Oral Care Advice

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a very serious condition that can affect your overall health, and can destroy the health of your teeth. Read on to find out how you can easily prevent gum disease for yourself and your family, and how you can notice the signs quickly.

Gum disease can develop if your mouth is not cleaned properly, or if you don’t clean your mouth as often as you should. So, after each meal (or snack), you should make sure that you brush your teeth and/or rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. You should also make sure that you are flossing once or twice a day-although too much flossing may cause the gums to bleed. Bleeding however, could be a sign of gum disease, so if you are experiencing bleeding after flossing, then simply brush less vigorously gently and consult your dentist as soon as you can to see if you have and gum infection and to get more information on treatment.

Other symptoms of gum disease can include pain or sensitivity in the gums or teeth when you’re eating, and you may notice that your teeth do not fit in your mouth the same way, especially when you are chewing your food. Sharp pain, particularly when you eat or drink hot or very cold food and drinks is often caused by the exposure of a nerve due to tooth decay or shrinking gums. This can be as a result of gum disease and needs to be checked by your dentist.

Puss around the gums, or gums that are extremely swollen are also signs of periodontal disease, so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist or doctor immediately, so that you can discuss treatment options – some of which do not require surgery.

There are several treatments that you can take advantage of in order to get rid of gum infections, and many of them do not require surgery. You can get your gums and teeth thoroughly cleaned at the dentist’s office if you are in the early stages of periodontal disease, and you may be given a regimen to follow that includes flossing or brushing with gentler utensils in order to heal your gums.

You can also talk to your dentist about soft tissue grafts, a procedure that uses soft tissue from other parts of the mouth to restore the parts of the gum that have been damaged. You can also undergo crown lengthening, which elongates the crown and makes the teeth look longer. Many times, people with short crowns experience gum disease because there is unusual gum space in the mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to multiply in the mouth.

All people from time to time experience bad breath, including the embarrassment that goes along with it. What causes bad breath? There are many factors, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, gum problems, and tooth decay.

More than 60 percent of Americans have halitosis and over 35 million are afflicted with chronic halitosis. However, not all of bad breath is systemic in origin; some of it is caused by how fastidious a person can be when it comes to oral hygiene. Do not make the mistake of believing in the claims that over-the-counter products can cure bad breath; more often than not, these products just mask the unpleasant odor and fail to treat the root of the problem.

The bacteria often found in the mouth congregate towards the back of the tongue and are one of the culprits for halitosis. Anaerobic bacteria eat food debris and excrete Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC). VSC smell like hydrogen sulfide, which resemble rotten eggs in odor. Bad breath odor may also be caused by some foods after they have been digested and the bad odor comes from the lungs.

Here are some of the simple treatments for bad breath:

Daily brushing is required. How you brush your teeth is also vital and many people do not know that there is a correct brushing method that will eliminate food particles wedged between the teeth. Brushing every day can eliminate much of bad breath. Undergoing regular dental cleanings also reduce the number of bacteria residing in your mouth. The white substance often found on the back of the tongue can be removed with a tongue cleaner. Proper diet is also essential in preventing halitosis.

Saliva is endowed with antibiotic elements that combat bacteria in the mouth. When the mouth becomes dry, saliva production is reduced and bad breath increases. If you chew gum to stimulate production of saliva, this would help in reducing the bad odor emanating from your mouth. Another way to increase saliva production is to drink at least eight fluid ounces of water everyday. Aside from fighting bad breath, water is also good for the health.

If you’re in a meeting or in a public place and unable to brush your teeth after eating, a remedy would be to drink water and then swish it around the mouth to loosen the particles and then spit it out.

Again chewing to stimulate saliva product is crucial and snacking on fresh vegetables instead of chips, candy, and cookies can help to prevent plaque formation.

Vitamin C is food for health and deficiency in Vitamin C may be a causal factor of halitosis. Smoking destroys Vitamin C and contributes to bad breath.

You can also employ baking soda for brushing your teeth. The characteristics of baking soda are helpful in destroying odors. Hence, baking soda is placed in refrigerators and is sprinkled on carpets before they are vacuumed. There are many brands of toothpaste available that have baking soda and are not as bad as having to plunge your toothbrush in the baking soda box.

Then there is the water pik. A water pik helps to dislodge the food particles wedged between the teeth and is therefore beneficial in combating bad breath. You can buy a water pick that has batteries so that it is portable.

