Dentists Journal

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5/7/2022

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How to relieve gum pain fast

Gum pain can result from a range of health and lifestyle issues. These causes, and the pain itself, can range in severity. However, a number of home remedies can provide immediate relief.

A person may have gum pain because they have a condition that affects the gums, or because they are simply brushing too hard.

Some other causes of gum pain include:

canker sores

friction from dental devices, such as retainers or dentures

hormonal changes, in females

gingivitis, which often causes the gums to bleed

oral thrush, a fungal infection that can cause a yellowish film to form in the mouth and throat

periodontitis, a serious infection that can develop if a person does not receive treatment for gingivitis

cancer of the mouth or throat, though this is less common

Home remedies can help soothe gum pain, and when it is mild, they can completely eliminate it. However, if the pain is persistent or severe, a person should seek medical advice.

In this article, we list seven home remedies that can provide quick relief from gum pain. We also discuss when to see a dentist.

 

7 home remedies and how they work

In the sections below, we list seven home remedies that may provide quick relief from gum pain:

1. Hot or cold compresses

Applying a hot or cold compress can help reduce swelling, which can relieve pain in the gums.

To make a hot compress for the gums, dip a clean cloth into hot, but not scalding, water. Wring out the excess water, then press the cloth against the area of the cheek or lip that covers the painful part of the gums.

To make a cold compress, use an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth.

Learn about other ways to make a cold compress here.

2. Salt water

Rinsing or gargling with salt water can reduce the number of potentially harmful bacteria living on the gums. This can help reduce any swelling that is causing pain.

To make a salt water rinse:

Mix a quarter teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.

Take a sip and swish the solution around in the mouth, or gargle with it, before spitting it out.

Repeat this as often as necessary.

3. Tea bags

Many teas contain plant compounds called tannins. According to some researchTrusted Source, tannins can reduce gum pain by killing bacteria that may irritate the gums.

Green, hibiscus, and black teas all contain significant quantities of tannins. These compounds cause the puckering feeling in the mouth after drinking strong tea or red wine.

Some teas contain ingredients that may help reduce inflammation, including gingerTrusted Source and additional chamomile.

To reduce gum pain, steep a tea bag in boiled water for a few minutes, then remove it, allowing it to cool slightly. While the bag is still warm, apply it directly to the site of the pain for around 5 minutes.

4. Herbal paste

People have used herbs for their pain relieving properties for centuries.

ClovesTrusted Source, turmericTrusted Source, and plants in the SpilanthesTrusted Source genus may help reduce pain, and a person can use these to form a paste that they can apply directly to the gums.

To create an herbal paste:

Mix a powdered form of turmeric or clove, for example, with a small amount of warm water. Mix until the consistency becomes paste-like.

Apply some of the paste directly to the site of the gum pain.

Leave the paste on for a few minutes, then rinse it away.

A person can use the paste as often as necessary to help alleviate pain.

Learn about the many other potential health benefits of turmeric here.

5. Essential oils

Many pharmaceutical products contain essential oils due to the various health benefits that they provide. A person can also purchase essential oils to create their own remedies.

CloveTrusted Source, oreganoTrusted Source, and peppermint oilsTrusted Source all have properties that may help reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and improve circulation.

A person can make a spray containing essential oil and water and use this to reduce gum pain. To create the spray, add 4 or 5 drops of essential oil and 1 ounce of water to a clean spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the site of the gum pain.

6. Oral gels

Benzocaine is a medication that can numb sore gums, and it is the main ingredient in common oral gels, such as Orajel and Anbesol.

It is important to follow the instructions on the label when using an oral gel to treat gum pain.

7. Over-the-counter pain medication

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help ease dental and oral discomfort.

A person may see the best results when they combine over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers with home remedies, such as gargling with a salt water solution.

(05/04/2022)
by Medical News Today

More Information: N


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Chronic Oral Infections and Your Health

Dental bacteria can kill more than a smile. If you have experienced chronic oral infections, don’t floss regularly, and otherwise neglect your oral hygiene, you might be jeopardizing more than just your teeth – studies are revealing a link between neglecting your teeth and many serious health problems.

