Flossing is an excellent practice for your oral care routine. It helps remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach—which is an estimated 40% of your mouth! Dentists everywhere advocate for safe and healthy flossing when it comes to your dental health.
However, you can be too aggressive with your flossing to the point that you actually damage your teeth and gums. When done incorrectly, harsh flossing can cause a host of problems.
Here’s how you can know if you’re hurting your smile by flossing too aggressively!
You Allow Floss to Damage Your Gumline
Many people forget that it’s your teeth you’re supposed to be flossing, not your gums. Some people pull too hard on the floss to try and get it in between their teeth and end up pulling the floss down hard on their gums.
Allowing floss to get underneath your gumline, especially if it’s in a harsh manner, actually injures your gums. It can cause your gums to bleed in the short term and even worse, can cause them to recede and accelerate gum disease in the long term.
Allowing floss to hurt your gumline doesn’t help remove plaque. Instead, it can open up spaces for bacteria to enter your gums and tooth roots, leading to painful infections and even tooth decay and gum disease.
You Floss Numerous Times a Day
Flossing numerous times a day increases the chances that you’re hurting your teeth and gums.
Flossing your teeth too much can hurt the gumline, which can expose your tooth’s root.
You only need to floss once per day for effective results, especially if you floss gently and correctly to remove plaque from in between your teeth. If you need to floss again due to something being stuck in your teeth, this is fine, just try not to make a regular practice out offlossing numerous times every day!
You’re Too Enthusiastic When Flossing
Some people use floss too enthusiastically, which can hurt both the teeth and the gums.
Forcing floss against the gums or the teeth and using too much pressure can hurt the gums and even wear away tooth enamel over time.
Digging underneath your gumline with floss isn’t necessary. Flossing should be done with some pressure, but not excessive pressure. Just like brushing, it’s important to do this task gently for best results.
If you’re confused about how to floss correctly, ask your dentist to demonstrate during your next checkup. Many people experience receding gums, gum disease, and root cavities without realizing that the main problem may actually be their harmful flossing habits!
Don’t skip flossing just because you aren’t sure how to do it correctly or you’re afraid that you’re harming your teeth. Remember, gums usually bleed because you haven’t flossed in a while. However, if they bleed regularly while flossing, you may need to floss more gently.
Schedule a checkup with your dentist to review your flossing techniques to protect and enhance your smile instead of harming it!
If you suffer from bleeding gums, you’re not alone. Bleeding gums are one of the most common complaints dentists hear about from their patients, and the causes can range from something as simple as a change in oral regime, to serious oral health issues in need of urgent attention. Some people have naturally sensitive gums, but if bleeding occurs regularly you should bring this up with your dentist so that the possibility of gum disease or other oral health issues can be ruled out.
Here are the top causes of bleeding gums and some common ways to prevent this occurring.
Why do Gums Bleed?
If you’ve ever noticed bleeding or sore gums after brushing and flossing, it is possible that you’re simply brushing too hard. The abrasive surface of a soft to medium toothbrush is very effective at cleaning your teeth, however you should take care to use gentle strokes. Using a hard toothbrush or rapid strokes can cause the gums to become inflamed and may lead to bleeding. If you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums will need time to adjust to this new regime. You may experience bleeding the first couple of times, but this should cease after a week or two.
If bleeding occurs after every clean, it could be an indicator for an underlying oral health condition. Regular bleeding should not be ignored or brushed off, because it may be a sign of gum disease (gingivitis) or something else in need of immediate attention. If this is you, please call us immediately to schedule a check-up.
Three Common Causes for Bleeding Gums
Gum Disease
In the early stages of gum disease, the gums will appear swollen and tender due to the presence and growth of bacteria (plaque) around the teeth. This is usually accompanied by bad breath. Over time this can lead to periodontitis, which ultimately may result in tooth loss and other serious complications.
The additional irritation of the gums during brushing and flossing will result in mild to severe bleeding, depending on the stage of your condition. If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease can be successfully treated through a combination of professional cleaning and scaling/root planning, along with fluoride treatment and good oral hygiene at home.
Dental Procedures and Medications
It is not uncommon for gums to bleed shortly after dental treatment, particularly if you’ve had oral surgery or incisions made in your gums. In such cases your dentist will provide you with advice, and usually bleeding can be managed with a piece of gauze or clean cloth. If bleeding persists longer than you were advised, we recommend making an emergency appointment at Sydney Park Dental.