When buying mouthwash, try to look for one that has zinc chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride. A mouthwash that does not have these ingredients will only hide the odor for a limited time. It will not provide long-lasting results; bad breath will just come back. You can also consider using hydrogen peroxide. It works great as a mouthwash since it releases oxygen, which the anaerobic bacteria in our mouths cannot tolerate.

When it comes to good oral care, nothing beats the toothbrush and a good flossing. These marvels of modern society come in a variety of colors. There’s also the electric speed toothbrush to the latest sonic toothbrushes. They range in price from the 3 dollar simple toothbrush to about 100 dollar sonic type brush.

Personally, I think the best toothbrush for the job is the one you’re most comfortable with using. Low cost electric toothbrushes are fast and can help kids do a good job brushing. The newer sonic type brushes work even better however. I use a manual type brush while my wife prefers the ultra modern sonic brush. She has problems with adult plaque build up regardless of how often or how much she brushed with a regular toothbrush. The new sonic brush seems to break up the plaque and she says leaves her teeth feeling clean and smooth.

As for flossing, I prefer the waxed stuff and get the lowest priced floss at the store. I do NOT however use plain brand but like the consistency of the major brands like Johnson and Johnson, Oral-B and the like.

For kids and those just finding the joys of flossing, choose one that’s designed to be fray resistant. These have a little more coating that makes them mush easier to use. There are also floss tools, flat or round profile, textured, flavored floss and flossing holders to make the job easier. The point here is to do it and on a regular basis. I like it so much that I actually floss daily! Go figure ?

It’s the best thing you can do to keep your dental costs down and give you a clean and health mouth.

Brushing and flossing prevents tooth decay by keeping the damaging bacterial off your teeth. Brushing and flossing also prevent gum disease, which is a primary cause of tooth decay, lost teeth and teeth pain.

Healthy teeth make dental appointments shorter because there is less that needs to be done. You save money by practicing good dental hygiene. Here is a case where prevention can help avoid costly and complicated dental procedures.

The first line of defense in preventing dental disease is regular brushing and flossing. Serious tooth problems can be prevented or limited simply by keeping your teeth cleaned regularly. Brushing and flossing can also help prevent bad breath by ridding your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath. So now you see that dental cleaning is not only a good practice but can save big money when visiting the dentist. Good teeth care helps contribute to your overall good health and feelings.

Baby teeth are the primary teeth that appear within your child’s mouth from around the age of six months old.

Although only a temporary factor in the long term composition of your baby’s mouth, they are never the less, an important stage in the growth of the child and as such, proper oral hygiene should be maintained from the moment they appear. Not only will this serve to keep the child’s mouth healthy from the off set, and therefore minimise any risk of problems to the gums later on, it also allows the child to learn from the youngest age, the importance and regularity with which oral hygiene should be approached.

It is important for the parent to be aware of the importance of their child’s primary teeth and to appreciate the consequences of not implementing rigorous hygiene from the very beginning.

Baby teeth are not immune to tooth decay and in spite of their temporary nature, they are of fundamental importance in the health and development of the surrounding gum and permanent teeth.

At age six most children have ample dexterity to start developing responsibility for his or her own oral hygiene, nonetheless, parents should check behind their child’s effort.

At age six, generally baby teeth start to be lost and replaced by erupting adult teeth.  The exfoliation of baby teeth progresses throughout the life of a child until about age 13 when usually all of the baby teeth have been lost and replaced by adult teeth. 

Baby teeth serve many important functions for a developing child:  chewing function and efficiency, appearance and self esteem, speech, enunciation and language development, and they hold a space in the mouth for the subsequent eruption of eventual adult teeth. 

Primary teeth essentially allow the adult teeth to find their way through the gum in the correct fashion, and as such, act as a guide for the final development of the mouth. For this reason, the importance of the care and upkeep of baby teeth should not be overlooked.

Here at our dental practice in Sacramento, we pride ourselves on looking after you and your whole family with the utmost care and attention to detail. It is because we want to see you go through life, free from the trauma of dental problems, from childhood through to your later years that we will always provide you with the necessary help and advice needed for your optimum dental health.

Is it really important to brush your teeth after every meal? “Ideally, we would all brush out teeth after every meal. If you can’t brush after a meal, try chewing sugarless gum, to clean off the teeth.”

