A large a mount of Amerians don't own dental insurance in the United States.
Without, one will unable to afford a visit to the dentist.
Dental plan or dental insurance is often the key to obtaining professional dental care.. If you didn't join in a dental plan, whether your employer does not offer it or if you are unemployed, you may want to consider obtaining your own discount dental plan.
Before you can go out and purchase a discount dental plan, there are a number of different factors that you should consider. Where you live is one of those factors. Where you live may have an impact on the dental plan companies in which you are able to do business with. For instance, if you live in or around the San Francisco area, you will want to consider doing business with a San Francisco discount dental company. A San Francisco discount dental company is defined as a company that either operates out of the area or services it. If you are currently unfamiliar with at least one San Francisco discount dental company, you will need to start familiarizing yourself with all of your available options. To learn about dental plan companies in the San Francisco area, you are advised to either pick up your local phone or use to internet to do the research. Whether you use your local phone book or the internet, you should easily be able to obtain the contact information of at least one San Francisco dental plan company.Once you have found a dental plan company that you would like to do business with, you will then have to decide on a San Francisco dental insurance plan. You will find that most companies have a number of different available plans for you to choose from. Sometimes there are so many San Francisco discount dental plans to choose from that you may not know which one is right for you. Before officially choosing a San Francisco dental plan, you are advised to research and examine each plan.If, after examining each San Francisco dental insurance plan that is available, you are still unable to make a decision, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a dental insurance representative. Most dental plan representatives would be more that willing to assist you with understanding which plan is the best one for your needs. However, before that assistance can be offered, you may need to provide your representative with a little bit of background on yourself, your family, or your health. Regardless of which San Francisco dental plan you choose, you can still benefit from having one. All dental plans, no matter how much or how little they cover, should be able to offer you assistance. Instead of having to suffer through another toothache or pay for your own dental work, you are encouraged to at least consider joining in the discount dental plan. If you have never had dental insurance, you may be surprised with just how much money you can save.
More details:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
2008年5月28日星期三
2008年5月27日星期二
Why diabetics should care more about teeth?
We diabetics usually pay the most attation on diet control, but sometimes miss something, the teeth.
In fact, we diabetics have to pay even more attention to our teeth and gums than other people.
We are at greater risk of cavities, gum disease and tooth infections. Not only that, but those infections can cause our blood sugar to rise, so it becomes a vicious cycle.
Here are some mouth problems common in diabetics.
Plaque
Plaque is, of course, a problem for many people, not just diabetics. But it's caused by starches and sugars, and of course we have more than our share of those! So diabetics are highly prone to plaque.
Dry mouth
Sometimes my mouth is so dry in the morning I can hardly speak. I'm sure you know how that feels. But it's more than just inconvenient, it's dangerous to the health of our mouths. You see, saliva washes away many of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth cuts the amount of saliva available for this job, so the result is more cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth sometimes also creates inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth, making eating difficult and unpleasant.
While there are artificial saliva substitutes, which your dentist can tell you about, you can usually stimulate your own saliva by sucking on a sugar-free hard candy. I like no-sugar-added Ricola for this purpose. And of course, drinking water helps.
Fungal infections
Not only do we diabetics have less saliva than we need, but the saliva we do have is high in sugar content, so it's double trouble for us. This can cause a fungal infection called candiasis, commonly known as thrush. It produces sore red or white spots in the mouth. Medication can help though, so ask your dentist.
As a diabetic, you must pay great attention to oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss daily. Examine your gums for signs of problems and always visit your dentist at least twice a year.
To find doctors, you can see here:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
In fact, we diabetics have to pay even more attention to our teeth and gums than other people.
We are at greater risk of cavities, gum disease and tooth infections. Not only that, but those infections can cause our blood sugar to rise, so it becomes a vicious cycle.
Here are some mouth problems common in diabetics.
Plaque
Plaque is, of course, a problem for many people, not just diabetics. But it's caused by starches and sugars, and of course we have more than our share of those! So diabetics are highly prone to plaque.
