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More often than not, people take oral
health for granted believing it plays a minor role for our being. But little do
they know proper oral health is very important. Without proper oral health we
could not smile, eat, or speak with confidence. The most prevalent oral disease is dental cavities.
Dental cavities
or tooth decay occurs when bacteria de-mineralizes the tooth structure leading
to cavity formation. The severity of pain felt depends on the extent of the
cavity; it could be a dull, throbbing, sharp, shooting, spontaneous or
triggered pain. During the first symptom of pain, the patient must have a
dental consultation to prevent worsening of the condition.
Treatment depends on the extent of the dental cavity
Permanent
treatment of the cavity can be done by a dentist inside a dental clinic. Some
of the permanent treatment of dental cavities include: dental restorations,
dental crowns, and root canal treatment.
Dental restorations are usually tooth colored
and are used on small to moderate sized dental cavities. This is a simple one
appointment procedure wherein the decayed part of the tooth are removed and replaced
by a tooth colored filling material.
Dental crowns
are placed on a tooth that has been compromised; a lot of tooth structure has
been damaged. It serves as a ‘cap’ to cover and protect the tooth. This
procedure would need more appointments. In addition to removal of the decayed
part of the tooth, the tooth is reduced in size to be able to accommodate the
crown.
When a tooth
has experienced a spontaneous sharp shooting pain, an additional treatment is
needed: root canal treatment. A spontaneous sharp shooting pain is felt when
the nerves and blood vessels inside the canal of the tooth have been affected
by bacteria. In order to prevent further infection and alleviate pain, removal
of the nerves and blood vessels as well as through cleaning of the canals are
needed. Once the canals are cleaned, placement of a bio-compatible material
within the canals is done. A dental restoration or crown is placed on top of
the canals to completely seal and prevent reinfection of bacteria.
The best way to achieve proper
oral health is prevention.
How do we
prevent oral diseases such as dental cavities?
Proper tooth brushing and flossing
The most common
way to prevent tooth decay is by practicing daily tooth-brushing and flossing. Tooth-brushing
and flossing is done to mechanically remove any debris on the tooth surface.
Flossing is very important because it reaches in between teeth and removes
debris along that area. This shall prevent bacteria build up that causes tooth
decay.
This practice
requires strict compliance of the patient. There is no acceptable excuse that a
person could not do this. Toothbrushes, toothpastes and dental floss are
available at your local boutiques and it is available in different brands,
color and type to suit your needs and preference. The patient must brush and
floss their teeth after every meal.
Regular dental visits
Although a
patient brushes their teeth after every meal, they must have regular dental
visits. The advised interval is every 6 months. During these appointments
the dentist shall inspect the teeth for any onset of tooth decay, any soft
tissue problem, and they will do professional cleaning. The dentist removes any debris that could not be removed by the patient.
Proper eating habits
Bacterium loves
acid; it strives in an acidic environment. The oral cavity becomes acidic every
time a person eats. When this happens, there would be a conducive environment
for bacteria to live. The more frequent a person eats, the more the oral cavity
is exposed to an acidic environment. That is why it is advised that we limit
our eating habits to three times a day. Avoidance of snacks in between meals is
important.
What we eat is
just as important as when we eat. There are certain foods that could act as
nature’s toothbrush. These are just alternatives but should never replace the
toothbrush and toothpaste.Examples of
these foods are crunchy fruits and vegetables like celery, carrots, and apples.
Simply cut these and rub it against the tooth surface. After rubbing rinse your
mouth with water.
Another example of a great natural
tooth cleanser are strawberries mixed with baking soda. Strawberry pulp
bits could be mixed with equal parts of baking soda slurry. Rub this against
the tooth surface for five minutes then rinse.
Keep hydrated
Drinking 8
glasses of water a day keeps your body health as well as your mouth hydrated.
Water helps swish away bacteria that are loosely attached to the tooth surface.
In addition to that, it stimulates salivation.
Saliva mechanically
and chemically helps fight against bacteria that causes oral problems. Just
like water, it can mechanically remove any loose debris. It also has proteins
and minerals like calcium that can help protect the tooth. It can remineralize
the tooth thus preventing the tooth from decay.
Dry mouth or
xerostomia occurs when then amount of saliva inside the oral cavity are minimal
to none. People with this condition have experienced more dental problems. They
are prone to dental caries, gum problems, and bad breath.
There are many
ways on how to prevent dental cavities from forming. Follow these above
mentioned tips to achieve optimum oral health. Stay healthy!
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Brushing teeth is a basic and necessary self-help skill that all kids must learn. Not all kids are enthusiastic or even willing to open their mouths for this important oral habit. Toddlers may protest by crying and refusing to open their mouth for many reasons. These reasons may include disliking the taste of the toothpaste, fear of having the toothbrush in their mouth or simple refusal to cooperate. Older children may associate teeth-brushing as a chore and do it carelessly so that they can go back to whatever activity they were doing prior to brushing their teeth.
When teeth-brushing is made into a fun activity, kids will actually look forward to doing it. Be sure to have toothpaste that doesn’t burn. Fruity flavors work best for children. A spinning or light-up toothbrush can really add to the fun. Some ideas to get them brushing is to have them make silly faces into the mirror as they are brushing. Not only does this create a lot of laughter, it helps them reach those important, hard to reach areas of the mouth such as the molars. For the unwilling toddler who refuses to open their mouth at all, make a game out of it, so that they are in control. Have them get a favorite stuffed animal or doll and let them “brush” its teeth. Follow up with telling them it’s their turn to brush so that their teeth can be clean too. Letting your kids brush your teeth is another way to teach them good brushing habits and make it fun for them. This activity will not only let them see all of your teeth and how important it is to get them clean for you, it reiterates for them that they need to do the same when brushing their own. Some children do much better with a visual queue. For children who learn more visually, take pictures of yourself or another member of the family brushing their teeth and tape them above the sink so that they can use it as a guide.
