Oral Health

Read more about the article Five Oral Hygiene Practices You Might Be Doing Wrong

Five Oral Hygiene Practices You Might Be Doing Wrong

Maintaining oral hygiene and keeping our teeth clean is pretty easy, isn’t it? We all just need to brush twice daily and floss once regularly. If we do this right, then what could possibly go wrong when it comes to properly cleaning your mouth? As it turns out, the answer to this question is, ‘quite a bit.’ If you want to upkeep the health of your teeth and gums then you need to pay attention to the following tips that will lead you in the right direction.

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Read more about the article The Importance of Oral Health of Your Family

The Importance of Oral Health of Your Family

When we talk about health, oral health shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping yours and your family’s oral health well is very important. Dental problems are serious health problems as well and teeth and gum diseases can be a major hindrance in your healthy lifestyle.

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Read more about the article Relationship between Oral Health and General Health

Relationship between Oral Health and General Health

Oral health is essential to general health and well-being at every stage of life. Oral conditions have an impact on overall health and disease. Bacteria from the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body when the immune system has been compromised by disease or medical treatments.

Diabetes
Researchers have found a link a between type 2 diabetes and periodontitis, or gum disease. One reason could be that when infections in your mouth get bad enough, they can lead to low-grade inflammation throughout your body, which in turn lowers your sugar-processing abilities.

Ref: American Diabetes Association, Diabetic Forecast Mar 2016

Heart Disease
As with diabetes, the connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular conditions has been recognized – the two are often found together. Small amounts of bacteria enter your bloodstream while you’re chewing. “Bad” bacteria from an infected mouth may lodge itself inside blood vessels, ultimately causing dangerous blockages.

Ref: American Heart Association: “Dental Health and Heart Health”.

Pregnancy complications
For many pregnant women, gum infections stem from the fluctuating hormone levels that come with pregnancy. Scientists believe that gum disease or inflammation in the mouth possibly triggers an increase in a chemical compound called prostaglandin, which induces early labour. Research has also found a relationship between periodontal disease and low birth weight.

Ref: Saini R, Saini S, Saini S. Periodontitis: A Risk for delivery of premature labor and low birth weight infants; J Nat Sci Biol Med 2010 July-Dec;1(1):40-42.

Pneumonia
A study of elderly participants found that the number who developed pneumonia was higher in patients with periodontal infection than in those free from it. Even in a healthy mouth there are lots of bacteria, but bacteria in a not-healthy mouth can get aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia or aggravating COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. An improvement in oral health can lead to a reduction in respiratory infection.

Ref: J Can Den Assoc 2002; 68(6):340-5

Osteoporosis
Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation. Ref: Dentistryiq.com
Therefore, oral health can no longer be ignored in designing overall national health strategies. It is essential to protect natural teeth from decay and periodontal disease, and focus on early detection and prevention of these conditions.

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Read more about the article Pros and Cons of Mouthwash

Pros and Cons of Mouthwash

Many people use a mouthwash or mouth rinse to freshen their breath and help control tooth decay or plaque. Although most mouthwashes are available over the counter without a prescription, there are still safety concerns when using them. Although many dentists believe that mouthwash is not crucial to your oral health, there are benefits to using it.

Most mouthwashes have basic ingredients, such as water, alcohol, cleaning agents, flavoring, and coloring. There are four types of active ingredients commonly found in a mouth rinse, depending on what their use. Antimicrobials help control bad breath and kill bacteria in the mouth that lead to plaque, gingivitis and halitosis. Fluoride reduces tooth decay and makes your teeth more resistant to decay. Astringent salts are temporary deodorizers to mask bad breath, and odor neutralizers counteract odor-causing compounds.

Pros of using mouthwash

• Fresh breath – It is one of the most obvious benefits of using mouthwash is the minty fresh breath that comes with a swig of it. Many people love the cool, fresh feeling that using mouthwash brings.
• Cut down on cavities – It is absolutely true that rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help reduce cavities. There are countless studies on the benefits of fluoride in reducing demineralization and cavities of the teeth.
• Fight gum disease – With periodontal disease (such as gingivitis), gums and tooth sockets can get inflamed or infected because of plaque from bacteria and food that lingers on teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash, like one with alcohol or chlorhexidine, may help prevent periodontal disease.
• Soothe canker sores – Mouthwash can ease a canker sore by detoxing the area, reducing the amount of bacteria that can irritate the site.