Dry mouth
Sometimes my mouth is so dry in the morning I can hardly speak. I'm sure you know how that feels. But it's more than just inconvenient, it's dangerous to the health of our mouths. You see, saliva washes away many of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth cuts the amount of saliva available for this job, so the result is more cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth sometimes also creates inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth, making eating difficult and unpleasant.
While there are artificial saliva substitutes, which your dentist can tell you about, you can usually stimulate your own saliva by sucking on a sugar-free hard candy. I like no-sugar-added Ricola for this purpose. And of course, drinking water helps.
Fungal infections
Not only do we diabetics have less saliva than we need, but the saliva we do have is high in sugar content, so it's double trouble for us. This can cause a fungal infection called candiasis, commonly known as thrush. It produces sore red or white spots in the mouth. Medication can help though, so ask your dentist.
As a diabetic, you must pay great attention to oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss daily. Examine your gums for signs of problems and always visit your dentist at least twice a year.
To find doctors, you can see here:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
2008年5月26日星期一
The myths and commen questions of bad breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:
Myth #1 - Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you're deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it's always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also, ask your dentist what he or she recommends.
Myth #2 - As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.
The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too - bacteria love to hang out there. It's equally important to floss because brushing alone won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.
Myth #3 - If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.
If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.
If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.
The purpose of this article is to answer some frequently-asked questions about this common human condition. When asked by their patients about the possibility of bad breath, practitioners should consider setting up a special appointment. This is because patients often clean and deoderize their mouth several minutes before coming into the clinic.For at least two hours prior to a consultation on oral malodour, it is important that the patient not eat, drink, chew, smoke, gargle or brush his/her teeth. Second, it is recommended that the patient bring with a close friend or family member ("confidant") who can describe the problem in an objective fashion, and verify that the odour at the time of the consultation is similar, if not in intensity, then at least in quality, to the odour which is usually bothersome. 1. I have bad breath. Should I first go see a gastroenterologist? Most certainly not. Bad breath almost never comes from the gastrointestinal tract. This is because under normal operation the oesophagus is collapsed and air can only escape in the form of an occasional rising bubble of air (belch). Since bad breath usually comes from the mouth, the gastroenterologist should be the last specialist on your list, the dentist, the first.
2. You say that bad breath usually comes from the mouth. What places within the mouth are most likely to be responsible? In a mouth with healthy dentition and gums, the first place to look is the back of the tongue dorsum. This area can be most easily probed by scraping with a plastic spoon. In many cases, a yellowish discharge is obtained on the spoon.In my opinion, this discharge originates in postnasal drip, a very common condition. The postnasal drip may not smell when it reaches the tongue, but after sitting there for a while it takes on a characteristic unpleasant odour. Just by comparing the smell on the spoon with the odour exiting the mouth, one can often pinpoint the problem. One solution to odour from the back of the tongue is to gargle with an effective mouthrinse (the dentist should recommend one with minimal side effects), and then directly to clean the tongue gently but thoroughly using a tongue scraper or regular toothbrush (without paste). Initially, it is difficult to clean this part of the tongue because it initiates gagging reflex, but, with time, this is easily overcome. The teeth and gums are the other common source of oral malodour, particularly subgingival and proximal areas. Margins, overhangs, leaky crowns, and periodontal pockets are prime sites for anaerobic bacterial activity leading to putrefaction. One simple way of helping to diagnose whether bad breath is from the mouth or not is to compare the odour coming from the patient's mouth with that coming from the nose. If the odour is primarily from the mouth, then that is the place to look. Another simple technique is to prescribe a strong antibacterial mouthwash (e.g., 0.2% chlorhexidine) for rinsing and gargling for one week. If the odour subsides, it is likely due to an oral etiology. Since bad breath is exacerbated when the mouth dries out (e.g., after a long speech, during sleep, when under stress, as the result of medication), anything that gets the juices flowing (even a 2 minute chewing gum break) will be helpful.