It is important to establish with your children that each time they brush their teeth; they spend at least 2 minutes brushing. This may seem long and tedious for children, so add to the fun by playing a song that lasts 2-3 minutes and telling them they have to brush until the song is over. Change the music around so they look forward to hearing the new song. Reward your children for their efforts. Make a responsibility chart that includes teeth-brushing. This doesn’t have to be an expense. One piece of poster board, a ruler, and a permanent marker will make a perfect homemade responsibility chart. When your kids are finished brushing, allow them to put a sticker next to their completed responsibility of brushing their teeth. This makes them feel proud of their accomplishments and motivated to keep up with their good brushing habits.
what people searched for to land here:
get kids to brush teeth
kids gude to brushing teeth
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Caries are the most prevalent infectious disease of the oral
cavity. Throughout the years, people from all over the world suffer from tooth
decay and seek dental treatment to arrest its progression. To standardize the
classification of caries between dentists, GV Black devised a system to name
them in 1869. The nomenclature is mainly based on the location of caries. GV
Black also published a series of papers that discuss how dental caries should
be treated given the knowledge and materials available at that time.[2]
Six Caries
Classifications[1]
1.
Class I Caries – These type of caries are found on the
occlusal (biting) surfaces of the posterior (back) teeth. Occlusal surfaces
have pits and fissures thus this type of caries is also known as
pit-and-fissure caries. Pit-and-fissures as the name implies, are irregular
surfaces of the teeth that resulted from imperfect coalescence of enamel during
the development of the tooth crown. The bristles of toothbrushes often cannot
effectively reach the bottom part of pits-and-fissures that’s why the bacteria
stays there and will demineralize the tooth to create class I cavities.
●
Detecting class I caries is sometimes a bit tricky. A
“catch” after the dental explorer is passed on the occlusal surfaces,
is an indication of a class I caries. However, deep fissures that do not have
caries can also give the dentist the feel that there is a “catch” in
the explorer. That’s why it takes good tactile sense and ocular inspection to
make a very accurate diagnosis.
2.
Class II Caries – These are cavities that involve the
occlusal surfaces and the proximal area (the area that is in contact with
another tooth) of an affected tooth. With this type of caries, more than one
surface of the tooth is affected.
●
Class II caries are also detected the same way as Class I
caries although it is a bit challenging to pass the explorer on proximal areas.
Bitewing radiographs are very helpful diagnostic aids. They tell the dentist if
the proximal area has caries by way of presence of radioluscent areas.
3.
Class III Caries – Caries that involve only the proximal
area of anterior (front) teeth is classified as Class III Caries. This type
affects the smooth-surface of a tooth, or the surface that is facing the lips,
the palate (for upper teeth) or the tongue (for lower teeth). Class III caries
happens on areas that are not habitually cleaned and constantly covered with
plaque.
●
Class III caries are usually very easy to detect. They show
areas of cavitation and brown-black discoloration that can be seen immediately.
The explorer is ran on the facial and lingual proximal surfaces to check for
cavities.
4.
Class IV Caries – If caries affects the proximal area and
the incisal (cutting) surface of anterior teeth, then it is classified as Class
IV.
●
The process of detecting class IV caries is also the same as
class III.
5.
Class V Caries – Class V caries are those that are found
near the gingival (gums) area of the tooth. It also affects a smooth surface.
●
To detect class V caries, the explorer is run through the
facial or lingual aspects of teeth from the cervical (near the gum) to the
coronal (near the crown) surface. An indication that there is class V caries is
a “catch”.
6.
Class VI Caries – The tip of the cusps of posterior teeth
can also have caries. If that is the case, they are classified as Class VI
caries. Note that unlike Class I caries that originate from pits-and-fissures,
Class VI caries affects a smooth-surface.
●
To check for Class VI caries, the explorer is passed through
the cuspal inclines and tips.
Root
Surface Caries
Root surface caries are not classified under any of the six
classes. As the name implies, they occur on the cementum of the tooth that’s
always covered in plaque. Cementum being less mineralized than enamel, is more
prone to demineralization caused by caries. Root surface caries progresses
rapidly also because of the same reason, that’s why it should be treated
immediately. It is prevalent in the older population that have experienced
gingival recession.
Preventing caries
Plaque is
the main etiologic agent of dental caries.[3] It consists of bacteria like
Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus that ferment sugars. As a result of this
fermentation, these bacteria produce acids that lower the pH inside the mouth.
The drop in pH is what causes tooth demineralization or caries to occur. That
is why, eliminating plaque will prevent the progression of dental caries.
1. Maintain excellent oral hygiene – It has
been shown that tooth brushing effectively gets rid of plaque inside the mouth.
The bristles of the brush removes plaque inside pits and fissures of teeth and
can even go in-between contact areas.[5]
● Flossing should always follow tooth
brushing. The thread of the floss that is inserted in between contact areas
removes plaque that were not removed by toothbrush bristles. This prevents
caries originating on the proximal areas of the teeth, along the gingival
margins, as well as gum diseases.
