Dental Health – 8 Tips for Healthier Gums

Do you see traces of blood as you rinse your teeth after brushing? Do you think it is normal and not worthy of any further thought? Well, think again. You might already be suffering from gingivitis without even knowing it!
According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, three out of four adults suffer from gingivitis

Tooth decay..Prevent It By Treating It….

Tooth decay, known technically as dental caries, is one of the most common health complaints in the world. It is particularly common in children and young adults, and rates have been fuelled by an increase in sugars in the diet, and poor dental hygiene.

What causes tooth decay?

The problem is caused by sticky deposits called plaque that collect, in particular, around the gum line, the edges of fillings and the grooved surfaces of the teeth.

Plaque is made up of food debris, saliva and the bacteria that are normally present in the mouth, and convert food into acids.

If plaque is allowed to collect over time it will harden into a substance called tartar.

Both tartar and plaque contain acids which, over time, can dissolve away the protective, hard enamel coating of the tooth, and create holes, or cavities.

Most cavities form over a period of months, or even years.

They are usually painless, but they can grow very large, and damage the much softer internal structures of the tooth such as the dentin and the pulp, which is found at the core.

If they remain untreated, they can kill the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth, and ultimately the tooth itself.

What are the symptoms?

The most obvious sign of tooth decay is toothache, particularly after hot or cold foods or drinks. However, pain may not be present until decay has reached an advanced stage.

Pits or holes may also be visible in the teeth.

Most tooth decay is discovered at an early stage during a routine check up.

A serious complication can be the development of a tooth abscess – the build up of pus resulting from a bacterial infection of the centre of the tooth.

Infection may spread out from the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.

Plaque and tartar also irritate the gums, and lead to a gum disease called gingivitis.

Is diet a factor?

Yes. Eating a diet rich in sugar and starch increases the risk of tooth decay, and sticky foods can be a particular problem because they are more likely to remain on the surface of the teeth.

Frequent snacking also increases the amount of time that acids are in contact with the teeth.

In the absence of good oral hygiene, it doesn’t take long for damage to begin. The acids generated by the breakdown of food stuff in the mouth can begin to attack the tooth enamel within 20 minutes of a meal.

It is thought that tooth decay only became a widespread problem with the establishment of sugar plantations in the 18th century, and worsened with the subsequent widespread cultivation of sugar beet in Europe.

How do you prevent decay?

The best way to keep your teeth in health condition is to ensure that you clean them regularly to get rid of any plaque build up.

Most dentists recommend that you clean your teeth at least twice a day. Using a toothpaste containing fluoride is probably a good idea as this provides the teeth with added protection from the effects of acid.

Flossing between the teeth is also a good idea, as is rinsing out your mouth after eating sticky foods.

It is also important to have a regular check up at the dentist – most suggest once every six months to a year.

Unfortunately, even good oral hygiene does not prevent decay as the bacteria congregate in areas inaccessible to brushes and floss.

How is decay treated?

Once the structure of a tooth has been damaged by decay, there is no way to repair it.

However, if decay is picked up at an early stage its progression can be blocked.

Decayed material can be removed, and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, or plastic. This is known as a filling.

If the decay is more extensive, then another option is a crown. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket – the crown – is fitted over the remainder of the tooth.

If the nerve in a tooth has died, either from decay or a blow, then a dentist will consider root canal work.

This involves removing the centre of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue.

The root is then filled with a sealing material, and the process is completed with either filling, and possibly a crown.

The biting Truth about teeth

Unless you happen to be dating a dentist, it’s hard to give your teeth the T.L.C. they need. Dental care is the most essential part of a lifelong beauty plan (after washing your makeup off before you go to sleep, which will always be priority No. 1). We are well past the era of compulsory dentures, and since most of us have every intention of keeping our teeth in our mouths, they may as well look nice.
Having said this, please realize that gleaming white teeth are *not* the goal. Teeth don’t come in white, so if somebody has ‘em, chances are they’re bleached or just plain fake. Unless you can afford to fork over $500 to $1,000 for the bleaching process and thousands more for bonding or capping, you will not be able to dramatically change the color of your teeth.

Recent surface discolorations from coffee, tea, or nicotine can be removed by brushing with baking soda or rubbing a fresh strawberry or lemon peel over your teeth and rinsing with water. It is now believed that harsh toothpastes (such as those marked ‘tartar control’) may in fact damage the protective outer enamel, making teeth more prone to staining.

Everybody knows that candy causes tooth decay, but did you know that citrus fruits and fruit juices can be just as harmful? When they are allowed to linger in the mouth, citrus juices create an acid environment that erodes teeth. You should eat citrus with other foods so this acid will be neutralized. And it’s always important to clear the mouth of food debris, which can lead to decay as well as bad breath.

An apple after a meal removes more food particles than brushing your teeth, while chewing sugar-free gum or ginger root stimulates the salivary glands, the mouth’s natural self-cleaner.

There is no point to having healthy teeth unless your gums are healthy as well, which is why the dreaded flossing is so important. Should your gums become inflamed or infected, this rinse is soothing and healing: warm water, 1/4 tsp. salt and the contents of 1 capsule of goldenseal. Mix and swish.

If you abide by these simple rules of dental care, you will find that your teeth become brighter and your breath sweeter. Isn’t that something to smile about?

Mouth and Teeth: How to Keep Them Healthy

Taking good care of your mouth and teeth throughout your whole life can help prevent problems as you get older. Taking care of your teeth means brushing and flossing every day and seeing the dentist regularly.

Infants and children
The first set of teeth is already almost completely formed at birth. At first these teeth are “hiding” under the gums. These teeth are important, because after they come in, they let your baby chew food, make a nice smile and talk well. You baby’s first set of teeth also holds the space where permanent teeth will eventually be. They help permanent teeth grow in straight.

You can care for your baby’s teeth by following these suggestions:

* Clean the new teeth every day. When the teeth first come in, clean them by rubbing them gently with a clean wet washcloth. When the teeth are bigger, use a child’s toothbrush.
* Children under 2 years of age shouldn’t use toothpaste. Instead, use water to brush your child’s teeth.
* Don’t let your baby go to sleep with a bottle. This can leave milk or juice sitting on the teeth and cause cavities that are known as “baby-bottle tooth decay.”
* Encourage older children to eat low-sugar snacks, such as fruits, cheese and vegetables. Avoid giving your child sticky, chewy candy.
* Teach your children how to brush their teeth and the importance of keeping their teeth clean.
* Take your children to the dentist regularly. The American Dental Association recommends that children see their dentist starting at 1 year of age.

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Teens
Taking good care of your mouth and teeth will help you have pleasant breath, a nice smile and fewer cavities. Here are some simple things you can do:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth at least once a day.
* Don’t smoke or chew tobacco, which can stain your teeth, give you bad breath and cause cancer.
* Wear the right protective headgear while playing contact sports.
* See your dentist every year for regular check-ups and cleanings.

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Adults
Continuing good mouth and tooth care as an adult can help you avoid tooth loss, painful gums or other problems. Here are some helpful things you can do:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth at least once a day.
* Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
* Ask your doctor if your medicines have side effects that might damage your teeth. (For example, some medicines may cause you to have a dry mouth.)
* Look inside your mouth regularly for sores that don’t heal, irritated gums or other changes.
* See your dentist regularly.

If you have any problems with your teeth or concerns about your mouth, see your doctor or dentist right away.