Archive for the ‘Home Health Care’ Category

Bad Breath Questions Answered

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Ask your Carlsbad dentist about any questions you may have. Generally, people suffer from the problem of bad breath early in the morning which not only annoys them but even makes them keep some distance from others. This problem can be treated using various methods. This article would give you an insight into the different methods you can follow for getting out of this problem.

First of all, you should know the main reasons behind the bad breath problem. The main reasons include the infections of the mouth or the stomach, bad teeth and not brushing your teeth.

Let us now see each of these factors in detail and how we can counter each of them to have fresh breath when you wake up. The infections in the stomach are due to eating late in the morning which you should avoid and you can probably take some alkaline drink which would neutralize the stomach acids.

Additionally, you should try brushing considerably before going to bed the previous night so that any debris of food which is stuck can be removed which otherwise might rot and produce a bad smell in your mouth.

You can also try checking your tongue, teeth for any issue which might result in the bad breath. This is because, a tooth which is decaying or already decayed would produce an odor which cannot be avoided even by extensive brushing of your teeth.

Fungal infection in the tongue can also result in the bad smell in your mouth and the same can be avoided by gargling. Gargling is the best way to get fresh breath and clean mouth.

Apart from this, you should make sure that you have a clean mouth by using a tooth brush and dental floss which would give you fresh breath.

It is very important to keep your mouth clean because the bad breath is not the only problem that is caused but, it could be the starting point of other ailments. Your Carlsbad dentist can help you with this situayion.

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Plaque and Gingivitis – What To Watch Out For

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Your Carlsbad dentist has the answers to your questions. If you are wondering about plaque or gingivitis, ask your Carlsbad dentist to explain all the details. This article will help get the ball rolling.

Plaque on gums and teeth can result in inflamed gums and loss of bone under the teeth. This condition is called gingivitis or periodontal disease or gum disease. Over 70 percent of people have this condition and are not aware of it. In the beginning, the condition is painless. Tooth cavities cause discomfort, but the early stages of gingivitis doesn’t have symptoms.

Plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, food debris and saliva, builds up on gums and teeth. This is the start of gum disease. As it progresses, the bacteria give off toxins (acids) that make the gums red and inflamed and eat away at the bone under the teeth. Brushing and flossing the teeth helps keep the plaque from forming and damaging gums and bone. And it is very important to have regular visits to your Carlsbad dentist who can determine if there is a problem with gum disease.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Plaque and tartar are more likely to form on the teeth of people who smoke or chew tobacco.

Crowding of teeth, as well as irregular spaces between teeth trap plaque and bacteria ” bridges that do not fit or defective fillings can cause such problems.

Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure medications, oral contraceptives often have side effects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and making it easier for plaque to adhere to the teeth and gums.

When hormone levels change in the body gum tissue can become more sensitive to the toxins produced by bacteria, which leads to gum disease. Things that cause hormone levels to change can be pregnancy, oral contraceptives and puberty.

Some diseases make one susceptible to gum disease, such as blood cell diseases, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

Some patients are genetically predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontal disease. People with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

After the initial stage of gum disease, one can develop bleeding or red and swollen gums, halitosis, gum infections, receding gums, or any tenderness of the gums. Further progress of the disease will result in odd spacing between teeth as bone is deteriorated. Loose teeth is also an advanced symptom.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular visits to your Carlsbad dentist can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene includes regular brushing and flossing to removed food from between the teeth where brushing cannot reach. A balanced diet means you eat your veggies and use good sense at meals. Visiting your Carlsbad dentist twice a year can help you determine any risk that might exist and nip it in the bud before it becomes a serious threat.

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How To Deal With Your Own Bad Breath

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Did you know that your Carlsbad dentist can help you with your bad breath? It’s true! Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

Colonies of bacteria on the tongue are the main cause of bad breath, usually on the back of the tongue. Just brushing the tongue can loosen and wash away the microbes and refresh the breath.

What may cause bad breath?

- Morning time – saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.

- Foods which contain odor-causing compounds enter the bloodstream and are transferred to the lungs which exhale the odors. Garlic and onions are well known for this.

- Lack of cleaning – food particles in the mouth help bacteria to flourish, so if you don?t brush and floss regular, the result is bad breath.

