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

Home Remedies for Canker Sores :)

A Canker sore (Apthous Ulcer)
Can be one of the most annoying & painful nuisances. (~20% of the population).  Canker sores are usually small, (Some large- Major Apthlous Ulcers), shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth making eating & talking uncomfortable. Part of battling these sores involves recognizing exactly what might be causing them. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that seem to work.

COMMON CAUSES:


* CITRUS OR ACIDIC FRUITS (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, figs, tomatoes & strawberries) can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worst.

* STRESS : High stress & anxiety levels can often be the cause of a canker sore as well.

* BITING YOUR LIP: trauma from biting your lip or cheek can also be cause of a canker sore ( & painful ! )

** According to the Mayo Clinic, "possible triggers for canker sores include a minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps, or accidental cheek bite."
*SPICY FOODS: Many people  love to use hot sauce or hot peppers to add some kick to their favorite dishes. However, these spicy foods can definitely be one of the causes of frequent canker sores.

REMEDIES TO RID YOURSELF OF PAINFUL CANKER SORES:
1)  Soaking a chamomile tea bag in water and placing it directly on the sore for five to 10 minutes can help you get rid of your canker sore more quickly. It has been shown that the chemicals in chamomile reduce inflammation & have antiseptic properties.  Both of these properties will help reduce the pain of canker sores and may help speed the healing process.

2)  Placing raw honey directly on your canker sore can do wonders to soothe the pain & coat the sore.  Honey makes a wonderfully soothing coating for a painful canker sore.
** Mix 1 tsp. of salt into 1 cup of warm water (1/2 tsp. of baking soda may be added).  Swish for 30 seconds, then spit.

3) Simply mix the Aloe with some water and swish it around in the mouth.
The gel from this plant soothes canker sores as well.
**  Make sure you use the natural gel- not the green kind (OTC)
4)  Your toothpaste may be the culprit.  Certain ingredients in your toothpaste can cause canker sores. Switch to a toothpaste that does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that may contribute to recurrences.

5)  Benadryl mixed with Milk of Magnesia is a way to conquer canker sores.
**  Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 of Milk of Magnesia and 1/2 Benadryl liquid allergy medicine.  Swish the mixture in the mouth for about 1 minute, then spit it out.

6)  Chewing on a Rolaid, Tums, or Pepto-Bismal- or just placing the tablets directly on canker sore can do absolute wonders.  The pain that is felt from a canker sore is caused by acids and digestive enzymes eating into the tissue in the sore.  The tablets will neutralize the acids and aid in the healing of the sores.

7)  Yogurt can contain cultures that are great at fighting canker sores.
** Eat yogurt that contains live acidophilus cultures (check the label)  Have a few teaspoons daily for prevention-more when you're having a breakout.

Cutting out canker-causing habits and trying these home remedies can make a world of difference.

Teeth Tattoos- New Fashion Trend!

Did you Know?  Teeth tattoos are a cool new way "fashion trend" that are the rage!

The concept is exactly what it sounds like.  Tooth meets ink.  They are as vibrant as any other tattoo you would get on any other part of your body- and they are just a permanent, too (as long as the crown last). An image is placed on a cap/crown by Suburban Laboratory in Bloomfield, Conn., where their staff specializes in chomper customization.  They range in prices, but mostly fall under $200.00 (not including the fee for the cap/crown).

The catch is, that the tattoo goes on the cap/crown, not your tooth.  This of course is a good thing since spending hours under the a tattoo gun hammering into your teeth would be rather painful/stressful/traumatizing experience !


Check out these examples :


          

Mistakes You are Making With Your Teeth

    

How to get stronger teeth and a better smile

Here are some of the latest clues will clue you in on where you could be going wrong : 

Multitasking while you brush

Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it’s tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed . It is best to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you’ll do a more thorough job when you’re not distracted.

Over cleaning your toothbrush

  Thinking about disinfecting your toothbrush by running it through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave? Think again: According to the CDC, there is no evidence that any one has ever become sick from their own toothbrush.  These drastic cleaning measures can actually damage your toothbrush and decrease the efficacy. Just rinse your toothbrush with regular tap water ,let air dry & store your brush upright where it is not touching anyone else's.

Using social media as your dentist

The web is loaded with DYI dental tips. Many of these tips may be harmful  rather than helpful to your teeth and surrounding structures! It is recommended that you use ADA-approved products that have been tested.

Avoiding Dental Radiographs (x-rays)

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are important because not all conditions can be identified with a visual exam. Bitewing x-rays (cavity detecting ) are recommended for your dentist to detect caries (decay) between teeth, Panoramic x-rays can detect tumors that may found in the jaw, and Full mouth Series are taken to identify bone levels pathologies and caries. If you’re concerned about radiation, talk to your dentist about ways to minimize the number of x-rays you get.

Storing your wet toothbrush in a travel case

It's important to store your toothbrush in a sanitary place in your suitcase & equally important to remove it once you unpack.  Keeping your toothbrush in an enclosed environment keeps it moist which breads bacteria.   No stand-up holder in your hotel room? Just use a cup for drinking water, that’ll do just fine.