3. Outside the mouth itself, what other reasons are there for bad breath? The nose and nasal passages constitute the second most-common site of bad breath. Sinusitis and other bacterial infections, blockages of the airway, and dry nasal mucosa can all contribute to malodour. Bad breath from the nose can be discerned by asking the patients to breathe out through their nose, and comparing the odour with that exiting the mouth. If the odour appears to be coming primarily from the nose, or has a different odour than that coming from the mouth, a nasal etiology may be involved, and an ENT examination (preferably including endoscopy) may be recommended. In children, foreign bodies in the nose are a major cause of bad breath, sometimes resulting in an odour that is so foul that it completely envelopes the body. Hundreds of diseases (e.g. bronchial and lung infections, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, biochemical disorders) can result in bad breath, but all these taken together account for all only a very small percent of those suffering from the general problem.
4. I am sure that I have bad breath, though noone has told me directly. What should I do? Self reports of bad breath are often unreliable. This is because we are unable to gauge our own bad breath in an objective manner. Millions of people suffer from a grossly exaggerated fear of suffering from bad breath ("halitophobia"). In such instances, the assistance of the accompanying person is critical in providing background information as to whether the person actually suffers from a physiological problem. Unfortunately, "halitophobics" often do not bring anyone with them to the consultaton. People who believe that they suffer from bad breath may withdraw from social activities, and in extreme cases may even commit suicide. Several things may lead patients to wrongly assume that they have bad breath. Two are of particular interest. In the first, patients may find small yellowish stones on their tongue which have a terribly foul odour, and lead the patients to the conclusion that they have equally awful breath. These are usually tonsilloliths, deriving from crypts in the tonsils. Although the stones themselves smell, particularly when pressed, they usually are not a significant source of bad breath at all. Second, patients who falsely assume they have bad breath may have inferred this from other family members who do or did. The dentist should inquire as to whether the patient remembers, as a young child, having a parent who suffered from the problem. This memory may crop up in the form of halitophobia thirty or forty years later. Patients with grossly exaggerated concerns of bad breath should be persuaded to talk to a psychologist about the problem. At the same time, they should also be instructed on correct methods of improving oral hygiene.
5. Does flossing improve the situation? People who floss their teeth have less overall odour than those who do not. I suggest that people use unscented floss, so that they can smell the odour of the floss after each passage. Proximal areas with malodour are the ones that should be cleaned most thoroughly. In my experience, most patients do not floss their teeth regularly, but once the connection is made between fresh breath and flossing, they do.
6. I have a husband/wife/parent/child/friend/dentist with bad breath. How can I let him know? This is the most difficult question of all to answer. For reasons beyond the scope of the present article, people with bad breath do not smell it themselves. Since bad breath is usually amenable to treatment, and may be an indication of a medical condition requiring attention, you should let people in your own family and others close to you know that they suffer from this problem. Otherwise they may never find out. This is a particularly unpleasant task. If you can't summon up the courage to confront that person directly, why not clip out this article and pass it on anonymously?
Find a dentist near your home:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:
Myth #1 - Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you're deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it's always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also, ask your dentist what he or she recommends.
Myth #2 - As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.
The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too - bacteria love to hang out there. It's equally important to floss because brushing alone won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.
Myth #3 - If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.
If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.
If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.
The purpose of this article is to answer some frequently-asked questions about this common human condition. When asked by their patients about the possibility of bad breath, practitioners should consider setting up a special appointment. This is because patients often clean and deoderize their mouth several minutes before coming into the clinic.For at least two hours prior to a consultation on oral malodour, it is important that the patient not eat, drink, chew, smoke, gargle or brush his/her teeth. Second, it is recommended that the patient bring with a close friend or family member ("confidant") who can describe the problem in an objective fashion, and verify that the odour at the time of the consultation is similar, if not in intensity, then at least in quality, to the odour which is usually bothersome. 1. I have bad breath. Should I first go see a gastroenterologist? Most certainly not. Bad breath almost never comes from the gastrointestinal tract. This is because under normal operation the oesophagus is collapsed and air can only escape in the form of an occasional rising bubble of air (belch). Since bad breath usually comes from the mouth, the gastroenterologist should be the last specialist on your list, the dentist, the first.