- Periodontal (gum) disease – colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.

- Dentures that do not fit and tooth cavities leave spaces that collect food and bacteria and cause bad breath.

- Some medications, mouth breathing and problems with saliva glands cause dry mouth, which allows bacteria to grow.

- Tobacco products make the mouth dry and thereby cause bad breath.

- Ketones – these are chemicals released by the body in the breath as the body burns fat, so sometimes dieting can cause bad breath.

Missing meals, hunger, and dehydration can cause bad breath. Chewing increases saliva flow and drinking water washes bacteria away.

- Certain medical conditions and illnesses – diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

It is a good idea to go over your medicines and illnesses with your Carlsbad dentist, who can help you determine if any of those things would cause bad breath. Also helpful is keeping a record of what you eat.

Prevention and remedy for bad breath can be simple. These are things you can do:

- Practice good oral hygiene – brush at least twice a day with toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.

- See your Carlsbad dentist regularly – get a check up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.

- Twice a year visits to your Carlsbad dentist for a check up and cleaning will prevent bad breath. If you have already had gum disease, you should go more often.

- Drink lots of water – it will keep your mouth wet, and wash away microbes.

- Water will keep your mouth moist and help wash away bacteria, so drink lots of water.

If you have tried all these remedies and bad breath persists, your Carlsbad dentist may ask you to go to a medical doctor. Usually, however, bad breath can be handled between you and your Carlsbad dentist, without much trouble.

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Dental Health and Your Pregnancy

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Are you wondering how pregnancy and dental health mix? Your Carlsbad dentist has the answers you’re looking for. When you see your Carlsbad dentist for your next dental appointment, have your questions ready. Pregnancy is an exciting time; however it is also a challenging time in terms of health. Changes in hormones mean many women face various health issues including oral health issues, but as with other issues these can be managed effectively. How you look after your teeth and gums now can affect your baby’s health as well as your own.

Before pregnancy

Whether you are pregnant or not, everyone should maintain good oral hygiene. It is important to have a daily routine of care established so you have a good foundation. Seeing your Carlsbad dentist regularly needs to be a part of your plan.

Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss to clean between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Just these simple steps will ensure that plaque, bacteria and food remnants do not build up.

Also, visit your Carlsbad dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be it is important to inform your dentist as it may affect the type of care necessary for you.

During Pregnancy

There are many common oral health issues that pregnant women face. Again, simple steps can be taken to deal with each issue.

1. Plaque and gingivitis

When you are pregnant, hormonal changes may lead to an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis and even gum disease. Symptoms include swelling of the gums.

Some pregnant women suffer from ‘pregnant gingivitis’, with the condition most likely to appear in the second trimester. Here, hormonal changes induce bleeding in the gums despite the best possible hygiene measures. Your dentist can identify this. Gums usually revert to normal after the baby is born.

If not treated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease such as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gum tissue that supports a person’s tooth, where the bacteria start to move deeper and thrive in the gap between the gum and the tooth causing the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissue to break down. If identified, this must be treated as a matter of urgency as gum disease had been linked to premature birth and low birth-weight babies.

2. Morning sickness

If you suffer from morning sickness and vomiting, the acid from your stomach contents has the potential to dissolve some of the tooth enamel, increasing your risk of acid erosion and dental decay.

To avoid damage to your teeth, don’t brush the ’softened’ tooth enamel if you have just vomited; wait at least half an hour. Rinse your mouth immediately with water, then smear some fluoride toothpaste or tooth mousse paste (available from your Carlsbad dentist) on to your teeth or use a fluoride mouthrinse.

3. Gagging

This can sometimes occur when brushing your teeth. If you feel sick, try to concentrate on your breathing while cleaning your back teeth. Alternatively, you may need to brush without toothpaste. A fluoride mouth rinse can be used after brushing.

4. Cravings

Cravings themselves are not a health issue but if you are frequently snacking on high carbohydrate foods, you may risk getting dental caries (decay). Try to vary the snacks you are eating and choose foods low in sugar, fat and salt but high in fibre. In addition, drink lots of water and milk.

