ORAL HYGIENE

As an old saying goes “Prevention is better than cure”, it is always wise to maintain your oral hygiene to prevent any kind of damage to the teeth. 

Now the question is how to maintain a proper oral hygiene to protect the teeth from damage? Well let us see how it is.
How would a well maintained teeth look like?

• Your teeth will be free of plaque and debris
• Your gums do not bleed when you brush, indicates they are infection free.
• You are free from bad breath.              

These are the major signs indicating you are maintaining a proper oral hygiene. But how to achieve is the major concern. Here are few instructions:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and make a habit of washing your mouth thoroughly after consuming any kind of food.

• Brush your teeth in up-down and circular motion, never brush sideways as this will eventually abrade your teeth, leading to hyper sensitivity.

• Floss your teeth at least once in a day.

• Watch what you eat, avoid excess consumption of sticky and sugary foods. Especially children should avoid taking such foods to prevent tooth decays.

• Eat foods rich in calcium and minerals to build healthier and stronger teeth.

• Visit your dentist every six months to get a thorough dental check up as it is always wise to detect dental problems at the earliest stage and get appropriate treatment done.

• Children should be taken to a dentist as a rule of thumb “first visit at the first birthday".

• Parents should start brushing their child's teeth when their first tooth appears. Use a soft brush and a non-fluoridated tooth paste. Children of age five and above can use fluoridated tooth paste as permanent teeth starts erupting at this age.

Now that we have the basic knowledge of maintaining oral hygiene, let us look at the consequences of bad oral hygiene.

• Accumulation of plaque leads to bacterial growth resulting in dental caries.

• Poor oral hygiene leads to gum infection resulting in red, swollen and bleeding gums and bone loss.
• Bleeding gums give bacteria direct access into the blood stream. Certain bacteria stick to the blood cells (platelets) leading to blood clots which increases the risk of heart stroke or attack.

• As oral cavity is a gate way to the rest of the body, the bacteria in plaque can travel from mouth to lungs causing lung infections or aggravating already existing infection. 

             
Maintain a good oral hygiene to lead an overall healthy life

               

GOOD FOODS FOR TEETH

Most of us know foods that keep our body healthy. But how many of us have ever bothered to know foods that keep our teeth healthy? Yes,this is a very important aspect that's often ignored by many among us.

“some tortures are mental And Some are physical. But the one that is both Is dental”


Lets take a step ahead and help our teeth stay healthy and so we are healthy.

Here are some foods that keep our teeth healthy:

• Calcium rich foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt etc.They are low carbohydrate and have high calcium and phosphate content that provide important benefits for your healthy teeth like balancing your mouth's pH, rebuilding tooth's enamel and producing saliva that kills the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Cheese contains calcium too.

• Fruits like apples, strawberries and citrus fruits especially kiwis contain vitamin C.It is considered the ‘cement’ that holds all cells together,so as its vital for your skin, it’s very essential for the health of the gum tissue. Researches show that the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Vitamin A rich foods like pumpkin, carrot and sweet potatoes.

This vitamin is absolutely necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. Apart from that, crunchy vegetables cleanse and stimulate your gums, making them healthy. Onoins contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds. onions kill various types of bacteria. Researches indicate that they are most powerful when eaten freshly peeled and raw. It may be not so tasty but good teeth are guaranteed.

• Eat fiber-rich raw foods, which massage the gums and cleans the teeth. Raw foods also increase salivation, which neutralizes acids and alkalis within the mouth.

• Nuts are rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphate, which are important nutrients for dental health. Nuts good for teeth are cashews, peanuts, almonds and walnuts.

• Good teeth can be a result of combining white bread, especially for small kids, and sesame seeds. It removes the plaque and helps build the tooth enamel.Sesame seeds are rich in calcium,helps preserve the bone around the gums and teeth. But firstly, it is very delicious.chicken, turkey, eggs – all of them contain phosphorous.

Calcium, with the help of vitamin D and phosphorous, creates our bones system. These elements keep teeth stronger and healthier by protecting them from teeth decay.

• Drink plenty of water daily so that it helps in keeping your gums hydrated and also washes away the trapped food that decompose and cause bad breath. .Healthy water is not only purer, but it also cleans the mouth, allowing the saliva to work wonders depositing essential minerals back into the weakened teeth.