2. You say that bad breath usually comes from the mouth. What places within the mouth are most likely to be responsible? In a mouth with healthy dentition and gums, the first place to look is the back of the tongue dorsum. This area can be most easily probed by scraping with a plastic spoon. In many cases, a yellowish discharge is obtained on the spoon.In my opinion, this discharge originates in postnasal drip, a very common condition. The postnasal drip may not smell when it reaches the tongue, but after sitting there for a while it takes on a characteristic unpleasant odour. Just by comparing the smell on the spoon with the odour exiting the mouth, one can often pinpoint the problem. One solution to odour from the back of the tongue is to gargle with an effective mouthrinse (the dentist should recommend one with minimal side effects), and then directly to clean the tongue gently but thoroughly using a tongue scraper or regular toothbrush (without paste). Initially, it is difficult to clean this part of the tongue because it initiates gagging reflex, but, with time, this is easily overcome. The teeth and gums are the other common source of oral malodour, particularly subgingival and proximal areas. Margins, overhangs, leaky crowns, and periodontal pockets are prime sites for anaerobic bacterial activity leading to putrefaction. One simple way of helping to diagnose whether bad breath is from the mouth or not is to compare the odour coming from the patient's mouth with that coming from the nose. If the odour is primarily from the mouth, then that is the place to look. Another simple technique is to prescribe a strong antibacterial mouthwash (e.g., 0.2% chlorhexidine) for rinsing and gargling for one week. If the odour subsides, it is likely due to an oral etiology. Since bad breath is exacerbated when the mouth dries out (e.g., after a long speech, during sleep, when under stress, as the result of medication), anything that gets the juices flowing (even a 2 minute chewing gum break) will be helpful.
3. Outside the mouth itself, what other reasons are there for bad breath? The nose and nasal passages constitute the second most-common site of bad breath. Sinusitis and other bacterial infections, blockages of the airway, and dry nasal mucosa can all contribute to malodour. Bad breath from the nose can be discerned by asking the patients to breathe out through their nose, and comparing the odour with that exiting the mouth. If the odour appears to be coming primarily from the nose, or has a different odour than that coming from the mouth, a nasal etiology may be involved, and an ENT examination (preferably including endoscopy) may be recommended. In children, foreign bodies in the nose are a major cause of bad breath, sometimes resulting in an odour that is so foul that it completely envelopes the body. Hundreds of diseases (e.g. bronchial and lung infections, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, biochemical disorders) can result in bad breath, but all these taken together account for all only a very small percent of those suffering from the general problem.
4. I am sure that I have bad breath, though noone has told me directly. What should I do? Self reports of bad breath are often unreliable. This is because we are unable to gauge our own bad breath in an objective manner. Millions of people suffer from a grossly exaggerated fear of suffering from bad breath ("halitophobia"). In such instances, the assistance of the accompanying person is critical in providing background information as to whether the person actually suffers from a physiological problem. Unfortunately, "halitophobics" often do not bring anyone with them to the consultaton. People who believe that they suffer from bad breath may withdraw from social activities, and in extreme cases may even commit suicide. Several things may lead patients to wrongly assume that they have bad breath. Two are of particular interest. In the first, patients may find small yellowish stones on their tongue which have a terribly foul odour, and lead the patients to the conclusion that they have equally awful breath. These are usually tonsilloliths, deriving from crypts in the tonsils. Although the stones themselves smell, particularly when pressed, they usually are not a significant source of bad breath at all. Second, patients who falsely assume they have bad breath may have inferred this from other family members who do or did. The dentist should inquire as to whether the patient remembers, as a young child, having a parent who suffered from the problem. This memory may crop up in the form of halitophobia thirty or forty years later. Patients with grossly exaggerated concerns of bad breath should be persuaded to talk to a psychologist about the problem. At the same time, they should also be instructed on correct methods of improving oral hygiene.
