Friday, May 31, 2013

Top 6 Oral Care Tips to Prevent Teeth Problems

Oral care is a major element of the basic human hygiene and healthcare. This consists of taking proper care of your teeth and gums. A preventive care of your teeth and gums can help to avoid many painful and other costly problems brought about by cavities and other mouth problems. However, many people overlook oral care and this leads many severe problems. A regular visit to your dentist is one amongst the most important things you have to do to ensure you have sturdy plus healthy teeth. Other than this, there are other simple dentistry tips that can help prevent severe teeth problems. Below are a few oral care tips.

Basic Oral Care Tips

1. Brush two times a day

Most people might consider this almost insignificant. However, brushing your teeth at least twice each day is your very first step to dental care. During the day, small food particles accumulate on your teeth surface and between the teeth. The bacteria in your mouth, then converts the food particles into acids. These acids then blend with saliva and this leads to plaque. Deposition of plaque causes cavities plus tooth decay. It's therefore very important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day to reduce plague build-up.

2. Brush your teeth properly

Most people brush for as little time as 30 seconds; this is not enough to eliminate all the plagues. Make sure you always brush at least 2 to 4 minutes. Most dentists, recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal, however, if this is not possible; make sure you do it before and after bedtime. This is very important.

3. Floss and use mouthwash daily

Fluoride makes your teeth healthier, brighter and stronger. Although most toothpastes contain fluoride contents, you can still choose oral intake in form of tablet. Actually if you offer fluoride to children at their early stages of development, then they will develop strong and healthy teeth.

You also need to use mouthwash each and every day. This is because, mouthwashes are very important for proper oral care. They leave your mouth clean and your breath very fresh. They also consist of great antiseptic properties that eliminate bacterial plague.

4. Watch your diet

Taking low sugar diet can help protect your teeth. Dentists around the world recommend low sugar consumption since high sugar diet can cause tooth decay. Avoid starches and sweets; they will only cause cavity formation. If you really have to eat sugary foods, ensure that you brush your teeth immediately after eating. Also make sure you avoid tobacco and other tooth discoloring products such as black tea, berries and red wine. Such foods will only affect the appearance of your teeth.

5. Replace your toothbrush after every 3 to 4 months

With time, the bristles of your toothbrush will be frayed. Such a toothbrush will not do a good job. Therefore, for proper cleaning of your teeth, make sure you change your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months.

6. Visit your dentist regularly

Tartar and plaque are likely to form despite how firm your oral hygiene is. It's therefore very important that you visit a dentist regularly. He or she will help clean the plague deposits and also detect and take care of cavities to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Always make sure you have your teeth polished at least twice every year.

Your oral health has a great impact on your overall wellbeing. If you follow the above oral care tips, your teeth and mouth will always be in good condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7747752

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Go From Teeth to Gums in No Time

When it comes to oral health, most people don't realize that their every day habits may be leading to tooth rot. These mistakes can cost them time, money, and eventually their teeth. There are 7 common mistakes that make tooth rot just about a sure thing:

Mistake 1: Not brushing and flossing - during the night bacteria accumulate on teeth causing tooth decay, which break down tooth enamel. Brushing and flossing effectively in the morning can help remove these bacteria. And, an added bonus: it freshens your breath (your friends will thank you). It is also important to brush away all remnants of the day before bed so they don't have a chance to fester and grow. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning, as dental cavities and periodontal disease are major causes of tooth loss.

Mistake 2: Eating too much of the "yummy stuff" - this is no secret. Sticky candies or treats, such as caramels and jolly ranchers, those are no brainers, but saltines and gold fish crackers? Those are actually worse. Saltine crackers are damaging to teeth because they're a fermentable and highly processed starch, which are higher on the glycemic index and break down into sugar much faster. Speaking of sugar, carbonated soft drinks and juices contain a large amount of sugar that erode tooth enamel. You teeth, like your body, need the right fuels to be strong and healthy. Fiber rich fruits and vegetables and dairy products help to produce saliva, and contain calcium and phosphates, which aid in protecting teeth and restoring minerals they may have lost.

