Helpful Hints for Healthy Mouth :)

The key to good oral health are good habits!  It is less about the kind of toothbrush you use (Electric vs Manual), more about which one works best for you!

 

Consistent brushing and flossing is the simple way to prevent major oral health problems, yet 50% of us don't brush twice a day & even fewer floss.

 

Regular product maintenance & dental visits are a health need, yet 75% of us don't replace our TB when the bristles are worn/frayed, or visit the dentist regularly.

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 Brushing AM & PM                                                       

 

  

* AM brushing is important, but pm is more crucial! 

 
Daytime Maintenance 

* If you do not have a TB, rinsing with water after eating  or chewing sugarless gum is a nice compromise even though this does not replace brushing , it helps !

Daily Flossing

* Flossing is even more important than brushing, yet many of us fail to do so. Remember, you do not have to floss your teeth , just the ones you want to keep :)

 
It's not always what you use, is how you use it

 

No!

Yes:)

 

* You do not need an inch of paste as the TV ads suggest, all you need is a pea-size portion of paste.

 

   Brush Gently 

* Brushing harder does not mean brushing better & is the main cause of receding gums. Brush gently griping your TB in your fingertips.

 

Angle @ 45 degrees

* The main focus of brushing should be removing debris b/n teeth & gums. Angling your brush @ 45 degrees is helpful.

 

Hidden surfaces

 

 

 

* Hidden surfaces of you teeth are most susceptible to plaque leading to decay since they are often forgotten.  Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth!








Full 2 Minutes

• * Brushing for 2 minutes is a start, making sure you brush all surfaces of your tooth

Tongue Cleaner 
* Scraping/ Brushing your tongue gently helps fights against bad breath (Halitosis)

 

 

 

Do/Don't Rinse

 

 * Rinsing & drying your TB is a great way to keep it bacteria free, but to get the full effect of your Tp, spit, do not rinse

 

 

Storage of Your TB

* Store your TB away from the toilet & Other brushes using a cup 0r stand to allow bristles to remain upright & allowed to dry.

 

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Listerine: 10 Unexpected & Surprising Uses

Listerine which was formulated in 1870, was originally developed as a surgical antiseptic.  It actually was not marketed for Halitosis (Bad Breath) until the 1970's! With the ingredients such as thyme, eucalyptus, and alcohol , Listerine is helpful in many surprising ways.:

#1 : Stick your tooth brush in it.

Fill your nightstand glass with a small amount of mouthwash & let your toothbrush soak for ~ 2hrs.
*** Listerine is able to battle germs in your mouth as well as on your toothbrush

#2 : Put it on your face

*** Great for Acne!!!
Dab area with a cotton ball dipped in Listerine , applying morning & night

#3: Rub it under you arms

Simply pour some Listerine onto a cotton ball and gently dab it under your arms.
*** Listerine is great for fighting underarm odors whenever you are in a pinch.

#4: Soak your feet

***Great for getting rid of  toenail fungus.
 Make a Listerine foot bath & soak your toes for 30 minutes. Also try adding a small amount of white vinegar for difficult cases. 

#5: Wet Your Hair With It

***Listerine was once marketed to get rid of dandruff
Massage some Listerine onto the scalp, wrap a towel, & wash it out a few hours later.

#6 : Dab It On Your Itches

***Listerine works by relieving the itches'/ rxns  from bug bites, poison ivy or poison oak
 Apply a cotton ball w/ Listerine to area.

#7: Rub It On Your Dog

***Using Listerine as a Flea fighting method is a surprising alternative to sometimes harsh chemicals.
Mix Listerine with shampoo in a bath or diluting it with water and using it as a spray.

#8: Spray It On Your Screen

***As crazy as it sounds, spray on Listerine onto any monitor (computer, TV...), it is a great way to clean things off.
Spray some on & use a soft cloth to wipe away fingerprints and unwanted stuff.
**BONUS** minty fresh smell versus to a chemical smell usually following the use normal cleaning products.

#9: Pour It Down The Toilet

Listerine can actually clean & deodorize your bowl.
***Just pour a small amount in bowl & use your toilet brush with a light scrub. Not only will you have a clean toilet, it will shine and smell good !

#10: Toss It In The Trash

Place a Listerine soaked paper towel in the very bottom of a bag before you throw any garbage in it.
This will keep things smelling fresh & minty.

Your Mouth, Your Health

Can Mouth Bacteria Affect the Heart?

Some studies show that people with gum disease are more likely have heart disease than those with healthy gums. Researchers aren't sure why that is; gum disease isn't proven to cause other diseases.  But it makes since to take care of your mouth like you do with the rest of your body.

 

 

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes can reduce the body’s resistance to infection. Elevated blood sugars increase the risk of developing gum disease. What's more, gum disease can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels in check. Protect your gums by keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Brush after each meal and floss and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily. See your dentist at least twice a year. Sometimes you dentists may want to see you more often.

 

Dry Mouth and Tongue Cause Tooth Decay

The 4 million Americans who have Sjögren's syndrome are more prone to have oral health problems, too. With Sjögren's, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks tear ducts and saliva glands, leading to chronically dry eyes and dry mouth (called xerostomia). Saliva helps protect teeth and gums from bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis. So a perpetually dry mouth is more susceptible to tooth decay and gum



Normal / Dry

Medications That Cause Dry Mouth

Given that a chronically dry mouth raises risk of cavities and gum disease, you may want to check your medicine cabinet. Antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and antidepressants are among the drugs that can cause dry mouth. Talk to your doctor or dentist to find out if your medication regimen is affecting your oral health, and what you can do about it.

