Dry Mouth Solutions

Everyone experiences a dry mouth once in a while, like when you're a little upset, nervous or stressed out. But sometimes that dry, sticky feeling doesn't go away. Not only is this condition unpleasant, it can eventually lead to some serious oral health problems.

The technical term for dry mouth is xerostomia and the condition is caused by the reduction in saliva in your mouth due to your salivary glands not functioning properly. It's important your oral health these glands work well and keep your mouth moist. When the conditions are too dry, the risk of infection, gingivitis and tooth decay increases substantially. This condition can also make it more challenging to wear dentures.

Symptoms

Since dry mouth can lead to speech and eating problems as well as an increase in dental cavities, it's important you are able to recognize the signs and symptoms so you can work with a professional to treat the condition.

There are several signs of dry mouth:

•Dry throat
•Difficulty swallowing or speaking
•Trouble eating and tasting food
•Persistent cough
•Bad breath
•Increased sores in mouth
•Oral soreness
•Chapped or cracked lips

Who is affected?

It can affect people of all ages, although 30 percent of people over the age of 65 are estimated to experience dry mouth regularly. One of the biggest culprits is prescription and over-the-counter medication. More than 400 medications are said to contribute to dry mouth including antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics, antihistamines, antihypertensives and tranquilizers. Ask your doctor if the medications you are taking could be contributing to dry mouth.

This condition can also be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal issues. Diseases, such as diabetes, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, and hypertension, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Sjögren's syndrome and AIDS can also cause dry mouth. If you are suffering from dehydration due to vomiting, excessive sweating, diarrhea, blood loss or a fever, you are likely to have similar symptoms. People who smoke or chew tobacco can aggravate dry mouth by upsetting saliva production.

Why is saliva so important?

Saliva does more than keep your mouth moist. It helps neutralize the harmful acids in your mouth, ultimately protecting your teeth from decay. In addition to making it possible for you to chew and swallow your food, saliva helps wash away the bacteria in your mouth and aids in the digestion of food.

Dry mouth solutions

There are several simple ways you can help improve your saliva levels:

•Avoid alcohol and caffeine
•Avoid smoking
•Avoid acidic juices
•Avoid salty foods
•Use room vaporizer to add moisture to atmosphere
•Use artificial saliva substitute
•Drink plenty of water to keep mouth moist
•Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugar-free gum
•Brush your teeth twice a day and floss
•Visit your dentist regularly to diagnose and treat issues

If you think you might be suffering from dry mouth, discuss your condition with both your physician as well as your dentist as they will be able to diagnose as well as advise. Sometimes relief can be found if a medication can be changed or a dosage adjusted by your doctor. Your dentist may even suggest or prescribe an oral rinse, an artificial saliva product to help keep your mouth moist. Maintaining a healthy mouth is vital to your long-term oral health.

Please contact Cambridge Family Dentistry for a free consultation if you have any questions or concerns about dry mouth and how it can be treated. You can speak to one of our friendly staff members anytime to learn more about our clinic, ask a question or schedule an appointment.
Please contact us by calling: (316) 687-2110 or toll-free (877) 687-2110. We look forward to meeting you. The Cambridge Family Dentistry clinic is located at 2020 N. Webb Road in Wichita, Kansas http://www.cambridgefamilydentists.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_M_Dean_Wright

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8628211

Is Your Toothbrush Right For You?

It has been drilled into our daily routines since childhood: brush at least twice a day with a high-quality toothbrush and floss regularly to keep those pearly whites sparkling. We were told consistent oral care combined with regular visits to the dentist would lead to a lifetime of cavity-free teeth and healthy gums.

Choosing the right toothbrush may have seemed simple back then, but today there is an enormous array of choices. Hard bristle heads, soft ones, long bristle heads, curved ones, orthodontic styles, ones for sensitive teeth and gums. You name it, they have created it.

But do you know what type of toothbrush was best for YOUR mouth? It's important to know which brush head meets your personal hygiene needs because what you select can significantly affect your results.

Powered toothbrush

Many dentists and orthodontists tout the deep cleaning benefits of a powered toothbrush. This mechanical, pulsating brush can help break up plaque and help prevent gingivitis. The oscillating bristles also cup each tooth making it efficient in reaching those hard-to-reach areas. While more expensive than a typical, disposable toothbrush, experts agree the powered toothbrush offers numerous oral hygiene benefits. Powered toothbrushes are also recommended for people who lack dexterity or struggle with arthritis.

Manual toothbrush

If you have decided the manual, disposable brush is for you, make sure you purchase just the right size and bristle for your personal needs.

•Brush head sizes

Toothbrush heads come in all sizes, from small, compact styles to long ones. You should choose a brush that is comfortable to handle and allows you to access all the surfaces of your teeth easily. A typical toothbrush has a head a half-inch wide and one inch tall. People with smaller mouths or sensitive teeth should make sure they select the one that easily reaches the sides and backs of molars.

