32Solutions - Dental Blog.

Electric Toothbrush

2007-01-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

hi your mouth stinks, yaks if anybody pass such comment on you just imagine what you will feel.Most of them they even dont tell directly to you but they start avoiding you and this may result in the failure of your life may be ur business partners may be ur friends and may be ur family members. So dont let you expirence such a situation in your life. The thing what i want you to concentrate is your oral hygiene.
Oral cavity is the gateway to good health at the same time millions of micro-organism do travel and do reside in oral cavity as we use the oral cavity every second of our life time , so its our responsibility and only ours to maintian it.From ancient days this act is being followed by various modes and methods in different places, considering the civilised colony on the earth nowadys people are using toothpaste with various contents and various brands to maintain the oral hygiene. but this is not enough, if it is done in proper way it really makes a difference. I must, no not only me but the each and every individual which do clean their teeth must be thankful to the rapidly developing techno world which gave a unique product like ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH.
Elcetric toothbrush have more advantages than the manual toothbrushes.In manual toothbrushes we guide the toothbrush to make the movement on the tooth surface considering that it had done a great job of completley cleaning the teeth but some where has gone wrong such as you are in hurry and just did brushing for one min rinsed and finished. This is not possible in Electric toothbrush as its movements are guided by the small motors in it and the time can be adjusted for toothbrush to make brushing for nearly two to three minutes as required by the norms by the Dentist. There are various Electric toothbrush manufactured by various companies like sonicare, baurns and much more with various fancy items richt from childhood to old age and right from home to travel toothbrush.In short to achive your desired goals in your life you have to be physically fit and fine, and the basic and the key of it starts from your oral cavity which you have to maintain it through out the life i would say that oral cavity is the gateway to the good and healthy plus wealthy life. So dont waste the time if you havent sticked up with various new products to maintain the oral hygiene then go on and act accordingly.

Pregnancy and oral care

2006-11-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is a special time to take extra care of your teeth and gums. During pregnancy your hormonal balance is altered and your gums become more susceptible to disease.
BEFORE YOU BECOME PREGNANT:It is important to establish good oral hygiene practices now so that when you become pregnant you will have already established a daily routine. Dental plaque(bacteria) needs to be cleaned from the teeth and gumline by brushing and flossing everyday. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss daily to clean between your teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. You can check how well you remove plaque by using special plaque disclosing tablets or solution. These are available from the chemist.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST:It may be more comfortable for you to complete any dental treatment required before pregnancy especially as you may experience nausea and vomitting or become tired as your pregnancy progresses.
NOW THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT:
MORNING SICKNESS: (nausea and vomitting) may be experienced during the first term of your pregnancy. The stomach contents are acidic and may dissolve some of the tooth enamel. To avoid tooth damage after vomiting or gastric reflux dont brush your teeth if you have just vomitted. Instead wipe a smear of fluoride toothpaste over the teeth and rinse with water.
GAGGING: Can aften occur while brushing your teeth.If this makes you feel sick, try to concentrate on your breathing as you clean the back teeth. Brushing without toothpaste can also help but return to using fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible.
CRAVINGS: You may experience cravings for certain foods. Frequent snacks and drinks especially sweet ones can lead to dentalcaries (decay). Choose a wide variety of snacks which are low in sugar, fat, and salt and high in fibre.Drinks such as milk and water are recommended.
YOUR GUMS: may be easily irritated by dental plaque. When you become pregnant the hormones in your body change. These hormones can cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed. Clean your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing each day to reduce the irritation and keep the gums healthy. During pregnancy ask your dentist to check the condition of your gums and advise you further on how to care for them.
BRUSHING: Its is important. To avoid plaque build up it is important to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums twice a day. Remember each tooth has five surfaces a front, a back, two sides and a top. The only one sure way to prevent dental disease is to clean every surface.
FLUORIDE: Strengthens the teeth and helps prevent decay. Fluoride is found in most toothpastes and your dental professional may recommend you also use of fluoride mouthrinse or have a professional topical fluoride treatment. For your baby there is no clear evidence that taking fluoride tablets during pregnancy will strengthen the baby's developing teeth or help to prevent decay for the baby's teeth. If your your water supply is not fluoridated then your dentist may advise that the baby have a fluoride supplement.
DENTAL AND MEDICAL VISITS: If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, it is important to tell your doctor or dental professional when you visit. Practitioners are carefull in prescribing medicines to pregnant women and only advise those which are really needed. Certain medicines such as the tetracyclines antibiotics can affect your baby's developing teeth. If possible dental x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy however if your dental professional considers if essential for you to have an x-ray special care and protection will be taken.
OLD WIVE'S TALE : There is no truth in the old wive's tale that says a tooth is lost for every pregnancy. Good oral hygiene procedures will ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy.
CALCIUM : it is very important. When you are four months pregnant your baby's teeth and bones begin to calcify. The calcium and phosphorous needed comes from what you eat and if neccessary from your bones. These minerals do not come from your teeth. When you are 7-9 months pregnant your baby needs more calcium and phosphorous. These minerals are best obtained by eating more dairy foods.
Milk and milk products are an excellent source of calcium. Chosse those that are low in fat and sugar. If you dont drink milk or eat milk products such as cheese and yogurt chosse other products that are high in calcium. If you are having difficulty see your doctor or dietician for advice. They may recommend calcium supplements.
LOOKING AHEAD : At first your newborn baby does not have decay causing bacteria in its mouth. As the teeth come through the gum the bacteria that causes decay is passed to the baby by the main carer. Usually the mother, by kissing, food tasting or by cleaning the dummy in their own mouth. It is important that carers thoroughly clean their own teeth and have all their own decayed teeth treated so that they will have low levels of bacteria.This will reduce or greatly delay the transfer of these bacteria to the baby.
ORAL HEALTH GUIDELINES: Plaque is essentially made up of bacteria. By using antibacterial products you can help control plaque formation.
* Visit your dentist before you become pregnant and during your pregnancy to make sure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy.
*Brush twice a day and floss thoroughly everyday.
*Use an antibacterial rinse such as COLGATE PLAX before you brush to reduce palque and make your brushing routine more effective.
*Use a soft toothbrush and a proven antibacterial fluoride toothpaste such as COLGATE TOTAL.
*Change your toothbrush regularly.
*Eat a nutritious diet from wide variety of foods.
*Increase your calcium intake.
*Avoid frequent snacks that contain sugar.
"PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE"