● Regular professional scaling and
polishing is also proven to disrupt plaque or calcular deposits (hard tartar
build-up) with the use of dental instruments.
2. Modify diet – avoid eating foods that are
sugary and starchy since they are ferment-able carbohydrates. Caries-causing
bacteria inside the mouth use these carbohydrates for their metabolism and as a
result, they release acids that cause the pH inside your mouth to drop to 5.5.
This drop in pH is critical because it causes demineralization. One great way to check the pH of your mouth is by using pH strips, these can be easily found at pet stores for monitoring aquarium pH.
3. Remineralize teeth – Teeth are more
resistant to caries when they are remineralized because of deposited
fluorohydroxyapatite crystals on the surface. To remineralize teeth, they are
exposed to low amounts of fluoride frequently. Rinsing with green tea daily[3]
and increasing dairy consumption are the best ways to remineralize teeth.[4]
References:
[1] Roberson, T., Heymann, H., & Swift Jr., E. (2006). Sturdevant’s art and science of operative
dentistry. Missouri: Mosby Inc.
[2] Wolff,
M., Allen, K., & Kaim, J. (2007). A 100-year journey from GV Black to
minimal surgical intervention. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry,
28(3), 130-134.
[3] Awadalla, H., Ragab, M.,
Bassuoni, M. Fayed, M., & Abbas, M. (2011). A pilot study of the
role of green tea use on oral health.
International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 9(2), 110-116.
[4] Ferrazzano, G., Cantile, T., Quarto, M., Ingenito, A.,
Chianese, L., & Addeo, F. (2008). Protective effect of yogurt extract on
dental enamel demineralization in vitro. Australian
Dental Journal, 53(4), 314-319.
[5] Gutkowski, S. (2008). Minimal intervention. RDH, 28(6), 88-117.
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A diet high in sugar, refined processed foods and acids expose one to a greater risk of developing tooth decay. One interesting thing to note is that there are over five hundred types of bacteria that inhabit in the mouth. Bacteria are best controlled when deprived of some of their main sources of food. With this in mind, it is generally a good idea to ensure that food particles are thoroughly absent from the mouth when not eating.
In a fight for survival, bacteria will eat almost any food source it can find. This diet is however limited to foods composed of sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, and cooked starches. When bacteria digest foods, they leech out a naturally occurring chemical known as lactic acid. This causes enamel to become especially vulnerable to damage. Cavities typically manifest in places where plaque settles into the
fissures and pits of teeth, cavities can also occur at the gum line. When a cavity
penetrates past the soft dentin layer of the tooth into the nerve, pain is typically felt.
Thankfully there is hope. By understanding how bacteria interact with tooth decay,you can prevent and even reverse some cavities. To start off, it is best to understand and few basic things about oral care.
Keep Up With Your Dental Hygiene
Brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily to maintain proper hygiene.
Many dental professionals recommend flossing at least once a day to deter the growth of s. mutans and other bacteria. Mouthwash is also very useful in helping slow down a cavity. To get the most from mouthwash, it is best to purchase a fluoride containing brand. If possible, use the mouthwash right before you go to sleep. This will allow the mouthwash to better absorb and as a result, it will more effectively strengthen and protect enamel.
Fluoride Helps
Fluoride is ordinarily found in toothpaste and even in most tap water. Fluoride can even be found naturally in some meats such as fish and eggs. Fluoride has the potential toreverse cavity growth. If it is caught in the early stages of the
problem, a cavity treated with fluoride can do just about a complete one-eighty. Assuming that you want to slow cavity growth and protect teeth from
decay, it is particularly useful to apply fluoride.
Reduce The Sugary Foods Junk foods and soda drinks should be greatly reduced to prevent further tooth decay.
People with a sweet tooth should brush lightly as soon as possible after eating. If you
chew gum, select a gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is particularly effective at creating an environment in which s. mutans and other bacteria cannot survive. This natural extract isimmensely effective in slowing cavity development and it is also mildly sweet-tasting.
* for more information on xylitol, check out our previous post, benefits of xylitol.
Licorice Root
One less commonly used approach to oral care is licorice root. Licorice root is a natural antimicrobial. This means that licorice inhibits harmful bacteria
from forming in the mouth. Many people also simplylikethe taste of licorice
root, which is commonly purchased at health food stores or online. Caring for cavities is quite easy. This essential hygiene is made a lot simpler with proper knowledge. Follow these tips and you too can put an end to cavity formation.
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Homemade toothpaste is toothpaste that you make at home. Some might ask why would one want to make their own toothpaste? Toothpaste from the store is generally pretty cheap, lasts for a long time, and is very convenient. When you make your own toothpaste you have more control over many aspects of your own oral well-being. In other words, it lessens our dependency on brands of being the care givers of our oral health. In this article, I’ll be discussing this and more of everything you need to know about making the perfect custom toothpaste.
Some ingredients that can be added to the ideal homemade toothpaste are baking soda, essential oils, calcium powder, and xylitol. It’s a relatively easy process making your own toothpaste. In its essence, you simply mix baking soda with some water to form a base and from there you are free to add in a multitude of ingredients to benefit your oral health. You could alternatively use coconut oil as a base or even create a tooth powder base from just baking soda if you prefer.
There are many ingredients to choose from when making toothpaste. Some you may prefer more than others, for this reason it is wise to be informed of what each ingredient is and does. Here I will be discussing eight examples of awesome ingredients that can be used to make great toothpaste; Myrrh oil, Peppermint oil, Spearmint oil, Tea tree oil, Cloves, Coconut oil, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Bentonite.