Mistake 3: Medications - some medications can cause adverse affects on your mouth, such as dry mouth, which can lead to dental decay, gum disease, or periodontal disease. Other medications, such as cough drops, cough syrups and antacids, contain large amounts of sugar that just sit on your teeth. It's important to rinse thoroughly with water after ingesting these medications, or purchase the sugar free alternative. Those who abuse over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin and asthma medications can experience tooth decay and tooth loss.

Mistake 4: Crunching, Grinding, and the human can opener - Crunching on ice or hard candy, grinding at night, and opening containers with your teeth can all lead to fractures of those nice pearly whites. Opening and crunching of objects may be easier habits to break than grinding at night, but wearing a bite splint can help prevent damage to teeth. Chewing on pens and other hard objects, including your fingernails (or toe nails), can do irreparable damage to your teeth. Give your poor teeth a break; not literally.

Now that you know the mistakes, how many of them are you making? Do you need help combating tooth decay? Be sure to seek qualified, experienced dental care for your health issues.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7723611

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Pink in the Sink



About 50% of people are affected by gum disease. Learn why finding pink in your sink could mean you have gum disease.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Cramming For The Dentist



Find out why cramming for your next dental check-up won't work and learn simple steps you can take in between visits for a healthier mouth and a better check-up.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

What to Drink



Find out how changing the drinks you consume could improve the health and appearance of your smile.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Monday, May 13, 2013

Toothbrush Mystery



Head to the toothbrush aisle with confidence. Learn how the differences in brushes may be better suited for your unique needs.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Smile Saver Quiz



Put your knowledge of oral health to the test with this fun Smile Save quiz.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Dental Care For Children: When Should Kids Visit The Dentist?

Many parents know that their children need dental care, but they're not exactly sure when their kids should have their first visit. If you're wondering, here's a quick guide to kids' dental care and what parents should do to make sure that their kids' teeth are properly cared for.

Good Dental Care Starts At Home

It's important to start proper dental care even before children have a first tooth! Parents can simply swipe the gums with a damp washcloth. Once your child has gotten his first tooth, parents should use a soft toothbrush that's designed for babies and just water. Once your little one can put things in his mouth, you can even give him the toothbrush to chew on. Just realize that you'll still need to clean his teeth -- this is just getting your child used to handling the toothbrush!

As many kids get older, parents are tempted to let them handle their own brushing. While it's a great idea to let kids brush their own teeth, parents should follow up with a quick brushing of their own to make sure that every tooth has been properly cleaned. And don't forget to floss! Kids need to floss just like adults do.

When Should Kids First Visit The Dentist

Many parents are surprised to realize that they should visit the dentist about six months after the first tooth has appeared. The visit will be a short one and is just designed to get your child used to having their teeth cared for! Parents never really know how their child will react when they get into the chair, but can make the visit easier on everyone if it's not scheduled when the child is tired or during their regular nap time!

During this first visit, the dentist will take a look at any teeth that have come through, and make sure the gums are healthy and not inflamed. Depending on how well the child is doing, the visit may include a gentle cleaning, and showing parents how to care for the teeth. This visit won't last long and is usually just to make dental care a part of a regular healthcare routine.

What If You've Waited A Little Longer

Since most parents don't realize that children should see a dentist so soon after their teeth have come in, many children don't have their first dental visit until they're two, three or even four. If you've waited a little longer, don't worry! Look for an office that's experienced in treating children and adults and a dentist that's comfortable working with children. Explain to your child that the dentist will take a look at their teeth to make sure they're growing correctly and that he might even take a picture of the teeth using a special camera. Before your visit, have kids practice opening their mouths wide and let them know that it won't hurt! Having a carefree attitude towards a dental visit can do a lot to alleviate any stress that your child might have about it.

Proper dental care starts at home, but that doesn't mean that your child shouldn't visit the dentist. Introducing your child to a dental office will help go a long way towards setting them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7688785

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Bring Your Smile Back

For many years in the past when people would talk about dentistry, it would refer to extractions, filling and standard dental procedures. Gone are those days of seeing dentists only for such needs. Today, dentists are much sought after for cosmetic dentistry, a way of 'beautifying' one's teeth and gums, giving you all the reason to put that smile back on.

