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Posts from the ‘Oral Health’ Category

18
Apr

Treating Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones, or sometimes called tonsilloliths can be annoying and it can cause discomfort due to the inflammation in your throat. The most annoying part of having tonsil stones is that it causes bad breath. It is not just a simple case of bad breath that can be solved by a little brushing or gargling a mouthwash. The only way to drive the bad breath away is to treat tonsil stones in your throat. And how to do this? Here are some easy ways of treating tonsil stones:

1.  Gargling – With this method, all you need is to prepare a cup of lukewarm saltwater and gargle it. You have take note that the saltier the water, the better. Why is that so? The water needs to be salty enough to help break down and loosen the mucus and the gunk that’s holding the tonsil stones in your throat. You have to mix in salt with water in the amount that you will not gag on it or vomit the water out before it even reaches the tonsil stones in your throat. At times, the combinations of the agitation as a result of the gargling and salt water solution makes the tonsil stones come right off without having the need for your finger to into your mouth to push it out. This type of method needs to take a few sessions before it finally loosens up though.

2.  Irrigation – Shooting a stream of water at the tonsil stone in your throat in the purpose of knocking it off is a process called irrigation. It basically has the same process as that of gargling but a bit more aggressive as it directly attacks the tonsil stones through force with the use of water. In using this type of method a few safety tips should be considered. It is absolutely prohibited to use any kind of mechanical irrigation device. Using such device may cause pain and bleeding and you definitely can’t sacrifice taking the tonsil stones out by tearing your tonsil. The safer way to do this is to use a plastic syringe with a curved tip, fill it with water and gently push the water out while making sure it is within the area of the tonsil stones. In this way, it gives a better control to stop when things get a bit uncomfortable.

3.  Push/Pull them out – This method of treating tonsil stones is pretty straightforward. With the use of a cotton swab gently press on the tonsil stone or the area of the tonsil around it and try to push it to come off. You can also use a toothbrush instead of a cotton swab if you want, just choose which you think is much more convenient for you. Be sure to be gentle and not use any instrument (sharp ones) that could damage your throat. You definitely would not want to get a bleeding cotton swab or toothbrush out. Many people see this method as effective but it solely depends on your ability to withstand poking round in the back of your throat and on your gag reflex.

You have to take note that the methods are effective among people who are having occasional tonsil stones. There are loads of available treatment and cure for tonsil stones plus ways to prevent them from coming back. These methods may not work for you as it is basically different from one person to another. If your chosen method does not work for you, do not panic. A little more tries will not do any harm.

25
Feb

What You Want to Know About Gingivitis and How to Prevent It

Nobody would want to have gingivitis as this is a term associated with having a mild gum disease. You may have heard about this from friends, or from the television, or even at the dentist’s office. There are ugly symptoms that go together with this disease which can dampen your social life. Some of the signs include swollen and reddish gums, bleeding even with gentle brushing of the teeth, and foul odour of the breath. Sometimes this gum problem can be painful but for others, pain is not felt hence, they don’t even know if they already acquired the disease.

This gum issue is considered an unpleasant one. Gingivitis is a gum inflammation which occurs when there is bacterial build up on the teeth and on the gums. As the gums become infected, they become reddish, tender, swollen, and will also bleed while brushing or flossing.

When taken for granted, the gum problem can develop into a more severe condition called periodontitis. You may not want this terrible disease to afflict you as the gums may start to recede exposing the teeth underneath. Over time, the teeth may begin to fall out causing further discomfort and pain. It is best to look for the proper gingivitis treatment in order to address the symptoms and stop the progress of the disease.

A lot of people take their oral health for granted and are unaware that regular brushing and flossing should have been enough. But because too many people don’t take proper care of their teeth, there are many of them who have contracted the disease. There is always a possibility that loss of teeth happens because of the build up of plaque and the occurrence of gingivitis.

Basically, it is vital to brush and floss the teeth daily to keeping them always looking healthy. In addition, the use of a mouthwash should be included in the daily regimen to ensure optimum germ and bacteria protection. Aside from these daily oral hygiene habits that must not be forgotten, there is a need to visit your dentist at least once a year. Just like any other health issue, it is vital that one should notice the symptoms at once so that treatment will be recommended to get rid of gingivitis.

