Teeth and Gums
Importance of Brushing your Teeth
Posted by
admin 25 October, 2008
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Often the care of teeth and gums is overlooked as potential health risks. However, with the oral cavity being the main way in which parasites, bacteria, yeast, and fungus get into the body, taking time to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth is important. Keeping your mouth clean is a great way to benefit your health.
Categories : Teeth and Gums, Tips and Advices
How to Treat Bad Breath?
Posted by
admin 12 October, 2008
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First of all, in order to cure something we should know what causes it so that we can avoid them. Bad breath or also called halitosis is caused by bacteria that grow in our mouth. The most effective cure for bad breath is proper oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and also flossing it. We should also brush our tongue because it helps get rid of bad breath.
A dry mouth has a bigger chance to have a bad breath than a moist mouth. We should drink lots of water because it helps to get rid of unpleasant mouth odors. Chewing a sugarless gum also helps because it stimulates saliva production so it keeps the mouth moist. You should avoid sugary gums because it can lead to tooth decay and is also a cause of bad breath.
Visiting your doctor will really be a big help in getting rid of bad breath. Decaying teeth causes bad breath that is why it is important to visit your dentist.
Onions. garlic, and deli meats are common foods that cause bad breath so we should avoid them if we want a fresh smelling breath. There are also some cheese that cause bad breath.
You should avoid eating foods that cause bad breath because brushing your teeth will not get rid of them but they stay for a day or two. Some ways to get rid of them is by mouthwashes and minty chewing gums.
You should avoid smoking if you don’t want a bad breath. If you really can’t avoid to smoke then you should chew a mint gum to cover the problem. In order to really get rid of it, you should brush, floss, and stay hydrated but still you will be stuck with bad breath if you continue to smoke.
There are also some health conditions that cause bad breath so to treating it requires addressing the specific medical conditions causing it. Some diseases that cause bad breath are gum disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and certain cancers. You should see your doctor for treatment if you believe that one of the diseases mentioned is the cause of your bad breath.
If you live in San Diego and lost a tooth and still want to look good then it’s time to look for an expert at dental implants in San Diego to replace it.
Categories : Teeth and Gums, Tips and Advices
Oral Cancer
Posted by
admin 24 August, 2008
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Oral cancer is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring types of cancer. Tumors affecting the lip, mouth, tongue, and soft palate (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth) can interfere with swallowing and speech. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause disability and even death. But if oral cancer is detected and treated early, it has a very high cure rate. More important is the fact that oral cancer is highly preventable.
Tobacco use is the number one cause of oral cancer. A smoker’s risk of oral cancer is two to four times higher than that of nonsmokers. In fact, people who are most at risk of developing oral cancer are men over age 40 who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe, or who use smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco or snuff). Smokeless tobacco is particularly dangerous because it contains 100 times the amount of cancer-causing compounds found in other forms of tobacco. This fact is especially disturbing because the use of smokeless tobacco continues to rise, primarily among adolescent boys.
Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing oral cancer for smokers and nonsmokers alike, but heavy drinking increases the risk by 15 times for heavy smokers. This suggests that smoking and alcohol consumption somehow work together to produce oral cancer by increasing each other’s harmful effects. Even high alcohol-content mouthwashes have been implicated in the development of oral cancer.
A type of cancer known as Kaposi’s sarcoma develops in about 30 percent of people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The disease produces red or purple patches (lesions) on the skin or the mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose, and anus. This type of cancer can be the first sign of AIDS and is often first detected during a dental examination. Lip cancer has been linked to long-term sun exposure and pipe smoking.
Most oral cancers develop on the surface layer of tissue and are called squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms that can indicate the presence of oral cancer include:
• a sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
• a lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat
• a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth (which may be painless in the early stages)
• unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth
• a feeling that something is caught in the throat
• difficult or painful chewing or swallowing
• swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly
• a change in the voice
• pain in the ear
These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, but they should always be brought to the attention of a physician or a dentist, who can make a firm diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
If an abnormality is found in the mouth, the doctor will perform a biopsy, in which a sample of the abnormal tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Once cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will attempt to stage the cancer. This means that he or she will try to find out the extent to which the cancer has developed and possibly spread. Cancer can travel through the lymph system and spread to other parts of the body. Oral cancer usually spreads first to the neck. Staging tests may include dental X rays and X rays of the head and chest, a computed tomography (CT) scan (a series of X rays transmitted to a computer that forms detailed pictures of the body), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; which links a powerful magnet with a computer to make cross-sectional images of the body). The doctor also will examine the lymph nodes in the neck to check for swelling.