Mouthwash cons

Mouthwash is by no means a cure-all. In fact, mouthwash gets bad marks because it:

• Irritates canker sores – If the alcohol content of your mouth rinse is too high, it may actually end up irritating the canker sore more than helping it.
• Masks bad breath – Mouthwash can lead to fresher breath, but it may be short-lived. If a patient has poor oral hygiene and doesn’t brush effectively, there is no amount of mouthwash that can mask the effects of poor health.
• Linked to oral cancer – The debate over whether alcohol-containing mouthwashes are linked to oral cancer continues – it’s an issue that has been discussed since the 1970s with no definitive answers. As of now, some mouth rinses containing alcohol have been accepted widely, after reviewing their effectiveness and safety.

If you have questions about mouthwash and whether or not you should be using it as part of your teeth cleaning routine, talk to your dentist about the best options for you. Remember, mouthwash is not a substitution for brushing and flossing, but may have specific benefits to your particular needs. Non-alcoholic mouthwash is a healthy addition to any oral health care routine.

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Read more about the article Oral Health Tips for Fighting Gingivitis

Oral Health Tips for Fighting Gingivitis

Those who faithfully brush their teeth each morning and night might feel as though they’re doing enough to achieve a healthy smile. However, even people with good oral care habits may hear from their dentist or dental hygienist that they have signs of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Arming yourself with a better understanding of gingivitis and tools to help fight it can help improve the health of your mouth and make your next dental visit a more positive experience.

How to fight gingivitis:

Gingivitis is a very common early form of gum disease that causes gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth and represents a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect yourself from gingivitis. Try these techniques between dental visits:

  • Rinse, rinse, rinse! Using a mouth rinse is an important part of your overall oral care routine. Look for a rinse that protects against plaque and gingivitis.
  • Give your mouth the time it deserves. Spending a little more time on your oral health is an easy way to help keep your smile in shape. Make sure to spend at least two minutes brushing, which should include 30 seconds of brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night.
  • Get in touch with your toothpaste. Not all toothpastes work the same, so choose one that protects against gingivitis.
  • Check your gums regularly. Look for the warning signs of gingivitis and report them to your dentist right away.
  • See your dentist for regular dental exams, and schedule a professional cleaning to remove stains and built-up tartar.
  • Eat healthy foods for your oral health as well as your overall health. Eating excess sugar is one of the primary causes of dental problems. With the proper nutrients that come from healthy eating and proper oral hygiene, you can fight cavities and gingivitis.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major contributor to dental problems and may cause oral cancer.

Provided you look after them, your teeth and gums should be healthy. Brush twice daily, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly for optimum oral health.

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Read more about the article How Diet Helps Your Smile?

How Diet Helps Your Smile?

We have heard several times that we should stay away from sugar and soda for oral health. We tend to focus on the foods we should avoid rather than the foods we should incorporate into our diet. In fact, some of the foods we should eat to keep our teeth healthy and strong. Specifically, we need a few different vitamins to keep our smile healthy.

Deficiency of vitamin B in your diet leads to canker sores and trouble swallowing. Similarly, without vitamin C you’ll have difficulty fighting off infection. Foods like carrots, peppers, strawberries, and kiwi are all good sources of vitamin C. You’ll also need vitamin D to keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy. To get vitamin D, try dairy products. Furthermore, drinking milk will actually help you fight against tooth decay.

However, there are others foods and drinks you should include in your diet. For instance, if you eat apples you’ll increase your saliva flow, which will keep bad bacteria out of your mouth. Similarly, sugar-free gum, celery, and crisp vegetables can increase saliva flow. Unsweetened tea can also fight off bacteria, though sugar can negate the benefit. Finally, remember to drink enough water. Water will wash bacteria from your mouth and keep your smile clean between brushing. Fish and flaxseed are both rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent inflammation and may help protect against gum disease.

As a general rule, you should:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Be sure you eat sufficient calcium from a variety of sources
• Avoid highly acidic foods, which can erode your enamel
• Avoid sugary foods and sodas
• Avoid sticky foods that cling to your teeth
If you are interested in learning more about how your diet can affect your smile, please feel free to contact Expressions Dental. Our team look forward to hearing from you.

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Read more about the article Connection between Oral and Overall Health

Connection between Oral and Overall Health

Although seeing a dentist is no substitute for a visit to a physician, regular dental checkups can reveal much about your overall health. If a dentist finds a potential health issue, he or she can refer you to a physician for follow-up.

Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum (periodontal) disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart disease than those with healthy gums. Although gum disease seems to be associated with heart disease, more studies are needed. But we do know that regular dental checkups, professional cleanings and good oral hygiene practices can improve oral health and that good oral health contributes to good overall health.

Studies show that people with diabetes are more susceptible to tooth loss and the development of gum (periodontal) disease and other oral health problems. Diabetes can slow the healing process and lower resistance to infections, including oral infections. Maintenance of good oral health through regular dental visits and appropriate treatment of gum problems is critical for people with diabetes.

Dentists also screen for oral cancer and other cancers of the head and neck, including skin cancer, cancer of the jaw bone and thyroid cancer, during routine checkups. Survival rates greatly increase if oral cancer is discovered earlier and treated. During your dental visit, you can ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening. Also, periodic self-examinations can increase your chances of detecting oral cancer, so be sure to examine your face, cheeks, jaw and neck regularly for any changes or lumps.

Several studies have shown an association between periodontal disease and an adverse outcomes in pregnancy such as premature deliveries, fetal growth restrictions, and other complications.

The oral cavity may serve as a source for early detection for other medical concerns. For example, lesions in the mouth may be the first indication of HIV infection and may be used to determine the staging and progression of AIDS.

Visiting a dentist regularly can help you maintain your oral health. A dentist’s exam may detect poor nutrition and hygiene and oral cancer, as well as provide clues to your overall health and well-being. Also, brush and floss every day.

It is important for you and your family to provide your dentist with complete medical and dental histories and to inform your dentist of any recent health developments, including the use of over-the-counter medications and diet supplements, even if they seem unrelated to oral health. Why? Because some health conditions can even affect how dental care is provided.

References:

  • Stewart R, West M. Increasing Evidence for an Association between Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation 2016.
  • Luo H, Pan W, Sloan F, Feinglos M, Wu B. Forty-Year trends in Tooth Loss Among American Adults with and without Diabetes Mellitus: An Age-Period Cohort Analysis. Prev Chronic Dis 2015;12:150309
  • Paquette D. Periodontal Disease and the Risk for Adverse pregnancy outcomes. Grand Rounds in Oral-Sys Med 2006; 4:14-24.
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Read more about the article Bad Habits That Destroy Smile

Bad Habits That Destroy Smile

Maintenance of your teeth is a lifelong process. And if you add some bad habits into this equation, it can make the whole process even more difficult. You should eliminate the following habits from your life if you want to maintain a healthy smile.

  • Consumption of soda – Too much consumption of soda leaves a constant coating of sugar and acids on your teeth throughout the day. This then slowly build up over time and starts eating away at your teeth. Regardless of whether it is regular or diet soda, it is best to stay away from these fizzy drinks if you want to prevent cavities.
  • Chewing ice – Chewing ice is considered to be one of the biggest causes of chipped or cracked teeth in people.
  • Teeth grinding – Teeth grinding will eventually wear down your teeth. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth at night, try putting on a mouth guard and then going to sleep.
  • Hard candy – These sugary substances tend to coat your teeth. It then combines with the plaque to form an acid which then slowly eats away your teeth.
  • Not flossing – Not flossing your teeth is also considered to be a bad oral habit. Daily flossing helps to clear the plaque in between your teeth which can then prevent gum diseases.
  • Sports drinks – Sports drinks tend to have as much sugar as sodas. So even if the advertising says they are healthy, they are actually not. So just like sodas, try to limit your consumption of sports drinks.
  • Opening things with your teeth – If you open things like bottle caps with your teeth, they will eventually lead to your teeth being chipped or cracked.
  • Brushing too soon after eating – Brushing your teeth too soon after eating or drinking beverages such as soda or wine, can cause damage, because you are essentially rubbing softened enamel away. Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic beverages and then brush after 30 minutes.
  • Failure to replace toothbrush in time – Older toothbrushes lose the majority of their effectiveness, and tend to harbor infectious bacterial growth over time. It’s recommended that toothbrushes be replaced at every 3 months. It’s also important to dispose and replace your toothbrush after any sickness or cold.
  • Use of hard-bristled toothbrush – A stiff or hard-bristled toothbrush may cause damage to your gums, especially when paired with aggressive brushing habits.

Get in touch with a dental hygienist to know more about dental care.

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