Keys to maintaining good oral health

In addition to being aware of these specific issues, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily, flossing and using a high fluoride mouthrinse and toothpaste.

You should also take care of your teeth and prevent dental decay by using fluoridated tap water for drinking and cooking.

Again it is important to keep visiting your Carlsbad dentist regularly to monitor your oral health. Your dentist will also be able to clean your teeth thoroughly of any plaque build up.

Your Babies oral health

Mothers-to-be can also directly affect the oral health of their babies. For example, babies begin to develop their teeth and bones in the fourth month of pregnancy. The calcium and phosphorus they need to do this comes from what you eat and, if necessary, from your bones. Your baby will need even more of these minerals when you are seven to nine months pregnant

The best way to obtain these minerals is through the intake of dairy products or, if you are difficulty consuming the recommended amount, your doctor may recommend calcium supplements. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant women is 1,100mg during pregnancy and 1,200mg during breastfeeding. Also speak to your  Carlsbad dentist about dental care for your new baby.

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Three At Home Tips For Superb Oral Health

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Having a beautiful and bright smile, goes beyond the twice a year visits to your Carlsbad dentist. Regular check-ups and good oral health care at home, can team up to be a great one-two punch. Be sure to talk with your Carlsbad dentist about this article, especially if you have any questions.

What lies behind a beautiful smile? Good dental care, from your Carlsbad dentist, of course! No Hollywood smile? No problem. Your teeth still deserve to be tartar-free and your breath, sparkling-fresh. Don’t be fooled by evenly spaced pearly-whites; crooked teeth are not the end of the world. Your teeth are only as attractive as you keep them healthy. Clean, stain-free teeth can turn any smile into a starry smile.

Our focus tends to shift from a person’s eyes to their mouth when we are talking with them up close. Our brains are just wired that way. This explains why, when someone has something stuck in between their teeth or noticeable plaque build-up, we will notice it right away. Even worse than plaque, the end result of poor dental hygiene is embarrassing bad breath, which is caused by the bacteria in the mouth which produce damaging acid.

Three golden rules to a healthy smile are: Brushing, Flossing,Keeping an eye on the gums.

With Products like Philips Sonicare Toothbrush, and regular visits to your Carlsbad dentist, you can give your teeth and gums all the TLC they need to stay healthy, shiny, and keep plaque at bay. Let’s revisit the 3 basics of healthy teeth.

When you are getting out of bed and into bed, remember to brush your teeth. All it takes is 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per brushing routine. Remember to brush gently and firmly. Scrubbing hard will only harm the protective enamel on your teeth. Refrain from brushing in circles. Keep your brush-strokes vertical. When your brush moves in circles, it chafes against the gums, thus causing more harm than benefit. For effective brushing, start at the gum line of your upper or lower teeth. Position your brush slightly above (or below) the gum line. Now brush in vertical strokes away from the gum line (from top to bottom for your upper teeth, and vice versa for the lower teeth).

The best defense against gum disease and foul odors is flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria accumulation. Not only should you floss at before going to bed, it’s also important to floss between meals. Waxed floss is generally the easiest to use, especially for those who have tight spaces between their teeth.

There is now flossing tools available in the form of reusable plastic floss holders, which are great for people that have limited dexterity or only have one hand free when they are flossing.

Monitoring closely the state of your gums will allow early detection of a possible gum disease. The problem with conditionslike gingivitis is that they go undiagnosed for too long and then end up developing into periodontitis and other serious problems. If you experience bleeding gums, shaky teeth or notice inflammation or swelling of gums , you should consult your Carlsbad dentist without delaying. It is much easier to prevent a problem that to deal with it afterwards. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will also help you avoid cavities, and related medical bills. Teeth serve a precious function, that of cutting up and crushing our food before swallowing.

Try to imagine how difficult it would be to eat without our teeth, we might choke of our food, and we would certainly suffer from digestive issues. Having strong, healthy teeth allow us to eat whatever we want without any difficulty or pain. Therefore, we should all adhere to the 3 golden rules of oral hygiene and take good care of our precious set of teeth – its the only one we have. Questions? Be sure to discuss them with your Carlsbad dentist. Your Carlsbad dentist is uniquely qualified to answer all of your questions. All you have to do is ask!

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