Now that we have know how to keep our teeth healthy, here are some more tips to protect our teeth from damage:

*Don't eat all the times. Leave at least 2-3 hours between meals or snacks. This allows the acid level in the mouth to fall and also gives saliva a chance to counteract the effect of acid and repair tooth enamel. Brush your teeth after you eat foods that are not good for teeth. Or eat such foods at times when you can brush your teeth soon afterwards especially sweets and other sticky carbohydrates.
Foods that need to be chewed are important for healthy teeth and gums.

*Drinking frequent cups of tea or coffee with sugar added will increase the risk of teeth decay. But tea and coffee lovers need not panic, you definitely have an alternative, Green tea that contains polyphenols, antioxidant plant compounds that prevent plaque from adhering to your teeth and help reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
It has potential for reducing bad breath because it inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause the odor. Certain green teas also contain fluoride which helps in protecting the tooth enamel from decay and promotes healthy teeth.

*Meat eaters require to take better care of their teeth. If the stuck meat fibres are left overnight without   cleaning, the fibres may petrify and release an acid which acts on the tooth causing it to decay.

*Sipping a soft drink or a sports drink every few minutes is hazardous, it is best to finish the whole drink in one go, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water to remove the acid. Don't brush your teeth after a soft drink, as it can damage the tooth enamel due to etching.

EAT HEALTHY AND SMILE HEALTHY!!!!!!

TOOTH COLOR

Though we live in a society where in pearl white shiny teeth are regarded, most of us don't have such teeth which is why tooth whitening or bleaching has come into limelight in this modern age.

Essentially, teeth whitening can be seen as another way to stop the aging process. In the same way that you use moisturizing creams to stop wrinkles and hair dye to keep away the gray, various teeth whitening products such as toothpastes, polishes and adhesive strips are being used to make teeth whiter and more youthful.

There are plenty of teeth whitening options available, so choose one that is right for you and do the best you can to bleach away stains and natural color changes.Your dentist will be right person to help you choose the right way of getting your teeth bleached.

Medically speaking, teeth whitening is a safe procedure so long as you have it professionally done or pay close attention to packet instructions.

But of course our teeth do stain due to some external factors that includes:

Foods or drinks: Coffee, Tea, Cola, Wine and some fruits and vegetables and smoking and chewing tobacco can stain teeth.


Poor dental hygiene: Improper brushing and flossing to remove the plaque and stain producing substances like coffee and tobacco can also cause tooth discoloration.


Disease: Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel development.

Medications: There are some antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline that discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before the age of 8). Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines like Benadryl, anti psychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration.


Dental materials: Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cause a gray-black color to teeth.

Advancing age: As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.


Environment: Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride application, rinses, toothpaste and fluoride supplements taken orally) can cause tooth discoloration.


Genetics: Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.

Trauma: For example, damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.

Treatment options for teeth whitening varies depending on the cause of discoloration and may also include:

• Using proper brushing and flossing techniques.

• Avoid foods and beverages that cause discoloration of teeth

• Veneers and bondings

• Using over the counter whitening agents

• In-home teeth whitening agents purchased from your dentist, In-office whitening procedures.

SENSITIVE TOOTH

For millions of people, sensitive teeth can make life miserable. The pain and discomfort make even favorite hot or cold foods impossible to enjoy. All is not lost. In many cases, sensitive teeth can be successfully treated bringing long sought after relief.

Sensitive teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity) are characterized by a tingling sensation or sharp shooting pain that occurs when you consume food or drink that is very cold, hot or sweet.

Is a taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have a common problem called “sensitive teeth.”

You are more likely to feel the sensitivity when drinking or eating something cold, from cold air catching your teeth, and sometimes with hot foods or drinks. Some people have sensitivity when they have sweet or acidic food and drink. The pain can come and go, with some times being worse than others.

The part of the tooth we can see is covered by a layer of enamel that protects the softer dentine underneath. If the dentine is exposed, a tooth can become sensitive. This usually happens where the tooth and the gum meet and the enamel layer is much thinner.

Your dentist will look at your dental history and will examine your mouth. will ask about your oral habits because grinding or clenching your teeth can contribute to sensitivity. Your dentist also will look for tooth decay, deep metal fillings and exposed root surfaces.