•Bristle varieties

Not only is the size of your toothbrush head important, but so is the type of bristle you select. Most bristles come in extra-soft, soft, medium or hard nylon bristle varieties. Most people find a softer bristle the most comfortable choice. Depending on the condition of your mouth and your brushing habits, a hard brush could actually damage your protective tooth enamel, damage gums as well as the root surface. Dentists often suggest you select bristles with rounded tips to further protect from abrasion. Some toothbrushes are also available with a diagonal pattern of bristles to help clean the sides of the teeth along the gum line or a cup shape to clean around teeth.

Orthodontic brushes are available for people with braces specially-designed to help remove plaque from braces and teeth using a v-shaped bristle.

Whether you select a powered or manual toothbrush, it's important to purchase a quality product that will help keep your mouth healthy for the long haul. Look for a product that has earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. If you aren't sure which brush is best for your oral hygiene needs, ask your dentist. And most importantly, make sure you remember to brush.

You can speak to one of our friendly staff members anytime to learn more about our clinic, ask a question or schedule an appointment. Please contact us by calling: (316) 687-2110 or toll-free (877) 687-2110. We look forward to meeting you. The Cambridge Family Dentistry clinic is located at 2020 N. Webb Road in Wichita, Kansas Please contact Cambridge Family Dentistry for a free consultation if you have any questions or concerns about selecting the right toothbrush for your personal needs. http://www.cambridgefamilydentists.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_M_Dean_Wright

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8628205

New Flouride Guidelines

It's never too early to take care of your child's teeth.

In an effort to ward off the risk of troublesome cavities in children, the American Dental Association's (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs (CSA) recently announced updated guidance regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste with babies.

Previously, the CSA recommended children under the age of two have their baby teeth brushed with only water. The initial plan was to eventually advance the child to a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste at the age of two.

When a recent report indicated an estimated 25 percent of children were succumbing to cavities by the time they reached kindergarten, the ADA opted to expand its fluoride guidance to include infants. It is now recommended caregivers begin the fluoride toothpaste regimen as soon as the baby's first tooth begins to emerge. The ADA suggests parents limit the amount of toothpaste to a tiny bit, about the size of a grain of rice. Once the child turns three years old, the caregiver can increase the amount to the pea-size. Keep in mind, it is recommended caregivers always supervise when children use fluoride toothpaste and attempt to limit the amount of toothpaste swallowed. A child should be carefully observed until he/she can brush, rinse and spit without assistance. This is usually around the age of seven.

Even though those baby teeth will eventually fall out, regular exposure to fluoride helps build a healthy mouth. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in preventing tooth decay as it makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It is also said to reverse premature decay. Experts agree, early prevention is vital as using fluoride at a young age helps the development of healthy permanent teeth. Fluoride also helps promote remineralization, making the teeth acid-resistant and strong.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, dental decay affects more than 16 million children in the United States, making it the most common chronic childhood disease. Millions of school hours are missed each year by children as well as work hours as families attempt to treat oral disease. The ADA recommends children begin regular dental check-ups beginning as early as one year old, or within six months of the first baby tooth coming in, whichever comes first. Studies indicate the earlier a child is introduced to the dentist, the less likely the child will need to be treated for cavities or emergency care.

Consistent oral care through the use of regular brushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste is key to a healthy smile - for life.

Please contact Cambridge Family Dentistry for a free consultation if you have any questions or concerns regarding the latest fluoride guidelines or want to discuss childhood oral care. You can speak to one of our friendly staff members anytime to learn more about our clinic, ask a question or schedule an appointment. Please contact us by calling: (316) 687-2110 or toll-free (877) 687-2110. We look forward to meeting you. The Cambridge Family Dentistry clinic is located at 2020 N. Webb Road in Wichita, Kansas http://www.cambridgefamilydentists.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_M_Dean_Wright

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8628196

Pregnancy Gingivitis?

If you're pregnant and concerned about your dental health, it is imperative that you visit the dentist regularly to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis, bad tastes in your mouth, and other oral hygiene issues.

A Good Nighttime Routine Is Key to Dental Health

Taking care of your mouth is a job that never ends; it's important to brush your teeth after meals throughout the day to keep food residue from contributing to decay. However, taking another few minutes just before bed to maintain oral health is another essential step towards keeping healthy teeth and gums.

Why is nighttime oral care so important?

While you're sleeping, you're generally not swallowing and stimulating saliva glands to keep producing. This means that any bacteria in your mouth aren't getting washed away by saliva; instead, they're staying in your mouth throughout the night, consuming any sugars or carbohydrates they can find and contributing to decay. This is the reason for 'morning breath,' or the unpleasant odor your breath generally has when you wake up.

How can you keep bacteria at bay while you sleep?

Just before you go to bed, it's important to brush, floss, and rinse. Start with your ADA-approved toothpaste of choice and brush your teeth for about two minutes; you can set a timer or listen to a song to time yourself if you like. Make sure you reach every surface of your teeth while brushing. One method is to brush the fronts of all of your teeth, then go back through and get the chewing surfaces and the back.