Babies oral health

2006-11-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

TREATMENT FOR CHILDHOOD TOOTH DECAY
Its an article for a lay person on the various options available for treatment of children teeth according to the problem faced by your child.
TREATMENT FOR CHILDHOOD DECAY :
1.Restorative treatment or restoring the lost tooth structure: When a child needs to have his or her tooth restored(or a filling done) the treatment modality will be decided by the dentist, according to the extent of the tooth decay and the symptoms experienced by the child(eg. pain, swelling, difficulty in eating etc.). here are some of the options of restorative treatment for children which you can avail of for your child as per the instructions of your dentist. *COMPOSITE: Composite refers to a substance made up of an acrylic resin filled with inorganic substances, silicate quartz or tricalcium phosphate. The composite is usually but not always applied to the tooth in a plastic i.e pliable form and sets either by itself or with the use of blue light( ultra violet light ). A technique called acid etching i.e etched preparation of the tooth surface is usually used to improve the stabilty of the filling in the cavity. Other techniques such as computer generated restorations forms and indirect composite restorations.i.e where filling is made on the model of the tooth and then fitted in the mouth are also now being used. Composite filling materials are used most commonly in the restorations of anterior(front) teeth because they have very good aesthethic properties. They are easy to colour match and come in many shades and brands. They are also now used extensively in posteriors(molars) because they are aesthethically more pleasing than amalgum( silver fillings) and also have adequate strength.
*SILVER AMALGUM: Also called as silver filling restorations, dental amalgum is a mixture of alloy of metals including mercury, silver copper and zinc which are combined to form soft and silvery looking paste which hardens on setting. This filling material is used for restoration of the form and function of teeth. Dental amalgum has been used extensively for many years in dentistry as a choice material for fillings though in recent years there has been much debate about the safety of the material and more specifically about the safety of mercury used in the mixture. Over a years , amalgum has proved to be a stable and useful restorative material. Your dentist will advise you on whether he still recommends the use of this material for filling or not.
*COMPOSITE RESINS: Aesthethic results using tooth coloured composite resin filling materials are excellent. Therefore composite resin mainly used for front teeth and small holes in the back teeth. Under suitable circumstances composite resins may also be used to change tooth colour shape and size to improve the smile.
*GLASS IONOMER CEMENTS(GIC): GIC is another type of tooth filling material which is commonly used for baby teeth filling close to the gum and root area. It bonds the tooth structure and releases fluoride to help strengthen teeth and prevent decay. However the problem with GIC is that it is weaker and wears faster than composite resins and amalgum. It is also not as effective as composite resins in terms of colour.
2.INFECTED TEETH.
PULPOTOMY : A pulpotomy or a coronal pulp amputation(pulpectomy) are types pf treatment which involve the removal of part of vital pulp. The pulp is living part of the tooth which contains nerves and blood vessels amongst other things. A pulpotomy removes infected tissue and leaves healthy tissue behind to allow healing or growth of the root. In pulpectomy the tissue of the root canal is removed as well. It will be recommended to you, If the dentist thinks it is the treatment of choice.
EXTRACTION:extraction means the removal of a tooth from the jaw, usually using instruments called forceps or elevators. An extraction can also be carried out surgically when the dentist needs to make extra incisions or remove some bony tissue to get the tooth to come out. Surgical extractions are carried out when a normal or straightforward extraction is not possible. There are few guidelines to be followed if your child has had a tooth extracted.
*The mouth should not be rinsed out vigorously for some time(usually 24 hours afterwards)*The mouth should be kept clean and the remaining teeth should be brushed as normal.
*You may be given advice on how to stop bleeding from the socket afterwards.
3.MISSING TEETH:
SPACE MAINTAINER: A space maintainer is a removable or fixed appliance designed to maintain a space created by the early loss of a primary tooth in the mouth. Space maintainers are usually fitted in a child's mouth when he or she has lost a primary tooth early and the gap left needs to be held open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. There are many different designs of the space maintainer and the materials normally used are metal or acrylic.

Cavity Prevention Tips

2006-11-12T03:13:00.000-08:00

Providing proper care and oral hygiene during pre-school years can mean a lifetime of good oral health.Research shows that children who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to develop cavities as an adult. So how can parent determine if their child is at risk for cavities? It all begins with that first trip to the dentist. The first dental visit should include an exam to determine if the child is at low, moderate or high risk for cavities and will help decide which oral hygiene program best suits him or her. The dentist will be able to explain to the parent how often the child should be brushing as well as provide flossing instructions for the child.
Brushing should begin when the first tooth erupts. Parents should be in charge of a childs brushing untill the child is able to tie his or her shoes or write their own name clearly-usually five or six years of age.
Children whose parents are prone to cavities and tooth decay need to be extra careful. We know there's a genetic predeposition to tooth decay. Children at high risk for cavities should be discouraged from eating starchy snacks such as crackers and chips. In fact one good way to dtermine if a snack is good for child is to check their teeth 20 minutes after consumption. If the teeth are still filled with food the snack should be discontinued.
Regardless of what food is eaten regular efforts have to be made to clean the teeth before decay can begin. This means things like brushing and using non-sugary beverages in bottles or sippy cups.
Even if your child is not at risk, it is always good to routine dental check-ups and to limit your child's intake of sugary food's.Essentially all children are at risk to some extent or another. So the basic principles apply- controll of exposure of cavity inducing food and through cleaning of the teeth. Even if decay is a low risk for an individual child they can still develop gingivitis or other problems if home care is inadequate.