Dentists have known for years that oral infections pose a significant hazard to heart valves, but new research indicates that chronic dental infections may also contribute to hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke, and even pre-term births. The root cause seems to be the millions of bacteria living and breeding inside your mouth.

Even the healthiest mouth is not a sterile environment. There are many different resident bacteria around your teeth and gums and without proper care, oral bacteria can build up, find its way into your bloodstream, and from there, travel throughout your body. Inflammation sets in where bacteria finally settles, and your immune system can’t always fight off the resulting infection. Inflammation can create sites where fatty deposits form, resulting in clogged arteries and veins. Bacteria from your mouth may combine with blood-clotting cells called platelets, forming dangerous blood clots.

Heart disease and stroke

Gum disease is the most common chronic oral infection. It begins at or below the gumline, often painlessly and with no visible signs or symptoms, and can lead to inflammation of the gums and bone around your teeth. Left untreated, bacteria builds up cell by cell to form colonies along the gumline which can be resistant to antibiotics. Other germs will grow down your tooth and migrate into your blood vessels. Dental plaque (the sticky film of bacteria surrounding your teeth) can get mixed up with blood-clotting cells, forming a clump. These clumps of bacteria can irritate the walls of your blood vessels, and if they make their way to your heart, they may increase the formation of heart-stopping blood clots.

Research shows that the fatty deposits lodged in the carotid arteries of most stroke sufferers contain bacteria, and much of this bacteria comes from the mouth.

DiabetesWe also know that diabetics with gum disease have a greater risk of heart attack – perhaps three times more likely, according to some studies – than those with healthy gums.  

PregnancyPregnant women with gum disease are seven to eight times more likely to give birth prematurely, to low birth-weight babies.

Protect your health!Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will greatly reduce your chances of tooth and gum infections, and protect your overall health.

(05/01/2022)
by Tuxedo Dental Group

More Information: https://www.tuxedodental.ca/dental_library/chronic-oral-infections-and-your-health/


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Difficulty in closing your mouth?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located just in front of the lower part of the ear. This joint below the ear allows the lower jaw to move. It is just like a hip or shoulder called a ball-and-socket joint. When you open the mouth widely the ball from the socket that allows moving forward. If the ball moves so ahead it may result in dislocation of the TMJ. then the TMJ gets stuck in between the bone which is called the articular eminence. It becomes difficult for the ball to go back to its position. This happens most often when the ligaments that normally keep the ball in place are somewhat loose. Due to the TMJ disorder, the surrounding muscles often experience pain.

TMJ Symptoms

The jaw gets blocked due to the bad opening of the mouth that becomes difficult to close the mouth or you can’t close jaw. In this situation, discomfort is experienced until the joint is not in the proper position.

TMJ treatment

The TMJ treatment / medical advice is based on the position of the jaw by taking an X-ray of the jaw so that close vision is given to the dentist.

Expected Duration

The problem of the TMJ disorder remains the same if precaution is not taken by the dentist. If treatment is taken by the dentist, the disorder will get rid of within a few weeks.

Prevention

This TMJ disorder will never stop until you don’t consult a doctor. To avoid the long term pain Dentist recommends the patients to move their jaw in less motion. If a person is actually suffering from TMJ disorder, seeing a dentist for the treatment will be the right option. If a person going through this disorder the dentist will show how to open the mouth. For example, someone with this problem should place a fist under the chin when yawning to keep the mouth from opening too widely.

The problem of TMJ will be cured if proper treatment is given. If the treatment works there will be no chances for TMJ disorder to affect the jaw again. In some cases, the dentist asks the patients to shut their mouth for a time being. This causes the ligaments to get tighter and restricts their movement of facial muscle and mouth. If the disorder is more or severe surgery may be required. The procedure of performing the treatment is medically termed as laminectomy. It removes the articular eminence so the ball of the joint no longer gets stuck in front of it.

