The Benefits ofFlossing to Your Oral Health
There are manybenefits to regularly flossing your teeth. Dental floss can help clear fooddebris and plaque from the spaces between your teeth, where your toothbrushcan’t reach. As a result, flossing helps prevent gum or periodontal diseases,tooth decay and bad breadth.
There are certainthings to keep in mind to get the most out of flossing:
- Use dental floss or an inter dental cleaner every day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Be gentle when using dental floss so you avoid damaging gum tissue.
- If long threads of regular dental floss are too hard for you to hold, use a floss holder.
A Variety of DentalCleaning Products
Drugstores offer a mind boggling variety of dental cleaning tools. These include:
- Waxed dental floss
- Unwaxed dental floss
- Inter dental cleaning aids, including picks and special sticks
- Oral irrigators,which use water to remove plaque caught between teeth
- Mouth rinses
Both waxed and unwaxeddental floss work well to clean the spaces between your teeth. If the spacesare tight, waxed floss may glide more easily between them. Flossing every day is more important to your oralhealth than which floss you choose.
A floss holder orother inter dental cleaning tool may be helpful if you have trouble handlinglong pieces of floss due to arthritis, vision difficulties, or discomfort, butyou must follow instructions or ask your dentist how to use them properly soyou don't hurt your gums.
Oral irrigators canhelp remove food caught between your teeth, too; but they shouldn't replacedental floss and tooth brushing. Likewise, most mouthwashes won't do aneffective job of keeping your mouth healthy on their own. Many are used simplyto cover up breath odor, although some over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinsesapproved by the ADA can help prevent decay, and some anti-gingivitis oranti-plaque mouth rinses can help fight periodontal diseases.
In all our previous articles we have emphasized the importance of good oral hygiene for better health and oral health. We are always concerned about cavity, plaque and other dental problems but give least importance to the tongue. Our tongue helps in swallowing food and talking are basic functions of it. Dirty tongue can lead to bad oral hygiene and result in various dental problems.
Our tongue is usually pink in color and when it is dirty then white, yellow and brown colored layers can be seen due to the color of the food or stains of foods like sugar etc. Bacteria lives primarily on your tongue and thrives in the hot, sticky, air-free environment in your mouth.
One of the main reasons for bad breath is bacteria. These bacteria eat the proteins in your saliva, and release a sulphuric gas. This sulphuric gas is the unpleasant odour that is bad breath.
The tongue has many relationships and connections with the body with the meridians and internal organs. Visually inspecting the tongue can be a good indicator of your overall health and dirt can show any susceptibility if there.
As bacteria start’s breeding in the mouth it multiplies. The bacteria secrete acid which dissolve the minerals in the teeth and causes a teeth breakdown because of cavity.
Enlarged papillae: Due to the tongue being dirty there can be swelling of the papillae which causes sores on the tongue. When one or more of the taste buds get inflamed or irritated, it can swell and form a bump on the tongue. Enlarged papillae can make the food to taste as it is and bad taste in the mouth.
There are many factors which can result in dirty tongue. Some of the reasons are smoking, drinking alcohol, yeast infection, dehydration, not brushing, not scraping the mouth, eating sweets and junk etc. Make it a habit to wash your teeth after eating and clean your tongue at least twice in a day.
Its essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent dental problems, bad breath and ensure that your teeth always remain shinning white. Over a period of time high sugar food, alcohol, smoking along with neglected dental hygiene results in stained teeth and painful dental problems. Severe oral diseases of gum can also result in early tooth loss.
Cavities, tooth decay are some of the most common diseases affecting almost every family in the world. Majority of tooth problems occur when the teeth are not brushed properly after consuming food. We believe prevention is better than cure. So here are some healthy tips for your teeth to look flashy by simply following the basic oral hygiene.
Quit Smoking : Smokers always find it hard to carry white teeth as the nicotine present in cigarettes leaves brown spots on the teeth and make the teeth look yellow. Quit smoking to stop the yellowing of teeth.
Tea and Coffee : Tea and coffee that we drink leave stains on the teeth making them look dark and yellow. Drink some water after it or brush your teeth to not let the stains settle.
Change your toothbrush: As the toothbrush gets worn out its cleaning capacity decreases leaving many spots unlearned and passes more bacteria to the mouth. Change your toothbrush twice a month or wherever its worn out.
Mouthwash : Keep a mouthwash and use it after meals to rinse your mouth to unsettle the stains from eating the meal and kill the bacteria giving your mouth a fresh smell.
Baking Soda: Fortnightly you can brush your teeth with baking soda instead of the toothpaste. Baking soda will clear the stains to an extent but do not use it often as it has its own drawbacks too.
Brush Twice a day : Brush before jumping in your bed and again when out of bed. Regular brushing is important to keep your teeth looking white and bacteria free.
Maintaining white teeth is absolutely easy when you maintain a healthy oral hygiene. One can even consider a quarterly oral cleaning session with the dentist to prevent dental problems and keep the teeth stain free and strong.
Oral hygiene is the hygiene of the mouth, and nutrition is our daily diet to keep ourselves fit and healthy. Oral hygiene usually refers to keep the mouth clean, bacteria free, no germs, plaque, no foul smell and no cavities. The mouth is the entrance for the food in our body and is broken down, chewed and swallowed through the mouth. Eating the right nutrition and taking precautions against the germs in mouth can help us keep good oral hygiene.
Sweet food provides breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Eating more of sweets and sweetened products enhance bacterial activity in the mouth. As more bacteria grow in the mouth, it leads to reduced enzyme activity which is essential for breaking down of food in the mouth for easy digestion. Bad eating pattern and poor nutrition causes dental caries where there is decay in the teeth.
Some foods stain the teeth which overtime accumulates around the teeth at the gum line, back holes, in between teeth and react with the bacteria which cause plaque. The plaque reacts on the outer covering of the teeth enamel which reduces teeth density and makes the teeth look yellow. Plaque leads to forming of tartar overtime which leads to gum diseases and makes the teeth sensitive.
Bacteria in the mouth causes foul smell which at times can be embarrassing while talking to people around you. The sulphur in the mouth causes the bad smell. Sometime when we eat small remnants of food unknowingly get stuck at the back of our teeth and remain there for over long time which decomposes and promotes bacterial activity. The repercussions of oral hygiene are seen over a time and are mild and slow.
Drink loads of water throughout the day to increase formation of saliva and wash away the food residues in the mouth. Eat small pieces and chew these properly so that there is maximum enzyme activity on the food for better digestion and release of energy in the body. Brush your teeth regularly and make sure you brush before sleeping. Keep mouth wash to keep the mouth fresh.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they promote bacterial activity in the mouth leading to bad oral hygiene.