Wisdom Tooth

2006-11-11T22:02:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS THE WISDOM TOOTH? : The teeth known as wisdom teeth appear around the age of 18 or later unlike others which erupt during childhood. Thus the name wisdom tooth-not that an individual has quite gained all the wisdom of a lifetime by then, but certainly more so than when other teeth erupt.
The wisdom teeth are in fact a set of third molars which usually have to be extracted, since they often do not grow fully, appear in wrong position or remain embedded in the bone. These problems usually occur due to the decreasing size of the jaw. Apart from this there are a number of very real reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed.
REASONS WHY WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED: Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean to since they are often awkwardly placed and thus prone to decay. Bacteria can affect the tissue surrounding partially erupted molars and cause gum diseases.Crowding can cause damage to adjacent teeth and the jaw bone. If teeth are impacted , cysts can form and destroy the surrounding bone.
MYTHS RELATED TO WISDOM TEETH: There is a myth amongst the general public that removal of the wisdom teeth affects vision. This is in fact only a myth and a ridiculous one. If removing teeth were to affect the vision, then a person with no teeth would be blind. Vision is not affected in any way by extraction of teeth or for that matter, by any dental procedure.
HEALTH HAZARDS RELATED TO TEETH : It has been thoroughly researched and documentated that poor dental health especially poor gingival health leads to heart problems. This happens because the bacteria from the mouth travels via the medium of blodd to the cardiac tissue and leads to cardiac disorders.
Besides this, it is also important to bear in mind that in patients with diabetes, the blood sugar level rises with any infection to the mouth and vice versa. Therefore a high blood sugar level gives rise to weak gums and loose teeth. Also remember that there are certain medicines which have an adverse effect on the teeth, amongst them blood pressure medicines and medicines used in renal diseases which might give rise to gingival enlargement. Apart from this some medicines may bring about the condition known as dry mouth which may again lead to an increased tendency towards cavities.

Sanitizing toothbrush

2006-11-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

With the cause of numerous contaminated toothbrushes there is no doubt within the dental community worldwide that the importance of cleaning and sanitizing the toothbrush is a topic which cannot be overempasized. Research in the US suggests that lingering colds and sore throats are often due to re-infection from contaminated toothbrushes. Even more serious links currently being inspected which imply that bacteria involved in chronic oral infections may play a role in heart attacks, diabetes and premature birth.
Gums Terminator a new device launched in the US may free toothbrushes totally of germs that live in their bristles and cause infections with bacteria like streptococcus mutans, staphylococcus aureus, porphyromonas gingivalis, Herpes simplex virus and candida albicans. Dental hygienists always speak about the importance of good oral hygiene but its more than just brushing and flossing. If bacteria from your own mouth, from multiple toothbrushes stored in the same cup or even bacteria from the bathroom are allowed to build up on the toothbrush you use every day when the simple act of brushing can propel germs into your bloodstream possible triggering infection.
The germ terminator functions to eliminate 99.999% of these germs. After brushing the toothbrush which is placed in the germ terminator along with pure water, is exposed to steam and dry heat which does the trick. The sanitizing action of the device is modeled after the sterlization equipment used in dental offices and is said to be safe, economical and easy to use.

Dental Erosion

2006-11-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

Dental erosion is the break down of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth's structure and shape while protecting it from decay.Frequently consuming foods with a low pH value such as soft drinks fruit juices pickles fresh fruit and yogurt can lead to irreversible dental erosion. A low pH environment in the mouth helps contribute to dental erosion.pH( potential of hydrogen) is a standard way to measure the acidity of a substance. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A lower pH means that a solution contains more acid. Higher the pH its more alkaline(or non acidic). when a solution is neither acid nor alkaline it has pH of 7 which is neutral.
When food or drink that is acidic is consumed the enamel will soften for short amount of time. Typically, saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid found in the mouth. If foods high in acid are consumed on an excessive basis, the mouth cant repair itself and the greater the chance for dental erosion. As the availability of soft drinks increase so does the amount of erosion in our population. The primary action can take to decrease their likelihood of erosion is to reduce consumption of sugary sodas, fruit juices and sport drinks. Vegetarian diets and diets in which fruit comprises more than 66 percent of total food intake also makes patients more susceptible to erosion. Erosion can also be caused by stomach acids introduced into the mouth through vomiting acid reflux. These findings are important and suggest that caution should be exercised when consuming certain foods over a long period of time.
ACIDS FOUND IN COMMON FOODS :
*soft drinks- Phosphoric acid
*fruit and fruit products- Citric and malic acids
*Fermented products(yogurt)- Lactic acid
*Grapes and wines- Tartaric acid.
After eating or drinking chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva flow , there are certain chewing gums which decrease the ph level of the mouth. And also rinse with water for 30 seconds. And most important use fluoride toothpaste.

Sensitive Teeth

2006-11-09T02:50:00.000-08:00

For millions of people sensitive teeth can make life miserable. The pain and discomfort make even hot or cold foods impossible to enjoy. All is not lost. In many cases sensitive teeth can be successfully treated bringing long sought after relief.
*WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH: Usually tooth sensitivity presents as temporary tooth discomfort or pain after eating or drinking cold things and aslo sometimes while breathing the cold air. If the pain is very high in intensity and prolonged see your dentist because this may be sign of an unhealthy tooth nerve.
Most commonly the problem begins when the gum recede. Like a protective blanket, the gums cover the roots of the teeth. As gums recede the underlying tooth roots are exposed. Gums commonly recede for one of two reasons
*Improper heavy handed brushing of the teeth .
*Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build up around the teeth and gums and after a long time it gets turned into tarter which eventually recede the gums exposing the root surfaces.
*PREVENTING SENSITIVE TEETH : The key to preventing tooth sensitvity is to keep the gums from receding. Reducing the pressure when we use to brush the teeth helps tremendously. The problem with this is that our tooth brushing is an unconsiously ingrained habit reinforced after decades of brushing and therefore nearly impossible to change. We advise people to use and advanced electric toothbrush (plaque remover) like the Braun 3D excel or sonicare. These toothbrushes feature pressure sensors that stop the brush when you apply too much pressure. Another option is the alert toothbrush which activates a warning light when you brush too hard. Preventing gingivitis and periodontal disaese with proper oral hygiene is also crucial in preventing gum recession, remember, it takes 2 to 3 minutes to properly brush all your tooth surfaces. Most people spend less than 45 seconds leaving areas untouched where plaque and tarter can bulid up. Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35 % of the tooth surfaces where brushing cannot reach.
*TREATING SENSITIVE TEETH: What can you do once you already expirence sensitive teeth? A major advance in treatment has been the introduction of sensetivity toothpastes containing STRONTIUM CHLORIDE . These products, like sensodyne and a host of others, coax the minerals in your saliva to crystalize and cover the pores on your exposed roots so that cold stimulli can not reach the tooth nerve. After a few weeks of use the sensitivity usually goes away. Unfortunaetly, the same heavy handed brushing which caused the sensitvity in the first place can brush away the pore covers created by the toothpaste. This will cause sensitivity to return. For this reason we suggest that people use the alert toothbrush while using sensitvity toothpastes. Additionally highly acidic foods(citrus, soda pop, tea) can increase sensitvity and work against the sensitvity toothpaste.Sensitivity toothpastes containing POTASSIUM NITRATE can also help reduce tooth sensitvity. These toothpastes desensitize the tooth nerve directly. Treating teeth with fluoride mouthwashes also can help reduce tooth sensitivity. If you cannot get relief by brushing gently and using sensitvity toothpaste your dentist has several options for relief. Your dentist can use oxalate compounds that when rubbed on the root will reduce if not eliminate the sensitvity. Many dentists prescribe high fluoride content mouthwashes which can help reduce tooth sensitivity. Dentists may also apply ' bonding agents' to close the pores of the tooth root.