Cosmetic dentistry involves many treatment options that cater to various needs of patients in today's demanding world. Most common treatments are teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, veneers and braces.

Teeth Whitening

This procedure is traditionally performed by filling a personalized mouthpiece with professional bleaching product, usually hydrogen peroxide, and applied your teeth. The oxygen component of the bleaching product causes teeth to lighten as soon as it gets into the tooth's enamel layer. Usually, more than one visit is required to complete the treatment depending on how light you want your teeth to be. Following sessions will either be done in the dentist's office or at home with the take-home tools that the dentist will provide you with.

A modern way of teeth whitening is using the laser procedure wherein laser is used to speed up chemical reaction of the whitening product applied, hence, treatment can be performed in just an hour.

Crowns

For various reasons, including, when a tooth is broken, misshapen or discolored, dentists recommend crown treatments wherein a tooth is completely with caps or what is popularly known as crowns to re-create the tooth's shape and appearance. Crowns are also used to protect weak tooth or cover a tooth that has a large filling, root canal or dental implant.

Crowns are very durable and may even last a lifetime if taken cared of properly. It can be made of porcelain, metal or ceramics and cost quite a sum that's why dentists only recommend it when all other procedures are not possible.

Bridges

Bridges are made from porcelain, gold or a combination of both and primarily placed to replace gaps with artificial teeth. The false tooth is permanently drilled or bonded with an adhesive to the teeth beside it. Bridges are best for people who only have few teeth missing and don't like dentures.

Veneers

Veneers are placed to cover teeth that are stained, broken, have spaces between or unsightly teeth. They, basically, do the same function as crowns but are less expensive.

Braces

Braces are treatments that apply pressure to crooked or misaligned teeth. It is a long process that involves regular dentist visits for tightening, cleaning, and stage by stage adjustments usually covering a period of one up to 3 years. After wearing braces, patients need to wear retainers to hold already aligned teeth until it is fixed in place.

Cosmetic treatments are performed to improve the appearance of teeth, but, would still require consistent practice of oral hygiene to preserve treatments longer and allow you to keep that smile longer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7663181

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Five Reasons to Get Cosmetic Veneers

Cosmetic veneers are very popular these days and it is not just with the young crowd. In fact, a large number of older dental patients are looking at updating their smiles as well. Anyone that has a smile that is less than perfect could benefit from dental veneers. Here are some outstanding reasons why:

Veneers can eliminate discoloration problems

Whether your teeth are simply stained from drinking too much coffee, or they simply have started to darken with age, porcelain veneers can restore your teeth to their former beauty. Nothing is more embarrassing than to smile and show all stains.

Cosmetic veneers can improve your dating prospects

If you have two men or women that are equal except that one has a radiant, nice smile, who would you go out with? We do live in a society that counts appearance fairly high on the dating scale. A wonderful smile is a big part of that quotient. A horrible smile can virtually kill your chances.

Porcelain veneers are coming down in price

Don't misunderstand... veneers are not cheap. Still, the cost as compared to several years ago is better. There are more and more dentists turning towards this as an option so the competition is getting stronger. Veneers will never be a cheap option, but they are at least possible for most anyone with enough commitment.

Veneers are strong and permanent

Most of the time, a veneer will be there forever. They are extra strong and are a wonderful option for those that are wanting to keep the basic structure of their own teeth. Crowns are there for folks that have a need, but veneers are generally going to utilize your existing teeth and will be very strong.

Cosmetic veneers will give you straight teeth

If you have uneven rows of teeth, then veneers can even them out perfectly. That is one huge draw for this type of dental work. In the end, you walk away with strong, permanent, straight teeth. Some folks have gone their entire lives with crooked teeth only to enjoy a perfect smile later in life. That is a strong motivator for those that have that problem.

If you are considering getting this type of dental work done, you should certainly consider asking around. The prices vary wildly as does the level of quality. Compare and contrast several places before settling on just one and you will end up with high quality work at a fair price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7682431