Hanging on to that tongue or lip piercing

 In today's society, self expression can take the form of a tongue barbell or lip ring which can be harmful to your teeth as well as your gingiva (gums.)  Tongue & teeth piercings have shown problems with gum recession, infections and fractured teeth, all which can be expensive to treat, Had your piercing for ages with no trouble, you say? Just wait: Studies have shown that your risk of dental problems from tongue and lip piercings gets worse the longer you have them.

Drinking apple cider vinegar

 Many Hollywood celebrities & natural health experts claim drinking unfiltered apple-cider vinegar (ACV) can have near-miraculous effects in your insides, Research doesn’t support those claims. Dentists are sure of one thing: The acetic acid in the vinegar is terrible since it erodes tooth enamel.

 Ditching your retainer

If you once had braces, whether as a teen or as an adult, it’s smart to keep wearing your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends—which may mean several nights a week,  FOREVER !  These retainers keep those teeth in line for good.  For those who have a fixed retainer, be sure to it clean since they can be plaque traps.

Brushing  right after your morning OJ

Like to start your day with a glass of orange juice—or  lemon water? Brushing right afterward can wear away your enamel. The acidic environment weakens the teeth enamel and erosion can occur during this vulnerable period.  To prevent this, wait 30 minutes before brushing. (this also applies  after drinking your morning coffee or tea)  As a side note: this also true with vomiting, this is acidic , be sure to rinse after and wait to brush for 30 minutes.

Ignoring your daily (or nightly) grind.

While mild bruxism (grinding) or clenching —might not seem like a big deal, severe cases can lead to everything from chipped and worn teeth to headaches, TMJ (jaw trouble).  Since most people are unaware that they grind their teeth at night (nocturnal bruxism).  Common signs are chipped or worn teeth, jaw soreness or a dull, constant headache. Your dentist are usually the ones that notice these signs & recommend fabricating an occlusal (mouth) guard to protect your teeth from the damaging forces that is brought on by this habit.

Smoking

We all know how bad smoking is bad for you heart & lungs.   Besides halitosis (bad breath) & stained teeth, smoking is also one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontal (gum)disease. Worse yet, smoking can also lower your chances for successful treatment if you’ve already have periodontal (gum) disease.  Nicotine compromises your body’s ability to fight infection  & the smoke which is an irritant, can decreases your healing capacities post extractions and placements of implants. 

Reaching for the toothpick

 Even though a toothpick is good for quick removal of food particles ,the truth is that wooden toothpicks are poor substitutes for dental floss: They can splinter and break, and using them too aggressively can cause damage to sensitive  gingival (gum )tissue.  Notching tooth structures from use over a long period of time has also been seen.

Skipping dental appointments

  Most people have dental anxiety ! By maintaining routine dental visits (6,4 or 3 month recare visits)  you are less likely to have problems.  Waiting a long period of time between visits or waiting for it to hurt may lead to many and expensive  dental treatments . Today, dentists  employ everything from serene, spa-like settings to animal-assisted therapy (that is, a gentle dog who sits beside you at your appointment) to alleviate patient anxiety & discomfort.

 Going overboard with bleach

 This should be a no- brainer ; Over bleaching can dehydrate your teeth weakening the enamel and may even cause sensitivity by exposing the dentin (layer below the enamel),   Unfortunately little is known about the long-term effects of whitening, but the bottom line is that you should consult your dentist— on which products are safe. Remember moderation is best! 

Not drinking enough water

If your part of the country fluoridates its water , The simple act of sipping tap water can help strengthen your teeth.  Some bottled waters have fluoride, and some don’t; check the ingredients.  It is also recommended to swish with a drinking water  after you eat (if a toothbrush is not available) to rinse accumulated sugars and acids from your teeth.

Skimping on calcium & vitamin D

 Minerals & vitamins are building blocks for both teeth & bones.  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. adult women need 1,000-1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400-1000 IU (international units) of vitamin D /day from foods, supplements or sunlight .  Consult your GP  7 Dentist on your nutrient needs & support to your teeth.

Getting addicted to juicing

  Beware- Juicing , whether homemade or bottled can be detrimental to your teeth.  Even though  they may be packed with vitamins & other nutrients, these juices bathe your mouth with acids  (ie-lemon juice) to high levels of sugars (fructose ).  To minimize their damage to your teeth: rinse with water after acidic juices, and be sure to brush 30 minutes after you consume your drinks to protect your teeth from all that acid and sugar.

Using a toothbrush that is too hard

Hard- bristle brushes are tough on not only on your teeth but your gingiva (gums) Harder bristles can erode your enamel and cause gingival (gum) recession. Ouch!  Believe it or not, softer bristles are more flexible removing plaque better than harder bristles without causing as much damage when brushing correctly.

Reaching for the wrong mouth rinse

There are several mouthwashes to choose from. Cosmetic rinses, for example, will merely control bad breath and leave you with a pleasant taste in your mouth. Therapeutic rinses with ingredients like antimicrobial agents and fluoride, on the other hand, can actually help reduce gingivitis, cavities, plaque, and bad breath. (Reminder: Fluoride rinses should not be used for those under the age of 6) 

Drinking pop (yes,even diet)

 FYI: all acidic drinks- regular pop (soda), diet pop, even sport drinks can cause tooth erosion.  To help decrease the effects of these acidic & sugary drinks, try to drink these with food  and remember to rinse with water after if unable to brush your teeth 30 minutes after consumption. Of course, the best thing to drink is water :)