Watch out for starchy foods, sweet and sugary products, snacks and foods that are hard to chew. Drink lots of water through out the day and rinse your mouth regularly to wash away any dirt in the mouth. Visit a dentist regularly for routine check-ups as you wouldn't know if there is a mild bacterial activity which could become concern overtime.
Toothache is one of the most common oral problems. The pain could be caused by reasons due to dental conditions like cavities, gum disease, irritation or exposure of tooth roots, cracked tooth syndrome and eruptions. The intensity of the pain could be from mild to severe, depending upon the problem. Most often dental care is also linked to heart health. In case of toothache one needs to consult a dentist to find out the real cause of the problem.
Below are some causes of toothache
Cavities: The outer layer of the teeth gets damaged due to food, dissolving of the enamel and dentil due to acids in the mouth. Certain bacteria in the mouth convert sugar in to acid. Due to this damaging of outer layer there are holes formed which when get deeper, expose the pulp. The deeper cavities cause pain which can be stimulant to hot, cold, sour things causing increase in pain. If the tooth gets infected in the pulp due to cavities then it is known as Dental Abscess.
Treatment: If the cavity is not deep then filling can be done and for the deeper and painful ones that are deeper, involve crowning. The deeper cavity treatment is through root canal, where the dying pulp tissue is replaced with a filling. The second process is the tooth extraction where the tooth is removed due to the disease.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a gum disease on the inner lining of the teeth and cause loss of bones at the teeth anchor and gum lines. Under the gum line plaque accumulates which excretes certain bacteria, which cause the disease in the gum line. Due to increase in the gap of gum line, the infections multiply and cause pain and gum pockets, irritation and swelling in the tooth. Early stage of gum disease is bleeding and at a later stage pain starts.
Treatment: Keep a clean oral hygiene and keep the teeth clean. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and too much of sweetened beverages. Visit the dentist and get the plaque and tartar removed. Due to small cavities the bacteria can be present in them so you can get scaling of teeth to get rid of them.
Root Exposure: When the tooth pulp gets exposed where the veins and nerves reside, it causes pain in the tooth. The pain is acute and requires a dentist help. The acids in the mouth cause the dissolving of the outer layer of tooth which exposes the roots. Exposed roots are highly sensitive to cold, hot or sour things as they increase the pain.
Treatment: A root canal procedure or tooth extraction procedure may be required if there are infections in it and are severe. Otherwise consult a dentist for his advice according to the severity of it. There are gels and some other medications recommended to be taken on doctor's advice.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome: This syndrome is generally caused by a tooth breaking or cracking. These are calle tooth fracture. Touching or biting with that broken tooth can cause severe pain. The tooth could crack due to a physical accident, biting something hard, weak tooth etc. The cracking could expose the pulp and further increase the pain.
Treatment: A complete protection with an outer covering of a metal may be necessary for the protection of the broken teeth. Gold or porcelain crowns may be used. If not severe root canal would be required. Do not chew hard stuff as not easily chewable by the teeth.
Wisdom tooth: When the tooth at the last grows often known as wisdom tooth, it causes pain as it is coming up through the tissues. As the tooth grows it causes pain. The toothache could be of a few days and can be treated with painkillers. Seek a dentist help if the pain is major.
Teeth implant is replacement of artificial teeth placed in your jaw as a substitute for fallen or infected teeth. Teeth implant requires drilling in the bone line of the jaws where the new teeth would be implanted. It is recommended for those who have few teeth missing or infected and are absolutely required to be removed. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth.
The procedure for teeth implant initially requires pilot hole in the jaws where the tooth is to be replaced. A screw is placed in the drilled jaw which is covered with protective cover screw on top and allowed to heal and for the non tooth material to get attached to the connective tissue without intervening with the tissue. After 4-6 months of healing the dentist uncovers the screw and attaches an abutment, that actually forms the foundation of the new tooth, to it. An abutment is which holds the crown or tooth alike tothe protective screw. After the gums grow and take natural shape the tooth is fixed.
The process of teeth implant can be painful, as it requires fixing of the teeth which can cause pain, swelling, throat infection and pain, facial and neck pain, swollen tonsils etc. Cold compress is advised after the implant to relax the swollen gums. Mouth rinse, gargles, salt water gargles are also used to relax the gums. If the swelling is more, then the dentist may give you antibiotics and pain-killers to recover fast.
As the replacement is sensitive it can take 6 months for initial process of screw fixing and recovery which includes healing. And placing the tooth alike can take upto 2 months. Some people who have sensitive gums and mouth infections can have certain problems also as the gums would be weak and infections could make healing longer and painful. The process requires maintaining strict oral hygiene as bad hygiene can cause infection and further dental complications.
Teeth not only help us in chewing food for better digestion but also for physical appearance, smile etc. Some people develop teeth which are asymmetrical and not in line where they do not meet each other for proper chewing of food and protrude out awkwardly making it look unattractive. Braces are such devices which are used to straighten and align teeth to position them properly.
Braces are also known as orthodontic braces. The braces help in pushing the teeth to the desired position as a result of force and pressure on the teeth. It is a slow process as the teeth can take upto 2 years in getting the teeth back to its proper alignment. One requires to gethis braces fixed every month to adjust the pressure exerted on them. Rubber bands or springs are used on the braces to put pressure in a certain direction as some areas require more alignment than others.
Sometimes the jaws are not the same. When the upperjaw is bigger than the lower jaw then it is called as over bite. When the lowerjaw is bigger than the upper jaw it is called under bite. Both make it a bad bite and are also called as malocclusion or bad bite.
Although some of you might know about braces andhow the metal is all over the teeth. But now a days the quality is improved and some braces can be put behind the teeth as well. The wires used these days are thinner. After the braces come out it is advisable to wear a retainer which is a small, hard piece of plastic shaped like a mouth guard.
Braces are highly beneficial in getting the teeth aligned but during its course it requires some precautions as well. Food that we eat can get stuck in the braces and you should wash your mouth after every meal. Stay away from chewing gums, candies, popcorn and hard and sticky stuff that can stick to your braces. Visit your orthodontist if you have any problems regarding your bite, protruding teeth.
Is a toothbrush that important and needs an overview to know its health benefits? The use of the toothbrush is not just brushing your teeth but keeping it clean and intact for it to be effective. One needs to keep the hygiene maintained of the toothbrush to avoid growing of fungus and bacteria on it which will get passed to our mouth.
Let your toothbrush dry out between itsuses and clean your tooth brush properly after use. Germs and bacteria start breeding on dirty and wet toothbrushes.