Teeth Grinding or Bruxism

2006-11-08T02:50:00.000-08:00

Teeth grinding is a habit that usually occurs in the sleep. Also known as BRUXISM in medical circles. Bruxers could be grinding their teeth (at night) and may be totally unaware of it . Many dentist's feel that bruxism is dental manifestation of a psychological problem. If you are aware of theeth grinding in yourself or in anyone else around you, then talk to your dentist about it
*SHOULD I BE CONCERNED IF I HAVE BRUXISM? : Yes, bruxism is a serious disorder if you let it continue for too long. Grinding can cause teeth to become painful or loose. Patients can grind away parts of their teeth, leaving worn surfaces or fractured enamel. The exposed teeth then become sensitive to hot or cold sensations. Bruxism over a period of time can result in chipped, broken or reduced teeth and receding gums. Many bruxers often experience pain in the jaw muscles and continious grinding may even cause the jaw move out of proper balance. Consult your dentist and find out what is to be done.
WHAT CAUSES BRUXISM : It is a disorder that can affect all ages of people from both sexes. Stress is a major cause of bruxism. Often when you are angry or hurt you find yourself clenching your teeth. The use of tobacco, alcohol or caffeine tends to aggrevate the problem. Another cause of bruxism is the use of some medications, In particular anti-depressants. SYMPTOMS OF BRUXISM :
* Teeth grinding, severe or very loud that occurs during sleep.
* jaw clenching
* jaw pain or ear ache
* Abnormal alingment of teeth
* Jaw muscle contraction
* Anxiety, stress and tension
* suppressing anger
* In addition bruxers may aslo bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT BRUXISM? : To cut down on bruxism the first step is to eliminate or decrease stress in your life. Cut out smoking and alcohol and reduce your consumption of coffee. Specific treatment for bruxism, will be determined by your dentist or physician based on:
* your age, overall health and medical history
* Extent of the disease
* Your tolerance for specific medications procedures or therapies
* Expectations for the course of the disease
* Your opinion or preferance
The Objective of therapy is to get the bruxer to change behaviour by learning how to rest the tongue , teeth and lips properly. Call your dentist if bruxism occurs especially if it is associated with pain in the jaw or ear or if the teeth appear misalinged or if there is difficulty with the bite. About one in three people suffer from bruxism which in most cases can be successfully treated. The treatment may involve.
* BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: Teaching the patient how to rest his or her tongue, teeth lips properly and learning how to rest the tongue upwards may relieve discomfort on the jaw while keeping the teeth apart and lips closed.
* MOUTHPIECE : A specially fitted plastic mouth appliance may be worn at night to absorb the force of biting. This appliance may help to prevent future damage to the teeth and aid in changing the patients behaviour. Do not ignore bruxism , consult a dentist if you notice it continuing over a period of time. Timely intervention can save you from major treatment, suffering and expenses which will occur if the conditon is not treated at the initial stages.