Treatment

The muscles around the TMJ need to relax so that the condyle can return to its normal position. To make this happen, some people need an injection of local anesthesia in the jaw joint. This may be followed by a muscle relaxant to stop the spasms and for relaxing the muscles. The muscle relaxant is given intravenously (into a vein in the arm). If the jaw muscles are relaxed enough, a doctor or dentist can move the condyle back into the correct position. He or she will pull the lower jaw downward and tip the chin upward to free the condyle. Then the ball is guided back into the socket. Rarely, someone may need to have the dislocation fixed in the operating room under a general anesthetic. In this case, it may be necessary to wire the jaws shut or use elastics between the top and bottom teeth to limit the movement of the jaw after the dislocation has been fixed. You should follow a soft or liquid diet for several weeks afterward. This reduces jaw movement and stress. Avoid foods that are hard to chew, such as tough meats, carrots, hard candies, or ice cubes. Also, be careful not to open your mouth too wide.

TMJ Causes

The temporomandibular joint disorder combines a sudden action when in motion. The parts of these bones are interconnected with cartilage and are suddenly separated through a small shock that appears in the jaw which gives the jaw the pain. TMJ disorders can occur pain if:

The ball moves out from the position and leads to misalignment

The interconnected cartilage may lead to the damage of arthritis.

Due to the blow or other impact, it can damage the joint.

In many cases, however, the cause of TMJ disorders isn’t clear.

Risk factors involved in TMJ disorder.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing TMJ disorders include:

Various types of arthritis issues like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Injury to the jaw

Badly grinding of the teeth or clenching of the teeth.

Affecting the temporomandibular joint by spreading diseases to the tissues that are certainly connected.

Expert opinion

Dr. Manan Dhulia Dental Director of Sabka dentist says ” It is very necessary to look after certain pain occurred in the jaw as it can majorly turn into severe problems. TMJ disorder is a major reason for pain in the jaw or you can’t close jaw.”

(04/30/2022)
by Sabka Dentist

More Information: https://sabkadentist.com/difficulty-closing-mouth/


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Jagged Teeth: Causes and Treatment

Perhaps you've recently chipped your tooth and noticed that it's scratching the inside of your mouth. Or you've lived your whole adult life with uneven teeth that you'd now like to get fixed. Regardless of the reason for your jagged teeth, you should feel assured in discussing them with your dental professional! It's a common problem - sometimes from a natural cause or an accident or injury. Whether your tooth is naturally jagged or just recently chipped or broken, your dental professional has many potential ways to make it straight and even again. Regardless of the cause, you should feel confident there's an appropriate treatment option that works for you!

Natural Teeth Shape

Not all of us have a neat, even line of pearly whites. If you were born without one, you might be wondering, "Why are my teeth jagged?" Teeth can grow unevenly, and some of them, specifically our canines, can develop in a pointed and protruding manner. Anyone can have uneven teeth. In rare cases, extra cusps, which are the sharp parts of your teeth, may cause their jaggedness.

As noted by the Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects, these cusps are referred to as talon cusps because they resemble an eagle's talons. Your dental professional can remove talon cusps by grinding down or removing a section of enamel and sealing your tooth with a desensitizing agent. Crooked or pointed teeth can also sometimes benefit from orthodontic treatment. Your dental professional will be able to tell you if this applies to you.

Broken and Chipped Teeth

When you break or chip your tooth, this can leave it looking jagged. And if your tooth's nerve becomes exposed, you might feel pain. Accidents happen! And a fall, getting hit in the mouth, or biting something hard are common accidental causes of a broken or chipped tooth. Your teeth can also break when cavities or large, old fillings weaken them, making them more susceptible to injury. We recommend that to prevent nerve damage; you should see your dental professional right away if one of your teeth breaks or chips.

Jagged Teeth Treatments

How to fix jagged teeth will depend on your dental professional's suggestion. But the good news is, there are a variety of options! The most straightforward treatment for a jagged line of teeth involves shaping the existing tooth enamel for a more even appearance. Contouring, smoothing an irregularly shaped tooth is a procedure that involves gently grinding away a small part of your tooth enamel. Did you know it's a conservative cosmetic dentistry treatment and usually doesn't even require anesthesia? While contouring is a great solution, you should never attempt it at home. Shaving your own teeth can cause permanent damage and severe pain.

