Posts Tagged ‘dental health’
Bad Breath And Gingivitis
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on August 13th, 2010
Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.
Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums often characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.
Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath. After you clear up any existing dental disease, it might be time to use tooth whitening gel. But, definitely get a clean bill of dental health first, before even considering tooth whitening.
Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn’t controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.
I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don’t like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol can also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth. On the other hand, a prescription for Peridex may have been a better option. But she did not prescribe it and I didn’t know about it at the time.
The Problem
Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.
Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.
Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.
A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios. (Periodontal disease)
Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as, “getting long in the tooth”. Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.
Treatment and Prevention
Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an deep cleaning; they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.
Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.
I am currently using a special toothbrush that vibrates to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.
Don’t feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products, such as therabreath review, that don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.
I am not a dentist. This article is for information purposes only. This article is not meant for diagnosis, treatment or prevention nor is it meant to give advice. If you have or suspect you have gingivitis, periodontal disease or any other dental problems, visit your dentist for a consultation.
A Tip On Cavities
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on June 21st, 2010
Cavities can best be described as decay of tooth, and it can even happen at early age namely baby bottle tooth decay. As we all know, tooth decay is affected by our nutrition, what we put in our mouths, how we clean our teeth, and the amount of fluoride in our toothpastes. If your family has a history of tooth disease or teeth problems, then you may carry in your genes it that way. This is very common, as many people inherit tooth problems that have been passed down from generation to son which leads to the necessity of dentures finally .
Dry mouth can be a real cause for cavities formation, among the leading causes of dry mouth, we have toremember smoking, medicine, and chemo-radiotherapy.
Although many people tend to think that cavities is not a big problem, sometimes cavities can be neglected and form an abscess. Which if left untreated can cause fatalities.
If you do not like visiting your dentist, many cavities will be hard to find as they can be hidden behind the gums. Color deformations can help you spot any early damage to the tooth, then all you have to do is go visit your dentist and ask for help.
What you eat is a big contributor to cavities. If you eat a lot of sweets or drink a lot of coke, you will be at a higher risk for cavities. Foods that are rich in sugar or starch are eaten by bacteria found in plaque, which will secrete acids that eat through teeth. This acid is very harmful to teeth, as it can eat through the dentin and enamel immediately. If you ask for help about cavities, the acid will continue to eat at the tooth until there is nothing left to say - leaving you no choice but to get the tooth extracted.
Once the enamel is damaged the tooth can be easily taken in a matter of months, after that the core will be destroyed and the nerves will start hurting you.
Cavities will more than likely develop in the grooves of chewing areas around the back teeth, between your teeth, or near the gum line. No matter where they happen, the easiest way to spot them is to visit your dentist. Your dentist will be able to do imaging and find out just how bad they are and tell you what options you have to treat cavities. If you visit him in time, he will be able to keep the tooth and stop the cavity before it spreads throughout your tooth.
Your Teeth Can Be Attacked By Acid While You Play TV And Computer Games
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on May 11th, 2010
Why your dental health can be damaged by video gaming.
Parents have been complaining for years that their children are stuck in front of a monitor all day playing video games instead of being outside playing sports. Your overall health can be improved by partaking in physical activity; this is a well-known fact.
If you spend your time sitting in front of a gaming console or PC monitor, your physical condition will not improve. A recent study shows that it is even worse. According to this study, snacking whilst video gaming can result in weight problems and a deterioration in oral health.
It is believed that people addicted to gaming, those who spend a considerable amount of time in front of a gaming console, have a 200 percent greater chance of developing tooth decay and caries than their sport-playing counterparts. This is a topic of grave concern to dental insurance providers who often actively encourage the general public to participate more fully in both physical and dental health activities
The research suggests that teenagers who spend most of their time gaming are more likely to consume foods and snacks with higher levels of sugar. This is as likely to lead to tooth decay as it is to obesity and diabetes.
