How to Cure Bruxism.

Bruxism is a sleep disorder that causes sufferers to grind their teeth while asleep. Discover what causes bruxism and how to prevent it.
Steps,

• Examine your stress levels. Too much stress causes jaw muscles to become tense and stiff. Daily exercise can help as it releases endorphins which are natural painkillers producing feelings of wellbeing and reducing stress.
• Stop drinking alcohol or coffee several hours before you go to bed, Caffeine and alcohol are stimulants which can aggravate the condition.
• Stop smoking as it can cause breathing problems making the airways narrow during sleep. This can result in heavy snoring which is a trigger for bruxsim.
• Examine any prescription drugs as bruxism can be a side effect of anti depressants.

Tips,

• If your dentist suspects that you suffer from bruxism he will probably recommend a mouth guard for you to wear at night preventing you from grinding your teeth in your sleep .

Source: Wikihow.

How to Detect Gum Disease

Gums are an anchor of our teeth. Just as roots hold trees firmly to the ground, it is our gums which fix the teeth to the jaw. Keeping gums healthy is very important and this governs the overall oral health. In fact, it is as important to look after gums as it is to look after teeth. Surveys reveal that more people are falling easy prey to gum diseases. The matter of concern is that gum diseases are no longer restricted only to the aged. Even young people and generally teenagers develop this condition. This article will explain how you can detect gum disease via the symptoms; see your dentist quickly and regularly!

Steps,

• Get regular check-ups. Early detection of symptoms helps in quick recovery of the problem. The symptoms of these diseases are sometimes very evident, but not always. This is where medical intervention may be needed.
• Know the symptoms that identify the onset of gum disease. The condition actually begins with the deposition of plaque (a slimy substance) around the teeth. This is a transparent layer and hence sometimes goes un-noticed. Plaque is the media where the harmful bacteria thrive and form colonies. These bacteria produce acids which not only damage the tooth enamel but also affect the gums. Here are the various stages of gum disease, with symptoms to alert you:                                        (a)Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Gingivitis is a condition of the gums which is not so easy to detect and only an expert can make a proper judgment. The symptoms of gingivitis are sometimes very mild, though in the long run it can prove harmful. Spongy gums, bleeding gums or even mild swelling of gums can be the beginning of this condition. The condition is worsened with plaque deposits that continuously damage the gums.                                                                                                          (b)Periodontitis is a more serious condition as compared to gingivitis. It not only affects the gums but also the jaw bones. The condition needs quick medical attention and if not treated early can pose more serious problems. Periodontitis causes the gums to bleed and in extreme cases the gums lose the hold on teeth completely. The result is an irreversible loss of teeth. The other symptoms include difficulty in biting and chewing food. This symptom cannot be traced until an expert or a oral surgeon gives an opinion. Special techniques are used by experts to find out if the bite has the proper force or not.          (c)Another problem which is common in most of the gum infections is the exposed roots of teeth. These roots are normally protected under the gum layer. However when the gums are affected, they tend to shrink, exposing these roots. This leads to increased sensitivity to extreme temperatures and difficulty in eating as well.

Source: Wikihow.

Recovering after Wisdom Teeth Surgery.

After your wisdom teeth have been pulled, there may be some pain. Here are some steps and tips to prepare you for post-surgery.Cheers!

Steps,

•   Make sure you make your appointment on a day that gives you a couple of days to recuperate after the surgery.
•  Stock up the night beforehand. Make sure you buy lots of soft foods. (soup, yogurt, canned peaches, pears, pudding, cottage cheese, etc.) You won't be able to have hard, cold/hot foods for at least 48 hours after surgery.
•  Right after your teeth are pulled, depending on the circumstances, your doctor will have certain things he/she wants you to follow. Make sure you read the material he/she gives you about how to take care of your teeth.
•  Leave the gauze on for at least 30 minutes. Do not attempt to change the gauze as it will disrupt the clotting process. Think of it as a band-aid; you wouldn't want to have one stuck to the wound and be pulled off every time it clotted. Once the first gauze pad has been taken off, keep the area clean and leave it be. Do not attempt to spit the blood out as the pressure change in your mouth will affect clotting.
•   Use a teaspoon of sea salt with about 8 ounces of warm water to rinse your mouth out after food and before bed, it helps the healing process.
  6. Have someone with you the first day you get them removed; you might want some extra help since you may be drugged.
•  Ice may be applied to your cheek(s) to help prevent swelling for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours ice may continue to help ease the pain, but will be useless in prevention of swelling. If the operation was just a simple extraction of erupted teeth swelling may be very minor or not present in which case ice is not necessary.After the first 24 hours, apply a heat pad to your cheek(s). The body's natural response will cause additional swelling if the ice pack is reapplied
•   When lying down or sleeping have your head elevated with a couple of pillows. This will help with the swelling as well.
•   Always have some water, your pain killers, and antibiotics (if prescribed any) near you. You'll want them near you when you need to take them again.
•   Have lots of movies, games, books, and other things around you. You may be in a lot of pain, so you want to make sure you have a lot of resources around to keep your mind busy.
•  Within a couple of weeks the gum tissue should be mostly healed and discomfort should be minimal. If a dry socket has developed, healing will take longer.