If you have a chipped tooth, your dental professional might suggest bonding. This procedure involves a small amount of dental resin added to your tooth to replace the missing part. The resin will match your original tooth in color, so it's not noticeable. It's one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures but isn't as strong as your natural tooth. So continuing a strong oral care routine will be essential for its long-term success.

Your third option is a veneer. These thin shells that fit over your entire tooth above the gumline come in two kinds: traditional and minimally invasive. Fitting porcelain veneers involves removing some tooth enamel, and it's an irreversible procedure. Veneers made of composite material are now available. Your tooth will not need shaving because the composite placed over your tooth is so thin. There are pros and cons to each of these options, so having a conversation with your dental professional about them is key.

Sometimes the damage to your tooth is occasionally so severe, a repair to its jaggedness isn't possible. The best treatment for this situation is to extract your tooth and replace it with a dental implant, partial denture, or bridge. In most cases, the recovery time for all of these treatments is minimal. If your tooth needs extraction, you may require more than one visit to your dental professional. Replacing your tooth with a natural-looking prosthetic can take several months but will be well worth it for a healthy smile!

While you may experience some initial shock when you break or crack a tooth, or you've always felt discouraged from showing your smile in-full because of jagged canines, you've got plenty of treatment options! Jagged teeth don't have to be embarrassing or painful. Your dental professional can even them out or replace a missing part. If you decide to keep your teeth the way they are, your dental professional is still a valuable resource! They can instruct you on proper care and brushing so your issue doesn't worsen or cause pain. Regardless of what you decide, visiting your dental professional is your first and most important step to a confident smile!

(05/05/2022)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/jagged-teeth-causes-and-treatment


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Why Oral Health Is More Important Than You Think

You know you should take care of your teeth and gums because you only get one set of permanent teeth. However, taking care of your oral health has other benefits as well, and some of them might surprise you.

Studies have shown that poor oral health can affect your overall health. By maintaining excellent oral health habits and proper oral hygiene, you can help avoid more serious health conditions.

What Health Conditions Are You Talking About?

Colgate describes your mouth as a “window into what’s going on in the rest of your body.”  What they mean is that when you look into the mouth, you can see some of the early signs and symptoms of other systemic diseases. A systemic disease is a term that describes conditions that affect all of your body, e.g., diabetes osteoporosis, or AIDS.

The Mayo Clinic says that many conditions can be linked to oral health. These conditions include:

Cardiovascular Disease: The connection between your oral health and heart disease is not completely clear yet, but studies have found that the inflammation and infection that the oral bacteria could be involved in heart disease, clogged arteries, and strokes.

Endocarditis: Also in the heart, Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves. Bacteria that cause the condition comes from other parts of the body, like your mouth, and arrives there via the bloodstream where it attaches to the anatomy in your heart.

Pneumonia: If the bacteria in your mouth ends up in your lungs, you can end up with pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Premature Birth and Low Birth Weights: Research has linked both of these pregnancy and birth complications to periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease.

Sometimes, it is the systemic disease that is causing problems in your mouth. Conditions that might affect your oral health include:

Alzheimer’s: It is normal to see oral health decline as the disease progresses. Moreover, per Medical News Today, researchers at NYU discovered a link between gum inflammation and the disease.

Diabetes: Diabetes can affect your oral health in two ways. First, it reduces the body’s resistance to infection, which is not good for your gums. Second, when you have gum disease, it is even more challenging to control your blood sugar. For these reasons, the Mayo Clinic encourages periodontal care to benefit both areas of your health.

HIV/AIDS: People with HIV/AIDS often develop sores in their mouths.

Osteoporosis: The weakening of bones is linked to periodontal bone and tooth loss. Also, drugs used to treat osteoporosis can result in problems with the jawbone.

What Can You Do?

Consistent attention to your oral hygiene is one of the best things you can do to maintain the best possible oral health for yourself. Every day, you should take care of your teeth and gums. Per Healthline.com, this effort involves all of the following:

 

Brushing properly for around two minutes, twice a day, to remove food acids and plaque that forms throughout the day. Preferably in the morning and before bedtime.

Changing your toothbrush every three months to ensure you have good, clean bristles to do the job.

