Keeping your teeth healthy is not always has easy as brushing and flossing. While most of us know that drinking sugary energy and sports drinks will cause tooth decay, there is another pitfall we must avoid. Recent studies have shown that the acid in these drinks pose a serious threat to dental health.
Most energy drinks are loaded with citric acid. This substance increases shelf life and makes energy drinks more flavorful. Citric acid also removes the enamel from our teeth. Energy drinks are often consumed by teenagers and dentists worry they will suffer damaging effects to their teeth over the long term. In addition, the amount of citric acid in each drink does not have to be on the product label.
Once enamel is worn away, there is no way to replace it. When enamel is no longer there, teeth are more likely to develop cavities. The result could be long term dental problems requiring extensive treatment.
If you or your family drink energy and sports drinks, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage. Limiting the amount of these drinks is the first step to reducing damage. If you do drink them, always use a straw so the acid does not come into contact with teeth. Finally, brush your teeth as soon as possible to remove acid. If you cannot brush, at least rinse your mouth with water to remove as much acid as possible.
Knowledge is key to keeping your mouth healthy. Taking the time to take care of your teeth may save you from extensive dental work as you age.
New research has uncovered the fact that those who have poor oral hygiene are at an increased risk of cancer and premature death. The study used healthy adults to prove the importance of oral health. The conclusion was, those who have a buildup of plaque on their teeth, have a 79 percent greater risk of premature death. The study took place at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and the results were eye-opening to the dental community. Dental cleanings remove plaque, tarter, and other toxins from the mouth. Those who avoid these cleanings may be at risk.
The Dangerous Build U of Bio-Film
Plaque builds up on the teeth and creates a bio-film. This bio-film is a mixture of toxins and enzymes that solidify on the tooth's surface. These toxins get down into the gingival crevices and then enter the bloodstream. Toxins in the blood increase the risk of infections and cancer. The study began in 1985. The university selected adults between the ages of 30-40 for their research. There were 1,390 participants. These adults were healthy and had no signs of periodontitis. These individuals were followed as their oral health progressed until 2009. At various intervals, their dental plaque measurements were taken and notated.
The Study Shows Males Are At A Greater Risk
Shockingly, the 24-year study ended with 58 patients dying. Of the 58 deaths, 35 were due to malignancies. The remaining individuals did a final follow up to record their plaque levels. It was discovered that their dental plaque index was significantly less in those that remained than those who had passed. In this study, the male gender seemed to be at a greater risk. In fact, the male to female ratio was more than double. Males who have a greater plaque buildup are at a great risk. Continue reading →
Brushing and flossing are two of the most important parts of your ongoing oral care. Unfortunately, you may be doing one of these things all wrong. Given that brushing is such a standard part of a person's daily routine, most people simply go through the motions without ever giving their actions much thought. Following are several mistakes that you could be making each time you brush your teeth.
Using A Toothbrush That's Too Large
You shouldn't have to strain to open your mouth wide enough to let your toothbrush in. Your toothbrush should have a nice, comfortable fit and it should be slim enough to angle in towards your back teeth. If your toothbrush is too large, you're probably missing multiple tooth surfaces each and every day. This can allow build-ups of tartar, plaque and harmful bacteria to weaken and erode the teeth.
Using Bristles That Are Too Hard
There's no need to scrub your tooth surfaces with a harsh, hard-bristled brush in order to remove trapped food and other debris. In fact, this technique can make the gums sore and inflamed, which will make you less likely to do a thorough job. Surprisingly, brushing your teeth temporarily softens the enamel, especially if you brush right after an acidic meal. This means that you should always use a slow, gentle and circular motion while brushing with a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush. Continue reading →
Many people use mouthwash as part of their regular dental hygiene care. Others avoid using mouthwash, feeling it is unnecessary or too harsh for the mouth tissues. Mouthwash can be an effective dental aid when used appropriately.
Ask your dentist.