Dental Phobia

2006-11-07T04:34:00.000-08:00

Your tooth aches.Its time to visit the dentist. What is it that you fear? You may have a specific fear , such as needles. But for lot of people, it may be everything. Not to worry, because all these tends to be made up of lots of individual fears.
* Fear of the dentist: Fear of the dentist is pretty common. Some of them have had bad experience in the dental chair in the past. In general its very easy to assume that Dentist's are bad people. There's a theory called "CONSTRUCT THEORY" which says that people have tendency to describe certain expirences to a group of people who have certain things in common. But this constructs (e.g "evil" as apposed to "kind" and "bad" as apposed to "good" and so on ) are based on a very small observations and surveys. So unfortunately if you had horrible expirences in visiting 10 dentist's and one or two of them were in the downright horrible, this does not mean that all the dentist's confirm to this pattern.
* Fear of sights, sounds and smell in the dental environment: Sights , sounds and smells are powerfull environmental triggers. If you suffer with dental phobias or fears merely evoking the images sounds and smells you associate with dentistry is enough to genrate intense feelings of anxiety or even panic.
* The Smell: If you think of typical dental surgery smell, then RELAX (its outdated now). But certain smell of some antiseptics are unavoidable. Nowadays its really a phobic friendly environment in the dental clinics. So take into account of the overall atmosphere of the place.
* The sounds: Nowadays dental clinics are not so noisy as they used to be . You must take in mind that when noise is inserted in the mouth it sound much louder than it actually is . Its the dentists job to introduce all the equipments to you, regarding how they work and what noise they make, If he forgets to tell you about this don't hesitate to ask them. Sounds are subjective experiences. You all must be aware of the sound of your voice if you cover your ears. Most of them co-relate the sound of the dental equipment to the pain. This is done due to some past expirences which had pain. When ever the patient hears that sound the pain perception aggrevates even though this is physiologically impossible. Still if the sounds bother you , ask the dentist for a ipod or thing which can divert your attention from the sound. Nowadays in most of the clinics and hospitals a silent background music is played to make the atmosphere phobic friendly. So no need to worry about sounds henceforth.
* Needle phobia : You are not the one to have needle phobia its merely 10% of people share this fear. Not all dentist's in the world are good in giving painless injections so to overcome this matter topical anesthesia is been developed. By applying it the injections are seen cent per cent painless. Ask for it to the dentist and carry on the procedure. Once the injection starts working there is no pain and will find out that dental procedures are not so terrific as you were thinking. There are many different approaches and techniques , often used in combination such as hypnosis, systematic desensitization, deep breathing, visualization, and guided imagery, positive affirmations and reward systems.
* Embarrassed? What dentist really thinks : Most of the people who suffer from dental phobia have long known: that "intense embarrassement due to poor dental status or percieved neglect,often with fear of negative social evaluation as chief compalint," This is extremely common among people suffering from dental phobia. Whatever caused the phobia intially leads to avoidence which in turn means no access to professional dental care, usually resulting in poorer oral health and at some stage the results of this neglect are perceived to be so embarrasing that its totally impossible to see the dentist even when in pain.
So its a humble request, Don't TORTURE yourself, be upfront about your fears and ask your dentist not to make any comments that you might construe as negative. There's absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about other factors which make a sense of shame and embarrassment , so common when it comes to dental fear and phobia may include an emphasis on beauty and perfection in mordern western society. It may help to know that from the operators ( that is the dentist's) perspective, the situation looks very different. They have been trained to help people who are expirencing problems with their teeth and gums. Its their job to fix these problems. And lot of dentist's view their job as caring profession which is what it should be.

Dental Trivia

2006-11-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

*Keeping your teeth longer is another reason to quit smoking. According to the ADA, 42 % of daily smokers age 65 or older were completely toothless, compared with 29% of occasional smokers, 26% of former smokers and only 20% of never-smokers in the same age group.

* The defenders of the Alamo were the first to try chewing gums in America. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the Mexican dictator who fought Davy Crockett and his Texas comrades, introduced modern day chewing gum. His version of chewing gum was chicle, the latex sap of the sapodilla tree. Thomas Adams, an American inventor, used chicle as the base for commercially based chewing gums. This is possibly how they came up with the brand name "Chicklets."

* You will get fewer cavities if you eat a bag of candy in one sitting and then brush your teeth than if you slowly eat the candy a piece at a time all day.

* Unwaxed dental floss does pick up more plaque between the teeth than slick waxed varieties.

*Are you a wine drinker? According to a study at Guys hospital in London, the acid in wine was shown to erode the enamel on theeth.A wine taster had been exposed to so much wine that only the fillings were protruding in some of the subjects teeth. Any individual who tastes wine or drinks wine often should clean his or her mouth at least twice a day. Typically, red wine causes the worst stains in teeth.

* The egyptians first invented toothpaste some 5000 years ago.It was a crude mixture of wine and pumice. From the early Roman empire until eighteenth-century Europe and America, Urine was the main ingredient in toothpaste, because the ammonia in it is an excellent cleaner. Ammonia is still a main ingredients in many types of toothpaste.

Dental humor

2006-11-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

*why are dentists so unhappy?Because they are always looking down in the mouth.

* A skeleton walked into dentist's office for routine check up. "Well your teeth look fine" said the dentist,"but the gums have had it"

*A Judge walks into a dentist's Clinic and asks for them to extract the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth.

*Man: Darling your teeth remind me of the stars."
Woman:"Because they gleam and sparkle?'
Man: "No,because they come out at night."

* My dentist husband was nearing the end of his first day of practise.Most of the patients had been children, and the biggest challenge had been to getting those little mouths to stay open.To my husbands delight, his last patient was an adult."welcome" he told her as he began the examination."it;s so nice to work on someone with a big mouth."

* A young man saw the elderly couple sitting down to lunch at Mcdonald;s. He noticed that they had ordered one meal and an extra drink cup.As he watched, the gentleman carefully divided the hamburger in half, then he counted the fries, one for him ,one for her, until each had half of them. Then he poured half of the soft drink into the extra cup and set that in front of his wife..The old man then began to eat, and his wife sat watching, with her hands folded in her lap.The young man decided to ask if they would allow him to purchase another meal for them so that they did'nt have tp split theirs.The Old gentleman said," oh no. We have been married 50 yeasr and everything has always been and will always be shared,50/50." The young man then asked the wife if she was going to eat, and she replied.."Not yet.. It's his turn with the teeth!"

* Young lady to father" Daddy, when i grow up shall i become a heart doctor or a tooth doctor.Dentist father replied, Why father? We have only one heart, but 32 teeth.

*Patient to dentist: " how much to get my teeth straightened?" " twenty thousand bucks" Patient heads for the door.
Dentist to the patient :" Where are you going ?" "to a plastic surgeon to get my mouth bent."

*"open wider " requested the dentist. As he began his examination of the patient."Good God!" he said startled. "you have got the biggest cavity I have ever seen- the biggest cavity i have ever seen," "ok Doc !" replied the patient."Iam scared enough without you saying something like that twice." " I didn't!" said the dentist. " THAT WAS THE ECHO."

*A woman and her husband interrupted their vacation to go to the dentist. "I want a tooth pulled, and i dont want Novacaine because I am in a big hurry," the woman said ." just extract the tooth as quickly as possible, and we will be on our way." The dentist was quite impressed. " you are certainly the courageous woman," he said ."Which tooth is it?" The woman turned to her husband and said, "show him your tooth, dear."