5. Does flossing improve the situation? People who floss their teeth have less overall odour than those who do not. I suggest that people use unscented floss, so that they can smell the odour of the floss after each passage. Proximal areas with malodour are the ones that should be cleaned most thoroughly. In my experience, most patients do not floss their teeth regularly, but once the connection is made between fresh breath and flossing, they do.
6. I have a husband/wife/parent/child/friend/dentist with bad breath. How can I let him know? This is the most difficult question of all to answer. For reasons beyond the scope of the present article, people with bad breath do not smell it themselves. Since bad breath is usually amenable to treatment, and may be an indication of a medical condition requiring attention, you should let people in your own family and others close to you know that they suffer from this problem. Otherwise they may never find out. This is a particularly unpleasant task. If you can't summon up the courage to confront that person directly, why not clip out this article and pass it on anonymously?
Find a dentist near your home:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
What caused bad breath?
Bad breath from the stomach is extremely rare. So rare, that of the thousands of people whom I have smelled professionally, I cannot recall even one case in which the stomach appeared to be clearly involved. The esophagus, which connects the stomach with the mouth, is not an open tube, but is closed. Each chunk of food (called a bolus) moves down the esophagus similar to the way that a swallowed frog moves down a snake. Similarly, when one belches, a little bubble of air moves up the esophagus and exits at the mouth. I am not trying to argue that belches don't smell. They can and do. It's just that belching is a once-in-a-while phenomenon. The rest of the time, the esophagus closes off the stomach.
Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be another source of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.
If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay, Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and gums (periodontitis), worsening this problem and your breath. Dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or do not fit properly also can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.
Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest you using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removal dentures take them at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist, If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can prevent tooth decay.
Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.
source:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be another source of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.
If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay, Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and gums (periodontitis), worsening this problem and your breath. Dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or do not fit properly also can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.
Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest you using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removal dentures take them at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist, If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can prevent tooth decay.
Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.
source:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Teeth whitening in a natural way
There are many effective methods of teeth whitening available, but some come with heavy price tags. Here are some steps you can take at home to whiten teeth naturally without breaking the bank.
Things You’ll Need:
Straw
Toothbrush
Lemon Juice
Salt
Baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide
Strawberries
Step 1:Limit your consumption of drinks that stain tooth enamel. A few of these include coffee, tea and red wine. If you simply can't cut back on these beverages, consider drinking them though a straw to limit the amount of liquid that actually comes in contact with teeth.
Step 2:Brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if eating foods that stain easily, such as berries.
Step 3:Rub raw strawberries on your teeth, preferably pureed. There is an enzyme in strawberries that acts as a whitening agent. You'll want to brush and rinse after applying the strawberries to remove the natural sugars and acids they may leave behind.
Step 4:Eat crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing such as carrots, celery, broccoli and apples. These foods are abrasive and will remove built up plaque, which dulls the appearance of teeth.
Step 5:Dip your toothbrush directly into baking soda and brush. The results are worth the lousy taste.
Step 6:Combine lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt to make a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth and rinse. Again, not so pleasant on the palate, but your teeth will thank you.
Step 7:Use hydrogen peroxide to brush your teeth. Dip your toothbrush into a small capful of the peroxide and brush as you would with regular toothpaste, being careful not to swallow. Rinse with water.
- Tips -
Consider using one of the several whitening toothpastes on the market that have all-natural ingredients.
Brushing after every meal and flossing regularly are the first steps in maintaining a healthy smile.
for move savings, see here
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Things You’ll Need:
Straw
Toothbrush
Lemon Juice
Salt
Baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide
Strawberries
Step 1:Limit your consumption of drinks that stain tooth enamel. A few of these include coffee, tea and red wine. If you simply can't cut back on these beverages, consider drinking them though a straw to limit the amount of liquid that actually comes in contact with teeth.