To get things started, Myrrh oil is the extracted resin of a type of thorny tree. Myrrh oil has many applications in oral care. In its use, Myrhh oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its utilization in treating mouth ulcers. In toothpaste, this ingredient is particularly useful for is assistance in the healing of gums impaired by harmful bacteria. Being that it is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and an anti-viral this is one toothpaste ingredient germs would not touch with a ten foot pole.
Equally as important, Peppermint oil performs the functions of astringent, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. These properties make it an awesome toothpaste ingredient. It is said that Peppermint oil helps hold the teeth and gums together. In other words, it has a peculiar quality of making both teeth and gums feel stronger. This is very likely due to its astringent nature. An astringent is defined as a topical material which causes the contraction of tissue. These qualities of peppermint oil make it a quadruple threat in the fight against oral maladies.
Spearmint Oil is very similar to Peppermint oil. However, a unique property of Spearmint oil is that it contains much less menthol than Peppermint. This gives us the freedom of lessening the menthol sting in our custom toothpaste. Like its close relative, Spearmint has much the same anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of Peppermint.
Tea tree oil is often said to have almost miraculous effects on the gums. There is an article that can be found with a simple web search titled, ” How Tea Tree Oil Saved My Gums and Teeth”. In this piece, the author speaks on a hole in their gums that they were unpleasantly surprised to find one morning. After being quoted at a dental clinic fifteen hundred dollars they found out about a mouthwash through a friend. In result, this mouthwash burned, but it worked. Though after discontinuing use, the hole reappeared, causing them to almost give up hope all together. Upon further research, the writer found Tea Tree oil to be the best solution to their gum problem. The hole closed up, and they saved a cool stack and a half by treating the problem at it’s source.
Just as important as Tea Tree oil, Cloves are the dried flower bud of a tropical Indonesian tree. Used as an aromatic spice and as a cigarette additive, cloves have a multitude of applications. In dentistry, cloves are commonly used in the form of Eugenol for it’s anesthetic, and analgesic properties. Analgesic simply mean that it helps to reduce pain. Cloves should in no way be used as an alternative to antibiotics in treating an abscess. However, It is noted that when one has no access to antibiotics, Cloves can serve as a powerful infection fighter. Since cloves also act as an anesthetic, they can help in easing the pain of a toothache while stunting the activity of infection.
In a quick web search for coconut oil, many of the top results tout coconut oil pulling as somewhat of a supreme dental cure all. Coconut oil pulling does not reverse cavities nor does it serve as a practical replacement for brushing teeth. Most bacteria in the mouth are single cell organisms covered by a single fatty membrane. When these cells come into contact with a fat like that contained in coconut oil, they naturally adhere to it. This helps to reduce the overall population of bacteria in the mouth. Also, fifty percent of the fat contained in coconut oil is conciliated of Lauric acid. Lauric acid is one of few acids that indeed benefits teeth, in part due to its antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil serves as a superb ingredient in toothpaste as it legitimately serves an appropriate role in benefiting oral health.
Hydrogen Peroxide is commonly used as a teeth whitener. In its whitening application, it is ordinarily composed of ten percent Carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide breaks down into both Urea and the former Hydrogen Peroxide. Urea in itself has a function which serves to polish enamel. In effect, this acts as an acid to break down the slime womb of bacterial plaque. For it to be most effective, three percent Hydrogen peroxide should Ideally be held in the mouth for around ten minutes. Hydrogen peroxide does not bubble on its own. Rather, it is the coming into contact with ones red blood cells that cause the oxygen release. In many ways, rinsing for ten minutes with three percent Hydrogen peroxide is much more beneficial than coconut oil pulling. The reason for this being that the bubbling action lifts food particles while breaking down plaque in the nooks and crevices between teeth. Bacterium are stunted in the high oxygen environment as a result of a Hydrogen Peroxide rinse. In the absence of oxygen such as in the case of plaque build up, bacterium are forced into anaerobic respiration. In this capacity they will release lactic acid as a byproduct. Hydrogen Peroxide is particularly effective at reaching infection deep in the gums. It should be used sparingly as just enough will benefit teeth while too much may cause sensitivity and enamel change.
Last but not certainly not least, Bentonite is a kind of absorbent clay created by the breakdown of volcanic ash. It is a peculiar substance in that it gives off a small electrical charge when it is hydrated. When mixed with water, Bentonite hurriedly expands like a soaked sponge. This combined with Bentonite’s exclusive polar charge pulls toxins from the mouth, while releasing minerals contained within the clay itself. This is one toothpaste ingredient that while not commonly found in stores, serves an honorary role in maintaining dental health.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, there are many more ingredients not listed here worthy of mention. One idea suggested for toothpaste is to mix a variety of these oilsto create rather a super toothpaste! One of the best aspects of making your own toothpaste is that as with building ones own home, you have the freedom to enjoy a process to suit your individual needs for a result that will last a lifetime.
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With countless brands of different toothpastes available on the market, it becomes rather difficult for people to select the right type for themselves and their families. The toothpaste market is generally dominated by brands that are advertised the most, but may not necessarily be the best ones available. A few leading brands that have shown outstanding results in plaque control, anti-halitosis effects and excellent whitening include the Rembrandt General White Toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine Anti-Plaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste and the Crest 3D White. While all three are well known and trusted brands, each has unique and different properties that I will be discussing today.
