-hydroxyapatite to help fight bad bacteria and remineralize your enamel in those hard-to-reach areas to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 3: hormonal changes Hormonal changes are one of the (more unexpected) causes of gum bleeding. For example, have you heard that increased estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to gum bleeding and gum disease? Pregnancy gingivitis can cause increased inflammation in your gums, causing tenderness, redness, and bleeding. Dental experts believe that the increased inflammation is caused by increased blood flow to your gums and decreased immune response due to pregnancy. This makes it harder for your mouth to fight off bacteria and plaque, which is why it’s extremely important to stay on top of your oral care. Flossing daily and brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help keep your gums healthy and strong during periods of hormonal changes. As the hydroxyapatite particles in our sensitive + whitening toothpaste work to fortify your enamel from the inside out, gentle abrasives work to break down stubborn plaque, and xylitol + peppermint oils fight and starve the bad bacteria in your mouth. The result is a bright smile, healthy gums, and fresh breath....just in time for Valentine’s Day! 4: certain health conditions Various conditions such as diabetes, nutrient deficiencies (such as low vitamin C), blood disorders, and autoimmunity can cause gum bleeding. If you’re continuously asking yourself, “Why are my gums bleeding?” and they don’t stop after a few days of proper diet and oral care, it could be a sign of something deeper. Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist and primary care doctor to see if any underlying conditions are contributing to your inflamed gums. Remember, your oral health is a cornerstone of your overall health! 5: stress When you think of the impacts of stress on your body, you probably don’t think of it as one of the main causes of gum bleeding. But stress can play a central role in your gum health! Not only can stress increase inflammation and blood flow in your gums, but it can also cause you to subconsciously clench your jaw and grind your teeth (during the day and when you’re sleeping). Jaw clenching (bruxism) can lead to gum recession and make your gums more vulnerable to attacks from bacteria and other microorganisms. To help reduce stress, nurture your immune system, and regulate your nervous system, we recommend finding a form of exercise you can stick to for 30 minutes every day. It’s also best to reduce (or ideally eliminate) caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. curate your healthy gum routine in time for valentine’s day To celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Gum Disease Awareness Month, curate an oral care routine that officially eliminates that pesky question, “Why are my gums bleeding?” At Davids, all of our products are crafted with deep care and intention, so your gums and mouth can feel healthy and radiant every day. We touched on a few of these already, but you can start building your healthy gum routine with our... expanding dental floss: crafted to effectively remove plaque and bacteria and fortify your teeth and gums with xylitol, nano-hydroxyapatite, cocoa butter, and mint essential oils premium bamboo toothbrush: designed with natural bamboo and soft BPA-free bristles derived from castor oil (instead of petroleum) to nurture healthy teeth and gums premium toothpaste: formulated to gently exfoliate your teeth, fight bacteria, nourish your gums, freshen your breath, reduce sensitivity, and naturally whiten your smile stainless steel tongue scraper: made to gently remove the film of bacteria and pathogens on your tongue, so your immune system can focus its resources on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and happy Have you noticed the secret love note on your box of Davids toothpaste? Find out what D2MFVAMB means here, and treat yourself and your loved ones to an oral care routine crafted with love. buy now.

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