Once you're finished brushing, it's time to floss. Take a length of floss and wind each end around your index finger, then pinch the middle between your index finger and thumb. This gives you maximum hold and control over your floss. Move the floss gently in to the spaces between every set of teeth, being careful not to snap or force the floss in to place as this can result in injury to the soft tissues in your mouth. Move your floss gently up and down, then around the bottoms and sides of each tooth, using new, clean sections of floss as you go.

The last step in a good nighttime dental ritual is mouthwash. There are many different types available; depending on your individual needs- you may want a whitening mouthwash, or an alcohol-free brand. You should use about a mouthful- enough to thoroughly rinse all the surfaces of your mouth, but not so much that you have trouble swishing or accidentally swallow some. Swish and gargle your mouthwash for about 45 seconds, then spit it out in to the sink. Don't rinse your mouth with water after using mouthwash; you want to allow it to continue working for as long as possible.

Anything else to keep in mind?

Make sure you save your nighttime routine for after you're finished eating for the evening. Snacking after you've brushed and flossed puts more bacteria-encouraging residue back in to your mouth after you've just cleaned it. If you suffer from dry mouth or another health issue that affects your teeth or gums, see your dentist for recommendations on the best types of toothpaste and mouthwash for you. As always, don't forget to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist to keep your teeth in the best shape possible.

A health enthusiast, F.R. (Felix) writes tips for keeping your fitness and oral health in top condition. Look for related topics from a high quality dentist in Arlington, TX who is the dentist for the Texas Rangers baseball team. His Arlington dentistry specializes in reducing anxiety using stress-free dental care in a comfortable environment and custom teeth whitening.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=F.R._Alexander

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8177108

5 Dental Myths Debunked

Andrew J. Greenberger, D.M.D., participating Delta Dental dentist, reveals the truth about common dental myths.

Grinding Your Teeth - Bruxism

Everybody experiences some level of stress in their lives and how anxiety is handled deeply affects the body. Some people develop obvious health concerns, such as high blood pressure or stomach conditions, while others fight a more silent battle. They wake up with a headache, jaw pain, ear pain, and maybe unusual indentations on the tongue. But they don't understand why.

These are all symptoms of an underlying and often very painful medical condition called bruxism where people grind and clench their teeth, even when sleeping. While occasional grinding of the teeth doesn't cause too much harm, consistent grinding can cause long-term damage to your smile.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism can be defined as a medical condition where you gnash, grind or clench your teeth during the day or night, or both. Mild bruxism doesn't typically require treatment, but if the grinding of teeth is consistent enough, it can lead to serious jaw disorders, tooth fractures, tooth sensitivity, loss of dental restorations or crowns and other health issues. While bruxism is often brought on by stress, it's important to note it can also be the result of crooked teeth or an abnormal bite.

Who is affected?

Both children and adults can exhibit symptoms of bruxism although experts say children are more likely to outgrow it by adolescence. It is believed that teeth-grinding is hereditary and is most common with adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Bruxism also may be related to gender as three times as many women grind their teeth than men.

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

You may wake up with chronic face pain but are unaware that you have been grinding your teeth in your sleep. Ask a family member if you are making any abnormal sounds with your teeth when you sleep and share your concerns with your dentist. He or she can make that determination with a simple examination.

How does this condition harm your teeth?

In addition to the severe pain bruxism can cause, grinding your teeth also wears away important tooth enamel. This can lead to more sensitive teeth and ultimately, harmful tooth decay. It can also loosen dental work and fracture teeth. And if the grinding is severe and prolonged, it may prove taxing on muscles and joints of the temporomandibular (jaw) and even cause osteoarthritis and bone loss.

How do I find relief?

Depending on the severity of your bruxism, your dentist may suggest a protective dental appliance, such as a splint, or a mouth guard to help prevent further damage to your teeth. A hard acrylic splint fits over your upper or lower teeth and is made to fit your mouth specifically. Mouthguards, which are often softer than splints, can also provide relief. They can be made to patient specifications or purchased over-the-counter.

If you grind your teeth as the result of stress or anxiety, you might want to look into relaxation strategies. Find what works best for you, whether it's counseling, meditation or maybe exercise to help you relax. Try to find a way to unwind at the end of the day by taking a warm bath or reading a book.

If your dentist determines your bruxism is the result of dental issues such as misaligned teeth, it may be beneficial to use crowns or overlays to reshape the surface of your teeth to correct the wear.

Please contact Cambridge Family Dentistry for a free consultation if you have any questions or concerns regarding the diagnosis and/or treatment of bruxism. You can speak to one of our friendly staff members anytime to learn more about our clinic, ask a question or schedule an appointment. Please contact us by calling: (316) 687-2110 or toll-free (877) 687-2110. We look forward to meeting you. The Cambridge Family Dentistry clinic is located at 2020 N. Webb Road in Wichita, Kansas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_M_Dean_Wright