Step 2:Brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if eating foods that stain easily, such as berries.
Step 3:Rub raw strawberries on your teeth, preferably pureed. There is an enzyme in strawberries that acts as a whitening agent. You'll want to brush and rinse after applying the strawberries to remove the natural sugars and acids they may leave behind.
Step 4:Eat crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing such as carrots, celery, broccoli and apples. These foods are abrasive and will remove built up plaque, which dulls the appearance of teeth.
Step 5:Dip your toothbrush directly into baking soda and brush. The results are worth the lousy taste.
Step 6:Combine lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt to make a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth and rinse. Again, not so pleasant on the palate, but your teeth will thank you.
Step 7:Use hydrogen peroxide to brush your teeth. Dip your toothbrush into a small capful of the peroxide and brush as you would with regular toothpaste, being careful not to swallow. Rinse with water.
- Tips -
Consider using one of the several whitening toothpastes on the market that have all-natural ingredients.
Brushing after every meal and flossing regularly are the first steps in maintaining a healthy smile.
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http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Should wisom teeth remove or not?
If your wisdom teeth is not completely horizontal you don't need to worry about it, everybody have wisdom tooth, but risky is,if a wisdom tooth that emerges from the underlying bone but comes only part way through the skin. That leaves a person open to high risk of decay and infection.
Some people believed that wisdom teeth is the leftover by nature, so it should be removed. But the fact is, your jaw and your teeth have been evolutionized to fit each other too. So if you don't don't want to spend so much money or so much painful procedures, just do some regular checks will be OK.
source: http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Some people believed that wisdom teeth is the leftover by nature, so it should be removed. But the fact is, your jaw and your teeth have been evolutionized to fit each other too. So if you don't don't want to spend so much money or so much painful procedures, just do some regular checks will be OK.
source: http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Pregnent women should care more about dental health (response from Dina)
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause many pregnant women to have problems that they didn't have before they became pregnant. The gum tissue is more sensitive to irritation. They swell, become inflamed, turn red, bleed and are often painful. These reactionsare to the plaque surrounding the teeth. Many dentists believe thatpregnant women should have three or at least two dental cleanings during the time that women are pregnant. Home care should beexcellent. Of course, dentists would prefer to avoid toothextraction during pregnancy. However, the best interests of thechild must be thought of too. A mother in constant pain, whilecarrying a child, is stressing out her body. This is not healthyfor the child. Modern tooth extraction procedures are very gentleand many patients are not even aware that their tooth has beenremoved. The dental anaesthetics have epinephrine in them thatcloses the local blood vessels and keeps the anaesthetic in the areaof concern and away from the baby.Antibiotics and pain medicine should be prescribed to reduce thepossibility of infection and to reduce any pain associated with theextraction. Before any extractions, a pregnant woman must be inher 2nd trimester before any extraction is performed. Mostobstetricians believe that it is safe to remove a wisdom toothduring this period if it is done with minimal trauma. Most OB/GYNsallow for full dental care during the last trimester and mostelective dental care during the second trimester. The firsttrimester is when there is disagreement. The baby is forming duringthe first three months of life. It's making its liver, kidneys,heart and everything that a human being will need. During the secondtrimester, baby is just growing so there's very little to bedisturbed. The last trimester is a problem for the mom, not the kid.Sitting in a dental chair for a hour or two in the same position cancause a mom's legs to go out. It is important to get specialinstructions from your physician to give to the oral surgeon,especially if you have issues with miscarriages.In the mean time keep the area clean with your tooth brush. I know it may not feel very good, but until you have the tooth removed,that is a necessity. Also, rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2to 3 times a day. This will help with some of the discomfort. Itsound like you may need a bite guard to wear at night to help withyour tmj pains. You may see a general dentist for this, or if youcan't afford it or have no insurance, go to the nearest sporting goods store and buy a rubber bite guard football players wear. Itcomes in various sizes.
source: www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
source: www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
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