Tips,

• Have someone answer your phone if it rings. Text messaging is the best alternative, if possible.
• Use bags of frozen peas instead of ice cubes to numb your cheeks--they do not leak moisture and are more comfortable.
• Ask the dentist to give you your teeth in a bag. They make a good souvenir (not for the faint-hearted). Dipping bloody, fleshy teeth in bleach for a few minutes is very effective at cleaning them. Depending on local health regulations, the dentist or oral surgeon may not be allowed to return the teeth to you.

Warnings,

• DO NOT USE sipping STRAWS for about a week. The pressure change in your mouth can cause clots to become loose or dislodged. Clots are important in the healing process. A dislodged clot can often lead to a "dry socket" (exposed bone and nerve endings) which can be extremely painful.
• Do not spit (if you have lots of blood, use gauze), spitting also affects the clots.
• Even though you may feel no pain the day of the surgery, it may be because the drugs haven't worn off. Take your pain killer as soon as you can, otherwise you might be in a lot of pain before you know it.
• Do not drive or operate any machinery
• Be careful of using asprin as a pain killer as it has anti-coagulant effects (stops blood clotting - promotes bleeding). Ibuprofen/Nurofen are usually recommended as they also reduce inflammation.
• Do not drink any alcohol (or use mouthwash) the first day. This will affect clotting.
• DO NOT SMOKE. In addition to introducing toxins to the wound site, this can also dislodge clots, leading to a dry socket.
• Many people experience vomiting after taking the prescribed pain medication. if this happens call your dentist and they might refer a different medication

Source: Wikihow

Whiten Your Teeth Inexpensively.

Need to get your teeth white?? The solutions is simple and inexpensive. After Brushing your teeth brush with an extra whitening toothpaste, that is it!
Steps,

• Brush your teeth like you normally do (Post-breakfast and Pre-bedtime).
• After brushing, proceed to brush with whitening toothpaste.
• Doing so will remove surface stains and get rid of any plague you might have missed
• And the most important one we know too well....Floss!

Tips,

•  You can always come back to this method if you think your teeth seem a little yellow.
•  Use the extra whitening to get results sooner than regular whitening paste.

 Warnings,

•  Be patient: it will take maybe up to a week to see results.

 Things You'll Need,

•  Tooth brush.
•  Regular toothpaste.
•   Whitening toothpaste.

 Source: Wikihow.

Foods That Can Cause Tooth Infections.

Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starches, e.g. crisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth, although to a lesser degree since starch has to be converted by enzymes in saliva first.
Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with 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. Sugars from fruit and fruit juices, e.g., glucose, fructose, and maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities.

Acids contained in fruit juice, vinegar and soft drinks lower the pH level of the oral cavity which causes the enamel to demineralize. Drinking drinks such as orange juice or cola 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.

Beneficial Foods That Protects Against Cavities.

Dont wanna develop cavities?? I 've got good new for you. On these article today, you'll find out and know about foods that can prevent you against developing cavities. :-)
Find out as you read along,


Foods That  Protect Against Developing Cavities.

Some foods may protect against cavities. Fluoride 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 recommended by some dental professionals while others say that using toothpaste alone is enough.

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.

Dietary and salivary iodine seems also important in oral heath prevention. The trophic, antioxidant and apoptosis-inductor actions and the presumed anti-tumour activity of iodide might also be important for prevention of oral and salivary glands diseases.