After diagnosing and staging the cancer, the doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment for oral cancer depends on a number of factors, including the location, size, type, and extent of the tumor. The doctor also will consider the person’s age and general health when developing a treatment plan. Oral cancer treatment generally consists of surgery to remove the abnormal tissue, and radiation therapy to stop the cancerous cells from growing. These treatments may be used alone or in combination. Chemotherapy (treatment with powerful anticancer drugs) also may be used in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy to relieve pain in advanced stages of the disease.
The doctor will try to plan therapy to minimize side effects, but most oral cancer treatment produces side effects, some temporary and some permanent. Surgery to remove cancerous tissue may require removal of part of the soft palate, tongue, or jaw. Such surgery is likely to affect the person’s ability to chew, swallow, or talk. He or she may also look different, prompting depression or lowered feelings of self-worth. Weight loss may become a problem because eating may be difficult. Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, along with red, dry, tender skin that “weeps” fluid. The person’s skin also can become darker and more sensitive to the sun.
The most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer are to stop using tobacco in any form and to drink alcohol only in moderation. To lessen the risk of developing lip cancer, use a lotion or lip balm that contains a sunscreen and wear a hat with a brim outdoors to block the sun’s harmful rays.
Categories : Teeth and Gums
Temporomandibular Disorder
Posted by
admin 24 August, 2008
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Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a phrase that refers to a group of painful disorders affecting the jaw and the muscles that control chewing. The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the temporal bone at the side of your head. The discomfort may be occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles, and may eventually stop with no treatment. Some people will develop long-term symptoms. The disorder affects men only half as often as it does women.
There are three main forms of TMD. The most common form is called myofascial pain, in which the muscles that control jaw function and the neck and shoulder muscles become painful. Another form is called internal derangement of the joint, which includes dislocation of the jaw and displacement of the soft, shock-absorbing disk in the jaw. TMD can also be caused by degenerative joint disease, such as arthritis in the jaw joint. A person may have more than one form of TMD at the same time.
TMD can produce a range of symptoms, most commonly pain in or around the jaw joint. Other symptoms include limited movement or locking of the jaw; pain that radiates to the face, neck, or shoulders; a painful clicking, popping, or grating sound in the jaw joint when the mouth is opened; and a sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. Headaches, earaches, hearing problems, and dizziness also may sometimes be linked to TMD.
Severe injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint is a leading cause of TMD. A heavy blow to the jaw can fracture the bones of the joint or damage the disk of the jaw, interfering with the normal movement of the jaw and causing the jaw to lock or be painful. An injury also can lead to arthritis in the jaw joint. Some doctors think that stress can cause or aggravate TMD, especially when the affected person clenches or grinds his or her teeth at night. No evidence exists that gum chewing, an overbite or underbite of the teeth, or orthodontics such as braces directly cause TMD. Many people experience clicking of the jaw, but if no pain or locking is present, they probably do not need treatment.
There is currently no widely accepted test that correctly diagnoses TMD. Most doctors arrive at a diagnosis based on the person’s description of his or her symptoms and a physical examination of the face and jaw. During the physical examination, the doctor will feel the joints to detect any pain or tenderness, listen for any popping or clicking of the joint, and check for limited motion or locking of the jaw joint. The doctor will review the person’s medical and dental history to pinpoint any past conditions that could have produced the current symptoms. If the doctor thinks that arthritis may be causing TMD, he or she may order X rays.
For some affected people, the discomfort of TMD will eventually go away on its own. Because many cases of TMD are temporary and do not get worse, doctors usually prescribe simple and conservative treatments for the disorder. Eating soft foods, applying heat or ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movements such as wide-mouthed yawning often produce favorable results. Stress-reducing relaxation techniques also can improve symptoms. Doctors sometimes enlist the help of a physical therapist, who can provide gentle muscle stretching exercises. The doctor may recommend using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen for a short period. He or she may prescribe muscle relaxants. A dentist may recommend that you wear a plastic appliance called a splint or bite guard, which fits over your upper or lower teeth. This device can help prevent you from grinding your teeth at night.
Dental procedures used to adjust and balance the bite (how the upper and lower teeth come together when the jaw is shut)—such as braces, crowns, and bridges, and grinding down portions of the teeth—may help relieve symptoms of TMD. Surgery to replace the jaw joints with artificial implants is necessary in only a small percentage of affected people.