 

 

Bruxism
 

Stress and Teeth Grinding

If you are stressed, anxious, or depressed, you may be at higher risk for oral health problems. People under stress produce high levels of the hormone cortisol, which wreaks havoc on the gums and body. Stress also leads to poor oral care; more than 50% of people don't brush or floss regularly when stressed. Other stress-related habits include smoking, drinking alcohol, and clenching and grinding teeth (called bruxism).

Osteoporosis and Tooth Loss

healthy gums/ Periodontal Disease
 

The brittle bone disease osteoporosis affects all the bones in your body -- including your jaw bone -- and can cause tooth loss. Bacteria from periodontitis, which is severe gum disease, can also break down the jaw bone. One kind of osteoporosis medication -- bisphosphonates -- may slightly increase the risk of a rare condition called osteonecrosis, which causes bone death of the jaw. This is usually only a concern after involved dental surgery. Tell your dentist if you take bisphosphonates.

Pale Gums and Anemia

Your mouth may be sore and pale if you're anemic, and your tongue can become swollen and smooth (glossitis). When you have anemia, your body doesn't have enough red blood cells, or your red blood cells don't contain enough hemoglobin. As a result, your body doesn't get enough oxygen. There are different types of anemia, and treatment varies. Talk to your doctor to find out what type you have and how to treat it.

Anemic
 

Eating Disorders Erode Tooth Enamel

A dentist may be the first to notice signs of an eating disorder such as bulimia. The stomach acid from repeated vomiting can severely erode tooth enamel. Purging can also trigger swelling in the mouth, throat, and salivary glands as well as bad breath. Anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders can also cause serious nutritional shortfalls that can affect the health of your teeth.

Erosion

Gum Disease and Premature Birth

If you're pregnant and have gum disease, you could be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. Exactly how the two conditions are linked remains poorly understood. Underlying inflammation or infections may be to blame. Pregnancy and its related hormonal changes also appear to worsen gum disease. Talk to your obstetrician or dentist to find out how to protect yourself and your baby.

What Healthy Gums looks like

 

Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red or swollen.  To keep gums healthy, practice good oral hygiene.  Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.  See 

your dentist regularly

Healthy Mouth
 

The Power Of Aloe Vera & Dental Health

* The Aloe Vera plant holds a thick liquid substance in its leaves that are packed with vitamin B12, magnesium, copper, zinc  just to mention a few important ingredients.
 
* Due to its anti-viral ,anti-inflammatory & anti-fungal properties , Aloe Vera is being used in many oral care products such as tooth gels, mouthwash & even dental floss.

 

            Uses of Aloe Vera in helping with common dental issues :

• Bad Breath (Halitosis)- The anti-inflammation & anti-bacterial qualities of Aloe Vera works as a natural remedy.
• Gingivitis (inflamed gums)- As plaque builds up on & around the teeth, it produces enzymes and toxins causing the inflammation.  Aloe kills gingivitis causing bacteria and acts a powerful anti-septic for areas where it is difficult to reach with your toothbrush.
• Stomatitis (inflammation inside the mouth)- Many denture wearers develop denture stomatitis (oral condition), this can occur from leaving dentures in while sleeping as well as smoking, or vitamin A deficiency.  One of the causes of stomatitis is Candida Albicans (Fungus). Since Aloe Vera has anti-fungal properties, this can be effective in fighting this disease.
  

*As you see, Aloe Vera disinfects, fight gingivitis (gum disease), & heals inflammation.

Ingredients to Keep Your Smile Healthy

Basil : A natural antibiotic, reduces bacteria in the mouth

Broccoli: Forms an acid-resistant film on teeth that can help prevent enamel erosion

Carrots: Full of Vitamin A which is absolutely necessary for the formation of tooth enamel.  This & all crunchy veggies also stimulate your gums making them healthy

Cheese: Offers the benefit of lactic acid to help prevent tooth decay

Celery: Activates saliva production which assists in cleansing food particles from the teeth and dilutes sugars or acids in the mouth.  Chewing celery also massages the gums

Ginger: An anti-inflammatory to support healthy mouth tissue

Green Tea:  Contains an antioxidant called Catechin which reduces bacteria growth that causes gingivitis

Kiwi:  Pack more Vitamin C than any other fruit. A lack of Vitamin C can break down the collagen network in your gums, making them tender & more susceptible to bacteria and gum (Periodontal) disease

Lemon: A natural "whitener" and assists with the pH balance in the body

Pineapple : Helps you produce extra saliva.  Combine that with citric acid and you have an all-natural bacteria fighting mouthwash,  Also contains Vitamin C & the enzyme Bromelain promoting a healing alkaline response in the mouth

Quinoa: Pronounced "KEEN-wah" is a super grain with a load of minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, & Phosphorous to strengthen teeth

Kale or Chard:  High in minerals that support tooth structure

Onions: Contains sulphur compounds and reduces certain bacteria that causes tooth decay (caries)

Sesame Seeds: These "little scrubbers" reduces plaque, and due to their calcium content provide a necessary mineral for teeth.  Nuts in general have a high pH, thus are protective for the teeth by managing pH balance in the mouth.

Shiitake Mushrooms:  Contains a sugar called Lentinan which prevents mouth bacteria from growing

Wasabi:  A Japanese version of horseradish, which contains compounds called isothiocyanates to arrest bacteria growth

Strawberries: Great "scrubbers". high in fiber and vitamin C, which is a great for gum (periodontal) health

Stevia: A natural sweetener that does not have an " acid effect" on your teeth like sugar

Salmon: A great source of Vitamin D making it easier for teeth to get the full power of calcium from foods you are eating

Sea Salt: Offers a blend of minerals needed to strengthen teeth. Himalayan and Celtic

are suggested.

Xylitol: A sugar substitute that studies show prevents tooth decay (caries).  It is very beneficial in gum or mint form