How often should I bleach? “It is best not to bleach your teeth more often than once a week. If you become aware of an increase in sensitivity, stop bleaching until all sensitivity has gone away. Also, if you notice that your teeth begin to look chalky white, it may mean they have been dehydrated due to too much bleaching.”

Is smoking bad for gums? “Gum disease is characterized by inflamed gums that recede from the teeth and often leads to tooth loss. And it has been proven that smokers are six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. Some researchers in England, observed a group of smokers with gum disease and found that the some of their symptoms improved in the ones who quit smoking during the study.”

Why is flossing important? “Brushing alone does not remove all plaque from your teeth and plaque can lead to tooth decay. Flossing removes the plaque in between the teeth where a toothbrush doe not reach and it also helps to remove food that is caught between the teeth. Flossing can help to control bad breath, also.”

Should I brush or floss first? “It is not important whether you floss first or brush first. Do whichever seems most logical to you. But do floss at least once a day for two to three minutes, to be most effective.”

What makes teeth sensitive, even if no decay exists? “Sometimes the top layer of a tooth, the enamel, has been lost or lessened. This being the protective layer of the teeth, if it is missing it allows heat, cold, acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing hypersensitivity and some discomfort. Also, receding gums can be the cause of sensitivity.”

What causes bad breath? “The most common cause of halitosis is bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria (those living and growing in the absence of free oxygen) feed on leftovers and dead cells. The harmful microorganisms attack teeth and gums, producing a typical foul smell Regular dental care will help with bad breath.”

Is an electric toothbrush more effective? “An electric toothbrush may help those who have difficulty brushing their teeth, but it has not proven to clean better than a regular toothbrush. And, remember, to replace your toothbrush every two to three months, as well as after colds, to keep it in top shape.”

If I brush my teeth three times a day, do I still need to have my teeth cleaned?

“Yes, this is usually the case. Periodontal treatment deals with the health and care of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Bacteria inflaming the tissue housing the roots of the tooth are known as periodontal disease. Treatment is in the form of regular dental cleaning and, in less healthy instances, full tooth scaling (scraping bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth). State of the art ultrasonic scaling equipment is more thorough and less invasive than scraping; however it is not as comfortable a procedure for those patients with sensitivity issues. Although scraping is often not needed if regular teeth cleaning has been done.”

How often should I have my teeth checked? “It is best to see your dentist every six months for cleaning and a checkup. The teeth are so related to you physical condition and well-being, I suggest a very vigilante attitude toward dental health.”

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

Dental hygiene is a must for everyone, especially children. Keeping your child’s teeth clean by brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to protect them from damage and decay. It can be difficult for parents to get children to do what they need to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. With proper care and cleaning, not only will their teeth look great, but they will also be healthy. Otherwise, they could face a variety of health concerns including tooth aches, the loss of their teeth and in the case of a very bad infection, it could become fatal.

Everyone has the same rules when it comes to caring for their teeth. Dental hygiene includes having a dentist clean your teeth at least two times per year. Daily brushing and flossing is a must as this helps to remove bacteria as well as plaque from the surface of the teeth. If allowed to remain there, that plaque can build up and cause tooth decay, gum disease or many other unhealthy conditions. Dentists can demonstrate proper teeth cleaning procedures to your child and you can reinforce them by brushing your teeth with them.

Because our teeth are so important to our well being, it is incredibly important that we take into consideration how well they are cared for. Providing your teeth with good care means getting to the dentist and caring for them on a daily basis. Together, you and your child can be sure that your teeth remain as healthy as possible. Dental hygiene needs to be foremost on your mind, right alongside caring for your health.

An abscess is a collection of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria (germs). The usual cause of an abscess is an infection with bacteria. A dental abscess is an infection in the centre of a tooth which spreads through the tooth to infect supporting bone and other nearby tissues. Dental abscess is common. It may develop as a complication of tooth decay (caries), or from an infection in the gums.

Bacteria from a cavity can extend into the gums, the cheek, the throat, beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. A dental abscess can become very painful when tissues become inflamed.

A dentoalveolar abscess is an acute lesion characterized by localization of pus in the structures that surround the teeth. Most patients are treated easily with analgesia, antibiotics, drainage, and/or referral to a dentist or oral-maxillofacial surgeon. However, the physician should be aware of potential complications of simple dentoalveolar abscess.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

Pain is gnawing and continuous. The involved tooth is painful when percussed (tapped), and often the teeth cannot close without added discomfort. Hot foods may increase the pain.