Some medications can also cause gums to bleed. If you use anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, or if you’re on blood thinners, these drugs can increase the risk of experiencing bleeding gums. During the time you are taking these medications, you might like to use a soft toothbrush to minimise the risk of bleeding. Rather than traditional dental floss, you could use a WaterPik instead.
Dry Mouth
Heavy smokers and drinkers are most at risk of experiencing dry mouth, but it is also common amongst senior citizens. It is important to stay hydrated, as water helps to rinse away bacteria and maintain a healthy flow of saliva around your teeth and gums. Those who have a dry mouth have elevated levels of bacteria within their mouth, and the lack of lubrication makes gums rough and vulnerable to irritation. If you often experience dry mouth, please bring this up during your next check-up and your dentist will discuss strategies to rectify this.
Growing up, we have all learned about the importance of dental hygiene. We know that we must take care of our teeth at home by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. However, few people appreciate the importance of getting their teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist.
Getting your teeth cleaned by a dentist ensures that your teeth and gums stay healthy and bacterial deposits are removed before they can cause damage. This article will help you understand why and how often you should have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional.
The standard teeth cleaning procedure
Teeth cleaning can typically take up to one hour, however the specifics of the procedure usually vary depending on the dentist you visit and if this is a routine dental cleaning or a deep cleaning. Most teeth cleaning procedures will include the following:
Oral Examination.- When you visit your dentist for your teeth cleaning appointment, they will begin by examining your gums and teeth. Using a small mirror, your dentist will check your mouth for existing problems such as inflammation, plaque buildup, cavities, stains, or infections.
This teeth and gum examination is very important because it allows your dentist to understand the extent of the dental cleaning you’ll require. This way your dentist can focus on your specific problems and if these problems require more attention, then your dentist can guide you further and recommend additional treatment.
Scaling.- After the examination, the dental professional scales your teeth using a tool called a scaler. The scaler removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, near the gum line, and from between the teeth. Your dental professional can either use a manual scaler or an ultrasonic scaler. The manual scaler manually scrapes the surface of the teeth, whereas the ultrasonic scaler vibrates at a very high frequency, disrupting the bacteria and biofilm, and removing stains.
Polishing.- Next it’s time for polishing. To polish your teeth, your dentist will use a tool with a rubber prophy cup attached at its end, and a special toothpaste called prophylaxis paste. This grainy paste polishes and exfoliates the teeth. After polishing, the teeth are flossed to ensure all debris is removed.
Fluoride Treatment.- The last step is the fluoride treatment. After so much abrasion, the surface of your teeth needs to be strengthened using a fluoride gel. Your dentist applies this gel onto your teeth and leaves it on for some time. This gel will usually come in some great flavors as well!
So how often should I get this procedure?
A good oral hygiene routine means following the recommendation of getting two dental examination and cleaning per year. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other dental issues, it’s highly suggested to come in at least twice or more per year for dental exam and cleaning.
Everyone experiences an occasional bout of dry mouth at night. However, persistent dry mouth can make eating or talking pretty uncomfortable. What's more, the condition could be a sign of other health issues, according to the National Institute of Health. Left untreated, chronic dry mouth can lead to other health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral thrush, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What causes dry mouth at night?
There are numerous reasons you might not have enough saliva. For many people, the problem comes down to not drinking enough water, says Matt Messina, D.D.S., a Cleveland-based dentist.
“The average American is dehydrated to some degree, which can cause or exacerbate dry mouth,” Dr. Messina previously told Men's Health.
Other causes include smoking, aging, and prescription medications, he says. In fact, more than six hundred medications can cause dry mouth, including prescriptions used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues. You may experience dry mouth at night if you take your medications in the evening, reported Medical News Today.
In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as HIV/AIDs or diabetes can interfere with saliva production.
Dry mouth can be particularly bad at night for people who breathe through their mouths while sleeping. Mouth breathing generally happens when you have sinus or nasal septum problems, respiratory infections, or sleep apnea.
What are dry mouth symptoms?
Obviously, you'll experience that "cotton-mouth" feeling. But there are other symptoms outside of that that. According to the NIH, these include:
Stickiness in mouth
Trouble chewing, swallowing or talking
Burning
Cracked, dry lips
Bad breath
How do you treat dry mouth?
As with most health issues, proper treatment depends on the cause of your condition. For example, if a prescription changes saliva production, you'll want to talk to your doctor about adjusting dosage. If sleep apnea is the cause of dry mouth, you'll want to work with a doctor to treat that condition.