Although it seems logical that most dentists would recommend the use of mouthwash to their patients, there may be some dental practitioners who advise against using it. One reason is because mouthwash may be unnecessary for children, for example, who are just learning to brush and floss, and may misuse mouthwash. Another reason to avoid mouthwash is for patients who have special mouth conditions that mouthwash could irritate. A dentist will let you know if you can safely use mouthwash as part of your dental hygiene program. Continue reading →
If you have been recently diagnosed with an array of dental conditions, it is recommended to obtain a second opinion. It will not only confirm or contradict the opinion of the treating dentist, but it will also give you a peace of mind about the proposed course of treatment. It is especially true if a substantial cost is involved along with any serious existing dental discrepancies you may have such as multiple missing teeth or oral disease.
A second opinion should be sought after if:
• You do not feel comfortable with the treatment plan presented by your dentist
• You do not have good rapport with your dental provider
• Your insurance does not cover the procedures and you will have to pay out-of-pocket
• Serious medical conditions are present and may require the involvement of a specialist
• You have had dental work done, but it is not satisfactory Continue reading →
If you are a man interested in maintaining a healthy sex life, or a woman who wants her man to continue to be sexually vibrant, it's important to take good care of your teeth and in particular, the health of your gums. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Health reveals that researchers have discovered a direct link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence.
Scientists at Turkey's University of Malatya examined a group of 160 men who were between the ages of 30 and 40 years old. Fifty percent of this group was experiencing impotence to some degree. And 53 percent of the men in this group also had gums that were infected or inflamed. Researchers concluded that men who had periodontal disease were almost 4 percent more likely to be experiencing problems keeping an erection during sexual activity than those men whose gums were in a healthy state. Continue reading →
Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans. The CDC estimates that 47.2 percent of adults older than 30 have it in some form and 70.1 percent of adults over the age of 65 have it. This disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, problems with the jaw and numerous other issues that can become lifelong problems.
The most effective way is to begin treating periodontal disease in its earliest stages. This allows progression to not only be halted, but to also be reversed with the right amount of care.
Gingivitis can be considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Learning how to recognize it and what can be done to treat it can be essential to keeping your mouth free of periodontal disease. Your teeth and your whole mouth will thank you when you do. Continue reading →
Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent oral health complications such as cavities, gum disease and decay. Unfortunately, many don’t know how to properly care for their mouth and teeth. Here are some instructions to help you improve your oral hygiene practices.
Choose the Right Products
Brush with a regular fluoride toothpaste to protect tooth enamel. Alternate the fluoride paste with regular whitening toothpaste to keep teeth looking white. Avoid using toothpastes that claim to brighten teeth or provide tartar control, as these products contain harsh chemicals that damage the structure of the teeth.
If you use mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free brand. Alcohol is dehydrating, and many mouthwashes that contain alcohol dry out the mouth and can cause bacteria to accumulate. Continue reading →
We’ve seen too much laser destruction in movies that we end up with fear after even the slightest mention a laser going somewhere near our mouths. However, we usually forget that laser technology is actually highly effective in treating dental problems, that most dentists have been using laser technology as early as 1994.
How Do Lasers Work?
Lasers, an acronym of “light amplification by the stimulation emission of radiation” delivers energy and heat through light. Infrared light is easily absorbed by water. Since gum tissue primarily consists of water, thus it is highly effective in the uses of dentistry. When used for surgical purposes, the laser acts as a tissue vaporizer or cutting instrument. When used for “curing” purposes, it provides heat to strengthen bonds between the teeth and the filling. Continue reading →
Gum disease is a rather lesser known health problem associated with patients who suffer from diabetes. In fact, it is considered as the “sixth complication of diabetes.” It is so common though, that one out of three diabetic patients suffer from it at some point in their life.
Poorly managed diabetes can lead to gum disease, not just in adults but in children, too. The condition causes a restriction of blood flow, weakening the gums and leaving it prone to infection. Aside from that, patients with unmanaged diabetes have higher levels of glucose in their mouth. This turns the mouth into a breeding ground for disease causing bacteria.
How To Tell If You Have Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease as a result of diabetes can manifest itself in many ways. Continue reading →