Change your toothbrush every three months atleast. If the bristles deform change your toothbrush as it will not be as effective as the new one because it will not reach all the spots.
Don’t use warm water to clean the brushas it will shorten the life of the brush and hot and moist conditions encourage growth of bacteria and fungus. Let your toothbrush dry out and don’t keep it in bathroom as the temperature is hot and moist.
People with gum diseases, oral hygiene problems and mouth infections should change their tooth brush more often.
If you wear braces then choose to change your tooth brush more often as the braces cause more wear and tear of the tooth brush and making it blunt and loose which is not healthy for the teeth as well as carry more of bacteria and germs.
If you travel frequently and carry your kit with tooth brush and other products then keep your tooth brush in a plastic cover and don’t let it get sqeezed and deformed as it will not cleanse the mouth properly and after its use it will get the germs from inside the kit.
Do you have swollen gums and are they painful? Swollen gums could be painful or may be not. Gums swell up due to infections in the mouth which cause inflammation due to poor oral hygiene or a build up of plaque on the teeth under the gum line. Lack of vitamin C, eating very hard food and some uncommon reasons can also cause swollen gums.
Sometime using hard bristle brush causes bleeding in the mouth which catches infection causing it. Food particals that get stick sin between gums and teeth can cause sweeling at time. But mainly bad oral hygine practise causes the bacteria and infection to grow overtime causing pain and irritation at the gum line.
If you are one of the many victims facing the problem then here are some tips to reduce the inflammation and have better teeth. Make a daily checklist as it seems a small and avoidable problem but there percussion can be big and painful.
Brush your teeth with soft bristles. Hard bristles will make the gums bleed which will pamper the bacteria to grow and spread in the body as well.
As there are bacteria in the mouth and we keep eating food throughout the day, floss or gargle the mouth properly with plain water or mouthwash to kill germs and bacteria.
Visit a dentist to show the intensity of the problem. Get it cured and if there is plaque on the teeth you might as well get it removed.
Don't chew nails as the dirt in between nails go in your mouth and cause infections. Some small particles of nails can stay back inthe mouth and get caught in between the gum and teeth causing painful swelling and often bleeding.
Before you go to sleep brush your mouth to not let the bacteria progress while you are resting. Wash your mouth properly to stop breeding of the infection and reduce its growth. Keeping good oral hygiene demotes the growth of bacteria.
Don’t smoke, chew tobacco or drink alcohol which highly induces the infections to get in our mouth and grow, causing plaque and swelling. Keep the mouth fresh and clean like the other parts of the body.
Plaque is the living or a dead bacterium on your teeth which hardens with time and later converts to tartar. If not treated early it becomes difficult to remove with normal brushing and requires scaling and cleaning by a dentist. Plaque causes tartar which further cause Ginivitis and Periodontal diseases.
Plaque often grows due to keeping the mouth dirty,eating foods like sweets and chocolates which provide an atmosphere for them to grow. Plaque when converts to rock solid tartar, makes the teeth look ugly and yellow taking away the charm from your smile.
Treat plaque seriously as it is a trouble causing element in the mouth. We brush the front of the teeth and back but the back ofthe teeth and cavities which are deep is a breeding place for plaque.
Brush your teeth often and atleast thrice a day especially after work or some party. Clean your mouth properly as brushing will disrupt the growth of plaque and remove it from the teeth keeping you fighting the plaque.
Floss your teeth once a day and clean the plaque in between the teeth and the places they are hiding, especially the back of the teeth.
Eat food that naturally cleanses your mouth. Foods like celery, carrots, apples promote saliva flow which washes away the plaque in the mouth.
Drink water throughout the day to keep the salivaflow high and not let plaque from getting collected and further growing.
All oral problems are mainly due to infections caused in the mouth. So taking care or oral hygiene and regular brushing and flossing are the easiest and healthiest ways to keep dirt away from the mouth.
Dental hygiene is extremely important and is often referred to as being directly connected to overall heart health of an individual.
As you go grow old the mineral structure of the teeth gets affected and starts to discolour, the enamel in the teeth becomes less porous. Over the years the protective enamel on the teeth starts to reduce and more cracks are formed which make it yellow in colour. Besides eating tobacco, pan masala, bacterial pigments and food stains make the teeth look darker and reduce its whiteness. Not maintaining oral hygiene and not brushing the teeth makes the stains grow darker and requires teeth whitening. The enamel of the teeth prevents the teeth from the side effects of chewing, trauma, routine wear and tear, drinking drinks, acids from sugar etc.
Tooth bleaching is a process to improve the contrast of the teeth from dark to white. It requires removing of plaque and tartar from the teeth along with flossing for any stains on the teeth for smooth looking teeth otherwise the stains would shows after whitening also and leaves the process incomplete. Moreover a tooth bleaching is used beyond its natural colour where teeth whitening are to restore the natural colour of the teeth.
Teeth whitening are done through oxidation where the free oxygen radicals remove the stains of the teeth and the teeth look whiter and cleaner. There are many methods to whiten teeth: bleaching strips,bleaching pen, bleaching gel, laser bleaching, and natural bleaching. Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide.
Peroxide are commonly used for teeth bleaching or whitening. You could choose home bleaching kit or opt for professional help.
At times it could have some repercussions in and around the teeth. Teeth sensitivity, irritation in the gums and non-satisfaction from teeth whitening as the result would not be the best at the first process and would require few more sessions. If you are doing it by yourself make sure that you don't use the cleanser on the gums and misuse it for the sake of whiter teeth. Seek a dentist's help for safer whitening and to avoid the above repercussions.
Wisdom tooth usually grows at the age of 16-24 and grows at the back of the teeth or the rearmost part of the teeth. They are the upper and lower third molars. There are four wisdom teeth and all can grow or just a few. Sometime there can be growth of more than four wisdom teeth and those are known as supernumerary teeth. They are placed at the back and help in grinding the food which is why they are also called mill stones.
They are called wisdom tooth because they surface at an age where it is assumed that the person has gained some experience in life. If they are positioned properly in the mouth then they can grow without interfering with other teeth in the mouth. Sometime the wisdom tooth can grow laterally or sideways which can cause pain and move the other teeth causing further pain. The pain also happens because the wisdom tooth grows through the gum tissues which pains when it’s breaking through. The much noticeable symptoms of wisdom tooth are pain and inflammation around the growth of the teeth. The teeth can grow within a gap of few days to months. As it grows it can cause infections because of the food getting stuck in the growing gums.
If the pain is unbearable visit a dentist to check if the tooth is placed properly or not and whether it needs to be removed. Physical examination and x-ray can help in understanding the tooth outlay. Over the counter medicines are beneficial in fighting the pain. Tooth extraction takes place if the pain is unbearable, small jaw line, there is side or crooked growth etc. The surgery may take a few hours and heal with a few weeks. Cloves have always been well known to treat tooth pain and it's anti-inflammatory properties and anesthetic quality also helps in wisdom tooth pain relief.