Therefore, once you experience reddish and swollen gums, as well as bleeding from these gums, visit your dentist as soon as possible since there are things that can be done to guarantee success for its treatment. It is also important that you should take proper care of your teeth and don’t allow bacteria to multiply fast and stop plaque build up. Make sure to brush after meals especially after eating and drinking sugary drinks and starchy foods. There is no one to blame except yourself if you disregard these useful words of advice.

21
Jan

Laser Periodontitis Treatment: What you should know

Laser periodontitis treatment is relatively new but it has generated a lot of buzz from the dental community.  This procedure employs non-surgical removal of bacteria and infected tissue with the aid of a low energy laser.  It is virtually painless and you will lose little or no blood during the process.  However, depending on the severity of the gum disease, it may require more than one session to completely heal periodontal diseases.  But how is laser surgery better than the conventional scaling and planing or flap surgery?  Read on to learn more.

 

Before we explore the benefits of laser periodontal disease treatment, you might want to know how this procedure works.  First of, the dental surgeon will then probe into the oral cavity to check on the depth and severity of the pocket formation in the gumline.  The teeth and the gumline will then be cleaned first with the aid of an ultrasonic device before the laser treatment.  Once the teeth and the gumline is cleaned, the dental surgeon will employ a low energy laser to burn the infected tissue as well as the bacteria found in the pockets.  The laser also coagulates the area, thus there is little or no post operative bleeding which may occur.  Once the affected tissues and bacteria are removed, another tool will be used to secure the gum tissue against the root to keep the bacteria out and to reinforce the teeth.

 

The post operative healing for laser treatments will only take as little as 24 hours, with the dentist advising the patient to be on a soft diet until the next day.  As there will be little or no bleeding during the operation, patients who are under prescription blood thinners do not have to stop medication for this operation.  Apart from that, the procedure is virtually painless, save for a little discomfort which can be alleviated with mild anaesthetics.  Apart from that, there is little or no chances of reinfection compared to the conventional flap surgery as there will be no open wounds.

 

Laser periodontal disease treatments, however, may cost more than the conventional surgical treatments.  But the benefits often outweight the hefty price.  And since the healing process will only take a day or two, you no longer have to subject yourself to soft diet for a week, which can be a nuisance for most patients.  You can even start working a day after the surgery.  But just like with any treatment for periodontal diseases, maintaining oral hygiene as well as regular visits to the dentist can steer you away from reinfection.  Knowing that these treatments will often be expensive, taking precautions to avoid reinfection may be able to save you hundreds of dollars.

23
Nov

4 Natural ways to treat receding gums

There are several health issues that people encounter today and one of these issues is that a huge majority of adults have gum problems like receding gums. For that matter, you’ll find more than a few over the counter meds that could potentially heal gum problems but may have a couple of side effects to go with it. This may be the sole reason that people started to rely on natural ways to cure diseases – as well as the fact that these natural remedies may cost way less than the regular artificial meds. And without further delay, here are my personal recommendations on how to reverse receding gums naturally:

Grapefruit
Vitamin C does a magnificent job in fighting off gum diseases like receding gums. Why grapefruit? Grapefruit has been known to contain a lot of vitamin C, more than other fruits (although you do have the choice to pick apples or oranges). Also, researches show that people who consume at least one grapefruita day showed fewer instances of having gum disease as opposed to the ones that do not eat grapefruits. If you’re having gum problems, vitamin C is a way to help your gums heal faster and increase your immune system so make sure you get a natural source of it.

Aloe Vera
Being considered the miracle plant due to its potent ability to cure several diseases, aloe vera has been one of the top cures for receding gums. Simply apply a small amount to your gums or use it in addition to your toothpaste and you’ll soon see the effects of it on your dental health. So keep a few leaflets in your fridge and apply the gel directly to your gums a few times a day.