Using an ADA approved toothpaste with fluoride to protect your enamel.

Scraping your tongue to remove plaque buildup.

Flossing at least once a day with string floss; guiding the floss between the teeth and gently wrapping it around the side of the tooth. This removes the plaque and bacteria that can’t reach.

Swishing with a fluoride mouthwash to clean hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums.

Drinking more water after meals to help wash away food acids that break down enamel in between brushes.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables for beneficial nutrients and to help in keeping your jaws and teeth strong.

Reducing the sugar-laden and acidic foods you eat. These sugary and acidic foods help bacteria thrive, which could cause tooth decay and other problems in your mouth.

Seeing the dentists every six months for a checkup and cleaning to stay on top of any developing conditions.

(05/03/2022)
by McMahon Family Dental

More Information: https://mcmahonfamilydental.com/why-oral-health-is-more-important-than-you-think/


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Seven Ways to Tell If You Are Living With An Infected Tooth

re you suffering from a debilitating toothache? Perhaps you’ve noticed a little gum or jaw swelling, or your tooth seems to be a different color? It could be a serious tooth infection.

Your teeth are packed with nerves. That’s why a toothache, though it may only affect one part of your mouth, is excruciating. What’s more, the pain may sometimes be related to a deeper oral health issue.

If your tooth feels sore, sensitive, or you’re experiencing sharp pains in your mouth, you may have a tooth infection or a tooth abscess.

Why a tooth becomes infected

There are a number of causes of tooth infections. One of the most common causes is older root canals. When you have a root canal, your dental professional removes a nerve from the affected tooth. Unfortunately, bacteria can grow in that area, leading to an infection that your body struggles to fight off.

It’s important to recognize the signs of an infection, so you can seek immediate treatment.

How to tell if your tooth is infected

If you experience pain when eating, you may have a tooth infection. The infection or abscess spreads out of the root tip, which causes the gum and bone to be affected. Sometimes the pulsating pain and throbbing may be so severe that pain medication does not relieve your aches. This could be because the infection has spread, and there’s more pressure on the gums and bones.

Your tooth has turned a darker color compared to your other teeth.

You’re experiencing swelling of your jaw, face, and surrounding lymph nodes. You may also have jaw pain from the swelling.

Your gum is swollen and filled with pus. The raised swelling may look similar to a pimple around your infected tooth. An open pimple called a draining fistula, ruptures and releases pus, which is a sure-fire sign of an infection.

A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath may also be an indicator of an infection.

Difficulty moving and opening your mouth may be another red flag. You may have a hard time moving or opening your mouth as a result of the pain and swelling.

You have a general feeling of unwellness. If the infection is severe, it can cause you to feel unwell and even develop a fever.

How to cure a tooth infection

If you suspect that your tooth is infected, you do have several options. One is to save the tooth with a root canal. Even if the infected tooth is the result of an old root canal, we may be able to re-treat it and remove the infection.

Alternatively, we can perform a surgical extraction to remove the infection and prevent a recurrence.

If your tooth, other than the infection, is healthy, prescription antibiotics may help get rid of the infection.

What you should do if your tooth is infected

If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned seven symptoms, and you notice a toothache or swelling getting worse, you need to seek treatment immediately.

Infections, or abscesses, are not something you should try to manage alone. They can spread to other areas of your body, causing a range of problems.

(04/30/2022)
by abington Center

More Information: https://www.abingtoncenter.com/7-ways-to-tell-if-you-are-living-with-an-infected-tooth/


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Practice Better Habits At Home To Protect Your Oral Health

As a result of these regular visits, you are protected against harmful substances like plaque and tartar, and you can receive early restorative dental care for any problem discovered during your review. These visits can be key in your efforts to keep your teeth in great shape.

With that said, they are hardly your only line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you practice smart oral hygiene habits at home if you want to prevent dental troubles from occurring.

Are You Really Doing An Effective Job Brushing And Flossing?

Building a better brushing and flossing routine can keep your teeth protected against the threat of oral bacteria. Flossing every day can protect you against gum disease and cavities by keeping the spaces between your teeth clean. These areas are hard to reach with the bristles of your brush, but there is plenty of room for harmful agents like bacteria and food debris. To do a better job with the prevention of gum disease, make sure your floss string moves all the way to your gum line.