Categories : Teeth and Gums
Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease
Posted by
admin 24 August, 2008
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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the number one cause of tooth loss in American adults. It may also be a risk factor for heart disease or other medical conditions. An estimated 75 percent of adults over age 35 in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, but the disorder is easily reversed in its early stages by consistent, daily toothbrushing and flossing. Because periodontal disease is painless, you may not know that you have it. If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease, see your dentist right away:
• gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• red, swollen, or tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away
• pockets of pus around your teeth and gums
• loose teeth
• pain when chewing
Categories : Teeth and Gums
Periodontal Disease
Posted by
admin 23 August, 2008
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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is inflammation of the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth that is caused by a bacterial infection. The disorder affects as many as 75 percent of adults over age 35. It is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. The main symptom of gingivitis is gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. At this stage, gum disease is both preventable and reversible because the plaque buildup has not yet extended below the gum line to the roots. Brushing your teeth daily is not enough to prevent gingivitis. The only way to stop gingivitis and to prevent further inflammation is to brush your teeth consistently twice a day, floss your teeth daily, and have a professional tooth cleaning at least twice a year. You should also maintain a balanced diet and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
Left untreated, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and the gums. The pockets may become filled with pus, and the gums may recede farther. Plaque spreads to the roots of the teeth, and the infection begins to damage the bone and other supporting tissue. The teeth begin to shift and loosen and either fall out or have to be extracted (pulled) by the dentist.
Not only is periodontal disease damaging to your teeth and gums, it also may adversely affect your overall health. Periodontal disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. Doctors are still not sure why there appears to be a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease, but research has shown that the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and cause plaque buildup in the arteries leading to the heart. Periodontal disease also has been implicated in the development of stroke, pneumonia, and peptic ulcers.
It is important to have regular dental checkups to prevent and detect periodontal disease. If you think you have the condition, see your dentist right away. He or she will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. If the condition is present, the dentist will probably assess the severity of the disorder by checking for bleeding with a probe, measuring the depth of any pockets, assessing how well each affected tooth is still attached, and evaluating bone loss through dental X rays. He or she will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs, depending on the extent of the periodontal disease.
Dentists use a variety of therapies to treat periodontal disease, but all focus on the removal and control of the infectious bacterial plaque. In a process known as scaling, the dentist uses handheld instruments to remove the hardened plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line. During root planing, the dentist smoothes out the surface of the root by removing the bacteria and toxins that lead to periodontal disease. Ultrasonic scaling involves use of an instrument that converts a high-frequency electrical current into mechanical vibrations, which remove plaque and calculus. The dentist may also use a technique called subgingival debridement to remove tooth surface irritants from below the gums so that infection will not occur at the treated site.
If periodontal disease has progressed to an advanced stage, the dentist may have to treat it with one of two surgical techniques. Both procedures attempt to remove diseased tissue so that new replacement tissue can grow. The first technique is called resective surgery, in which the dentist lifts the gum away from the tooth and bone to remove diseased tissue and reshape infected bone. The dentist then repositions the gum and stitches it back into place. Another type of surgery, known as regenerative surgery, attempts to actually regrow the jawbone and supporting tissue by using special inserts that help new tissue grow.
Dentists are beginning to use some new therapies to fight periodontal disease. Inserts containing antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs are available that can be placed directly into infected pockets to destroy bacteria. Mouth rinses or toothpastes containing drugs or antimicrobial agents that can destroy the microorganisms responsible for periodontal disease also have been developed. Ask your dentist to recommend one.
Categories : Teeth and Gums
Cosmetic Dentistry
Posted by
admin 23 August, 2008
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Today there are a number of techniques that can improve the appearance of your teeth and brighten your smile. These cosmetic dental techniques vary in price. Some are simple and others are complex. Your dentist can advise you about the best cosmetic dental procedures for your situation. The most common cosmetic dental procedures are:
• Tooth whitening or bleaching. Bleaching is simple and effective and has few side effects. The dentist makes a mold of your teeth, from which rubber mouth guards are made. At home, you place the tooth-whitening solution into the mouth guards and wear the guards for an hour each day, for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Cosmetic contouring. In this process, the dentist reshapes the front teeth, using a handheld instrument, to create a more pleasing appearance.
• Veneers. A veneer is a porcelain laminate shell used to make a new front surface for a tooth that is misshapen, darkened, or spaced too far from a neighboring tooth.
• White fillings. These white plastic fillings, called inlays or onlays, are used instead of silver fillings to treat dental cavities in a more aesthetically pleasing way.
• Crowns. Sometimes called caps, crowns are placed over a tooth that does not have enough tooth structure left for more conservative treatment, such as a veneer.
• Braces. Orthodontic appliances, commonly called braces, straighten teeth that are crowded or crooked. Braces can be made with metal or plastic brackets and wires.