Dry Mouth

2006-11-05T02:47:00.000-08:00

Everyone has dry mouth once in while____ if they are nervous , upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.
DRY MOUTH:
* Can cause difficulties in tasting , chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
* Can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth.
* Can be sign of certain diseases and conditions.
* Can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments.
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging so if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician, there are things you can get relief.
WHAT IS DRY MOUTH : Dry mouth is condition having not enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet.The symptoms included in this are, a Sticky dry feeling in the mouth. There is trouble while chewing, tasting and swallowing and also while speaking. Burning sensation is also there in the mouth.Dry feeling in the throat. Cracked lips are seen. A dry rough tongue And most common mouth sore and infection in the mouth.
WHY IS SALIVA IMPORTANT: Saliva does more than to keep the mouth wet.
*It helps digest food
*It protects teeth from decay it prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungii in the mouth
*It makes possible for you to chew and swallow.
*Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods.
WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH: People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.There are several reasons why these glands(called salivary glands) might not work right.
*side efects of some medicines.More than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth.
* Disease. Some diseaes affect the salivary glands.Sjogren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS , Diabetis and Parkinson's disease can all cause dry mouth.
*Radiation therapy, The salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
*Nerve damage, Injury to head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.
WHAT CAN I DO:
* Sip water or sugarless drinks often
* Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffe tea and some sodas.
* sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. this will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food .
*Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow;citrus,cinnamon or mint -flavoured candies are good chocies.
*dont use tobacco or alchohol. They dry out the mouth.
* Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in the dry mouth.
*Use a humidifier at night.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TEETH HEALTHY: Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy.Make sure you....
*Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day
*Floss your teeth every day
* Use toothpaste with fluoride in it .Most toothpastes sold at grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.
*Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards.
*Visit your dentist for check up at least twice a year. Your dentist might give you a special fluoride solution that you can rinse with to help keep your teeth healthy.

Dental implant

2006-11-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

Dental implants are artificial substitutes for the root of a missing natural tooth or teeth. They may be used to support a single crown, a series of crowns, a removable partial denture or a complete denture. when should implants be used ? Imaplants can be used to ;
1. replace a single tooth
2. replace several teeth in the same general area.
3. replace all teeth in the jaw .
REPLACE A SINGLE TOOTH: The most common method for replacing a single tooth is with affixed bridge that is cemented to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The most conservative bridge is a resin bonded bridge.(RBB) sometimes call as Maryland bridge. The RBB offers advantage of minimal reduction af adjacent teeth to support the missing tooth .This type of bridge can be used only under certain particular circumstances. A conventional bridge requires that the teeth on either side of the space be reduced in size to make the room for the crown which is then cemented into the prepared teeth. The artificial replacement tooth is attached to these crowns prior to cementation, When properly maintained, the RBB and the conventional bridge can last for many years.
REPLACING SEVERAL TEETH IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA: When two or three adjacent teeth are missing , a bridge may be the treatment of choice depending on the condition of the teeth next to the space and the bone supporting these teeth. The more missing teeth to be replaced the greater the force that is placed on the remaining teeth which support the artificial teeth. In some cases when there are not enough teeth, a conventional bridge is not possible then a removable denture have to be considered to replace the missing teeth. A partial denture spreads the force to the adjacent teeth as well as to the underlying bone and gum tissue. A removable partial denture is less expensive than a conventional bridge but it is more bulky and less stable than a bridge.Also in some cases partial denture might cause deterioration of the normal teeth due to excessive force.
REPLACING ALL THE TEETH IN THE JAW :The conventional method of replacing all the teeth in the jaw is with Complete denture. A complete denture rests on the gums . In upper jaw it also rests on the roof of the mouth. In addition to chewing forces being spread over larger area.
PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN REPLACEMENT OF MISSING TEETH WITH IMPLANTS:
Diagnostic evaluation. In addition to the routine dental examination, an examination of your jawbone and gum will be done which might necessitate special X-rays that will give a better indication of bone quantity and quality
Surgical phase. If after the evaluation, it is detemined that the implants are a suitable treatment alternative , the case will move to surgical phase. During the surgical phase the implants will be placed in the bone and then covered with the gum tissue .The implants will remain covered for a period of three to twelve months as determined by the surgeon. When the healing phase is complete the implants are uncovered and then dentist can begin to fabricate teeth on top of the implants.
Restorative phase.After uncovering the implant is used as the foundation to restore the mouth to a functional state .This can be done in various ways as previously discussed :A single tooth replacement Replacement of several teeth in same general areaReplacement of all the teeth in the jaw.
Maintenance phase.After completion of the restorative pahse patients will be recalled at intervals determined by the implant team. It is mandatory that patients follow the recall schedule as well as all oral hygiene instructionsgiven to them by the implant team . Failure to do so can lead to implant failure.
RISK :
All surgical procedures pose risks. In this case there are risks of damaging or brushing adjacent nerves which are responsible for sensation to the lips, chin, gums any remaining teeth and the tongue. The change in sensation can vary from a tingling feeling or complete numbness. When the nerve is bruised it is rare that the change in sensatiotion becomes permanant. However temporary changes may last from few months to year or longer. When the sinuses are in complete proximity to the surgical site a patient may develop a sinus perforation or an infection. In some cases bones surrounding the implants may shrink away from the implant as the tissue are allowed to heal. This may result in the undesired exposure of a portion of the implant. In some palces the exposed implant would need to be covered by bone and gum with additional sugical procedures. Sometimes but very ocassionally the replacement of an implant may damage an adjacent tooth and then may require root canal treatment . An implant which does not heal well or adhere to the bone may need to be removed either during the healing pahse oe when the restorative phase has begun. Failure of an implant to heal properly may lead to a change in the restorative treatment plan. The implant procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, sedeation or general anesthesia depending on the patients medical history and anxiety levels.

