There may be times when changes in your medical health status, will affect your dental health. When you become ill and need medications, some of these medications can reduce the saliva in your mouth. Reduced saliva results in dry mouth. Pregnancy also can change your saliva. Pregnancy can also lead to something called, pregnancy gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). People, who have asthma often breathe through their mouths creating dry mouth, increase plague formation and lead to gingivitis. People with special care needs (those with diabetes, are pregnant, or have other health conditions) may wish to see their dental hygienist or dentist to discuss what to do about how their condition affects their dental health, conditions including dry mouth. Fluoride has been shown to help relieve dry mouth and may be recommended by your dentist. Good sources of fluoride are toothpastes and mouthwashes you find in drugstores and grocery stores. Your dentist will write a prescription for a gel or rinse if he feels you need a stronger fluoride.

Dental Hygiene

Learning how to properly brush your teeth, and how often is an important part of good dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day, but most dentists prefer that you brush after every meal. Flossing should be done daily, and most dentist will agree that you should floss twice a day. If you must eat or drink sugary stuff in between meals, then try to rinse your mouth with water or chew gum to help

Diet

Your diet is an important part of your dental health. Everyone know that teeth need calcium to grow strong, but teeth also need other foods as well. A balanced diet (following the food pyramid) will ensure that you have all the essential vitamins and minerals that you need for good dental health. You should limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. 20 minutes after eating or drinking sugar and bacteria is already attacking those food particles turning them into acids that can attack your tooth enamel. So if you must eat and drink sugary items, be sure to rinse or chew gum to help remove them from your teeth.

Tobacco

Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products stains your teeth and puts you at a higher risk for oral cancer, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay and bad breath.

Check Your Mouth

Your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth when you visit every 6 months which is great; but you are in the best position to check for any changes in your mouth. Try to take a look inside your mouth on a weekly basis to check for any changes like sores that last for more than two weeks, swollen gums, chipped teeth or discolored teeth.

You should not smoke, but if you do, it is especially important that you check your mouth for lesions, staining or any other irregularity of the mouth.

Brushing and flossing is great but cannot always reach the depressions our teeth contain. Food particles can get into these grooves and cavities can form there. The sealant can protect these areas by “sealing out” the food particles and plaque.

Applying a sealant is a three-step process. Your dentist or dental hygienist will first clean the teeth that are going to receive the sealant, with special toothpaste. They will put a special cleansing liquid, on a tiny piece of cotton, then rub it gently on the tooth wash it off. Finally, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The sealant hardens by the aid of a special curing light that speeds up the hardening process. As long as the sealant remains intact the tooth surface will be protected. Sealants will remain under normal chewing and usually last for years (5 to 10). Your dentists will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary. Check with your insurance carrier to see if they cover any of the cost of the sealant application.

Children are usually the ones to receive sealants, but adults can have them applied as well, should they wish to. Some insurance programs will only pay for children though, so you may wish to check with your insurance policy before having the procedure done.

Which Teeth and What Age?

Permanent molars are the teeth most vulnerable and full of grooves, so they are prime candidates for the sealant application. First molars appear in a child’s mouth around age 6. Second molars appear in the child’s mouth around age 12. The sealant should be applied soon after these molars appear, and before decay has a chance to appear. Children who are between 5 and 15 benefit most from sealant applications.

Can You See Sealants?

If you look closely sealants can be seen. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted. Sealants are used only on the back teeth, so you cannot see sealants when a child talks or smiles.

Will Sealants Make The Teeth Feel Different?

Like anything that is placed in the mouth and is new to the child, a child may notice them and feel them with their tongue. Sealants are very thin and they only fill the pits and grooves on molar teeth.

Sealants are not meant to replace the need for fluorides. Fluorides such as those we have in our community water supply, in our toothpaste, and in our mouth rinses also help to prevent tooth decay and must still be used in when we have sealants. Fluorides work on the smooth surfaces of the teeth and sealants work on the grooves and pits of the teeth. Fluorides and sealants work together to prevent tooth decay.

1. Red, swollen gums

2. Gums become tender to touch.

3. You notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss (a certain amount of bleeding is normal).

4. Your gums appear to recede (pull away from) your teeth.

5. You notice deep pockets between the teeth and gums.

6. You have loose teeth, or you notice that teeth seem to be pulling away from each other.

7. You find pus between your tooth and the gum.

8. You or someone else notices that you have persistent bad breath.

9. You notice a change in the way your teeth fit together.

10. You notice that you are experiencing difficulty inserting your partial denture

Plague is the main cause of gum disease. So, to prevent gum disease, control the presence of plague in your mouth. The simplest way to control plague is by brushing after meals and flossing once a day. Scheduling regular dental visits also increases the chance of catching gum disease early.

Gingivitis is when your gums are red, swollen or tender and is considered the early sign of gum disease. At this stage, good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular visits with your dentist can reverse gum disease. This is why your dentist or hygienist will warn you when these conditions exist to practice better brushing and flossing habits.

A healthy diet can help your body fight many diseases including gum disease. Clenching or grinding your teeth can also lead to gum disease as doing these things can strain gum tissue. Certain medications that we take can also affect our gum tissue. Your hygienist can help you to understand ways that you can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing properly and with adequate frequency. Professional cleanings also help prevent gum disease as they help remove both soft and hard deposits from your teeth that can cause gum disease.

Smoking tobacco products or chewing tobacco products makes you more susceptible to gum disease.

If you do not heed the warning signs of gum disease and the disease becomes advanced, tooth loss occurs.

Everyone should practice good dental hygiene and see a dentist twice a year for regular appointments. Those who do not have dental insurance and may avoid seeing dentists due to the cost, should contact their county health departments. You can receive a list of dentists who offer low-cost or free services, including cleanings to those who qualify.

Gum disease can be serious. You have the power to observe warning signs in your mouth. Seek dental care immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease. Use your dental tools: your toothbrush and floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year and see your dentist for regularly scheduled exams. Don’t let gum disease rob you of your beautiful smile.

The cause can be anything from a injury from biting down on something hard, grinding your teeth or clenching your teeth too tight. Some people experience sensitive teeth after having dental work like having a filling. Others can experience sensitivity when teeth have shifted and two are hitting each other. Some sensitivity will lessen or even disappear over time. Others like, when there is tooth trauma, will not stop until your dentist repairs the tooth. Before your dental appointment there are several things you can do at home to try to cope with the discomfort of sensitive teeth. After your dental appointment and if the dentist has determined that the sensitivity is from simple dental abrasion or from your gums receding; you can try the home remedies.

Desensitizing Toothpaste can be purchased over-the-counter in most drug stores, discount chain stores and grocery stores. This special type of toothpaste works by filling in tubules in the dentin.

Two Brands

Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength Plus Whitening

This toothpaste contains potassium nitrate, a substance that has been clinically proven to soothe nerve ends. It also helps by building an increased protection against that zing you feel because of your sensitive teeth. It has also been known to provide long-term relief with regular use. Has a minty flavor to it. It also whitens your teeth.

Sensodyne Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, Extra Whitening

This brand proclaims to be the #1 desensitizing toothpaste recommended by dentists for over 20 years. The tube labeling says to use twice a day, in a manner like you would regular toothpaste. This toothpaste also contains Potassium nitrate. The label says that you should receive relief within two weeks.

Prevention

Fluoride Rinse can be used once a day. Do not swallow the rinse, just swish it around in your mouth and then spit it out. These rinses help to decrease the occurrence of dental cavities.

Keeping your teeth clean by using proper tooth brushing technique (not brushing too hard) and using a soft toothbrush. Making a habit of brushing with less pressure will decrease the chance of dental trauma.

If you chew tobacco snuff, you should stop. Chewing snuff can cause your gums to recede, can cause dental decay and mouth cancers.

How To Know When You Should See Your Dentist:

When your teeth are persistently sensitive to pressure.

When a tooth is consistently sensitive, you should see the dentist because it could mean that the pulp in that particular tooth is infected or possibly dying.

When you have tried some desensitizing toothpaste and there has not been any improvement in two weeks.

The sensitivity becomes a pain that lasts for more than one hour.

You notice that the gums around the tooth that is sensitive changes color.

You notice signs of obvious tooth decay.

Regular dental check ups are very important and this is especially true if you use tobacco. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, you will have your teeth cleaned and x-rayed. In addition to your regular exam, your dentist will also look for signs of tooth decay and for signs of oral cancer. If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, then you should visit your dentist right away. Here is what you should look for:

Non-healing sores, ulcers or lesions: This is one of the most common symptoms of oral cancer. When you get any type of sore or lesion in your mouth that does not heal on its one after a couple of days, there is reason for concern. Mouth ulcers are very common, but it is not normal for them to last for more than a few days. If you find that you mouth is sore and red due to oral sores, then you should make an appointment with your dentist.

White or yellow patches in the mouth: If you look in your mouth and notice patches of white or yellow areas, this could be a sign of oral cancer. Red places in the mouth are more common, but you need to be especially wary of white or dark places in your mouth.

There are other signs of oral cancer, but these alone are not always reason for major concern, unless you have more than one sign. These signs include:

Loose teeth: any time you have tooth that is loose, you should see your dentist.

Bleeding gums: many people have bleeding gums and while this is not normal, if you have any of the other signs of oral cancer, it is something to worry about.

Rough patches: if you experience a rough patch of skin on your tongue or roof of your mouth and you do not remember burning your mouth on food, then this could spell trouble.

Bad breath: Smoking and tobacco causes bad breath, but if you have chronic bad breath, coupled with other oral cancer signs, you need to see your dentist.

Feeling of something caught in your throat: this could be a sign of cancer as well.

Oral cancer is a serious medical problem and if you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you need to schedule an exam with your dentist. Your dentist can perform an exam to determine whether or not you have oral cancer. It is important to remember that oral cancer spreads quickly and many people will not survive more than five years after being diagnosed. Early detection and prevention is key.

Dental Hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums. They record the presence of any dental diseases or abnormalities that they notice during this exam. During the cleaning process they remove calculus, stains, and plaque from your teeth. They can also perform root planning as part of periodontal therapy, take and develop dental x-rays. They will also apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and something called pit and fissure sealants. Depending on the state they practice in, they may even be licensed to administer anesthetics, place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, or periodontal dressings. It may also be part of their job to remove sutures. They may be asked to prepare clinical or laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist they work with. Most hygienists work chair side with the dentist during dental exams and treatments.

The hygienist is an educator. She or he will explain to patients how to care for their teeth, by demonstrating how to properly brush and floss each tooth and how to pick out the proper toothbrush for you. They may also explain the importance of good diet to the health of your teeth and gums.

You can be sure that your Dental hygienist has graduated from high school, and perhaps have had a minimum of 1-year college, and has attended an accredited dental hygiene school. She or he would have had to receive a license to practice dental hygiene in your state. To receive this license your hygienist had to attend dental school, and pass both a written and a clinical exam. Hygienists are trained to use many different dental tools. Some of the tools they may use when caring for your teeth are:

Hand and rotary instruments

Ultrasonics for cleaning and polishing

X-ray machines

Syringes and needles

Models of teeth

Safety glasses

Masks

Gloves

The hygienist is a part of a dental team so she or he must work well with others. As a team player, his or her role is to provide good dental care and customer support to ensure that your visit is safe, and as comfortable as possible. It is the purpose of the team to combine all of their talents to ensure that you receive top quality dental care. Your hygienist works closely with your dentist, during your treatment and exam; but may also work with the receptionist while handling your chart or future appointments. You may even see your hygienist more than you see your dentist. Your hygienist will likely be the one to take your dental history on your first visit to their office. She or he will most likely be the one to explain any procedures before they are done and prepare you for any dental procedures.

Hygienists enjoy working closely with people and are usually easy to engage in conversation; especially when a patient needs to be put at ease. They need to have good hand dexterity for working with dental tools and in my experience those hands also have the gentle touch that patients appreciate.

gum disease

cavities

poor oral hygiene

oral cancer

bacteria on the tongue

Is there a connection between having bad breath and the existance of a dental health problem? Is a dental health issue the root cause of the bad breath? If it is true that the bad breath is caused by a dental health problem, then using a mouthwash product is just covering up the problem. The problem will still exist and therefore when the mouthwash wears off, the bad breath will continue to exist.

Regular dental check-ups, brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis and remembering to brush your tongue will all help to prevent and discover dental problems. Once the dental condition is discovered, treatment plans can begin to correct the problem.

How does each of the dental problems actually cause the bad breath?

Gum disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection in the gums that surround your teeth. Having untreated gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in adults. Gum disease occurs in two stages: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

Gingivitis – This is the early stage of gum disease. If treated, the gum disease can be reversed and the patient can again experience healthy gums. The signs or symptoms of gingivitis are red and swollen gums. If gingivitis is not treated properly, it can advance to the next stage of gum disease, which is Periodontitis.

Periodontitis – This is the serious stage of the disease, where it is more advanced and goes further than the gums. It has infected the bone that surrounds teeth. This causes the teeth to become loose and eventually to fall out. Signs and Symptoms are frequent Bad breath, red and swollen gums that bleed easily, gums that appear to have separated from your teeth, loose teeth, a change in your bite (which would be difficult for most of us to know, but a dentist would pick up on this) and a change in the way your partials or dentures fit you.

There are several risk factors that make some people more susceptible to gum disease they are:

Certain medications

Crooked teeth

Diabetes

Fillings that are defective

Oral Contraceptives

Poor fitting bridges

Poor dental hygiene (not brushing or flossing)

Pregnancy

Tobacco use

Cavities and Poor Dental Hygiene

Cavities happen when there is a hole in the tooth (caused by tooth decay). Decay happens when we eat starchy or sugary stuff and these things get together with plague (the sticky substance on our teeth) on our teeth. The combination of the starchy and sugary with the plague can form a acid on our teeth that can eat through the enamel on our teeth, causing the hole to form.

Prevention:

Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day. Floss daily and go to see your dentist at least once every 6 months. Make sure you eat healthy foods and try to limit your choice of sugary foods and beverages.

When you do not practice good dental habits, you run the risk of dental and medical problems: bad breath caused by gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, oral cancer(mouth, lips and throat) and strokes. Poor dental hygiene not only makes your teeth look bad (yellow and dirty) but your breath will stink. No one wants to get close to someone with bad breath. When you forget to brush your tongue, bacteria can gather there and cause bad breath too. Brushing your tongue with a soft toothbrush removes this bacteria and helps to keep your breath fresh.

There will be no mistaking the signs of teething. Most often, the first sign is drooling. This usually starts at around four or five months of age and does not let up until the teething is over. Next, you will start to notice swollen gums. This normally starts on the bottom first, although every child can be different. You will be able to see the teeth bulging from right under the surface of the gum. Other signs of teething include fussiness, waking up in the middle of the night and chewing. You will notice that you child is putting everything in his or her mouth. Signs that are also normal may also include a low-grade fever, rash on the face and neck, coughing and diarrhea.

Here are some ways to help your teething child.

Teething Toys: There are many toys that are made just for the teething infant. These are usually made of a soft plastic and some can even be frozen. This is a time when you will want to make sure your child is not chewing on anything dangerous. You will notice that he or she will chew on everything from toys to their own fingers.

Frozen treats: Anything that is frozen will help your child feel better. The sensation feels really great on swollen gums. Do not give your child anything that he or she can choke on though. One great idea is to take a clean washcloth, get it wet and squeeze out the excess water, place it in a sandwich bag and freeze. After it is frozen, give it to your child to chew on. You can also give your baby Popsicles (you might want to remove the sticks), frozen teething toys and frozen bananas.

Teething Gel: Teething gels are another option for sore gums. There are plenty of over the counter medications that you can buy that come in gels, liquids or paste. These work to numb the gums, and will not have a lasting effect. Remember that these do not taste very good and that if you use too much, it can also numb the tongue and the lips. Try to use these sparingly.

Over the Counter Medication: You can safely use many over the counter medications for your child’s teething. Most doctors recommend Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Just remember to always adhere to the dosing directions on the package and never give your child more medication just to ease the pain.

Teething is both an exciting and painful time for you and your child. It is your job to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible during this time.

Over-The-Counter

There are two main ingredients used in whiteners. Some whiteners use 10% Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide is also used to bleach hair. Other whiteners use Carbamide Peroxide. This breaks up in your mouth into both carbamide peroxide and urea. It is to your benefit to have your teeth professionally cleaned and any cavities filled before starting to use teeth whitener. Most over-the-counter whiteners use either trays or strips. The cost of these products can be anywhere from under $10 to $35 per container.

Problems with over-the-counter whiteners

Without a professional administering the whitener, there will be no way for you to adjust the amount strength. If you encounter sensitivity of your gum, there is no way to adjust the strength for your needs. It can also be difficult to cover all the tooth surfaces with strips and trays.

Remedies

If you experience irritation, you can try to cut back on usage. Instead of daily, use the whitening every other day. You can also apply a product such as Orajel, to your irritated gum.

FDA

One thing you should know is that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration does not categorize teeth whitening products as drugs and therefore does not regulate them. Because of this, the ADA (American Dental Association) has set guidelines for these dental products. These guidelines are standards for safety and effectiveness. They state that whiteners should not cause any harm to either the teeth or the soft tissues of the mouth and gum. They also state that the product should be effect in whitening teeth. As of January 2006, no over the counter teeth whitening products have met he ADA guidelines for safety and effectiveness.

At The Dentists

Your dentist will clean your teeth, fill any cavities and check your gums to be sure they are healthy. The dentist will use between 15 to 35% of either Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide. Your dentist will adjust the amount based on how your gums respond to the application process. Before applying the whitener, the dentist will clean your teeth with a pumice and then put a protective barrier on your gums. The entire treatment generally takes about 40 minutes. The dentist will apply a paste, take it off, and then reapply the paste. The dentist will repeat the process several times during the visit. Each application will result with your teeth becoming a shade lighter each time. Having your teeth whitened this way is faster than the over-the-counter products.

You can also opt for your dentist to make you a tray to take home that you wear over your teeth. The dentist will take a mold (impression of your teeth/gums) so that the tray will fit properly. You will receive a gel to put into the tray. You then wear the tray for 2 hours during the day for 2 weeks and possibly up to 6 weeks.

Using the professional services of your dentist to whiten your teeth will run anywhere from $300 to $1,000. You may also have to wait for an appointment, and then go through the process of the examination. If the dentist finds and cavities you will need to wait while the fillings are placed.

You may think that brushing one tooth in a six-month-old baby’s mouth sounds silly. It is not. In fact, this is the perfect time to start teaching your child about how to take care of that precious smile. Even infants can suffer from tooth decay. The first step is to find a soft toothbrush that is specially designed for infants and gently clean the area two times a day. It is not recommended that you use “adult” toothpaste on a child that young, but there are pastes out there that are formulated for babies. If you have problems getting a toothbrush small enough, try a rubbing the tooth with a clean, damp washcloth.

As your child gets older, you will still want to help him or her with their brushing technique. Children often have dexterity problems getting that brush in there the right way. It is not because they don’t want to brush–they may just have problems doing it the right way. Here are some great tips for getting your child to brush properly:

Let your child pick out a toothbrush. There are so many different types of brushes that are available. Take your child to the store and find one that has his or her favorite cartoon character or action hero. There are also all different kinds of toothpaste out there, too. Just make sure that you find one that is labeled ADA approved and one that has added fluoride.

Get a timer: It is a known fact that children do not take enough time when they brush. They rush through the process, barely getting the toothbrush in there at all. You can help buy purchasing a two-minute timer. Dentists recommend that children spend at least two minutes brushing their teeth. If you child has a timer, he or she will know when to stop brushing. You can even purchase special toothbrushes that will stay on for a full two minutes, or brushed that light up for two minutes. When the light goes off, your child knows they have brushed long enough.

Make flossing easy: Kids can sometimes have a difficult time learning to floss with regular string floss. It is hard to wrapped it around the fingers and get it in the mouth just the right way. Flossing is just as important as brushing, so buy some of the special flossers with handles. These flossers make getting the teeth clean easier than ever.

Regular check ups: You child needs to see a dentist on a regular basis. Many kids have fears about going to the dentist. Find a good pediatric dentist in your area and start taking your child at a young age. When you start early, you child is less likely to experience fears about going to the dentist. In addition, if you start check ups early, your child is off to a good start when it comes to dental health.