Dr. Messina recommends increasing water intake as your first step—particularly when drinking alcohol, which can also cause dry mouth.
Other easy solutions including chewing sugar-free gum, as well as cutting out tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Sleeping with a humidifier increases moisture in your room, which may alleviate dry mouth.
If nothing works, it's time to speak to your your dentist about using either an over-the-counter or prescription treatment—such as artificial saliva—says Jeff Burgess, D.D.S., a former clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Dental Medicine.
“The best treatment really depends on the individual,” Dr. Burgess previously told Men's Health. “If dry mouth is bothering you, see someone about it.”
If you have dentures to replace missing teeth, you should know that over time, they may need repair. With proper care, a set of dentures can last a lifetime. However, that does not mean they will always be in perfect condition. Here are some common signs that necessitate denture repair, so you know when to take yours to a dentist.
Common signs
Dentures can take a little while to get used to, so some mild discomfort when you first get them is normal. However, if you have been wearing dentures for a while, these signs indicate that repair may be needed.
Damaged material
The materials that make up dentures require gentle care. Dropping them or eating hard foods may cause damage. If you notice chips, cracks, or broken teeth, it is imperative you bring them in for denture repair right away, as the damage can cause mouth irritation or chewing dysfunction.
Difficulty chewing
Chewing should feel more natural with dentures, so if you notice that eating has been more problematic, it may be time for repair or an adjustment. Difficulty chewing or speaking often indicates that the dentures do not fit the way they are supposed to.
Odor or stains
If the dentures have not been properly cared for, they can become stained or take on a foul odor. Part of the repair process may be a deep cleaning to remove the problem.
Discomfort or gum irritation
You should not feel uncomfortable when you wear your dentures, except possibly at the very beginning. Discomfort, pain, or issues with the gums may signal damage or an incorrect fit. Some signs that indicate denture repair might be required include:
Mouth soreness
Sharp pain in the teeth
Pressure sores on the gums
Generalized pressure
Raw spots or bleeding along the gums
Facial shape changes
Dentures should help make your cheeks appear even and full. If you notice changes in your facial appearance, your dentures may need to be adjusted or fixed.
Importance of professional denture repair
If you experience any of the above signs, you may be tempted to wait or even try to restore them yourself. However, the sooner you can get denture repair from a dentist, the better. Doing so will improve your comfort level and your smile. However, there are additional benefits.
If you wait to get your dentures fixed, this can affect your oral health. Some of the issues you could encounter include the misalignment of the surrounding teeth, an impaired bite, gingivitis, and a reduction in bone density. You may also save money, because if you wait too long to fix the dentures, they could become damaged beyond repair. In this situation, you would need to invest in a new set.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing issues with your dentures, you may need denture repair. A dentist can provide the necessary adjustments to improve their fit and function.
A metallic taste by itself may be due to poor oral health. When a person has both a metallic taste and fatigue, the possible causes can range from medication side effects to more serious underlying medical problems, such as kidney disease.
In this article, we discuss eight possible causes of metallic taste and fatigue, the treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
Taste dysgeusia is a lingering, unpleasant sensation in the mouth that causes a person to experience a metallic, foul, or rancid taste. When something alters the normal function of the taste buds and their related nerve pathways, it can result in a taste disorder and fatigue.
More than 200,000 Trusted Sourcepeople visit a doctor each year for problems relating to taste or smellTrusted Source. Many disorders and other factors can cause these symptoms, including the following:
Hay fever
Common symptoms of hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose.
A person may experience a metallic taste due to inflamed nasal passages and problems smelling food. Hay fever also often makes a person feel fatigued and irritable.
Sinus, upper respiratory, and ear infections
Infections of the sinuses, ears, and upper airways cause inflammation that can disturb the senses of smell and taste.
Additional symptoms of sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, and ear infections include headaches, fever, nasal congestion, cough, sinus pressure, and ear pain.
Medication side effects
Taste disorders and fatigue are among the side effects of many commonly prescribed medications. According to 2019 researchTrusted Source, the information about 282 (17%) of the 1,645 drugs registered in the study’s database mentioned dysgeusia.
Some medications that may cause a metallic taste and fatigue include:
certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and tinidazole
captopril
metformin
disulfiram
auranofin
iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anemia
Vitamin B-12 deficiency
A vitamin B-12 deficiency can produce a wide variety of symptoms that may include shortness of breath, a pins-and-needles sensation in the hands and feet, yellow tinged skin, and mood changes.
A vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause fatigue as it can impair a person’s ability to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Severe deficiency may begin affecting the nerves, which may result in a metallic taste in the mouth.
Pregnancy
A metallic taste in the mouth is a common complaint during the first trimester of pregnancy. Many pregnant women also experience fatigue.
The hormones in the body fluctuate during pregnancy. This oscillation can affect the senses, which can cause specific cravings and make some foods or smells seem disgusting.
Women may also experience headaches, dizziness, and morning sickness when pregnant.
Kidney failure
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste materials can build up in the blood. This accumulation can cause a person to experience fatigue and a metallic taste in the mouth.
In addition to metallic taste and fatigue, common kidney disease symptoms may include body pain, swelling, and trouble breathing.
In some cases, a person may experience these symptoms due to kidney damage from poisoning. For example, leadTrusted Source, glaze, and solder poisoning result in kidney damage and can cause dysgeusia and fatigue.
Central nervous system disorders
The taste buds send signals to the brain through the cranial nerves. An injury within the central nervous system, such as a stroke, head trauma, or Bell’s palsy, can cause a taste disorder with fatigue.
Additional symptoms, such as confusion, vision problems, a headache, and drooling, may also be present.
Cancer treatment
Up to 86% of people undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy (especially to the head and neck region), or both to treat cancer reported taste changes.
This change is temporary, and a normal sense of taste should return eventually. Various expert tips are available to help people undergoing cancer treatment enjoy foods as normally as possible.
Fatigue is the most commonTrusted Source side effect of cancer treatments that involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biologic therapy.
Diagnosis
A person experiencing a metallic taste and fatigue should talk to their doctor. Either a telemedicine visit or an in-person appointment will likely be necessary for the doctor to make a diagnosis.
The doctor will ask questions about the person’s symptoms and past medical history. Depending on the answers, they will either conduct a focused exam of the head and neck or perform a full physical exam.
The doctor may also order blood tests or other imaging studies, such as a CT scan. In some cases, they might refer the individual to an otolaryngologist — a healthcare professional who specializes in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
Treatments
The treatment for metallic taste and fatigue will depend on the underlying cause of these symptoms.
With some causes, such as pregnancy and cancer treatment, the metallic taste and fatigue will resolve in time. Other causes may require changes to the person’s diet or medications.
A person should always consult a doctor before making any changes to their prescription medications.
Home remedies
The following home remedies may help relieve the metallic taste:
eating citrus fruits or sipping juices, such as orange or lemon juice
sucking on a piece of lemon candy before meals
avoiding using metallic utensils and cookware
drinking herbal teas
eating yogurt
staying well-hydrated
brushing the teeth and tongue before meals
rinsing with salt water, baking soda, or antibacterial mouthwash before eating
When to see a doctor
Impaired taste can lead a person to eat more or less food or to consume too much sugar or salt in their diet. These dietary changes can cause or worsen other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Anyone experiencing a metallic taste alongside fatigue should see a doctor to determine both the underlying cause and the best course of treatment.
Summary
A metallic taste and fatigue may be temporary side effects of medication or symptoms of pregnancy. They could also be the result of a more serious medical disorder.
Often, treating the underlying medical problem will resolve the symptoms.
Anyone experiencing a metallic taste and fatigue should speak to a doctor for a diagnosis.
Eating salty foods will often leave an aftertaste in the mouth. However, when this taste is present for a long time, it may be a symptom of an underlying issue.
A salty or odd taste is usually not a cause for concern, but these symptoms can be annoying or distracting.
Some causes of a lasting salty taste require a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, home remedies can help to relieve the symptom.
Causes
Some causes are harmless, while others may require a visit to a doctor or dentist.
Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip is common and may due to issues such as:
allergies
sinus infections
the common cold
Postnasal drip involves excess mucus in the nasal passages dripping from the back of the nose down the throat. The presence of this mucus may cause saliva to taste saltier than usual.
Over-the-counter medications can help to clear up a postnasal drip, which will likely eliminate the salty taste.
Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to an odd taste and other symptoms, such as dry mouth. When the body is short on liquids, it can cause saliva to become rich in salty minerals, because there is an imbalance in the levels of salt and water in the body.
Symptoms of dehydration that usually appear with an odd taste include:
fatigue or exhaustion
confusion
dizziness or lightheadedness
dark yellow or orange urine
infrequent urination
extreme thirst
Issues such as diarrhea or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause dehydration. People who exercise vigorously without drinking enough water may also become dehydrated.