Night brushing

2006-11-02T01:36:00.000-08:00

Twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste has been actively supported by the dental professional since it plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of caries and periodontal disease. Caries poses a potential threat throughout the lifetime of an individual. Similarily gingivitis and periodontal disease is no longer restricted to adults , children are increasingly being affected by it .
Twice brushing and caries . Clinical evidence, professional tooth cleaning programmes and studies on self performed oral hygiene and dental caries indicates that efficient oral hygiene with proper twice brushing regimen with a flouridated tooth paste is caries preventative.
Brushing at night and gum health: In vivo studies demonstrate that brushing ( at night ) can remove upto 10 times more plaque than rinsing at night. Simultaneously, it was shown that not brushing at night could lead to 100% more bacteria in the mouth . Plaque- gingivitis clinical studies demonstrate that twice brushers had a downward trend in gingivitis compared to once brushers.
WHEN TO BRUSH : Apart from morning brushing , recent eveidence supports brushing with a flouride toothpaste just prior to going to sleep at night; flouride concentrations 12 hours after brushing last thing at night were comparable to those found 1-4 hrs after brushing in the morning. In other words , higher protective flouride levels are retained in the mouth for longer period of time during the night, compared to the day.
CONCLUSION : There is a overwhelming evidence that brushing twice a day with a good flouridated toothpaste is imperative for overall good oral health including caries prevention and gum health.

Decay tooth in childhood.

2006-11-01T02:29:00.000-08:00

Nowadays we have noticed that awareness amongst the parents regarding their children oral care as well as spirit of enquiry on the topic is increasing. As i said in the previous posts that TIME does matters in dentistry and above that prevention is better than cure, to get accustomed to the saying i have tried to educate the parents regarding their childs dental care .
WHAT IS EARLY CHILDHOOD TOOTH DECAY? CAN IT AFFECT MY CHILD? : As soon as the first tooth appears the child is susceptible to the condition known as early childhood caries or early childhood tooth decay. This condition occurs primarily in the upper front teeth and in severe cases it can destroy them . In some unfortunate cases children even infants have expirenced such severe tooth decay that it has been necessary to perform dental restorations or extraction on them . Tooth decay is caused by prolonged contact with the sweetened liquids or with the almost any liquid apart from water especially when the remenants are left clinging to the teeth for long periods. The liquid gathers around the upper front teeth and back teeth creating a perfect environment for bacteria to initiate tooth decay. Many sweet liquids cause problems including milk and fruit juice . Bacteria in the mouth use thse sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time the child drinks these liquids acid attacks for 20 minutes or longer. After many such attacks the teeth can decay. Remember that is not just what you put in your childs bottle that causes decay but how often and for how long time than bottle with the sweetened liquid is given.Similarly , continued use of a sweetened pacifier or breast feeding at will without cleaning the childs teeth can cause a similar pattern of early childhood caries. The good news is that decay is PREVENTABLE propviding proper precautions are taken by parents to preclude it .

HOW TO DECREASE THE RISK OF CHILD TOOTH DECAY :
* wean a child from the bottle or breast feeding by the age of one
* Use spill proof cups as transtional step in the devlopement of children, not as a long term solution.
* Do not allow children to use spill proof cup for snacks and meal times when increased salivary activity helps clean the teeth.
* Let the child drink sugary breverages through a straw, The best spill proof cups to protect against decay are those with a collapsible rubber straw .
* Do not dip your childs pacifier in honey or sugar .
* Do not let your child go to sleep with a bottle of milk or any sweet substance in his or her mouth, if necessary let the child sleep with a bottle filled with water to prevent sugar clinging to the teeth .
* The use of fluoride is also an effective method of prventing tooth decay. Make sure your child brushes with the fluoride toothpaste and if necessary ask the dentist for fluoride supplements for him or her.
* Dental sealants also help in the prevention of tooth decay. Sealants are transperant or tooth colored palstic like coatings, that cover the pits and fissures on the tooth structure. Sealants applications does not damage the tooth structure or require the use of anesthesia Sealants are safe and painless and they take only few minutes to apply. if properly cared for they can last for many years and your child through the most cavity prone years .
*Remember that even that healthy aletrnative fruit juice can contribute towards tooth deacy, By all means let your child drink juices liberally but make sure that the mouth is well rinsed after doing it .
* Introduce oral health care habits as early as possible , make sure that your child is trained in regular brushing and rinsing in all seriousness because no treatment can be better than that of CAREFULL HOME CARE .

Electric toothbrush, Advantages.

2006-10-31T03:50:00.000-08:00

Prevention is always better than cure, this saying perfectly fits to our concept of Oral hygiene, What i mean to say is that in dentistry the time matters, if we neglect the disorders of our oral health may lead to major mishappens regarding our precious health. So be aware and start looking for good aids and tips to maintain the oral hygiene.
The first basic thing in maintaining the good oral hygiene is toothbrushing, start at the right time and with proper tools, i think no one needs a introduction to a thing like tooth brush.And upon that thanks to the techno world who has introduced a ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH.It has seen that electric toothbrush has more advantages than manual toothbrush.
==> Most of us do hurry while brushing with the manual toothbrush instead of the recommended time.
==> But in electric toothbrush one individual will spend at least two minutes of toothbrushing
==> Secondly the power brushes put the same movement throughout the brushing with the consistent pressure levels. This assures that it will make less wear and tear of the tooth structure and less gum irritation.
==> Many times there is excessive wear in certain areas due to maloclussion and and certain systemic disorders where the more wear and tear of this certain areas is controlled with the electric toothbrush.
==> Laboratory studies have also came to conclusion that those using Electric toothbrush shows reduced levels of plaque colonies than those using the manual toothbrush.
==> Regarding the safety, electric toothbrush are safe and gentle as a manual toothbrush, because there are certain brands which has pressure sensors , automatically stops the toothbrush if too much of pressure is applied.
==> About comfort, Electric toothbrushes have ergonomic handle with non-slip controll grips ensures optimum comfort and maneuverability.
==> About speed, various brands in the market available vary from each other with the press of a button, you can chose between two speed settings according to your preferences.==> As the time span of brushing is important there are timers to the electric toothbrush, Memory timer tracks brushing to help ensure the recommended two minutes of brushing is accomplished even if brushing is briefly interrupted.
==> Electric tooth are clinically proven to clean better than a manual toothbrush, improve health of gums , Prevent build up stains and be gentle with the gums as a soft manual toothbrush.
The importance of good brushing lies in the prevention of dental caries and tooth decay. Whether manual or electric proper movement of the brush over the teeth is very important. Brushing teeth regularly twice a day maintains good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is an important aspect, which helps in maintaining the good quality of teeth, gums and other asociated soft tissues in the oral cavity. Above all it helps to preserve the aesthethic quality of the teeth and that big "close-up " smile and the overall health of an individual. It helps to keep our self-esteem high.