• Aligners. Aligners are clear, removable pieces of plastic molded to fit over the teeth to straighten them without wires and brackets. An aligner is worn day and night for about 2 weeks and is then replaced with the next one in the series. Unlike braces, aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Categories : Teeth and Gums
Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
Posted by
admin 23 August, 2008
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Click image to enlarge
Having a clean mouth is good for you in many ways. Not only does it give you fresh breath and a nice smile, but it also gives your self-esteem a lift. Thorough daily cleaning of your teeth and gums helps prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease). Keeping your teeth and gums healthy also can improve your overall health. Periodontal disease may be a factor in the development of chronic conditions such as heart disease.
The best way to ensure oral health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss them daily. Brushing and flossing remove the thin sticky layer of bacteria that grows daily on your teeth. This layer of bacteria is called plaque, and it is responsible for both tooth decay and periodontal disease. When you eat, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the teeth and irritate the gums, making them inflamed. Over time, the gums may bleed and pull away from the teeth. Bacteria and pus accumulate in the pockets that form in the spaces between the gums and the teeth. Eventually the bone around the teeth deteriorates, and the teeth loosen and fall out.
Click image to enlarge
Flossing your teeth every day helps to remove the plaque that accumulates between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. It is also important to see your dentist for a thorough teeth cleaning twice a year, assuming that your gums are healthy. A professional cleaning helps to remove calculus (commonly known as tartar), a hard mineral deposit that forms on the teeth, providing an additional surface to which plaque can adhere. If you have periodontal disease or tend to accumulate calculus faster than normal, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleaning.
When you brush your teeth, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Brushes with medium or hard bristles are too abrasive and can make your gums recede from your teeth. Your teeth can then become sensitive to cold liquids because the roots of the teeth, which are normally covered by the gums, have been partially exposed. Place the toothbrush against your teeth at an angle and brush back and forth gently in short strokes. Brush the outer and inner tooth surfaces and the chewing areas of the teeth. Be sure to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to freshen your breath.
To floss your teeth properly, use about 18 inches of floss and wind some of it around one of the middle fingers on each hand. Hold the floss between the thumb of one hand and the index finger of the other hand, or use both index fingers, or whatever feels most comfortable to you. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, up to the gum line. Do not snap the floss into your gums. Move the floss up and down between your teeth, and repeat this procedure on the rest of your teeth. If you find dental floss to be too unwieldy, try using another kind of dental cleaner, such as a pick, to clean between your teeth. Ask your dentist to show you how to use the device properly so you do not injure your teeth or gums.
Sugary and starchy foods—such as sweets, bread, crackers, and cereal—are more likely to cause plaque buildup than other foods. Try to limit your intake of these foods between meals, or brush your teeth soon after eating them. Better yet, snack on fresh fruit, raw vegetables, or plain yogurt. It will be better for your overall health as well.
Corrective Dentistry
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To treat damage caused by tooth decay and gum disease, your dentist has a wide array of techniques available. He or she also can replace or repair teeth lost or damaged because of an injury to the mouth or the jaw. Extraction (pulling) of a tooth is now a last resort. Sometimes the line between corrective and cosmetic dentistry blurs when cosmetic techniques are used to repair or replace lost or damaged teeth. Remember to see your dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning and checkup so that he or she can detect and treat any tooth or gum problems early. Common corrective dental techniques include:
• Silver amalgam fillings. Silver fillings consist of an alloy of several metals—such as silver, zinc, or tin— and mercury. Dentists use silver fillings to fill a tooth after all of the decayed material has been removed. Although it is a matter of some controversy, no proof exists that dental amalgam containing mercury poses any threat to your health.
• Crowns. Sometimes called caps, crowns are placed over a tooth that does not have enough tooth structure left for more conservative treatment, such as a veneer.
• Bridges. Dentists use replacement teeth called bridges to fill in the spaces left by one or more missing teeth to prevent the teeth adjacent to the space from shifting out of their normal position. The bridge is cemented to the adjacent teeth, which are fitted with crowns or caps.
• Implants. Implants are also used to replace missing teeth by placing a “substitute” root form into the jawbone. Crowns, caps, or bridges can then be attached to the implants without involving adjacent teeth.
• Root canal therapy. During root canal treatment, the dentist or oral surgeon first administers a local anesthetic and removes the infected nerve tissue from the tooth. Then he or she prepares the root canal to accept the filling material. At the next visit, the dentist will fill and seal the root canal with a plastic material that prevents future infection. The tooth may then require a crown or a cap.
Categories : Teeth and Gums