The popularity of online games and in-home gaming systems is not confined to youngsters; adults love them too. Oral care and personal hygiene are often ignored by people too involved with playing games. The previously unknown link between the dietary habits of gamers and their subsequent risk of tooth decay has, according to Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, been revealed by this study. He went on to highlight how important a stable diet was to maintain good oral health.
Gamers are under acid attack
Habitual gamers spend hours in front of the gaming consoles surrounded by bottles of fizzy drinks and bags of snacks on which they are continually snacking. All the time the gamers are attacking video opponents, they are also under attack from the foods they are eating.
There is a higher level of sugars and preservatives in snack foods. The teeth continue to be attacked by the acid derived from the sugar in the snack for nearly an hour after consumption. The bacterial attack on the teeth and gums will increase as a result of the reaction between plaque and sugars.
Just as harmful are acidic foods. Sugary foods can be less damaging to teeth and gums than a packet of salt and vinegar crisps. The acids in the snacks attack the enamel surface of the teeth making them soft and vulnerable to attack.
The importance of parental rules.
The study focused on teenagers between the ages of 12 and 16. It suggested that those youngsters who snacked whilst playing games or watching TV were more likely to suffer tooth decay and gum disease than those who avoided snacking.
The likelihood of developing significant tooth and gum problems was 30% less for TV watching children whose snacking was under parental control than it was for those who snacked without such supervision.
Contact between acid and sugar and teeth and gums is prolonged by snacking throughout the day rather than by taking regular meals.
You can help your children to have healthy teeth and gums by regulating what and when they eat.
Eating properly, keeping your teeth clean, and having regular dental checkups is the way to keep your teeth healthy. A dental checkup won’t cost you much in time or money. You can even get your dental health insurance plan to cover a check-up or oral hygiene visit and really put a smile on your face.
Four Methods Of Achieving Whiter Teeth
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on May 9th, 2010
One’s enjoyment in the office or at a party can be seriously impaired if your teeth are lacklustre. Having crooked teeth that don’t gleam, even though they are often less healthy than straight ones, isn’t so important since the crookedness can be a part of the person’s distinctive character.
Social acceptability is directly related to the quality of your dentition: the better the teeth, the greater the level of social acceptance. Practising good oral hygiene will help to keep teeth white but if you want a better shade of white there are other ways than just brushing.
Your sparkling smile may become dulled even though you keep your mouth healthy by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash.
Whitening teeth with a peroxide based solution is a very popular procedure for dentists and patients alike. All the various forms of this treatment can be categorized as either treatment at home or treatment at the dentist’s surgery. While all techniques will generally provide the expected results there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Always consult your dentist or call your dental insurance plan provider if you are in any way unsure about dental treatments.
To keep the perfect smile you can employ one of several techniques.
- Teeth whitening strips
- Tray-based teeth whitening solutions
- Paint-on teeth whitening
- Professional teeth whitening treatment
Teeth whitening strips are the simplest form of improving your dental looks. By wearing whitening strips coated with 6% hydrogen peroxide for two weeks, Proctor and Gamble claim that you will achieve a 10% whiter smile.
A good thing about whitening strips is that you can wear them all day but without other people being able to see them. However, because whitening strips lie across the front of the teeth they are not always able to reach between the teeth where stains sometimes occur - a clear disadvantage.
Tray-based whitening solutions provide a better option and more dentists use tray-based whitening systems with their patients than any other tooth bleaching procedure. The tray is so shaped that one part fits around the upper teeth and the other around the lower teeth. The tray is filled with a bleaching gel and may be at work for several hours.
The advantage of using a tray instead of white strips is that the gel is able to reach into the areas that whitening strips cannot. The disadvantage is the tray must stay in the mouth for a given amount of time. Different manufacturers will stipulate different times.
Painting the teeth with a peroxide solution is another method of application. After applying the whitener to the teeth by brush the solution hardens into a thin film. The length of time the solution remains on the tooth varies between manufacturers. Whilst half an hour is suitable for some solutions, others need to remain on the teeth all night. After the whitening solution has been on the teeth for the required time it is removed by toothbrush.