Floss regularly: Regular after-meal flossing is important to remove the debris in the interdental spaces, which is not cleared after brushing.
It is better to learn proper method of flossing your teeth from a Dental professional before starting on your own, as you may end up injuring your gums and gingiva.
Avoid Tobacco: Smoking, or using smokeless tobacco makes you four times more prone to Oral Cancer than a normal person. Besides the periodontal complications, ill effects are also caused by the agents used to mask the smell or taste of tobacco or tobacco products. Those who smoke, usually may use candies, tea or coffee to mask the smoky breath and odor, which enhances the chances of dental caries and gingival ailments.
Balanced Diet:Having a balanced diet is an important part of maintaining proper Dental Hygiene. Taking excess of candies, sticky foods, foods that have strong odors increases the tooth decay and also may cause halitosis or periodontitis.
The oral cavity (mouth) and the upper part of the throat (pharynx) have roles in many important functions, including breathing, talking, chewing, and swallowing. The mouth and upper throat are sometimes referred to as the oropharynx. The important structures of the mouth and upper throat include the following Lips, Inside lining of the cheeks, Teeth, Gums, Tongue, Floor of the mouth, Back of the throat, including the tonsils, Roof of the mouth (the bony front part and the softer rear part ), Area behind the wisdom teeth and salivary glands
Cancer is caused by abnormal multiplication of cells. As the cells multiply without any control, they form small abnormalities known as lesions, which when come together and form a mass are called a tumor. There two types of Tumors benign or malignant, but tumors are cancerous only if they are malignant. Malignant tumors encroach on and invade neighbouring tissues by direct invasion or by traveling along lymphatic vessels and nerves or through the blood stream. Tumors overpower surrounding tissues by invading their space and taking the oxygen and nutrients essential for their survival and function.This process of invading and spreading to other organs is technically known as metastasis.
The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development.
Here are some common symptoms of mouth cancer:
Persistent Mouth Sores : Persistent, no healing sores in the mouth are the most common symptom of mouth cancer. The sores may appear on the insides of the cheek, along the gums, on the tongue, or in other locations in the mouth. The lesions may be painless. In some cases, persistent red or white patches may appear as opposed to open sores.
Mass in the Mouth : A lump or mass anywhere in the mouth may be a symptom of mouth cancer.. In some cases, the area may present as a thickening of the tissue rather than a distinct lump. Lumps near the teeth or in the jaw may cause loosening of the teeth and difficulty chewing.
Mouth Pain or Numbness and Bleeding : Unusual bleeding in the mouth and persistent mouth pain may be presenting symptoms of mouth cancer. Some oral cancers may cause numbness of the mouth or tongue Jaw Pain, Swelling and Movement Difficulties. Mouth cancers may cause jaw pain, which may be accompanied by localized swelling. Jaw movement may be affected causing difficulty chewing, talking or fully opening the mouth.
Sore Throat and Swallowing Difficulties : A persistent sore throat and pain with swallowing may be symptoms of throat cancer. There may be a sensation of something caught in the throat. A persistent cough may develop along with these symptoms.
Hoarseness : Cancer of the larynx--the part of the throat that includes the vocal cords--may cause hoarseness. The voice may sound scratchy or weak.
Lumps in the Neck : Cancers of the mouth and throat may spread to the lymph nodes of the neck. Cancer spread to the lymph nodes typically causes painless swelling of the affected nodes.
Face or Neck Pain and Weakness : Pain in the chin, neck or face especially the area in front of the ears--may be a symptom of salivary gland cancer. Tumors of the salivary glands may also cause weakness of the facial muscles if they impinge on a facial nerve.
Bad breath is a very common and general problem that can be extremely embarrassing. Here are top ten tips that can help you treat your bad breath naturally
Drink plenty of water: protein and sugar in our diet are responsible for releasing foul smell in the mouth. Water helps create an environment that is not conducive to the bacteria and thereby helps controlling the odour in the mouth.
Maintaining a good oral hygiene is critical for avoiding bad breath. Brush and floss your teeth atleast twice daily.
Eating crisp fruits and vegetables helps keep your mouth naturally cleaned.
Avoid drinking coffee as it creates a thin coat in your tongue. This thin coat blocks the oxygen supply to the tongue.
Bad breath can often be caused by gums that are in poor health. Get the gums treated medically or increase your intake of vitamins to help enhance the process naturally.
Sometimes poor digestion or constipation can be the cause of bad breath. Increase fiber intake in your diet to help improve digestion
Avoid alcohol as it is a drying agent which helps anaerobic bacteria, the main cause of bad breath.
Stop smoking as it also dries up to mouth like alcohol resulting in bad breath
Many people brush their teeth regularly but forget to clean the tongue. The bacteria is usually hiding there. Add tongue-cleaning to your routine each time you brush your teeth.
Avoid mints or chewing gums that have sugar in them. Sugar is responsible for realising bad odour in the mouth.
Flossing is removing of food and dental plaque from teeth and gum line with the use of nylon thread. The thread is placed in between the teeth and gently scraped around the teeth and gum line to remove food particles that get stuck in between teeth. Food particles also tend to stick to the teeth which can decompose and form breeding ground for bacteria which can cause teeth infection and form tartar.
Brushing removes only big particles from the teeth surface and some in between but there are particles which might not come in the reach of the tooth brush and might get stuck causing infection. So flossing reduces any risk of teeth infection and leaves no food particle in the mouth to decompose.
Flossing can be done once in a day or even more if required. The thinness of the floss is important as thick floss might be a problem to place it between the teeth. The thread has to be gently moved around the gum line as to avoid any injury or cuts. Here is a simple technique on how to get started:
To maximize the benefits of flossing, use the following proper technique:
Break an 18 inches of floss thread , wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with
Holding the floss threat tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth
Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue
Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth
If the food particles and plaque is not removed from the teeth then it forms tartar which can only be removed by a dentist. So regularly flossing the teeth reduces the chances of any tartar forming on the teeth. The bacteria present in the tartar (calculus) produce acids which damage your gums and cause swelling:- a condition known as gingivitis.
Flossing helps to remove the food particles and thus prevents bad breath. Gums may bleed when you first begin to floss. Bleeding usually stops after a few days of flossing regularly. If bleeding does not stop, see your dentist.