- Rembrandt General White Toothpaste: Top choice of many, the Rembrandt General White Toothpaste does not contain SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This brand is especially formulated for people who are prone to developing oral infections such as canker sores. The formula is ultra gentle and does not cause irritation. It offers exceptional whitening and also strengthens weak enamel which is prone to erosion, or wears resulting from acid attack. Because this formula was developed by a cosmetic surgeon, it is generally advised for people who complain of dull, pale teeth to achieve impeccable whitening, but can be used as a daily toothpaste as well.The active ingredient of the formula is Sodium Fluoride and therefore offers ideal protection against bacterial accumulation and cavity formation. Rembrandt General White Toothpaste is not advised for children younger than two years.
- Tom’s of Maine Anti Plaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: People tend to think all toothpastes contain Fluoride, but some people are not comfortable with this considering the fact that oral conditions such as Fluorosis have the potential to deteriorate when exposed to additional Fluoride. Tom’s of Maine is a unique fluoride-free formula designed keeping such considerations in mind and it does not even contain artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives. The most prominent features of the formula include whitening and effective control of plaque. However, one of the main reasons why some people tend to avoid the brand is that the formula includes SLS (SodiumLauryl Sulfate) which has been a known oral irritant. The main ingredients used in Tom’s of Maine Anti Plaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste include Zinc Citrate and Xylitol.
- Crest 3D White Toothpaste: Endorsed by the famous pop artist Shakira, the Crest 3D White Toothpaste is marketed as whitening toothpaste and offers flawless cleaning removal of prominent stains within two weeks of use. The formula contains active whitening agents that not only provide ideal cleaning, but also prevent stains for developing on the surfaces of the teeth. While the toothpaste has helped countless people rid their teeth from extrinsic staining, the company has been targeted for certain quality control issues. Apart from whitening, the formula also offers effective cavity control and desirable freshness after every brushing.
All three brands offer unique properties; some may have certain flaws but dentists generally advise patients to use toothpastes that are safe for the entire family, and offer excellent oral hygiene and cavity protection after every brushing, not just aesthetic feature.
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Having dental insurance can be very convenient especially if you are suffering from toothache. Just because you have a toothache, that does not mean you have to suffer. Many people who have been in your situation have found ways to get the help they need to feel better.
Let’s look at some of the possible reasons behind a toothache. A toothache can first be caused by a sensitive tooth that is responding to hot, cold, sweet or bitter foods. Another possible cause is that a cavity has gotten bigger and needs a filling. A tooth with an exposed root will need either a root canal or surgical removal to ultimately fix the problem. Occasionally, a sinus infection can mimic a toothache due to nerve endings firing off around the teeth. This may falsely cause you to think there is something seriously wrong with your tooth.
If you’ve had recent cold symptoms that have not fully cleared up, gently press below your cheekbones around your sinus cavities for sensitivity. If you feel pressure or pain, you may be experiencing a sinus infection. Sinus infections can be notorious for sending pressure down to the nerve endings around the teeth. Using a humidifier, a saline rinse, and/or over the counter pain reliever may clear things up. For a tooth that is aching due to sensitivity, one of the cheapest and easiest fixes is to purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush and to use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. Avoid biting down on sugary foods, especially with sensitive teeth. If hot or cold bothers you, remember to make the temperature of your food just right before consuming it.
If you can actually see the problem, such as an abscessed tooth or a cavity that has gotten out of control, over the counter pain medication will not fix the underlying problem. For a toothache such as this, you can call your local Health Department for your county and ask them if they can give you a list of the local dental schools that may need patients to work on. They may also have other resources for you that you are totally unaware of. Most Health Departments also have an in-house Dentist who may have ideas for you that might help, or offer to see you for a minimal fee, regardless of the fact you have no insurance.
Many local schools that have a Dental Program will often offer their services for very cheap or free since the work will be done by students with seasoned Dentists and professors overseeing their work. While this might sound scary at first, remember, these students have studied the same as a Dentist has and are now doing hands-on work. This can be a great alternative to get dental work done, especially if you have a toothache and no insurance. This may require phone calls, driving a longer distance than you normally would, and possibly getting up earlier than you typically would to be seen. It may also even involve waiting in a line with other people who also have a toothache. Regardless of those possibilities, it is often well worth it to relieve ones self from the pains of toothache.
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Why is bad breath such a big deal I often think to myself. Why is it important to have good smelling breath? For the longest time I could not stand all the Dentyne commercials and hype of oral freshness. It was in my early school years that I began to understand the value of fresh breath. There was a particular set of twins everyone seemed to talk about.
These two guys had the worst morning breath in our entire school.
What made it worse was that they both had it and were totally oblivious
to it. While they seemed like intelligent and good guys their bad breath
was downright repelling.I mean don’t get me wrong, a person shouldn’t have to walk around smelling their own breath four times a day. However, pleasant smelling breath is a vital element if you want to project admirable qualities of yourself to people around you.
Bad breath is one of the most common hygienic issues we are faced with today. In fact, for those who work in close proximity with people, having good breath is just about mandatory. Bad breath
could cause a person to avoid eye contact with colleagues, miss out on
intimate connections and will possibly cause one to feel bad about themselves in general.
Bad breath is often defined as unpleasant odor coming from the mouth.
The textbook word for bad breath is halitosis. Nobody likes bad breath or halitosis,
and most people actively battle with it.