Oral cavity and health

2006-10-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

ORAL CAVITY ! GATEWAY FOR THE GOOD HEALTH Hello everbody,today just telling you some key factors about healthy life. To keep ourself strong and healthy our oral cavity plays an important role. Those who have understood this have achived the goals in their life in a very confident way. The thing i want to say is good oral hygiene leads to a sound life and for that the most important and basic thing is TOOTH BRUSHING.
The importance of tooh brushing lies in the prevention of dental caries and tooth decay. Whether manual or electric, proper movement of the brush over the teeth is very important.Brushing teeth regularly twice a day maintains good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is an important aspect, which helps in maintaining the good quality teeth, gums and other associated soft tissues in the oral cavity. Above all, it helps to preserve the aesthethic quality of teeth and that big close-up smile and the overall health of an individual. It helps to keep our self-esteem high. Thats for all today i will back with advantages of electric tooth brushes over the manual tooth brushes, BYE.

Dental Emergency

2006-10-30T22:11:00.000-08:00

Accidents are unavoidable incidents.But as with most things in dentistry, prevention is the key.If you are involved in an accident causing injury to your mouth , face or jaw then you are in danger of a broken tooth. But knowing what to do can make the difference in saving or loosing the tooth.
PREVENTIVE ADVICE : Here's what you should do to avoid /protect yourself during accident.* Wear a mouth guard when playing active sports or engaging in any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth .* Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack the tooth.* avoid cutting tape with your teeth use pair of scissors instead.
TOOTHACHE : First call your dentist . Explain your symptoms and ask to be seen as soon as possible.Then ease the pain . Take an over-the-counter pain medicine that works for you but do not put pills on your sore tooth.Hold an ice pack against your face on the spot of the sore tooth. Do not put heating pad, a hot water bottle or any other source of heat on your jaw. heat will make things worse instead of better.
FRACTURED TOOTH : Broken teeth can almost be saved. Call your dentist and explain what happened. It would be good idea to retain the broken tooth fragment.But even if you do not do so the dentist can restore the broken tooth by using a white filling. In case the break is serious , a root canal may be needed.
PERMANANT TOOTH KNOCKED OUT : You must act quickly. If tooth looks clean, put it back in its place (its socket),if you can .If this is not possible put it in a containerof cold milk. Go to your dentist, remember time is very important in such cases. if you get help within 10 minutes there is chance that the tooth may take take the root again .
PRIMARY TOOTH KNOCKED OUT : Do not put the tooth back. Visit the dentist who will advise you if further treatment is required in the form of a space retainer.
BITTEN TONGUE OR LIP :First clean the area gently. If there is bleeding, press down on the part of the mouth that is bleeding .Use a clean cloth to do this .If lip is swollen, use ice pack to keep the swelling down. If the bleeding does not stop, go to the dentist . It would be advisable to consult your dentist any way and seek his advice even if bleeding stops.
IN CASE OF CHILDREN : There are sometimes no avoiding dental emergencies where children are concerned, with cycling, roller skating and rough contact games happening all the time . When a child is plunged in the middle of dental emergency he or she will probably be badly frightened , It is for you to stay calm and give the impression that the situation is under controll. The child will get more nervous if the parent displays nervousness. In fact a general rule to remember whether it is in adult or a child who is afflicted is " STAY CALM ".

Toothpaste

2006-10-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

TARTER CONTROL: Tartar control toothpastes do no t remove tartar, they help prevent tartar from forming almost by 36%. The active ingredient in tartar toothpastes is usually pyrophosphates.It is important for your dentist to perform regular professional cleanings.
GUM CARE : Gum care toothpastes contain stannous fluoride as opposed to sodium flouride found in other types of paste. Stannous flouride is not affective in protecting against cavities as sodium flouride. Any tooth paste containing flouride is fine.
DESENSITIZERS : These pastes are needed when patient has had gum recession, thereby exposing the root of the tooth. Once this exposure occurs, a tooth can be sensitive to cold , hot , touch, sweet, and sour. Some brands have different ingredients , therefore if one brand does not work, try a different brand .
WHITENERS : One must be careful when using these due to their abrasiveness. These should not be used exclusively but should be incorporated with the fluoride paste. Do not use a whitening paste every time you brush; use only once every day or two.
DENTURE PASTES : Those who use full or partial dentures need to keep them clean. What to use? Not surprisingly, there are denture cleansers that safely and effectively clean dentures. These products contain a mild abrasive and detergent plus flavouring agent .
TOOTHPASTES vs GEL : Only their physical appearance and a taste is the difference between pastes and gels. Gels can be more abrasive because of the silica used to make them. Both are safe effective cleaners.
All said and done , the mechanical action employed using the proper brushing technique is more important than the brand of toothpaste you purchase. Flossing at least once a day is also very important because it removes food from between teeth where even the best toothbrush and toothpaste are ineffective.

Bad Breath - Causes & Remedy

2006-10-29T06:19:00.000-08:00

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis its unpleasant condition that's cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren't even aware there's a problem. If you are concerned about bad breath see your dentist. he or she can help identify the cause and if its due to an oral infection, develop a treatment plan to help and eliminate it ..

What you eat affets the air you exhale: Certain food such as garlic and onions contribute to objectionable breath odor. once the food is absorbed into the blood stream it is transferred to the lungs where it is expelled. brushing flossing and mouthwash will only mask the the odor temporarily.Odors continue untill the body eliminates the food . Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from the infrequent eating. If you dont brush and floss daily particles of food remain in the mouth collecting bacteria which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth,on the tongue and around the gums can rot leaving an unplesant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth( xerostomia): This occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessory to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivory gland problems or continiously breathing through mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath: If you use tobacco ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may be the sign of medical disorder: Such as local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, post nasal drip, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment . If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be reffered to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath: Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you have had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush twice a day with flouride toothpaste : This is to remove debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic: Motuhwashes dont have long lasting effect on bad breath. if you must constantly use a breath freshner to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A flouride mouth rinse used along with the brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay.