Some people go to the dentist regularly while others do not go very often or at all, because they are nervous of what they might encounter when they get there therefore keeping them from going. There are many common problems with her teeth that you and I would not recognize. What are the most common dental problems you might wonder?
Though there are a number of situations people can come across with their teeth. The most common problem the public has is bad breath. For some people it's caused by lack of teeth brushing and flossing, while for others it can be caused by more serious conditions.
It might surprise you to know that a lot of people are confronted with gum disease. This disease caused by infection that if left untreated, can cause much more serious conditions that can be threatening to your life. Visiting your dentist regularly, even if you remember to brush her teeth daily is a very important part of preventing this condition.
Many people are also affected by sensitive teeth. Eating and drinking things that are very hot or very cold can agitate your teeth often causing them to be painful. There are products on the market to help ease the pain. Making and appointment at your dentist's office to ensure your suspicions are correct is a good idea they will also be able to make suggestions of how to improve the situation.
Often people find staining or yellowing of the teeth can be a problem for them making them feel self-conscious even though they brush your teeth regularly, going to the dentist can lessen or even prevent this problem as getting a regular professional cleaning can help remove stains that are often caused by things that eat and drink in our daily lives.
Just like emergencies with other parts of our body your mouth, can have emergencies too. Things such as toothaches, cracked or broken teeth, cannot only be painful but very worrisome when you run into the situation. The best thing to do is to call your dentist immediately and ask advice on how to best handle the situation, and usually it's a good idea to make an appointment as quickly as possible.
Probably the most common problem of all dentists see on a daily basis is people who fear them. Getting checked regularly by a dentist is an extremely important part of keeping you your healthiest so if you're afraid to go consider getting recommendations from people you know, to find a dentist whom you may be comfortable with. Talking with the dentist about your concerns and fears can often help you feel more confident as he or she can offer suggestions to make you feel more comfortable during your visit.
Learn more about teeth whitening. Find this dictionary of dental terms.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Understand What Causes Bad Breath
Many people experience halitosis, or bad breath, from time to time. Most types of halitosis are preventable, such as those due to inadequate oral hygiene, consumption of certain foods, drinking alcohol or smoking. Unpleasant breath may also be a symptom of illness. In such cases it will disappear when the root cause is cured. Here is a brief guide to what causes bad breath.
The most frequent, and most easily avoided, cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. When we eat, any food particles not swallowed remain in our mouths. They may become trapped between teeth or in the follicles on the surface of the tongue. In the absence of a regular brushing and flossing regime to remove them, these particles begin to decompose and give off unpleasant odors.
Some foods can adversely affect our breath even after we've digested them. Organic sulfur compounds, which give rotten eggs their distinctive odor, are also found in garlic, onions, and cabbage. When we eat these foods, the sulfur is absorbed into the blood stream, carried to the lungs and released in our breath.
A lack of sufficient saliva flow can result in halitosis. Saliva helps to wash away mucous and tiny food particles. We naturally produce less saliva at night, which helps to explain foul 'morning breath'. Alcoholic beverages dry out the mouth leading to particularly bad breath the day after a binge. Halitosis often accompanies a stuffed up nose because saliva evaporates when we breathe through our mouths.
Smoking cigarettes affects the smell of your breath in a fairly straightforward way. As smoke from your lungs is exhaled through your mouth, odor-carrying chemicals are released. Smoking also irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease, a major cause of halitosis.
Serious dental problems such as an abscessed or impacted tooth lead to bad breath as do infections of the lungs, nose, throat or sinuses. A variety of other health complaints can result in halitosis. Bowel problems, nausea or acid reflux may lead to digestive gases being released through the mouth.
If you've become aware that your breath is offensive to others, the first step you should take is to ensure that you follow an regular oral hygiene regime. It should consist of brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily, flossing between teeth and rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. If the unpleasant odors persist, try cutting out odor causing foods or reducing alcohol consumption. Visit your dentist if you have loose teeth, swollen gums or unexplained chronic halitosis.
The most frequent, and most easily avoided, cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. When we eat, any food particles not swallowed remain in our mouths. They may become trapped between teeth or in the follicles on the surface of the tongue. In the absence of a regular brushing and flossing regime to remove them, these particles begin to decompose and give off unpleasant odors.
Some foods can adversely affect our breath even after we've digested them. Organic sulfur compounds, which give rotten eggs their distinctive odor, are also found in garlic, onions, and cabbage. When we eat these foods, the sulfur is absorbed into the blood stream, carried to the lungs and released in our breath.
A lack of sufficient saliva flow can result in halitosis. Saliva helps to wash away mucous and tiny food particles. We naturally produce less saliva at night, which helps to explain foul 'morning breath'. Alcoholic beverages dry out the mouth leading to particularly bad breath the day after a binge. Halitosis often accompanies a stuffed up nose because saliva evaporates when we breathe through our mouths.
Smoking cigarettes affects the smell of your breath in a fairly straightforward way. As smoke from your lungs is exhaled through your mouth, odor-carrying chemicals are released. Smoking also irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease, a major cause of halitosis.
Serious dental problems such as an abscessed or impacted tooth lead to bad breath as do infections of the lungs, nose, throat or sinuses. A variety of other health complaints can result in halitosis. Bowel problems, nausea or acid reflux may lead to digestive gases being released through the mouth.
If you've become aware that your breath is offensive to others, the first step you should take is to ensure that you follow an regular oral hygiene regime. It should consist of brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily, flossing between teeth and rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. If the unpleasant odors persist, try cutting out odor causing foods or reducing alcohol consumption. Visit your dentist if you have loose teeth, swollen gums or unexplained chronic halitosis.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
How Much To Pay For Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening costs - especially these days - are high enough to deter some people from their goal of having that beautiful white smile. And, at almost $500 for the complete treatment, unless you're a dentist - or married to one - you probably don't have the extra funds lying around to even think about it. And furthermore, everyone knows that this service isn't covered under most dental policies. So, are there things you can do to whiten your teeth, that you can actually afford? Well, yes! And here is a short list for you:
Over-the-counter whiteners - There are many teeth whitening agents you can get at your local retail pharmacy - and if you were to buy all of them at once, the cost wouldn't equal half of what you'd by paying to have your dentist do it. In fact, the cheapest product - the paint-on gel - is definitely priced under $10. And, as we have all experienced before - sometimes cheaper isn't always better.
In addition to being the weakest link in the store-bought whitening category, it also falls into the "not convenient to apply" category. Things like gel that collects and thickens on some teeth, yet slides off others, is a common problem reported by consumers. But the biggest complaint is, the product doesn't really make that much of a difference in the way your teeth look - and it leaves a disgusting taste in your mouth, as well.
Whitening strips - Some people swear by whitening strips in regards to brightening up their smiles by a several shades. However, it is a bit more pricey than the paint gel - ranging anywhere from $15 to $20 - unless the brand you pick is on sale. And, you have to learn how to correctly apply the proper strip to the appropriate upper or lower set of teeth or you'll end up wasting a few of them. Once you get this down, however, you're home free after approximately 10 to 15 minutes - when the whitening is done, and you can remove them.
Although, "tastier" than the gel paints, the flavor of the strips still aren't great, but the good news is that you can get used to it without feeling too nauseous. Some companies now make flavored strips that do the whitening, then "dissolve" right on the teeth. The only problem with this is, the product tends to melt completely off on some teeth, and gunk up on others - just like the aforementioned paint-on tooth gel. But the important thing is, if you follow the directions for using them, you WILL start to notice your teeth getting whiter in no time!
Mother Nature's secrets - And, there are even some natural ways to whiten your teeth - ways that cheap and easily found at your local grocery store! You mix baking soda with salt - then dip your toothbrush in a bit of hydrogen peroxide, and use it like a toothpaste. After awhile, your teeth will start to get whiter - thanks to the hydrogen peroxide. However, be careful not to brush too hard as baking soda is a bit on the abrasive side, and can harm your enamel.
And there's even a aromatic way to spit shine those pearly's - just rub each tooth down with the inside of an orange peel. This is said to work amazingly fast, however, you can damage your teeth if you're not careful - as citrus contains acids that wear the enamel down. So, if you are going to use this system, make sure after you "rub", you "rinse" really well.
So now you know some cheap ways to get around high teeth whitening costs. Try several of the suggestions, until you've found the one that works best for you. And, if none of these do the trick, just get online and search around until you find one that does!
Over-the-counter whiteners - There are many teeth whitening agents you can get at your local retail pharmacy - and if you were to buy all of them at once, the cost wouldn't equal half of what you'd by paying to have your dentist do it. In fact, the cheapest product - the paint-on gel - is definitely priced under $10. And, as we have all experienced before - sometimes cheaper isn't always better.
In addition to being the weakest link in the store-bought whitening category, it also falls into the "not convenient to apply" category. Things like gel that collects and thickens on some teeth, yet slides off others, is a common problem reported by consumers. But the biggest complaint is, the product doesn't really make that much of a difference in the way your teeth look - and it leaves a disgusting taste in your mouth, as well.
Whitening strips - Some people swear by whitening strips in regards to brightening up their smiles by a several shades. However, it is a bit more pricey than the paint gel - ranging anywhere from $15 to $20 - unless the brand you pick is on sale. And, you have to learn how to correctly apply the proper strip to the appropriate upper or lower set of teeth or you'll end up wasting a few of them. Once you get this down, however, you're home free after approximately 10 to 15 minutes - when the whitening is done, and you can remove them.
Although, "tastier" than the gel paints, the flavor of the strips still aren't great, but the good news is that you can get used to it without feeling too nauseous. Some companies now make flavored strips that do the whitening, then "dissolve" right on the teeth. The only problem with this is, the product tends to melt completely off on some teeth, and gunk up on others - just like the aforementioned paint-on tooth gel. But the important thing is, if you follow the directions for using them, you WILL start to notice your teeth getting whiter in no time!
Mother Nature's secrets - And, there are even some natural ways to whiten your teeth - ways that cheap and easily found at your local grocery store! You mix baking soda with salt - then dip your toothbrush in a bit of hydrogen peroxide, and use it like a toothpaste. After awhile, your teeth will start to get whiter - thanks to the hydrogen peroxide. However, be careful not to brush too hard as baking soda is a bit on the abrasive side, and can harm your enamel.
And there's even a aromatic way to spit shine those pearly's - just rub each tooth down with the inside of an orange peel. This is said to work amazingly fast, however, you can damage your teeth if you're not careful - as citrus contains acids that wear the enamel down. So, if you are going to use this system, make sure after you "rub", you "rinse" really well.
So now you know some cheap ways to get around high teeth whitening costs. Try several of the suggestions, until you've found the one that works best for you. And, if none of these do the trick, just get online and search around until you find one that does!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Natural Teeth Whitening
Though numerous teeth whitening products are readily available at local grocery and convenient stores, these harsh chemically based products can harm sensitive teeth, and all of the effective commercial products cost far more than is reasonable. With the proper home remedy, quality natural teeth whitening can be achieved at a much lower cost than professional whitening or expensive over the counter products.
Natural Teeth Whitening Methods:
Lemon Juice
Brushing the teeth with lemon juice is one of the most common home remedies used to whiten teeth; however, this citrus can be damaging, and it is a largely ineffective whitener. The citric acid in the fruit serves to break down tooth enamel, which protects the teeth from harmful bacteria, and strip away calcium that keeps the teeth hard and unmalleable.
Strawberries
Nearly as popular as the lemon juice remedy, brushing with strawberries is achieved by mashing the fruits into a paste and then brushing the teeth with it. Much like the lemon juice though, the citrus acid in the fruits can serve to break down enamel and strip away calcium; but with this fruit, the citrus is less concentrated than in the lemon, it is less harmful, and it is far more effective. If using strawberries as a natural teeth whitener, be sure to rinse out the mouth afterwards to remove residual acids.
Wood Ash
This natural whitener contains potassium hydroxide, which acts as a bleach upon the teeth. Wood ash is an effective home remedy, but the unappealing flavor of the burnt wood is enough reason to avoid this when there are equally effective home remedies that do not have the unfortunate attribute of terrible taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda as a home remedy is arguably the most effective whitener without the multiple negative aspects that others afford; this natural whitener not only removes stains, but also kills bacteria and removes the harmful acids that can cause tooth decay. In addition to these multiple advantages, baking soda is easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive.
Conclusion
Among the plethora of natural teeth whitening products, baking soda is clearly the most effective and the least damaging; however, if baking soda is for some reason unobtainable, which is unlikely due to its widespread availability, brushing with a strawberry paste or wood ash would be a decent substitute.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. The information found in this article is provided "AS IS", and all warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed by the author.
Natural Teeth Whitening Methods:
Lemon Juice
Brushing the teeth with lemon juice is one of the most common home remedies used to whiten teeth; however, this citrus can be damaging, and it is a largely ineffective whitener. The citric acid in the fruit serves to break down tooth enamel, which protects the teeth from harmful bacteria, and strip away calcium that keeps the teeth hard and unmalleable.
Strawberries
Nearly as popular as the lemon juice remedy, brushing with strawberries is achieved by mashing the fruits into a paste and then brushing the teeth with it. Much like the lemon juice though, the citrus acid in the fruits can serve to break down enamel and strip away calcium; but with this fruit, the citrus is less concentrated than in the lemon, it is less harmful, and it is far more effective. If using strawberries as a natural teeth whitener, be sure to rinse out the mouth afterwards to remove residual acids.