Paint-on whitening has the advantage of not involving trays and of the solution reaching all parts of the tooth. The disadvantage is that this does not work on existing dental work.
It is sensible to consult your dentist before embarking upon any kind of self-applied treatment. Failure to use any solution properly can lead to unwelcome side effects on fillings and veneers as well as other previous dental work. The incorrect use of any of these solutions may lead to a considerable amount of extra treatment and expense.
Teeth whitening treatment done by a professional is often thought to be better than that carried out by oneself. In fact at the end of the day there is no difference between the results achieved by professional treatment and by self-administered treatment. Time now becomes the most significant consideration. Whereas home treatment may take up two weeks, a dentist should be able to complete the treatment in one session.
The disadvantage to using a dentist is of course cost. If you do not have a comprehensive dental insurance policy which covers these sorts of treatments, the cost will be substantially more than buying over the counter products. With dental insurance the cost may be comparable or less than the self-administered approach. The advantage to dentist-administered treatment is time. It usually takes only an hour to complete a whitening session. You can’t inspect your own mouth but the dentist can do this at the same time, a considerable advantage.
Preventive Dentistry And Your Child
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on April 29th, 2010
As surprising as it may appear, while most mothers and fathers take their kids for medical examinations through their lives, many times they wait to see a dentist until their kid is actually experiencing some type of dental problem. Your child’s dental health is just as crucial as his physical health and practicing preventive dentistry is the best way to make sure that your youngster has good dental health throughout his life time.
Preventive dentistry for youngsters includes correct nutrition, daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and parental guidance in care of teeth, oral health education, sealants, and a number of other procedures designed to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
Preventive dentistry for your child should begin when his first tooth starts to make an appearance or at the very least by his first birthday. The earlier your child begins getting pro dental care the better it will be for his dental health as he ages. Your dentist can not only make sure that your babies first teeth are coming in strong and straight but can start to build an accord with your kid so that if any major dental work must be done in the future there’s a bond of trust between your child and the dentist.
Your dentist can also offer you tips on how to practice good preventive dentistry at home. He would be ready to give you ideas on how to get your child to sweep regularly and simpler methods to teach your child the best way to floss. Not only is he able to fix cavities while they’re small before they have got a opportunity to become giant and painful but he might also use sealants to prevent hole from forming at all .
One of the best things about preventive dentistry is that over the long haul it can save you money. By going to your dentist constantly he’ll be in a position to diagnosis orthopedic Problems early and correct those Problems before they become major Problems that may result in corrective techniques that are far more costly.
Preventive dentistry for your child isn’t just about early diagnosis of Problems. It can really prevent issues from occurring at all in specific situations. By providing your child with proper mouth protection for sporting activities, your dentist can prevent damage to your child’s teeth and mouth so saving the necessity for caps, partials, or other more high-priced techniques.
Dental issues can influence your child in so many ways. Tooth discomfort can make it difficult to eat properly or to focus at school. Poor looking teeth can make your youngster feel bashful and affect their self confidence. They may be afraid to grin or talk not needing anyone to discover how bad their teeth look. Preventive dentistry can help your youngster avoid these issues keeping them free of pain and smiling happily.
Preventive dentistry is the best way to keep your child’s teeth healthy and their mouths agony free. Regular dental check ups can diagnose early orthopedic issues and keep your youngster satisfied and smiling.
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What You Do at Home Has the Greatest Impact on Oral Hygiene and Avoidance of Expensive Treatments
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on March 18th, 2010
In the course of my daily work, I get to hear from a lot of people. The stories are often marvelous. Most of them are in relation to dental health but I also get to hear stories about peoples’ experience in overcoming other disease conditions as well.
One of the stories I recently heard was from a customer of mine. She bought a special device from me. She had a dental appointment in less than 2 weeks from the time she received the package. I was not certain that two weeks was enough time for this tool to work its magic, and she had even less than that amount of time.
The results were outstanding. She said that the hygienist told her that there was a 70% improvement in her gum health. She was absolutely delighted. This was a person who had, just a few months prior spent thousands on a dental surgery to help her gums.