What is Root canal? There is a space within the center of the tooth known as the pulp chamber that runs all the way to the end of the root of the teeth which is known as the canal. The pulp or living tissues are present in the center of the tooth and in the root canals inside the root of each tooth. The tissues in the pulp consist of small nerves and when they get infected one needs to go through the root canal therapy.
The removing of the pulp is known as endodontic treatment but is commonly referred to as root canal treatment or root canal therapy. The removal of the pulp from the teeth is due to two reasons. One is when the tooth is infected. The continuous decay of the teeth enamel and dentin exposes the root canal or pulp to the infection. The infection can't be removed by medicines as the medicines can't go in the teeth. Hence root canal helps to remove the pulp from the tooth and infection present on the pulp.
Sometimes due to trauma and tooth fracture the pulp can be damaged which cannot be fixed. So root canal treatment is the only option. The purpose of the root canal is to remove the pulp in the tooth, the infection on the pulp and filling the empty root canal. Sometimes the pulp in the teeth can get inflamed and not infected. The inflamed pulp will heal on itself but if doesn't then there are chances that it might get inflamed. Some people take pain killers and let it pass letting the infection grow which can affect the bone around the teeth and can form abscess to form. So getting the infection treated or root canal is the best option.
The treatment procedure includes:
The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area near the tooth.
The area around the tooth is kept dry and free of saliva during treatment
The cleaning out process is accomplished using root canal files
After cleaning the canal is sealed
The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth
Some of the root canal treatments can lead to complication. Best way to avoid them is to ensure that you research enough about the dentist before you book your appointment. Follow the instructions given by the dentist and maintain optimum level of oral hygiene. The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with an artificial tooth to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
Dental Care and oral care are as important in our lives as having a healthy heart or a good fitness levels. If your dental hygiene is not good then you might be at risk for mouth infection. Don’t take mouth infections lightly has if it persist over a long time it can result in mouth cancer. Brushing, flossing and mouth washing can keep the mouth clean and promote a good dental hygiene.
Most infections of the mouth and teeth happen due to bad eating habits, smoking, drinking which might not show much signs early but in the long term can be painful for the teeth and cause periodontis, plaque, tartar etc. Sometimes these pains and dental problems can occur suddenly when you are out of home and instant solutions for relief are not easily available.
Here are some home remedy for dental care
Cloves: Teeth pain can be excruciating sometimes and can occur at random times like late nights. To avoid stress and get instant relief at moments of sudden pain take a clove or use clove oil on the teeth. Press the clove between your teeth and let it be there without chewing it. With 10-15 minutes it will relieve you off the pain.
Salt Water Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help ease some of the pain. Rinsing with the mouth with salt water has a soothing effect and reduces the pain to a big extent. Make sure the water is not very hot or very cold as painful teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Peppermint Tea: Drink a cup of warm peppermint tea for tooth pain relief. Even if your teeth are hurting due to infections peppermint tea helps in reducing the pain and gives a soothing and cooling effect.
Pain Relievers: It could happen that sometimes the above mentioned products might not be easily available then seek for a over the counter medicine pain killer which will instantly relieve you of the pain.
Ice Application: Apply ice wrapped in a dry cloth. Ice helps in numbing the nerves which reduces the pain. Don't drink cold water as alternative as it will worsen the pain.
Black Pepper and Turmeric: If you are having problems with your gums and want to strengthen it then using a mix of black pepper and turmeric can have a positive impact on your gums. Take equal quantity of black pepper and turmeric and crush it together to make a mixture. Gently rub and mix with clean fingers on your gums. Avoid eating anything after using the treatment and rinse your mouth properly.
Table Salt and mustard oil: Mix table salt and mustard oil and apply it on the gums to help strengthen the gum line and prevent the teeth from getting loose. Usually old people complain of teeth loosening which can be worked out with this treatment. Massage the mixture onto the gums with your fingers for 1 minute and rinse it off with cool water. Don’t use this treatment if you have cuts and sores in the mouth.
Amla Fruit: Amla fruit can help to strengthen the gums and support connective tissue health. To strengthen the teeth and gums mix amla extract with water and rinse your mouth with the solution once a day. Avoid eating anything for one hour after rinsing.
Shot of Whiskey: Using whiskey can be a useful alternative if the pain is unbearable. Take some whiskey in your mouth and hold it for a minute and spit it out. This will numb the nerves and the pain will reduce.
If you have swollen gums or if your gums bleed then you might have gum disease. Periodontal (gum) disease could be from minor inflammation or serious gum diseases. Knowing about gum diseases and taking appropriate measures can cure the disease and keep good dental health.
Gum diseases are caused by keeping the teeth and gums dirty with no oral hygiene. Our mouth is full of bacteria from outside or develops in the mouth; these bacteria form plaque in the mouth with mucus and other particle. The plaque when not treated for a long time hardens to become tartar which is not removable by normal brushing and requires professional dental health in cleaning it up.
There are usually two periodontal diseases called Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis: It is the initial stage of gum diseases where the bacteria has started converting into plaque causing swelling in gums, bleeding and and weakening the gums. It is a mild gum disease and does not cause loss of teeth or loss of bone and tissues that hold the teeth but could prove worse if not taken care.
Periodontitis: Gingivitis when left untreated takes the form of Periodontitis. This is a big problem in the gums as they become swollen and painful and the gums become weak and pull away from the teeth and creating space called pockets. The disease starts growing in the pockets making it weaker and the teeth lose their strength and start shaking. The bone and the connecting tisues that hold the teeth start to get destroyed and the teeth might have to be removed.
The mouth has millions of bacteria and when hygiene is not maintained with brushing and mouth wash it can turn in serious gum disease. Foul smells of the mouth, bleeding, tooth ache, swollen gums are common symptoms of initial stages of gum disease which requires you to act upon immediately. It could get difficult while chewing your food and the texture of teeth start to disintegrate.
With deep cleaning of teeth, which involves scaling and deep root cleaning from under the gum line to remove the bacteria causing the disease, can help remove the plaque. Controlling of the infection and the factors that lead to gum diseases can help you maintain a good oral hygiene.
Take a routine dental checkup to keep check on the bacteria growth along with brushing the teeth twice a day and rinsing the mouth after meals to keep growth of bacteria in check. Quit smoking as smoking accelerates the growth of bacteria in the gums.
Gum Bleeding is a dental problem that predominantly is affected by oral conditions such as deposition of plaque and tartar. Deposition of these at places where brush is unreachable over time causes inflammation of the gums resulting into bleeding. The bleeding from the gums could be an early symptom of further gum disease.
Bleeding gums is one of the most common problems faced by people and it shows almost no signs in most cases. Gingivitis is another reasons for gum bleeding which is an inflammation in the gums.
Symptoms of gum bleeding :
· Gums are swollen, soft, and puffy.