Wood Ash
This natural whitener contains potassium hydroxide, which acts as a bleach upon the teeth. Wood ash is an effective home remedy, but the unappealing flavor of the burnt wood is enough reason to avoid this when there are equally effective home remedies that do not have the unfortunate attribute of terrible taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda as a home remedy is arguably the most effective whitener without the multiple negative aspects that others afford; this natural whitener not only removes stains, but also kills bacteria and removes the harmful acids that can cause tooth decay. In addition to these multiple advantages, baking soda is easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive.
Conclusion
Among the plethora of natural teeth whitening products, baking soda is clearly the most effective and the least damaging; however, if baking soda is for some reason unobtainable, which is unlikely due to its widespread availability, brushing with a strawberry paste or wood ash would be a decent substitute.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. The information found in this article is provided "AS IS", and all warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed by the author.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but is something that most people have to deal with at one time or other. It can be annoying to both the person with the offensive breath and to those around them. What causes bad breath? It can be caused by food, poor oral hygiene, tobacco, and medical conditions.
Foods with strong odors can cause bad breath. The worst offenders are onions, garlic and peppers. Bad breath can also be caused by acidic foods such as soda and orange juice. Dairy products can create bad breath due to the bacterial cultures in them. The bacteria will cause a reaction in the mouth that can cause bad breath. Coffee drinkers often have bad breath due to a lingering of the coffee odor. Drinking alcohol also causes a lingering odor that can be offensive.
Poor oral hygiene will also cause bad breath. When teeth aren’t brushed and flossed daily food particles can remain trapped in the mouth. These particles will rot and promote growth of bacteria which will in turn cause mouth odor. Plaque buildup also promotes bacterial growth and in turn bad breath. Having tooth decay or cavities also causes mouth odor.
Smoking or chewing tobacco also causes bad breath. In addition to the smell itself, chewing tobacco can cause acidity in the stomach which in turn can create more bad breath. Cigarette or pipe smoke will reduce the oxygen level in the mouth and provide a fertile environment for bacteria to grow.
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath. The most common are illnesses having to do with the respiratory system such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. When the sinuses drain into the back of the throat, a nasty odor can come from the mouth. Also the coughing up of sputum can cause the breath to smell bad.
Other medical conditions will cause mouth odor. These include diabetes, acid reflux, liver problems, kidney problems, and some cancers. Unhealthy dieting can cause ketoacidosis which in turn causes bad breath.
Knowing what causes bad breath can help people avoid it. Staying away from foods that cause mouth odor, maintaining good oral hygiene and not using tobacco are great ways to avoid foul breath.
Sources: Whiten teeth
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. The information found in this article is provided "AS IS", and all warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed by the author.
Foods with strong odors can cause bad breath. The worst offenders are onions, garlic and peppers. Bad breath can also be caused by acidic foods such as soda and orange juice. Dairy products can create bad breath due to the bacterial cultures in them. The bacteria will cause a reaction in the mouth that can cause bad breath. Coffee drinkers often have bad breath due to a lingering of the coffee odor. Drinking alcohol also causes a lingering odor that can be offensive.
Poor oral hygiene will also cause bad breath. When teeth aren’t brushed and flossed daily food particles can remain trapped in the mouth. These particles will rot and promote growth of bacteria which will in turn cause mouth odor. Plaque buildup also promotes bacterial growth and in turn bad breath. Having tooth decay or cavities also causes mouth odor.
Smoking or chewing tobacco also causes bad breath. In addition to the smell itself, chewing tobacco can cause acidity in the stomach which in turn can create more bad breath. Cigarette or pipe smoke will reduce the oxygen level in the mouth and provide a fertile environment for bacteria to grow.
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath. The most common are illnesses having to do with the respiratory system such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. When the sinuses drain into the back of the throat, a nasty odor can come from the mouth. Also the coughing up of sputum can cause the breath to smell bad.
Other medical conditions will cause mouth odor. These include diabetes, acid reflux, liver problems, kidney problems, and some cancers. Unhealthy dieting can cause ketoacidosis which in turn causes bad breath.
Knowing what causes bad breath can help people avoid it. Staying away from foods that cause mouth odor, maintaining good oral hygiene and not using tobacco are great ways to avoid foul breath.
Sources: Whiten teeth
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. The information found in this article is provided "AS IS", and all warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed by the author.
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