Symptoms of a dental abscess typically include pain, swelling, and redness of the mouth and face. With an advanced infection, you can suffer nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea.

If the root of the tooth dies as a result of infection, the toothache may stop. However, this doesn’t mean the infection has healed; the infection remains active and continues to spread and destroy tissue. Therefore, if you experience any of the above listed symptoms, it is important to see a dentist even if the pain subsides.

Severe throbbing pain in a tooth is the hallmark of dental abscess. Chewing or eating hot or cold foods may severely increase the pain. The surrounding gum may appear inflamed. Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck may develop and fever may occur. If the abscess ruptures through the gum, a small quantity of pus may drain. It usually has a foul taste and rancid smell.

Causes of Dental Abscess

The cause of these infections is direct growth of the bacteria from an existing cavity into the soft tissues and bones of the face and neck.

Infection results in a collection of pus (dead tissue, live and dead bacteria, white blood cells) and swelling of the tissues within the tooth. This causes a painful toothache. If the root of the tooth dies, the toothache may stop, unless an abscess develops. This is especially true if the infection remains active and continues to spread and destroy tissue.

chronic abscess may be painless, with the patient completely unaware of its presence even as it continues to grow inside the jawbone. Or the area of infection may be walled off by a fibrous sac, forming a granuloma, which contains non-infectious (sterile) tissue but not pus.

Dental abscesses often get their start when bacteria invade a decayed tooth; the decay may then travel to the gums or jawbone. Decay can also begin in the mouth when teeth are not brushed or flossed properly.

A tooth abscess is a complication of tooth decay . It may also result from trauma to the tooth, such as when a tooth is broken or chipped. Openings in the tooth enamel allow bacteria to infect the center of the tooth (the pulp). Infection may spread out from the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.

There is much that you can and should do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Tooth decay is the result of a build up of plaque on the surface of the teeth. Plaque comprises a coating of saliva that hosts bacteria. The bacteria in turn create an acid that causes the enamel to decay. The plaque is also responsible for the two common gum diseases, gingivitis and periodontitis. However, proper dental hygiene can prevent the formation of plaque.

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth ideally after every time you eat but a minimum of twice a day, morning and night. You should use a soft-bristle brush and replace it every three to four months. You should also choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. And you need to floss every time you brush. Follow the brushing and flossing with a mouthwash. If you use a fluoride mouthwash it can help prevent tooth decay. An antiseptic mouthwash will kill some bacteria. You also need to schedule a visit to the dentist every six months for professional cleaning and a routine examination.

Everyone should be aware of some common dental problems and be on the lookout for their symptoms. A common gum disease is gingivitis. It is an inflammation of the gums and is primarily caused by a build up of plaque on the surfaces of the teeth. Gingivitis, if left untreated, leads to periodontitis. Periodontitis destroys the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. In its early stages gingivitis exhibits no symptoms. But as it advances, the gums become swollen, painful and bleed. Plus halitosis (bad breath) is also present. Periodontitis has all the symptoms of gingivitis but teeth may also be loose and abscesses may form in the pockets between the gums and a tooth.

Gingivitis can be treated by scaling, a process in which the build-up of plaque and tartar is removed from each tooth. Periodontitis is not as easy to treat however. Scaling and planing are done to remove the calcified deposits from the roots of the teeth. But if deep pockets have formed, the dentist may not be able to clean as deeply as required and surgery may be needed. The surgery involves cutting the gum to expose the roots and bone. The root is then cleaned and sometimes the bone is reshaped. Then the gum is sewn back up,

A dental abscess is another problem that involves a pouch of infected tissue either between the teeth and gums or at the root of a tooth. If the abscess is between the teeth and gums it is called a periodontal abscess. If it is located at the root of the tooth it is called a tooth abscess. Dental abscesses are exceedingly painful and since an infection is involved you may have a fever. Dental abscesses are treated by cleaning out the infected pockets. However, you may need to take antibiotics for the infection prior to any dental procedures. A root canal may be needed in the case of a tooth abscess. And sometimes a tooth may need to be extracted.

lternative to Mouthwash

Instead of using mouthwash to cure bad breath, Manuka Honey could be a much better option.  Mouthwash contains alcohol which not only kills the germs that cause bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay, but it also kills all of the good bacteria that should be present in the mouth.  Instead, try putting a teaspoon of Manuka Honey in your mouth and swooshing it around for about 30 seconds.  The Manuka Honey will immediately begin to dissolve in your mouth and liquefy.  Its natural antibacterial properties will destroy all harmful bacteria and leave the good bacteria.  In addition to causing bad breath, cavities and gum disease, this harmful bacteria in your mouth has also been linked to heart disease.  Using Manuka Honey for oral care is an excellent daily practice.