· Bleeding of gums during brushing or flossing.
· Gum recession causing few teeth to look longer.
· Separation of gums or pulling away from teeth.
· Constant bad breath and bad taste in the mouth.
Home remedies for Gums
Apply aloe vera and massage the area with it. It helps in killing the bacteria and helps in reducing inflammation.
Massage your gums with freshly grated ginger. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which cures swelling, pain and infection.
Green Tea: Gargling or drinking a cup of green tea helps in killing the germs, reduce swelling and helps in quick recovery.
Gargle with luke warm water which should consist of a spoon of lemon juice and pinch of salt.
Prevention is the best cure. Bleeding gums is an indicator of your oral health and it signifies the upcoming problems. Brush your gums and teeth regularly to avoid accumulation of any plaque. Regular flossing is important. Flossing helps in removing the dirt from the gum line to prevent any gum problem.
Visit a dentist if the bleeding is severe or chronic. Brush lightly as gums are sensitive and can have physical damage. Scurvy and other dental problems can also result in gum diseases.
When we have ulcers in our mouth it can be difficult to eat or drink anything because the ulcers hurt when anything touches them especially something hot and spicy. Mouth ulcers are a common problem with many people and is also referred to as canker sores or oral ulcers. It is primarily a sore in the mouth which can happen alone or in clusters. It could appear on the gums, tongue, inside of cheeks, lips etc. They are usually white in colour or yellow at times surrounded by red hallows and usually disappear with seven to ten days of its occurrence.
Mouth ulcers can happen due to a number of reasons, like eating acidic and spicy food, poor dental health, biting of one's cheek, food allergies, mouth injuries due to dental procedures, aggressive teeth cleaning, and even nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12 and iron. Sometimes these ulcers happen because of bowel problems as well and due to some drugs.
Mouth ulcer can be prevented with proper dental hygiene and avoid hot and spicy foods. Proper care of teeth and gums should be taken. INTAKE OF FRESH FRUITS, CEREALS, VEETABLES, MILK should be increased. Mouth cancer can also happen due to smoking and can stay for longer time than usual. Avoid smoking to avoid any mouth ulcers. They usually occur due to inflammation or some bacteria or germs.
Sometimes it is common to develop canker sores during hormonal changes such as menstruation and pregnancy and to have them co-occur with another viral or bacterial infection. While most people just develop the mouth ulcers, others may experience additional symptoms such as fatigue, swollen glands, and in rarer cases, a fever might also be present.
Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcers
Avoid eating spicy, oily, fried foods and hot beverages. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Replenish your body's intake of vitamin C in order to cure mouth ulcers. Drink about two to three glasses of orange juice (everyday??)
Gargling mouth with hot and chilled water is quite effective.
Use some peppermint and keep it on your tongue.
Avoid eating candy, chewing gum and drinking aerated drinks, until the mouth ulcers have healed totally.
Apply a paste of glycerine and pinch of turmeric in the affected area and leave it for fifteen minutes.
To comfort the burning or painful sensation of the mouth ulcers, eat a banana along with some yogurt.
Cavity is the tooth decay or tooth breakdown. Cavity is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. The main reason for cavity is germs and bacteria that cause plaque which gradually bites into the teeth. Due to sugar and starchy products left over in the mouth become the breeding grounds for bacteria which makes acid that do the biting.
Cavities are a common dental problem and happens over a period of time to form other dental problems also. Many people avoid going for regular dental check-ups that can also help prevent cavities besides removing them.
When plaque forms on the outside covering of the teeth it produces acid, when sugar and starch enter the mouth and reach them through saliva. The acids dissolve the minerals on the tooth and infiltrate in. Slowly the plaque creates a hole which gets bigger and eventually is called a cavity.
The acids formed in the mouth can reach up to the innermost layer of the teeth called pulp and starts its activity of breakdown with the outermost layer called enamel. Practically also you can see evidence with some people who have yellow teeth due to the wash away of the enamel from the tooth. When there is acute tooth ache and the teeth becomes excessively sensitive to extreme temperatures is because the acids have bitten deep to the nerve endings.
Cavity can be treated according to how much it has affected the teeth. If the cavity is small then the doctor can remove the cavity through drilling and filling the cavity. This process is called filling. This is the most common method when it gets detected early.
The drilling and removing of cavity can be painful without anesthesia which is often used to numb the mouth and cause no pain at all. Keep your mouth clean and wash your mouth regularly especially after meals and after eating sugary products to stay away from cavity. Floss your teeth once a day to remove foods stuck in your mouth. Regularly visit the dentist to identify if there is any plaque formation happening around the teeth.
Kidslike other adults are at the same risk of developing dental problems likecavities, periodontal, gingivitis, tooth ache, bad breath if they don't takecare of their oral hygiene. Personal hygiene and dental hygiene should be onevery person’s daily routine. Kids must learn the importance of dental hygieneas it has to be managed by them and no one else. Good habits are very difficultto establish but if inculcated at a young age they go a long way with you.
Keepingcare of dental hygiene doesn't mean that the kids learn to brush after everymeal but make a set pattern and follow it consistently. To help kids keep theiroral hygiene better and clean here are some tips.
Tipsfor good dental care
Brush: Brush first thing inthe morning and just before bedtime. Brushing will help in removing the stuckfood particles, stains on the teeth and in-between them. Tell the kids to brushgently as doing it hard can cause gum bleeding and damage the enamel.
Flossing: Flossing helps incleaning the teeth from between where the brush cannot reach. Lots of smallminute particles get stuck here which can decompose to feed the bacteria. Teachthe kids to floss for themselves and flossing once a day will be sufficient.
Dental Check up: Kids avoid it butvisiting a dentist every three months is important as teeth problems have notmuch symptoms and if they go ignored they can cause dental problems. Preventionis better than cure, it is wise to identify and take care of the problem beforeit spreads and becomes critical.
HandlingPlaque: One needs to remove the plaque, the transparent layer that surroundsthe teeth. To avoid cavities and tooth breakdown by bacteria one must removeplaque by brushing teeth and flossing regularly. When plaque hardens it formsin to tartar which is difficult to remove and causes oral infection.
Sugar: Avoid sugary foods assugar is the biggest cause of tooth decay. Eating sugary foods and sweetenedsoda exposes the teeth to acids which wash away the enamel which is the outermost covering of the teeth. Rinse your teeth after eating sugary foods or brushafter half an hour. Avoid eating sugary foods before going to bed.
Tongue: Tongue can be anindicator of your overall health. Scrap your tongue with a cleaner and keepyour tongue clean as it can cause bad breath and boost bacteria growth in themouth.