One fact remains that, “at least fifty percent of the
adult population has admitted to having bad breath at one time or another, and just
about everyone has it in the morning”. Ninety percent of foul breath is
manifested by means of bacteria. Of this ninety percent, sixty percent
of these bacteria are on the tongue.
Why do people get bad breath? One answer to this says that bad breath has seven major causes that allow it to manifest; dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, food, smoking, infections, medications and, disease. Dry Mouth most commonly happens when we are sleeping hence the term “morning breath”. Poor oral hygiene results in a mouth full of bacterias and food particles that truly are the stuff bad breath is made of. Foods such as garlic and onion can create a particular food odor that emanates from the air we breath and even from our sweat pores! Smoking is typically an accelerator for bad breath since it dries out the mouth. When the mouth is dry, saliva cannot do as good of a job at cleaning up around the place. Infections, as well as gum disease, mouth sores and tooth decay can also cause bad breath. Lastly, there are many medications and even vitamins, that can cause dry mouth. There are even some medications that can cause lingering odor on the breath in a similar fashion to eating garlic or onion. Always use your judgement to determine the source of the taste and/or smell of bad breath and take care of where it seems to be coming from. For example, If you find that your tongue has plaque on it you should brush on that area to remove plaque and reduce bad breath.
There are things you can do to help fight bad breath. Some of these include natural odor eliminating cures that also help to kill bacteria. Some well-known remedies that can help fight bad breath include: sage, mint, cloves, chlorophyll, baking soda, tea tree oil, fennel, parsley, lemon, apple cider vinegar, tea, cinnamon and yogurt.Sage has in it essential oils containing anti-bacterial properties that help annihilate the causes of bad breath. Mint is one of the best tasting in my honest opinion, of all natural quick fixes for bad breath. Two great ways to use mint are by chewing on fresh leaves and/or by purchasing and preparing mint tea. Cloves contain powerful antiseptic properties making them very useful at destroying odor-causing microorganisms in the mouth.Chlorophyll is a very beneficial substance to both oral and overall health as it is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. In fact, in 1950 a Dr. Howard Westcott discovered that a mere one hundred milligrams of chlorophyll daily cab greatly help to counteract both body odors and foul breath. Baking Soda is very efficient at helping to cure bad breath as it favorably affects the PH of the mouth making it to where bacteria cannot survive.
Tea Tree Oil can greatly prove useful in curbing the effects of bad breath as it contains anti-fungal and anti-septic properties. Tea Tree Oil is typically purchased in a liquid tincture and should always be diluted using only a few drops of oil per cup of water for use as mouthwash only.Never swallow Tea Tree oil as it is bad to consume it internally. Fennel Seed is typically used by either chewing one and one half teaspoons of fennel seed per day and/or by steeping fennel seed tea. Fennel seed is perfectly suited to curing bad breath as it gives a naturally occurring light crisp taste/scent. Parsley can help mask the odor of bad breath but does very little to diminish the amassing of erratic sulfur compounds. Lemons barely help to even weaken bad breath. Lemons should only ever be consumed when their juice is diluted in water. The reason for this being that lemon juice can be harmful as it has an acidic nature when in its undiluted form.
Apple Cider Vinegar is used in a different manner than most bad breath cures, however it can prove to be very effective. With apple cider vinegar you will usually take one tablespoon right before and/or after a meal. The apple cider vinegar serves somewhat as a mild stomach acid and helps break down food. This helps with bad breath by preventing it before it starts. Apple cider vinegar alone can also function as an effective mouthwash to remove bad breath odors.Tea is a great antioxidant as well as a container or vehicle if you will of polyphenols. Polyphenols help put a stop to bad breath by disrupting bacterial growth naturally. Cinnamon is unique in that directly kills many known bacteria and it can even kill e. coli. Lastly, yogurt is great for bad breath when added to the diet. Yogurt has shown to remarkably decrease odorous compounds, specifically hydrogen sulfide by an astonishing eighty percent.
There are many cures that work great for bad breath, many can work for hours at a time. Eventually, most bad breath remedies tend to wear off. This is why it is very important to always be hydrated and to keep extra mints and xylitol gum around at times whenever you need them the most. Bad breath is something most everyone will have to struggle with at least a few times in their life. With a little experimenting and searching, it is possible for you to find your own perfect fresh breath remedy and to make bad breath a thing of the past.
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What’s the big deal about flossing? You have to twist and turn that little string in between your teeth, it seems like such a hassle, we have to question – is it worth all the trouble? You teeth and gums can harbor a lot of bacteria and germs, for this reason flossing is essential to oral hygiene.
Most people don’t know how to floss, the common error is pulling down to hard on the floss causing damage to your gum tissue. The first step is to cut off about an 18 inch piece of floss, you will want to wrap the ends around each index finger and make it taught. The next step is working the floss in between all of your teeth. People tend to over complicate this step, all you want to do is lightly clean the inner sides of each tooth and dislodge any food particles that may be stuck there.
You do not want to tear your gums, you should not spend more than a few seconds on each tooth.
How Often Should You Floss?
Here is another thing people sometimes get backwards, and that is when to floss.
As with brushing you should floss at least once a day. The best time to floss is right before bed.
Most dentists agree that flossing after you brush is more beneficial compared to before. Brushing before flossing loosens bacteria and plaque which makes getting those stubborn particles between your teeth out that much more easier.
What Type Of Floss Should You Use?
Like everything now a days you have several options to choose from.