Lice and Dandruff

Manuka Honey has also been known to successfully treat dandruff and lice.  Try mixing a tablespoon of Manuka Honey with your shampoo and/or conditioner each time you shower. In addition to being effective in treating dandruff and lice, Manuka Honey will also make your hair look and feel healthier. 

Naturally Moist Lips

Take your favorite lip balm and cut off a pea-size amount.  Then smear in a small amount of Manuka Honey and apply a thin layer to your lips.  Mixing it with your lip balm will take the sticky mess out of applying pure Manuka Honey to your lips.  The Manuka Honey will lock in the moisture, eliminating dry cracks and softening your lips.

Facial Mask

Cook 1/2 cup of oatmeal and let it sit until it’s cool.  If you’re impatient, you can try putting it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.  Then mix in about 2 heaping tablespoons of Manuka Honey.  Wash your face to get any impurities off.  Using your fingers, smear the oatmeal/honey mixture on your face.  Leave on and lie on your back for about 30 minutes to ensure the mixture doesn’t fall off your face.  Then wash your face again and you’ll find your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Sinus Infections

Since Manuka Honey contains powerful antibacterial properties, it only makes sense that it could be used to combat the bacteria that cause sinus infections.  Take a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and mix it with salt water or saline solution.  Then put it in a nasal spray or pump and squirt it into your nostrils.  If you can’t get your hands on a nasal sprayer, mix a heaping tablespoon of Manuka Honey in a cup with salt water and suck it up in your nose.  It won’t be fun but it will help your sinus infection.

Cracked Heals

If the heals of your feet are severely dry and cracked, it could make walking or standing uncomfortable or even painful.  However, combining Manuka Honey and olive oil and applying a thin layer of the mixture to your heals is a quick home remedy.  Do this at night before you go to bed and let it soak into your skin over night while you sleep.  Repeat this for a week or as necessary.

Manuka Honey has many other uses both internally and topically on the skin.  For more information or to buy Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Along with brushing your teeth, you should also be flossing on a daily basis.  Flossing will remove plaque and debris in areas that your toothbrush isn’t able to reach.  A buildup of plaque can lead to gum disease or tooth decay, which is why flossing is very important.  If you floss immediately after brushing, you’ll notice that your gums and teeth will be much healthier.

When you look at dental floss, you’ll notice there are two types – nylon and single filament.  You can get nylon either waxed or un-waxed, in several different flavors.  Nylon floss is made up of several strands of nylon material, meaning that it can shred, tear, or snag between the teeth if it gets caught on sharp teeth.  Even though the single filament floss is more expensive than nylon, it will slide easily between teeth, even tight areas and spaces.  Unlike nylon, single filament is impossible to shred or tear.

No matter which type of floss you choose, as long you floss regularly, it will remove debris from your teeth and gums.  If you’ve never tried flossing before, you will probably be amazed at just how much debris and food particles it can remove.  Flossing is recommended by dentists everywhere, as it can reach places that even the smallest of toothbrushes can’t.  Food and debris will build up between your teeth, which makes dental flossing very important.

The main problem many people have against flossing is the fact that it can result in bleeding of the gums.  Anytime you floss and get between your teeth and around your gums, the floss will rub against your gums, resulting in bleeding.  Many people take this the wrong way, and immediately stop flossing, usually for good.  Bleeding is very common, and should be expected with flossing.

When you brush your teeth, you miss a lot of food particles and debris that continues to build up in your mouth.  No toothbrush is designed to get every area of your mouth, as all of them miss hard to reach places.  With the areas missed by the toothbrush, the debris and plaque will continue to build up until they eventually result in a cavity or decay.  To get this debris and plaque before it builds up into something more serious, you’ll need to floss.

If you’ve been afraid to try flossing due to the bleeding, you should really get over that fear and floss after you brush.  To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you’ll to brush and floss your teeth.  Regular checkups with your dentist will help as well, although it is up to you to continue your regular maintenance at home with flossing and brushing.  If you floss on a daily basis – you’ll quickly realize just how clean your teeth and gums will be.