It is important to watch for signs of dehydration throughout the day and add liquids to the diet accordingly.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is one symptom of dehydration, but it can be a separate condition. The term for dryness in the mouth is xerostomia. People with xerostomia may feel as though they have cotton balls in their mouths, and may also experience dry or sticky saliva. The saliva can taste strange, often bitter or salty.
Some medications can cause dry mouth. The symptom can also be linked to tobacco use or an underlying condition. However, a stuffy nose is often enough to dry out the mouth, as a person is forced to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD may be responsible for a lasting salty taste. The disease occurs when the esophageal sphincter weakens, allowing bile or stomach acid to creep up into the food pipe. This will lead to a burning sensation in the chest, along with other symptoms.
GERD can also cause an unusual taste in the mouth, often described as bitter, sour, or salty.
Blood in the mouth
When the saltiness also tastes like rust or metal, this can indicate the presence of blood in the mouth. Eating sharp foods, such as chips or hard candies can cause bleeding. A person may also injure their gums while flossing or brushing their teeth.
A salty taste after brushing or flossing can be an early symptom of gingivitis. This can be diagnosed and treated by a dentist.
Infections
When gingivitis remains untreated, it may lead to an oral infection, such as periodontitis. If this is left untreated, it can have lasting effects on teeth and bones.
Periodontitis may lead to a salty or iron-like taste. It can also cause:
loose teeth
pus under the teeth
open sores in the gums
sore, aching gums
bad breath
Other infections may also lead to a salty taste, including oral thrush. This yeast infection causes white blotches to appear in the mouth, and an unusual sensitivity or a burning sensation in the mouth. They may have difficulty tasting or experience a bitter, metallic, or salty taste.
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause an odd taste in the mouth. If symptoms are not managed, HPV can cause a person to cough up blood, resulting in a metallic or salty taste.
Nutritional deficiencies
A salty taste can result from missing or low levels of nutrients. If a doctor suspects that this is the case, they will test the blood to determine which nutrients are lacking. Treatment usually involves some form of supplementation.
Medical conditions
Some conditions that affect the brain or nerves can also affect the tongue, leading to an odd or salty taste. These can include nervous conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Bell’s palsy, or even a brain tumor. A person with a head or neck injury may also experience symptoms of nerve damage.
Sjögren’s syndrome, an immune system disorder, can cause dryness of the eyes and mouth. It may be responsible for a lasting salty taste, as well as joint pain, fatigue, and organ dysfunction.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can cause changes in taste buds, leading to strange tastes.
Side effects of medication
Some medicines can dry out the mouth or seep into the saliva, leading to an odd taste. A doctor can help to identify whether the taste is a side effect of a medication.
Some cancer treatments can affect the taste buds, leading to odd tastes. People receiving these treatments may also experience dry mouth, another common cause of a lasting salty taste.
Treatment options
The correct treatment for a salty taste in the mouth will depend on the cause. For many people, drinking a few extra glasses of water throughout the day will be enough to eliminate the symptom. Others may need to visit a doctor or dentist for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of the salty taste, a doctor will often examine the mouth, then ask about diet, lifestyle, and medications. The doctor may also order tests or blood work to rule out possible causes. When the doctor identifies the cause of the salty taste, they will recommend treatment.
While waiting for diagnosis and treatment, many people find relief by using home remedies. Some remedies for a salty taste include:
practicing daily oral hygiene
rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash
chewing sugar-free gum
drinking plenty of water throughout the day
reducing alcohol or tobacco consumption
avoiding greasy or spicy foods
The cause of a salty taste in the mouth may be simple. A doctor can help to identify the impact of any medications or supplements. Some people find that the symptom disappears when they change medications.
Treatments are most effective when guided by a healthcare professional.re on Pinterest
It’s hard to imagine a world without dental fillings. With estimates suggesting that 92% of American adults between ages 20-64 have dental caries, tooth fillings have become a modern-day necessity for preventing tooth loss.
However, like all dental treatments, fillings don’t last forever. Chewing and grinding wears down fillings over time. In some cases, tooth decay can occur underneath the filling. From the staff at Trusty Dental, here’s a breakdown of when you may need to replace your fillings.
Signs that you may benefit from replacing your fillings
The lifespan of your fillings depends on your eating and chewing habits, as well as the type of tooth restoration.
Amalgam or silver fillings tend to last longer, but they’re less aesthetically pleasing and are only used on the back teeth. You can expect your amalgam fillings to last between 5 and 25 years and your composite fillings to last between 5 and 15 years.