These are the top ten beneficial foods for teeth.

1. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant compounds, which are thought to reduce plaque, and to help reduce cavities and gum disease. Tea may also help reduce bad breath. Tooth enamel can be strengthened because green tea contains fluoride which promotes healthy teeth.

2. Milk and yogurt are good for teeth because they contain low acidity, which means that wearing of teeth is less. They are also low in decay-inducing sugar. Milk is a good source of calcium, the main component of teeth and bones.

3.Cheese contains calcium and phosphate, which helps balance pH in the mouth, preserves (and rebuilds) tooth enamel, produces saliva, and kills bacteria that cause cavities and disease.

4. Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis contain Vitamin C. This vitamin is considered the element that holds cells together. If this vitamin is neglected, gum cells can break down, making gums tender and susceptible to disease.

5. Vegetables: Vitamin A, found in pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables may also help clean gums.

6. Onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. Tests show that onions kill various types of bacteria, especially when eaten raw.

7. Celery protects teeth by producing saliva which neutralizes bacteria that cause cavities. It also massages the teeth and gums.

8. Sesame seeds reduce plaque and help build tooth enamel. They are also very high in calcium.

9. Animal food: beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs contain phosphorus which, with calcium, is one of the two most vital minerals of teeth and bone.

10. Water cleans the mouth and produces saliva that deposits essential minerals into the teeth. It keeps teeth hydrated and washes away particles from the teeth.

Source:  WIKIPEDIA

Getting A Fresher Breath, Things You Need to Know.

Its not easy having a fresher breath this days, expecially after having a lot munched during the day, which most often than not results in earning you mouth odours.
As funny as it sounds, i just wonder if eating a certain kinds of food results into developing mouth odour...sincerely i wonder!
You have mouth odour or does your breath stink, here are some few oral hygiene you might consider trying,

Teeth Cleaning.
Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and tartar from teeth to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss.
 Tooth Decay is the most common global disease affecting every family. Over 80% of cavities occur inside pits and fissures on chewing surfaces where brushing cannot reach food left trapped after every meal or snack and saliva or fluoride have no access to neutralise acid and remineralise demineralised tooth.
Fissure sealants dentists apply over grooves in chewing surfaces of back teeth, block food being trapped and halt the decay process. An elastomer strip has been shown to force sealant deeper inside opposing chewing surfaces at the same time and can also force fluoride toothpaste inside chewing surfaces before brushing to remineralise demineralised teeth.
 Since before recorded history, a variety of oral hygiene measures have been used for teeth cleaning. This has been verified by various excavations done all over the world, in which chewsticks, tree twigs, bird feathers, animal bones and porcupine quills were recovered. Many people used different forms of teeth cleaning tools. Indian medicine (Ayurveda) has used the neem tree (a.k.a. daatun) and its products to create teeth cleaning twigs and similar products for millennia. A person chews one end of the neem twig until it somewhat resembles the bristles of a toothbrush, and then uses it to brush the teeth. In the Muslim world, the miswak, or siwak, made from a twig or root with antiseptic properties has been widely used since the Islamic Golden Age. Rubbing baking soda or chalk against the teeth was also common.
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.
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.

Flossing.
The use of dental floss is an important element of the oral hygiene, since it removes the plaque and the decaying food remaining stuck between the teeth. This food decay and plaque cause irritation to the gums, allowing the gum tissue to bleed more easily. Acid forming foods left on teeth also demineralise tooth eventually causing cavities. Flossing for a proper inter-dental cleaning is recommended at least once per day, preferably before bedtime, to help prevent receding gums, gum disease, and cavities between the teeth.


Tongue Cleaning.
 Cleaning the tongue as part of the daily oral hygiene is essential, since it removes the white/yellow bad-breath-generating coating of bacteria, decaying food particles, fungi (such as Candida), and dead cells from the dorsal area of tongue. Tongue cleaning also removes some of the bacteria species which generate tooth decay and gum problems.


 Gum Care.
 Massaging gums with toothbrush bristles is generally recommended for good oral health. Flossing is recommended at least once per day, preferably before bed, to help prevent receding gums, gum disease, and cavities between the teeth.

Source wikipedia

Get A Freasher Breath.

Hi all!
My new oralcare blog, coming soon!