Lets take a look at a few of the common floss types:
– Unwaxed
– Waxed
– Synthetic
– Flat
– Super Floss
Most people used some form of a waxed floss. The old traditional unwaxed floss tends to break when used on closely spaced teeth. For teeth that are not tightly spaced the flat floss is more suited for the job, sometimes it’s just a matter of testing what works best for you. Don’t forget, floss now comes in assorted flavors, what will they think of next.
What is the proper way to floss
As one reader that goes by the name Williams put it ..
“Always remember that it is important to floss properly if you aim to get
its intended effect. Forming a C-shape with the floss against the side
of the tooth is the correct way to floss, according to the ADA.
Brushing, in combination with flossing, helps distribute fluoride, which
can enhance the effect of flossing. If flossing is done improperly, gum
damage may result. Be sure to be careful when you’re doing it.”
The Main Reason to Floss
Two words that come to mind are: Streptococcus Mutans.
This is a bacteria that loves to hang out in your mouth and finds a home on your tooth enamel. As you have already guessed this streptococcus mutans bacteria is a major cause of cavities. Daily flossing helps rid your teeth of these little bacteria critters, in the long run you will save a substantial amount of money in dental bills which should bring a big, bright smile to your face.
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There are many ways to brush teeth, some methods are better than others. There may be times when you wonder, “am I brushing correctly?”. Let me tell you, brushing is a skill, it can be learned and perfected. Do you brush your teeth everyday and somehow manage to
still
get cavities? You may not be brushing correctly. If this is the case you should read on to learn an effective technique for brushing teeth.
There are five steps that are important to properly brushing your teeth:
The first thing you should do is prepare. What is meant by this is you should obtain a toothbrush with soft bristles, brush softly, and buy quality toothpaste. A famous dentist once said, “every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”. What he meant by this is that brushing is more than just some mundane activity. Brushing is about protecting the the inner recesses of the mouth from dangerous bacteria who want to eat your food and leave corrosive acid as a by product! You must fight an ongoing battle against both plaque and sugars!
After preparing, you should start by flossing. This will gently remove plaque from in between teeth in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. After you floss, the plague will dislodge and move closer to the surface of teeth. This then allows it to be easily removed after brushing and rinsing.
Now you should begin to brush, start at the back molars and move towards the front. It is very common for some people to start at the front and completely forget about the back molars. The average person has thirty-two teeth. If you do not know how many teeth you have, it is highly recommended that you count just so you will know. This will raise dental awareness and help to motivate you to brush each tooth every day.
Once you have brushed your teeth you should then move on to your tongue and gums. Ever wonder what the stuff on your tongue is? It is a build-up of plaque that instead of being on teeth, is on the tongue. This is a breeding ground for many plaque organisms to thrive on. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that you brush the tongue. After brushing you should move on to your gums to remove any plaque that may be present. You should then massage your gums with the toothbrush, this helps to promote gum health by stimulating blood flow.
Finally, you should rinse. The purpose of rinsing is to remove all the debris left behind from flossing and brushing. It is recommended that you rinse two to three times to make sure you get everything. Water will work just fine for rinsing, though if you opt for mouthwash that is okay as well. When deciding on toothpaste, choose high quality over low cost generics. When deciding on a toothbrush, you should consider choosing one with soft bristles. The reason for this being that hard bristles can sometimes damage enamel.
After you have finished with these steps; flossing, brushing and rinsing. You should feel your teeth as being smooth and very clean. After brushing the tongue you may even be able to taste foods better. With so many sugars and refined carbs in today’s food, it is near impossible to avoid plaque. The best way to combat plaque is to implement a thorough brushing technique that will work efficiently at removing it from the surface of teeth.
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“A
million dollar smile” is not just a fairytale saying. A smile is something that is taken
note of in every conversation. From creating bonds to winning hearts,
a smile has quite the amount of duties attached to the job. As much
as people care for their health and hygiene, dental health somehow
fails to figure in the priorities of a lot of individuals. Yet, dental health is as
important as any other. Proper oral hygiene and care is necessary to prevent a
slew of diseases. The expense chart might also be one reason driving
people away from making those dentist appointments. Same goes for dental
insurance. The stress and importance given to general medical needs is
missing totally when it comes to dental insurance. So do you really need dental
insurance?
Fundamentals
Dental Insurance generally
covers the expenses relating to dental emergencies and treatments. From routine
care like fillings, cavity prevention, root canals etc., to emergency care like
extraction, broken tooth, and accident-caused damage. Treatments and tricky care like
orthodontia, dentures, and many more are covered by dental insurance.
Why you should carry and what benefits you can accrue
As much as we would like to
debate on its need, the fact remains that with age, you are vulnerable to a
variety of dental problems. Unlike other medical care, regardless of your age,
dental care is significantly more expensive, and a dental insurance
will certainly come in use in times of emergencies. Most health insurance groups offer Dental insurance plans as an additional part of the overall
policy. It is mostly left to you to choose its inclusion. A majority of
people prefer to stick to standard health insurance
plans through which certain regular dental services are provided for free, while some private insurance companies stick to just medicare.
Dental insurance comes into play
in cases of accidents and serious dental issues and diseases. These are
generally not covered by government programs, which means that you might
have to shell out a whole lot of money to fix your dental problems. You may wonder
when will I need insurance other than every once in a while, but it is only sensible and reasonable to prepare for any
eventuality, especially when the consequence of not doing so leaves a great big
hole in your pocket.