Drinklots of water throughout as it will clean the mouth and increase saliva in themouth to wash down the toxins.
tic oi?]aoh.??.s or massage oils. Therapiststry to provide a calm and relaxing feeling. The therapist might ask the patientabout symptoms, medical history etc and their objective for a desired result.They evaluate through touch to locate painful and stressed area and determinehow much pressure should be applied while massaging.
MassageTherapy is recently being used in different sports and athletic fields toimprove performance. This therapy is known to help sportsmen get into goodshape faster and with less soreness and stiffness as it helps in fasterrecovery from heavy workouts. You can use it to relieve conditions which maycause injury as it helps reduce stress on muscles. Massage therapy is known toimprove blood circulation and get blood pumping throughout the body. Finally ithelps boost immunity, alleviate muscle tenderness and speed healing.
Mostphysiological conditions are aggravated due to added stress. Here are some waysmassage therapy can help you manage your stress better:
· Decreased anxiety
· Enhanced sleep quality
· Feel re-energized
· Improved concentration and clarity
· Increased circulation
· Feel relaxed and removes fatigue
Massagetherapy uses for all health disorders is not proven and certain times it mightnot give desired results. It could lead to pain, swelling and discomfort to thebody. If you are going in for massage therapy consult your physician and hire aprofessional certified massage therapist as he would have the experience andknowledge to relax you well.
Dental plaque is a biofilm which occurs naturally on the teeth. Plaque is a colorless sticky film that forms on the teeth. Plaque can sometimes be noticed when teeth are not brushed. Plaque usually develops when foods containing carbohydrates such as sugar and starches are left on the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on this and produce acid as a result.
Plaque is the main reason to cause cavities, gum diseases and can harden into tartar if not taken care of. We develop plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouth. Plaque that is not removed can also irritate the gums around your teeth. Plaque accumulates in hard?? to reach areas and if not cleaned it begins to harden into a calcified substance called calculus. Diet high in sugar and carbohydrates usually promotes plaque in the mouth. By reducing the intake you can help reduce the formation of plaque in the mouth. The bacteria living in the plaque release acids that weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Reducing dental plaque reduces the levels of bacteria in the mouth which, when you have bleeding gums, can get into the blood and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Low-sugar diets, containing a balance of complex carbohydrate, proteins and oils, are linked to lower levels of dental plaque.
Some tips to keep off plaque and bacteria from the mouth
Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque collecting on the teeth to reduce the bacteria activity. Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly.
Flossing: Plaque can accumulate in between the teeth which can be difficult for the brush to reach there. Floss at least once a day to further reduce the bacterial activity.
Polyphenols: Green tea, red wine and cranberry juice contains substances called polyphenols that reduce plaque-formation and stop cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to teeth.
Plaque-busting gum: Chew on gums containing Xylitol or Sorbitol, sugar substitutes that have a plaque-reducing effect.
Use Olive Oil: Limit plaque-formation and strengthen teeth by adding olive oil to salads and cooking. Olive oil also covers the teeth with a film of fat molecules that prevents plaque from forming.
Visit Dentist: You try to maintain your oral care with attention but consulting a dentist is important as they can examine and give you a reality check. Visit a dentist every three months to know how you are doing orally.
The two main causes of bad breath are oral hygiene and gastrointestinal health. Basically this means that bad odour does not only indicate the hygiene levels of your mouth but also the food that is being consumed and ingested by your system. It’s the bacteria that are responsible for this. The most recommended and effective way of improving oral hygiene is eating a healthy diet that is balanced and contains a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates, lots of fruits and vegetables and plenty of fluids to maintain the ph and acidic levels of the mouth. Besides brushing and flossing also helps in keeping the bacteria away. Here is the list of three main culprits that might be adversely affecting your health and oral hygiene.
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Sugar: In general, foods and drinks with high sugar content can harm the teeth. Sugar eats away the tooth enamel and can cause cavities and decay over time. People with sugary diets generally have to brush more diligently and frequently than others in order to avoid cavities.
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Starchy foods, similar to sugary foods, can get stuck in your mouth: Starches,which are complex carbohydrates, stay for longer in your mouth. Much like humans the bacteria also love carbohydrates and feed on them resulting in bad breath. And if extra care is not taken to clean the mouth it can result in other oral conditions like plaque etc.
· Carbonated soft drinks: These drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. Besides being laden with sugar, most soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids that erode tooth enamel.
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Here are some quick tips to help you maintain the oral hygiene:
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Snack on fruits and vegetables as they help in maintaining the ph balance of the mouth.
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Drink more water .
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Brush your teeth twice and floss once a day.
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Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they are bad for teeth.
One of the common dentalproblems is tooth decay. A fairly simple procedure to prevent tooth decay isfluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that strengthensteeth and prevents tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens teeth by helping to speedremineralization, stopping bacteria from making acids. Remineralization is theprocess whereby teeth enamel is build back by deposition of fluoride, calciumand phosphate to prevent tooth decay.
Who should get the treatment?
Fluoridetreatments are commonly given to children as their teeth are developing so thatteeth enamel is formed properly. Additional fluoride is required if a child hashistory of cavities or is at a high risk if decay.
How Fluoride is Useful?
Fluoride canbecome part of teeth enamel by two ways:
- One way through the blood stream via the foods (meat, fish,egg), supplements and fluorinated water. This little amount of fluoride becomespart of permanent teeth as they develop.
- Second way that fluoride can enter teeth is directly throughmouth via dental treatment, fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinse.
Research hasshown that fluoride works most effectively topically (from the outside in), notfrom the inside out through your bloodstream during tooth formation. Sofluoride treatment is used for both children and adults.
How treatment is done?
Dentistapplies fluoride either in gel, foam form or as a varnish. Alternativelyfluoride paints can be applied with the help of a mouth guard looking liketray. After this treatment the patient is not allowed to eat or drink anythingfor thirty minutes.
In case of children below 13 years thefluoride supplements are given, which the child will need to take per day.
Risks involved influoride treatment?
Fluoridethough is safe but an overdose can be dangerous. Overdose leads to nausea andeven can cause brown spots on the enamel of the developing teeth.
Precautions to be taken?
Ensure theright quantity of toothpaste and make sure to spit it out properly. In case ofsupplements, it should be given in the doses mentioned by the dentist.
In a large international survey on the topic of male beauty, researchers found that the most important factor in making a man attractive to a woman is good hygiene. A great smile was number three, with confidence taking second place. Whether or not you're in the market for a girlfriend, there's no question that a little additional attention to our smiles, including our oral hygiene, can pay off big.