For better brushing, focus on taking more time, and reaching more areas of your smile. Believing that “better” brushing means more aggressive brushing can actually create a problem for you, as you can wear down your enamel over time.

Your Food Choices Between Meals Can Become A Problem For Your Oral Health

Sticky, sugary foods can make it harder for you to stay cavity-free between dental checkups. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find truly healthy snack options if you are relying on your office vending machine, or other quick and convenient foods.

Taking time out to clean your teeth during the day can help you offset the effects of unhealthy snacks, but you can also take action by planning your snacks.

Combining Better At-Home Habits With Regular Dental Checkups

Will better brushing and flossing habits help you fight plaque buildup? They certainly can, but what they cannot do is help you remove tartar deposits that have formed already. For the removal of tartar, a professional teeth cleaning is needed.

This is one of many reasons routine care offers important support for your oral health. You also benefit because your dentist can plan restorative dental work for a recent problem, one that may not cause symptoms. If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine, your dentist can field them, and help you better protect your smile.

(04/29/2022)
by Delightful Dental Care

More Information: https://delightfuldentalcare.com/practice-better-habits-at-home-to-protect-your-oral-health/


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How To Keep Your Tooth Enamel Strong For A Long Time

The surface of your teeth is called enamel. It helps protect them from decay. Some wear and tear is normal, but there’s plenty you can do to keep that barrier strong.  Take these simple steps for a healthy mouth and a winning smile. 

1. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks. Then they make acids, which soften and wear away your enamel. Chewy candies that stick on your teeth are can also cause damage. Soft drinks may have extra acids.

Soft drinks with artificial sweeteners are a smarter choice than ones with sugar, but they’re also acidic and will wear down enamel over time.

The best choice when you’re thirsty? A glass of plain water. Many flavored waters are acidic.

2. Eat Foods That Protect Enamel

Calcium in food counters acids in your mouth that cause decay. It also helps keep your bones and teeth strong.

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products help protect and strengthen enamel.  Choose low-fat or fat-free items to help keep calories down.  If you don’t eat dairy, look for foods with calcium added.

3. Avoid Over-Brushing

You can wear down your enamel if you brush too fast and hard. Hold a brush with a soft bristle at about a 45-degree angle to your gums. Then move it back and forth in short, gentle strokes, about the distance of one tooth.

Wait for up to an hour after eating sweets or citrus fruits before you brush your teeth. Acidic foods can soften enamel and may make it easier for you to damage it.

4. Use Fluoride

The American Dental Association (ADA) calls fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter” because it strengthens your enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride also makes your teeth more resistant to acids that come from foods and from bacteria in your mouth.The ADA recommends fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears and throughout your life. Rinsing with a mouthwash that has fluoride can also help prevent cavities and keep your enamel strong.

(05/02/2022)
by Dean Cosmetic Dentistry

More Information: https://deancosmeticdentistry.com/how-to-keep-your-tooth-enamel-strong-for-a-long-time/


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Five Weird Oral Health Tips That Actually Work

The way to improve your oral health is pretty simple and straightforward: brush, floss, eat healthily, do regular visits to your dentist

It doesn’t end there. Here are some tips weird dental tips for you.

They may sound crazy enough to leave you scratching your head at first, but we assure you – they do work! So, here it goes…

1.- Don’t Brush Your Teeth After Eating

Contrary to what you always hear when you were a little kid, it is actually not advisable to brush your teeth right after meals.

Instead, you must wait for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you’ve just eaten acidic food and drinks.

The acids can dissolve or erode the tooth enamel, and brushing can actually wear it away much faster.

2.- Use Banana Peel to Whiten Teeth

Done eating that banana? Don’t throw the peel yet.

You can still use it for whitening your teeth. Do so by rubbing the inside surface of the peel on your teeth for at least two minutes.

The peel contains magnesium, potassium, and other minerals which can penetrate your teeth to make them whiter. And unlike commercial whiteners, these minerals whiten the teeth without making your teeth sensitive.