Plans
Many companies including
Medicard, BlueCross, and Intellicare offer a variety of health insurance plans
that include dental insurance as an additional optional plan. These plans are,
in most cases ideal for individuals and families. The plans generally encompass
everything from dental examinations, fillings and extraction to orthodontic
consultations. The maximum benefit limit for these plans as a whole, range from
300,000 to 1,500,000 dollars, with the maximum monthly premiums ranging from 1,200 to 5,500 dollars. It is
necessary to do a price comparison online to check out the lowest cost plan that works
best for you.
Dental care is extremely vital
for the overall health of an individual. With increasing costs and declining
dental health, it is only viable to make maximum use of dental insurance so that you can flash the best possible smile to the world.
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When a tooth is removed, a blood clot will form where it used to be. The clot is a defense mechanism of the body that is meant to help protect and heal the extraction site. Sometimes, this clot can dissolve or become dislodged. This will expose the bone and nerve to food, fluids, air, and anything else that enters the mouth. This condition is what is commonly referred to as dry socket.
Dry Socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that affects an estimated 2% to 5% of people that undergo tooth extraction. It is usually determined by an intense pain and the absence of a blood clot at the extraction site. Dry Socket can last up to five or six days and could lead to infection if not treated properly. For this reason it is vital to avoid toxins and maintain good dental hygiene to avoid dry socket.
Dry socket can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some of these include smoking, birth control, and excess trauma during extraction. First, it is important that you do not smoke after having a tooth extraction. After surgery, the gum tissue is in a sensitive state and just beginning to heal. For this reason, smoke from cigarettes or other herbs can quickly dry out and dislodge a blood blot. Secondly, studies have shown that women on birth control have a 31% incidence of dry socket. This incidence occurs during the first twenty-two days of the menstrual cycle. This is because many birth control pills have an effect that causes a decrease in the bloods ability to clot. Because of this, women on the pill should schedule tooth extractions between days 23 and 28 of their cycle to greatly reduce the chances of getting dry socket. Lastly, if there is excess trauma during extraction this can cause a blood clot to take longer to form. In this case, it is especially important to maintain good hygiene and avoid any contact with the clot to ensure a thorough healing.
There are a few ways to avoid getting dry socket. Some of these include avoiding toxins, leaving the clot intact and avoidin
g air pressure in the mouth. First, you should avoid all toxins. Some common toxins are smoke, alcohol, snuff/dip and anything else that could dislodge or dissolve a clot. Second, it is best to
leave the clot alone as much as possible. Do not brush around the clot or rinse your mouth for around 24 to 48 hours to ensure a thorough healing. Lastly, you should avoid air pressure within the mouth. This could include anything from drawing smoke from a cigarette to sipping liquids through a straw. The reason for this is to avoid anything that may dislodge the clot or causing it to take longer to heal.
No matter what the cause, dry socket is a painful condition that can and should be avoided at all costs. If you’ve just had a tooth pulled, it is important that you take care of the blood clot by avoiding toxins and keeping your mouth clean. Use these tips and you will be sure to have a quick and painless healing after your next dental extraction.
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WaterPik™ is a brand of oral irrigator which serves the purpose of cleaning teeth from plaque and debris that lie between gums and teeth. Devices like this provide a suitable and painless method of cleaning for periodontal, diabetes disease and even for everyday dental maintenance. Waterpik has proved itself to be one of the finest brands for the dental flossing, amassing the most buys and positive reviews. With this in mind, here is some info on a few dental water jets manufactured by Waterpik and their benefits.
The Waterpik Water Flosser
This
water pick by Waterpik does not only perform the task of flossing and cleaning the
teeth and gums, it also helps in cleaning the tongue and keeping breath fresh. The bacteria on the tongue can be washed away with the help
of the tongue cleaner jet tips. This helps remove a lot of odors and
bacteria that are likely present within the mouth.
The flosser comes with
adjustable pressure settings to suit the needs of every individual and
has easy to use handle so that water flossing is a great experience. A
large water reservoir is useful for deep and extra cleaning, and is
effective tool for improving oral hygiene. The device is designed for
the best results and is reviewed highly by almost everyone who has used
it.
The Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser
This water flosser is ideal for people who have braces and implants, suffer from diabetes or cannot brush on a regular basis as they might end up hurting their gums or teeth. This water flosser provides versatility and options to the user with easy to change settings of water pressure which range from 10 to 90 PSI and with 1200 pulses per minute. The benefit of this is that you can totally clean all the debris between your teeth and gums and with the variable control settings; one can use the flosser with the utmost customization.
The Ultra Water Flosser comes in a classy and attractive design, which has a high storage reservoir for a large water jet. The compact size and the compatibility of this model has been the biggest factor for its success among consumers. While giving users complete control with options such as its pause feature. You have six different color codes on this model, but don’t let that deter you. Ease of operation is the real benefit in purchasing this oral irrigator.
The WaterPik™ Waterflosser Cordless Plus
The rechargeable, non-battery operated water flosser is one of the finest solutions of oral health problems faced by countless people. The twin control design allows users to manually change the speed and settings of the water jet and adjust the cleaning as per their needs. You can change from gentle cleaning to more deep cleaning with the use of twin pressure control. This water flosser is a fine solution to dental problems and eliminates the need for string floss which can be painful and ineffective.
The water jet on the Waterflosser Cordless Plus effectively cleans debris between gums and provides an improved oral health within just a couple of weeks. The portability comes in real handy for people who often travel. This flosser is a complete package for all. To add icing to the cake, they have included four tips for specific cleaning which is pretty cool.