Unfortunately, just a short time later, she was being told that she needed another ‘deep cleaning’ treatment. This is also known as a scaling and root planing or SRP treatment.
The first time she called me, she was very distraught over this constant ‘need’ for expensive dental work. She could not understand why she had spent so much money and continued to need even more treatments!
I understand her feelings all to well. Though I managed to avoid the first expensive treatment that was recommended, I still dread the idea of getting charged for something that ultimately is only a treatment that will very likely need to be repeated later on. This is what she found annoying too!
There are many things that can be done to improve dental health from home. In fact, if you ask any dental professional they will tell you that what you do at home has more impact on your dental health than what they do in the office.
However, as patients we are seldom told WHAT to do at home beyond simple brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, the same professionals will tell you that up to 75% of the population suffers from some form of gum disease right now! The only reasonable conclusion is that most people need more to gain and maintain their dental health than mere brushing and flossing has to offer!
We are in need of a revolution in home dental health care. Your dentist will be delighted to see the health of your gum tissue improve. Since gum disease really is the number one cause of tooth loss, you can bet that getting this area of your life under control can really help you to save your teeth and even keep them while you get older even while your friends may be getting more and more tooth replacements in the form of implants or dentures.
Having and keeping your own natural, living teeth is superior to having either implants or dentures. As the old saying goes: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"!
Next: Learn more about what you can do to keep your teeth for the long haul and prevent expensive dental treatments and surgeries!
Get your free report: How To Stop Gum Disease at: http://www.HowToSTopGumDisease.com
David Snape is the author of the book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease. ISBN: 978-0981485508 - Available online at most book retailer sites. It can also be ordered by most book stores.
Disclaimer: This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.
Improving Dental Health and Avoiding Expensive Dental Bills May Be Easier Than You Might Think?
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on March 11th, 2010
I have a unique position from which to comment on what may work for dental health home care. When I say, "work", I mean something that has the potential to keep gums and teeth healthy for the long haul.
The reason I have this unique view point is because I sell a particular dental tool. This tool is the primary thing that I utilize for my own dental home care. Of course, I still go to the dentist on a regular basis for a checkup. The difference now is that I get to hear that my gums are healthy, pocket depths have been minimized and they continue to stay that way. I also avoided the dreaded ‘deep cleaning’, which is also known as a Scaling and Root Planing or SRP.
I was astounded by this particular tool and I began to write about it several years ago. In fact, I mention it in my own book on gum disease. Later, I began to sell this tool directly to consumers.
What follows is shocking even though I probably should have expected it. I hear from customers on a regular basis about their own experience with this tool. On the same day that I wrote this article, a customer told me about how the very next day after his first use, he found his gums to be firmer. He said that he has never seen his gums that firm before.
Now, I am not one to make health claims and granted that there should be sound scientific studies and clinical tests to validate such things. I cannot validate what he said is true. However, I am astounded by the number of people that relate stories about this dental health device to me. This man’s story is not at all unusual - at least from my perspective.
I recently spoke to a woman who said her dentist told her she had a 70% improvement in her gum health in under two weeks of using this tool. She was facing another ‘deep cleaning’ after recently having a $3000 surgery to clean her gums up.
She had reached an end to her tolerance for these expensive procedures that did not seem to permanently solve the problem. She began looking for answers. This same type of experience is what prompted me to write a book about gum disease from the layman’s perspective.
In today’s world, actually in yesterday’s world as well - dental disease is a huge problem. Many people think they are free and clear but they are unaware of the silent minor tragedy that is growing in their mouth. Sooner or later many of them encounter the term ‘deep cleaning’ or SRP from their dentist or hygienist. Going beyond that, patients might have been told that they need teeth extracted and implants or dentures installed. In my personal case, I was told that such a ‘deep cleaning’ was the only thing that would help me.
