Monday, May 19, 2008
Bad Breath(or)Halitosis-Causes
Bad breath(or)Halitosis may be due to factors in the oral cavity or other factors.. A.)Factors in the oral cavity:-1.)decaying food particles between the teeth or in the oral cavity2.)Bulk of micro-organisms present on the uncleaned tongue 3.)Dentures without cleaning 4.Intake of alcohol5.)In some gum diseases with pus production6.)tobacco chewing B.)other factors:-1.)Diabetis2.)Tonsillitis3.)Acute inflammation of air sinuses present within the facial bones
Bleeding Gums-Causes
Bleeding gums can be due to 1.)poor maintainance of the oral cavity and teeth2.)inedaquate brushing 3.)due to injury to the gums 4.)deficiency of vitamin-C 5.)in some allergic reactions 6.)some infections can damage the blood vessels of gums resulting in bleeding 7.) cancerous cnditions like leukemia.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Gum Inflammation(gingivitis)-Causes
Gingivitis is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in the small gaps between the gums and the teeth and in calculus (dental)calculus(tartar) that forms on the teeth. These accumulations may be tiny, even microscopic, but the bacteria in them produce foreign chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the gums around the teeth. This inflammation can, over the years, cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loss of bone around teeth — an effect otherwise known as periodontitis. When the teeth are not cleaned properly by regular brushing and flossing, bacterial plaque accumulates, and becomes mineralized by calcium and other minerals in the saliva transforming it into a hard material called calculus (tartar) which harbors bacteria and irritates the gingiva (gums). Also, as the bacterial plaque biofilm becomes thicker this creates an anoxygenic environment which allows more pathogenic bacteria to flourish and release Toxintoxins and cause gingival inflammation. Alternatively, excessive injury to the gums caused by very vigorous brushing may lead to recession, inflammation and infection.
Dental Health Tips
Smoking and chewing tobacco are both strongly linked with multiple dental diseases.2.) Mouthwash or mouth rinse improve oral hygiene.3.)Functional chewing gum Dental chewing gums claim to improve dental health.
4.)Retainer (orthodontic device)Retainers can be cleaned in mouthwash or denture cleaning fluid 5.)Dental braces may be recommended by a dentist for best oral hygiene and health.6.)Dentures, retainers, and other appliances must be kept extremely clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in a cleansing solution
4.)Retainer (orthodontic device)Retainers can be cleaned in mouthwash or denture cleaning fluid 5.)Dental braces may be recommended by a dentist for best oral hygiene and health.6.)Dentures, retainers, and other appliances must be kept extremely clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in a cleansing solution
Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and Calculus from teeth in order to prevent Dental caries cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis gum disease. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss.
Generally, dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally at least twice per year. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth polishing, and, if too much tartar has built up, debridement. This is usually followed by a fluoride treatment for children.
Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes the problems mentioned above. This is done by carefully and frequently brushing with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss to prevent accumulation of plaque on the teeth
Generally, dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally at least twice per year. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth polishing, and, if too much tartar has built up, debridement. This is usually followed by a fluoride treatment for children.
Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes the problems mentioned above. This is done by carefully and frequently brushing with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss to prevent accumulation of plaque on the teeth
Tongue Cleaning
Dental specialists recommend daily use of a tongue cleaner to remove the bacterial coating that generates bad breath and may affect the health of teeth and gums.
Gum Care
Massaging Gingiva/gums is generally recommended for good oral health. Flossing is recommended at least once per day, preferably before bedtime, to help prevent receding gums, gum disease, and Dental cavity/cavities between the teeth.
Beneficial Foods
Some foods may protect against cavities. Fluoride therapyFluoride is a primary protector against dental cavities. Fluoride makes the surface of teeth more resistant to acids during the process of remineralisation. Drinking fluoridated water is highly recommended by dental professionals. Milk and cheese are also rich in calcium and phosphate, and may also encourage remineralisation. All foods increase saliva production, and since saliva contains buffer chemicals this helps to stabilize the pH to near 7 (neutral) in the mouth. Foods high in fiber may also help to increase the flow of saliva. Sugar-free chewing gum stimulates saliva production, and helps to clean the surface of the teeth.
Detrimental Foods
Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starches, e.g. Potato chipcrisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth, although to a much lesser degree. This is because starch is not an ideal food for the bacteria. It has to be converted by enzymes in saliva
Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with cavities, although glucose, fructose, and maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities. The amount of sugar consumed at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain sugar are consumed. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which point demineralisation occurs (below 5.5 for most people). It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to be repaired by remineralisation and fluoride. Limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities.
Artificially refined sugar is not the only type that can promote dental cavities. There are also sugars found in fresh fruit and fruit juices. In addition, these foods (oranges, lemons, limes, apples, etc.) also contain acids which lower the pH level. Soft drinks are unhealthy for the teeth, because of their lower pH and also because of their sugar content. Drinking sugared soft drinks throughout the day raises the risk of dental cavities tremendously.
Another factor which affects the risk of developing cavities is the stickiness of foods. Some foods or sweets may stick to the teeth and so reduce the pH in the mouth for an extended time, particularly if they are sugary. It is important that teeth be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove any food sticking to the teeth. Regular brushing and the use of dental floss also removes the dental plaque coating the tooth surface.
Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles, but for teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well
Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with cavities, although glucose, fructose, and maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities. The amount of sugar consumed at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain sugar are consumed. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which point demineralisation occurs (below 5.5 for most people). It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to be repaired by remineralisation and fluoride. Limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities.
Artificially refined sugar is not the only type that can promote dental cavities. There are also sugars found in fresh fruit and fruit juices. In addition, these foods (oranges, lemons, limes, apples, etc.) also contain acids which lower the pH level. Soft drinks are unhealthy for the teeth, because of their lower pH and also because of their sugar content. Drinking sugared soft drinks throughout the day raises the risk of dental cavities tremendously.
Another factor which affects the risk of developing cavities is the stickiness of foods. Some foods or sweets may stick to the teeth and so reduce the pH in the mouth for an extended time, particularly if they are sugary. It is important that teeth be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove any food sticking to the teeth. Regular brushing and the use of dental floss also removes the dental plaque coating the tooth surface.
Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles, but for teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well
Oral Hygiene
oral hygiene is the practise of keeping the mouth and teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and bad breath
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