In the early phases of filling failure, there are no symptoms. Your best bet is to get regular dental check-ups. Dental decay can occur beneath the filling, and this type of decay is only visible on an x-ray. Aside from ordering an x-ray to check the state of an older filling, our staff at Trusty Dental may also look for spots and irregularities in the filling.
With older fillings, you may notice pressure or pain when eating and sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You may even notice small pieces of the filling in your mouth, which is a sign that the filling needs to be replaced immediately.
Tooth-colored fillings can get stained. So if you see your tooth-colored fillings darkening, it doesn’t necessarily mean the fillings are damaged. However, you can have the filling replaced if the darkened filling presents cosmetic concerns.
Other reasons to remove old fillings
Patients who have amalgam fillings or silver fillings sometimes opt to have them replaced with composite fillings due to the following reasons:
The mercury in amalgam fillings contracts and expands when exposed to temperature changes, causing long-term damage to the tooth.
Silver fillings are noticeable, whereas composite fillings are tooth-colored.
Allergic reactions can occur due to the materials used in the fillings.
According to the American Dental Association, dental amalgams are a safe option for dental restorations. The amount of mercury that leaks during the placement and the removal of the fillings is too small to cause any issues.
However, if you experience any adverse effects, you can opt to have your amalgam fillings removed.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Put your used tissue in a waste basket.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Keep up regular dental hygiene- brush and floss daily.
Change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head after the illness passes.
Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops
Avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup.
The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can leave holes in your teeth.
Swish and Spit After Vomiting
Swish with water or a diluted mouth rinse to wash the acid off the teeth.
Wait 30 minutes to brush the teeth.
Stay Hydrated to Avoid a Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can put you at greater risk for cavities.
The medications you might be taking for a cold or flu—such as antihistamines, decongestants or pain relievers—can also dry out your mouth, so drink plenty of water and suck on sugarless cough drops, throat lozenges or candies to keep that saliva flowing.
The best thing to drink is water. Sports drinks might be recommended to replenish electrolytes when you’re sick, but drink them in moderation and don’t make them a habit after you’ve recovered because unless they are a sugar free version, they contain a lot of sugar.
If drinking tea, don't add sugar or lemon. Again, this can cause cavities.
Gargle with Salt Water
Dissolve a tablespoon of salt water in a glass of warm water. Gargle and spit until the water is gone. This helps cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat, reducing the effects of bad breath and plaque.
Stay home until you are feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours.
Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. When teeth are crooked, it makes it harder to get the toothbrush and floss in all the nooks and crannies of your mouth. This leads to a buildup of plaque and bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. When you are able to practice good oral hygiene, you are protecting your teeth and gums from cavities and gum disease. You are also less likely to suffer from chronic bad breath called halitosis.
And it is not just your oral health that is put into jeopardy by crooked teeth. Your overall health is too. Dental problems can cause headaches and neck and shoulder pain and periodontal disease has been associated with different diseases like heart disease.
2.- Jaw Pain
If you have several crooked teeth, they can affect how you chew which can cause you jaw pain and digestion problems. The crooked teeth throw your jaw off balance leading to extra stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Also, crooked teeth are also often accompanied with an under or overbite which can also make brushing difficult.
3.- Speech Difficulties
If your teeth are misaligned, they can affect the way you articulate sound, causing problems with speech.
4.- Look Younger
Crooked teeth can also age your teeth and gums unnecessarily because of all the extra wear and tear it causes. This means more chipping of your teeth and more flattened and worn teeth.
5.- Save Money
You might think you are saving yourself money and time in the dentist chair by not getting your crooked teeth fixed, but in the long run you will actually be spending more time and money fixing all the damage they cause.
6.- More Confidence in Yourself
While the benefits of a straighter smile is so much more than aesthetics, it can’t be denied that a beautiful smile can really make a difference in how you see yourself and how other see you as well. When you are no long worried about hiding the imperfections in your mouth, you will find yourself smiling more which will increase the endorphins in your head making you feel happier (your smile will also make others around you feel happier too). It is amazing how a healthy, beautiful smile can really transform so many aspects of your life.
7.- It Is Never Too Late
If you have been putting off braces, you may be worried that it is too late to correct the problem. The good news is that it is never too late to fix your crooked teeth. While most commonly kids get them when they are a pre-teen or teen, you can really get braces at any age, even in your golden years. You just need to make sure any dental issues like gum disease, cavities or missing teeth are addressed first.