I did not believe a ‘deep cleaning’ was the best answer for me and I started searching for answers. After several months of using the same device mentioned above, I returned to the dentist. She and the hygienist both told me that things were looking a lot better and that whatever I was doing I should keep it up and the dentist said that I no longer needed that ‘deep cleaning’ treatment after all!
I was delighted to say the least. Now, I am finding, because of my interaction with customers that many of them have similar stories to tell. I would like for everyone to know about our experiences. If more people can save their teeth and save themselves from expensive dental treatments then it was worth it to write this article.
Next: read more on this topic:
Read more at http://www.HowToFightGumDisease.com
Author: David Snape (What You Should Know about Gum Disease - ISBN: 978-0981485508)
Disclaimer: This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.
Why Obtaining Supplemental Dental Plans are Significant
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on March 8th, 2010
Most people think about why they should even get supplemental dental plans when they already have health or medical insurance plans. However, what most people don’t realize is that a health or medical insurance plan is fairly different from dental plan coverage.
For instance, when you say medical insurance this usually covers treatment for diseases or illnesses that happen to you. Dental diseases or problems, though, are often preventable; hence, dental plans usually for prevention instead of fixing or curing.
Also, when you are registered or covered with medical insurance, it does not mean that you are insured for your dental plans as well. Either that or what you might in your medical or health insurance is limited and not enough.
If this is the case, it would better if you sign up for a supplemental coverage plan. Ideally, your health plan would have basic dental options like fillings and teeth cleanings.
However, with a supplemental coverage for your teeth, you can avail of more complicated procedures that your teeth might require.
Maybe you need to have a crown fixed or have bridges. It can also be helpful if you have problems or diseases with your teeth and gums such as periodontitis and gingivitis.
Plenty of dental insurance providers give out this coverage for both groups and individuals. Some plans would provide you an opportunity to pick your own dentist while other plans would require you to pick from a list.
You would have to work hard if you are looking for supplemental dental plans that will work for you.
You will notice that there are plenty of providers available, but most of the time they will not give out the best deal. If you are looking for a reliable provider, you need to look for them.
Before, you would need to visit different offices just to get quotes and compare policies. Alternatively, you can also spend several hours on the phone calling up potential insurers.
However, there is a much easier method of finding coverage and that is by using the Internet. You can find plenty of reliable insurance websites online that provide a free quote on their supplemental plans.
The only thing that you really need to do to find them is type in keywords in any major search network like Google or Yahoo! In a matter of seconds, you should be able to generate a good number of websites to choose from.
All you need to do is pick two or three of these sites and get quotes that they provide. Just make sure that you would be entering the correct information so that you will get good results.
Once you managed to get all of the possible quotes, compare the results that you got from one site to another site. Narrow it down to two or three and then call them to ask any questions or clarifications you might have regarding their plan.
Doing it this way will help you find the right supplemental dental plans suited for your needs.
Need more information on supplemental dental plans,click here!
The Dental Woes of Unhappy Patients…
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on March 8th, 2010
As part of my work, I get to talk to a lot of people about dental health and from listening to their stories of pain, suffering, solutions and treatments that do not provide long-term relief is something I find very frustrating! I think that by now, in our modern age, better answers should be provided to us from ‘professionals’ and ’scientists’.
Unfortunately, I am convinced that we have been sold a ‘bill of goods’ in the notion that brushing and flossing are all that you need to maintain your dental health and prevent problems.
My proof that is not true is self-evident. People still get cavities, their teeth still crack or break and they still get gum disease. In relation to the last term, the stats say it all! Most dental professionals agree that up to 75% of people have some form of gum disease right now.
Therefore, you tell me, is it sensible to believe that merely brushing and flossing is enough for the majority of people to maintain their dental health? The reality of today’s state of dental health is very frustrating because the lack of knowledge about what dental disease is and what you can do about it is insidious.
In addition, I challenge you to ponder these simple questions. Dentistry has been with us for a very long time, yet why do so many people still need cavities filled, root canals, crowns, gum grafts, and other ’special treatments’? Do you think that no one has ever come upon good answers to prevent these problems in all the years that ‘modern’ dentistry has been around?