3.- Use Coconut Oil as Mouthwash

This newest health craze is more popularly known as “oil pulling”.

A detoxification procedure derived from Ayurvedic medicine, it involves putting a tablespoon of slightly hardened coconut oil in your mouth, allowing it to slowly liquefy, then swishing or gargling it for about 10 to 20 minutes before spitting it out.

Coconut oil has been proven to have numerous health benefits, one of which is its antimicrobial properties.

It can kill the decay-causing bacteria, as well as the bacteria that cause gum disease and oral infections.

If you don’t have coconut oil, olive oil or sesame oil will do.

Those who have tried oil pulling claim that their teeth become cleaner and whiter, and their breath fresher.

Whether or not such claims are true, there is no harm in trying this method as it won’t produce any negative effects on your health.

However, this may not be suitable in those with the sensitive gag reflex.

4.- Rub Ice on Your Hand to Relieve A toothache

You’ve probably heard that rubbing ice on a sore muscle or joint provides relief, but using it on your teeth?

While it may sound unbelievable, there is actually a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that supports it.

According to such study, massaging ice on the area between the thumb and index finger relieves pain on the same side of the face by up to 50%.

It works because the cold temperature helps prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.

5.- Eat Cheese to Prevent Tooth Decay

Your favorite dairy has been found to reduce the risk of dental caries.

Its gooey consistency works like a sticky tape that traps bacteria and food residues from the surface of the teeth.

More importantly, munching on a large wedge of cheese will help clean in-between your teeth as well.

(04/29/2022)
by Irresistible Smiles

More Information: https://safariandmd.com/oral-health-tips/


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Why neglecting your teeth can have serious consequences

Cavities have always been a trial of childhood, along with getting the mumps and chicken pox. By the time children shed their baby teeth and get their permanent ones, they hopefully have established good dental hygiene that limits these problems in the future.

While that's the goal, a recent report by the Pew Charitable Trust finds that reality presents a different picture. It calls dental care the single greatest unmet need for health services among children. It identifies tooth decay as the most common childhood disease, with nearly 60% suffering some kind of dental problem.

The Great Recession made the problem worse, with a survey by FORBA, a dental practice management company, finding low-income families with children reduced their children's dental care since 2008. Twenty percent said their children did not see a dentist at least once a year.

Adults appear to be skimping on visits to the dentist's office as well, putting off treatment of dental issues until things get serious. The American Dental Association reports the number of dental emergency room visits in the U.S. rose from 1.1 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010. The study also noted that 41.8 percent of all these emergency visits were for conditions that could have been easily prevented with proper dental care.

The cavity

The root cause of most dental problems is the cavity, a hole in the enamel of the tooth that, left untreated, can expose the root to bacteria and become infected. There's a lot of confusion about what causes a cavity, with many people assuming too much candy and sugary soft drinks are the catalysts.

Food for bacteria

Field points out that sugar doesn't cause cavities, the waste from bacteria in the mouth that feed on that sugar is the culprit. The waste is an acid that eats away at tooth enamel.

To prevent cavities, Field said, you really should brush after every meal. If you have fruit juice, high in acid, drink some water afterward. It will help wash away some of the bacteria waste before it can attack your tooth enamel.

While foods high in sugar and carbs are bad for teeth, probiotics like yogurt can have a healthy effect.

"It's about the whole body," Field said.

It's also about brushing. Fields recommends a fluoride toothpaste after meals, using an electric toothbrush for two minutes, flossing at least once each day. He says a fluoride mouthwash can also help.

A smarter toothbrush

Perhaps to make dental care more fun, as well as effective, Oral-B is introducing a smart electric toothbrush it playfully describes as a “Bluetooth brush.” The Oral-B Smart Series hits the U.S. market in June 2014, connecting with a smartphone app to monitor your daily dental care and to keep you on track.

Among other things, it times the length of time you brush. Dentists recommend two minutes but most people don't spend that much time brushing. The SmartSeries nags you if you fall short.

(05/02/2022)
by Mark Huffman

More Information: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/why-neglecting-your-teeth-can-have-serious-consequences-022714.html


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