Bad Breath
Let's start with the elephant in the room: bad breath. It's usually caused by poor oral care habits, smoking, or a dry mouth. Hundreds of medications cause dry mouth, or xerostomia, as a side effect. The worst offenders are medicines used to treat allergies, high blood pressure, depression, and pain. Stay hydrated, floss daily, brush your teeth twice a day, and brush your tongue. If you wear dentures or other mouth appliances, clean them daily. Use an alcohol-free mouth wash and artificial saliva or a dry-mouth spray or gel. If your breath suddenly takes on an unpleasant or unusual odor, it may be a sign of a serious disorder, such as diabetes or a bowel obstruction, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Chronic dry mouth that is unrelated to medication use should also be investigated, since it may indicate an auto immune condition or other disorder.
Healthy Gums
Proper brushing and flossing will keep your gums healthy. Periodontal (gum) disease makes gums red and puffy and causes them to recede and bleed spontaneously or with light brushing. Regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist will keep cavities in check and prevent stains from building up.
Whitening Teeth
Many over-the-counter toothpastes, mouth rinses, and chewing gums claim to have a "whitening" effect, and while proper dental hygiene using toothpaste and mouth rinse will help keep your teeth white, these products are not really useful for cosmetic purposes. A peroxide bleaching agent is necessary to lighten the yellowish dentin, which is visible beneath the tooth enamel. Home bleaching agents, such as paint-on whiteners and strips applied directly to the teeth, are effective and relatively cheap. Look for one with at least 6% of the bleaching agent. People who have isolated stains (for example, a single discolored tooth), dark stains, crowns, dental implants, or other restorations should consult a dentist to discuss their alternatives. Dentists can prescribe bleaching kits to be used at home, or they can bleach the teeth in the office, using a safe laser light to oxidize the peroxide in about an hour.
Concerns linger about whether the bleaching process is safe for the teeth and whether the bleaching agent might be toxic if ingested. While both home and prescription products can be considered safe at this time, while women should not have a bleaching procedure during pregnancy. You should also avoid whitening your teeth if your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold.
Straightening Teeth
Of course, a range of other cosmetic improvements is available. Some adults are candidates for Invisalign, a system in which a customized series of transparent trays, or "aligners," is used to straighten the teeth. People with bite problems or more complex orthodontic issues may need traditional braces. Brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic or polycarbonates are less noticeable than stainless steel brackets, and sometimes the brackets can be mounted on the back surface of the teeth.
Fixing Imperfections
A missing, chipped, or stained tooth can be replaced with a crown or dental implant, an artificial tooth permanently anchored into the bone of the jaw. Porcelain veneers are pricey but can transform a person's smile in just a couple of visits to the dentist. See a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options, but keep in mind that the "perfect" smile is often one with a little character.
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Brushing Teeth regularly after meals
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important and the easiest method of maintaining your dental hygiene. Brushing before retiring to bed at night is a must.
Steps are listed below
Ø Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
Ø Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Ø Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Ø Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Ø Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Use the correct Brushing method
Ø According to the movement of the tooth brush, tooth brushing techniques or tooth brushing methods may be described as:
Ø Circular, Vibratory, Horizontal or Roll method.
Ø Your Dentist can advise you the correct method of tooth brushing according to the condition of your teeth and periodontium.
Ø Horizontal Scrubbing of teeth is NOT advisable, as it may cause cervical abrasion cavities and the recession of the gingiva.
Ø The tooth brushing method must be specifically modified in case of special children (children with physical or mental disabilities), or any kind of mentally or physically challenged persons unable to brush in the regular manner.
Choose your Tooth Brush wisely
Ø Your tooth brush should have a small head
Ø Toothbrushes with nylon bristles are the best
Ø The tooth brush bristles should be arranged as groups of 3-4 tufts across the width of the brush head and 10-12 across the length of the tooth brush head.
There is a proverb that goes like this:"A smile will gain you ten more years of life." These words were written countless centuries ago, yet today they ring more true than ever. The links between oral health and overall health are being established on a near daily basis and the implications are astounding! Imagine if by simply brushing and flossing regularly, you were able to prevent a heart attack?
Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease and encompasses the various stages of the disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal literally translates to "around the tooth". Interestingly,as the disease progresses it manages to burrow itself more completely around the affected tooth or teeth.
The beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which occurs when plaque buildup begins to inflame the gums causing them to redden, swell and easilybleed. Typically there is little to no discomfort during this stage. Because ofthis, gingivitis is generally detected during a regular dentist visit. If diagnosed and treated, gingivitis is completely reversible.
Here recommend the following steps to all of the patients in order to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile:
* Make sure to brush after every meal and floss daily
* See your dentist every six months for an examination and annually for radiographs
* See your hygienist every four to six months for a thorough cleaning
* If you notice swelling, redness or bleeding in your gums, consult your dentist right away
* If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, follow and complete your treatment plan as described by your dentist, hygienist and periodontist.
Eating processed or high sugary food is especially bad for your teeth. What happens when the food enters the mouth? Bacteria present in the mouth starts to convert sugars from the foods to acids. It is then this acid that begins to attack the enamel on teeth and triggers the tooth decaying process. Therefore eating too often is extremely harmful and often accelerates the cycle of tooth decay.
Eating right and healthy is the first step toward good dental Health. Calcium and phosphorus are the best minerals that help remineralize the teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids). Dairy products like cheese, yogurt and milk are good for stronger teeth. Foods with higher water content also help in maintaining the oral hygiene as they dilute acid, stimulate production of saliva and also help clear out food particles stuck in the teeth.
To promote oral hygiene and avoid tooth decay stay away from the following:
Coffee, soft drinks, and juices with artificial flavors and coloring agents can cause tooth discoloration. The sweets and other ingredients in them weaken the enamel making teeth susceptible to dental caries. Acids in fruits juices, vinegar soft drink lower the ph level of the teeth which cause the enamel to demineralize. Sticky foods that contain sugar stick to the mouth for longer periods inducing bacterial activity which increases and damages the teeth.
Carbohydrate, both simple sugar and starch and complex wheat, bread, cookies, sweetened cereals, sandwiches, cheese etc quickly break in the mouth to form sugar which gets used by the bacteria in the mouth to cause acids that smell bad and cause tooth decay. The food particles get stuck between the teeth and increase the growth of the bacteria.
THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
Rinse your mouth after the meals and mouth wash to kill germs and bacteria. Drink lots of water through the day which helps to flush out the bits of food that get stuck in the mouth and drinking water promotes more saliva in the mouth. Eat fruits and vegetables like bell pepper, broccoli, that help to fight bacteria in the mouth.
Appropriate oral hygiene is important for keeping the teeth and gum healthy to avoid any bad symptom of the teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between the teeth and floss once a day. Do not eat before bed time.