I certainly do not claim to have all of the answers, but I do think that I might have some of them. I was able to avoid one of those popular ‘deep cleaning’ treatments. Even if you have not heard that term from your dentist before or the terms, ‘SRP’ or ‘Scaling and Root Planing’, the chances are pretty good that someone you personally know has!
For an oral irrigator, I believe that the hydrofloss is the best.
Chew xylitol gum for the healthy dental benefits discovered by Finlanders 6 decades ago.
Try a pH balanced, oxygenated mouthwash!
I would further challenge anyone reading this article to dig deeper and discover the knowledge, understandings, tools and products that can truly help promote better dental health and save you and your loved ones from unnecessary expense, pain and prevent the need for harsh treatments!
David Snape is the author of the book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease, ISBN: 978-0981485508 available at ToothyGrinsStore.com and other online book retailers.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to suggest diagnosis, treatment or suggest dental health advice. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any sort, including but not limited to dental health, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products mentioned in this article.
How To Help Save Your Teeth and Gums From Expensive Dental Treatments…
Posted by: stomper in dental advice on March 8th, 2010
If you are concerned about the high cost of dental care and the almost complete lack of cost coverage – even when you have insurance – you are definitely not alone. One thing we should not overestimate is the importance of our dental health.
You may scarcely notice your teeth when everything is fine. However, when something hurts, you have a cavity or perhaps need a root canal, you do notice. Most likely, at that point, you are willing to pay the price to get this dental work done. That price, as you undoubtedly know, can be very high, depleting your savings or causing you to ‘make payments’ to your dentist or credit card company.
What if there were some simple things that you could do to actually prevent expensive treatments in the first place? Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. The pH balance of your mouth is extremely important. Bacteria multiply more rapidly in an acidic environment and foods and beverages that are acidic can leach the calcium and phosphate right out of your teeth causing them to weaken and be more susceptible to – you guessed it – cavities!
Beverages like soda and coffee can drive the pH balance to the acidic side. You can sip on milk or water while eating or drinking such things. That will help, but you really should consider a pH balanced rinse or chewing xylitol gum after eating such meals.
2. Plaque build up – This is an amazing simple, yet complicated problem. It should be obvious to you that brushing and flossing are not a fool-proof method of avoiding dental problems. If there were, there would not be a need for so many dentists. The key here is that plaque is actually relatively easy to disrupt. No need to brush hard, just often! Consistency can help you win the fight against plaque.
3. The same acidic foods and drinks can increase plaquing as well. Even some ‘healthy’ foods can do this. Blueberries are one of the worst foods that contribute to plaquing.
Is the answer to avoid all ‘bad’ foods. That, in my opinion would be impossible.
As I write this, I am situated inside a coffee shop in Kansas City. There is literally zero healthy food here. When I get hungry, I end up eating a cookie or piece of cake or an unhealthy sandwich loaded with meats and cheese – it doesn’t even taste good. But, when you are hungry, you will eat anything!
Therefore, to counteract the effect of acidic foods and beverages, I try to keep some xylitol gum on hand. Xylitol has a powerful pH balancing effect. But not all xylitol gums are created equal. Some barely have enough put in by the manufacturer simply so that they can claim it on the label. It is virtually useless and because of the other ingredients in it, it could very well be harmful!
Xylitol, pH balanced mouthwash, milk and water can all help you avoid the long term damage that can come from exposing your teeth and gums to harmful, acidic foods. Do not be the person who sips on soda or coffee all day. You are constantly putting acid in and doing nothing to change your mouth pH, you are doing this all day long! What do you think will happen long term – after years of this behavior?
The same conditions that improve your chances for dental caries also can contribute to the development of gum disease. Both conditions can be expensive to treat.
Read more on the topic of prevention.
Author: You can learn more about prevention at http://www.Gingivitiskiller.com . David Snape is the author of the book: What You Should Know About Gum Disease.
This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to render advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have a health condition of any kind, visit your dentist or doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.