Dentists have a variety of regimens to manage tooth hypersensitivity, including both in-office treatments and patient-applied products for home use. If you are diagnosed with dentin hypersensitivity, your dentist may apply a desensitizing agent or a protective coating.

You may be prescribed a stannous fluoride gel or an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste containing fluoride and either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These ingredients help block transmission of sensation from the tooth to the nerve. It also might help to massage the special paste onto your gums with your finger after brushing.

How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Use small circular movements with a soft- to medium-bristled brush. Try to avoid brushing your teeth from side to side.

• Change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if it becomes worn.

• Have sugary foods, and fizzy and acidic drinks less often. Try to have them only at mealtimes.

• If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about the possibility of having a mouthguard made to wear at night.

• If you are thinking about having your teeth bleached, discuss sensitivity with your dentist before starting treatment.

• Visit your dentist at least once a year for a check up.

BLEEDING GUMS

Bleeding gums is among the common conditions affecting the oral cavity. It leads to diseases of soft tissue surrounding the teeth.

The problem still continues to affect us even with so many modern facilities available in the field of oral care.

Now let me explain you the factors causing bleeding:

• Poor maintenance of the teeth such as inadequate brushing or failure to rinse the mouth after meals results in a thin layer of food and bacteria covering the tooth surface that is termed plaque and calculus that is mineralized bacterial plaque. The bacterium is the chief culprit behind the inflammation. The gums during the stage of infection becomes soft, spongy and swollen.
• Trauma to the gums by hard brushing or tooth picking with sharp objects result in gingival bleeding. 
• Bleeding can also be due to injury of the gums by sharp food item. 
• Hot food and chemicals can end up burning the gums, further resulting in bleeding. Certain rapidly spreading infections can damage the blood vessels of the gums resulting in bleeding. 
• Deficiency of Vitamin C causes problems with the blood vessels, hence causing bleeding in the gums. Ancient sailors are known to suffer from this problem until someone came up with the bright idea of stocking oranges during travel. As we know orange is a rich source of Vitamin C.

Bleeding gums may occur with or without associated pain. The pain if present is usually dull in nature.Bleeding is usually noticed during brushing or in the saliva while spitting. Eating of any coarse food items may induce bleeding.

Know how bleeding gums are treated:

If long standing inflammation is the cause of bleeding then removal of the source of bacteria will result in improvement of the situation.

Proper maintenance of the teeth by the patient reduces bleeding in initial stages. If the bleeding is severe then professional help is required. You can approach your dentist for professional cleaning of your teeth i.e scaling. You can also use medicated toothpastes that would control bleeding to some extent.

WISDOM TEETH

Wisdom teeth are the last erupting teeth in humans. Its with the eruption of these teeth our dentition is completed. They erupt two in the upper jaw, one on either side and two in lower jaw,one on either side.
Now you must be surprised why they are called so, it is because they generally erupt during late teens or early twenties.But many times our jaws are not large enough to accommodate these teeth and its why they cause more problems in mouth than any other teeth.

Now let me explain you what kind of problems we exactly come across with these so called ''wisdom teeth''.
when these teeth are blocked from erupting,its termed impaction. A common problem face among many of us.
Sometimes it partially comes out and then cause pain, infection, damage to the adjacent teeth, crowding of teeth. But then sometimes its totally impacted.

We generally experience pain because these partly erupted teeth are difficult to clean and the accumulated food particles cause the gums around the tooth to get infected, this infection reflects as pain and swelling around the area.

Let me give you some remedies to overcome the pain that often disturbs our routine:

• Try chewing gum on the side where you are experiencing pain for it massages the paining area and may give a temporary relief.

• Use a topical numbing agent.These topicals are available in any pharmacy.All you have to do is apply the numbing gel in the paining area to numb the site upto thirty minutes at a time.

• Try a warm saltwater rinse.

Finally if all these tips doesnt work out then you always do have a dentist to solve your problem.
When you visit a dentist you are initially treated with pain relieving medicaments.
And if still the pain persists your dentist may insist you on removal of the particular tooth.

There is absolutely nothing to panic,as these teeth merely play any role in any of the normal functions. Extraction can be a permenant solution for the problem.