Tea tree oil
Similarly, tea tree oil has been proven to have potent antibiotic properties and is a good way to get rid of diseases that originate from bacterial infections. Since receding gums are a result of an infection due to flesh eating bacteria, tea tree oil is one good way to get rid of them. However, it is recommended to use toothpaste that contains tea tree oil so ensure not to apply them directly.

Stress reduction
Stress has been known to have a big impact in our immune system thus reducing stress would have a great effect on our body’s ability to fight off diseases. So schedule a day off, unwind every now and then as you’ll find that relieving yourself is one good way on how to treat receding gums.

24
Oct

Caring for your gums at home

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the inflammation of the gums brought about by the accumulation of plaque. These are the sticky deposits of bacteria and food debris that coats the surfaces of the teeth. With such accumulation, it causes the gums to be irritated, infected and swollen. When plaque hardens into tartar, it will form a hard mineral shell that irritates and erodes the healthy gum tissue.  If left untreated, it will lead to a real serious dental problem where the bone supporting the teeth begins to erode causing tooth loss.

 

To prevent any serious damage to the mouth, one must go to the dentist to get a careful evaluation and the extent of the gum disease. One can have a complete gum disease treatment plan to properly solve the problem. In addition, one can also get a holistic home care for gum disease to help the treatment plan which includes herbs and supplements.

 

Proper dental care is always the first thing one must know to combat gum disease. This can help every gum disease treatment one has.  Having the proper toothbrush can help prevent even more dental issues. For those swollen gums, it is best to get soft bristles so that it will not further irritate the gums. Brushing twice a day can help remove plaque thus removing the cavities.  Flossing and gargling with a mouthwash will also remove those food particles that may get stuck in the mouth.

 

Proper diet also helps in gum disease treatment. Consuming a varied diet of fresh fruits, meat, legumes, high fiber foods, and whole grains will provide the body with vitamins and minerals needed for dental health. These are vital in getting enough vitamins especially vitamin C.  Vitamin C is important in preventing gingivitis and periodontitis because it has the antioxidant power to block the damage that is caused by oxidation while helping the body to produce healthy collagen. Vitamin A is also important in promoting the healing of gum tissues.

 

Herbs have been traditionally used to relieve gum disease. Clove oil is used for temporary relief of gum pain. One can just simply rub a drop or two of clove oil on the affected area to ease the pain. Hawthorne berries, Echinacea, rose hips and myrrh gum help in keeping the inflammation down and enhancing the immune function. Thyme has been used a natural antiseptic that reduces the level of bacteria in the mouth. However, one must remember that dietary supplements and herbs should always be discussed with a qualified heath care provider before doing any type of holistic home care for gum disease treatments. Moreover, pregnant and nursing women, and anyone with a health condition or are on any type of prescription drugs, must consult a physician before taking any type of supplements.

 

 

 

17
Sep

Tracking Down the Symptoms of Swollen Gums – A Top Priority in Healing the Disease

In dealing with dental health problems, it would be really advisable to be a step ahead.  How do you do this, you ask?  Having a full understanding of the nature of any disease can be very advantageous in coming up with effective preventive measures and treatments that would be very substantial for your recovery.  Going into detail is really advisable and by this we mean that we track every single factor and carefully analyze them as to how they can affect the existence of the disease.  They say that to defeat your enemy, you need to know who that enemy is.  Consider dental health problems as that enemy and the only way to defeat them is getting ahead of the disease.

In the case of swollen gums for example, studying and carefully analyzing every little detail of the disease would provide you with an overview of what it is all about.  When we speak of details, we refer to the causes, symptoms, and treatments for swollen gums.  Among all these listed factors, it is most important to take note of the symptoms of gingivitis.  Why is this so?  A swollen gum as a disease is quite discrete.  This means that you would not immediately feel the impact of the disease once it hits you – rather, it will only be evident once it gets to severe levels.  Therefore, taking note of instances that can be related to swollen gums should be given enough attention as it could be a sign of an impending disease that you would not like.

The first sign of periodontal disease would be a case called as halitosis.  If you are not familiar with what halitosis is, it is commonly referred to as bad breath.  Oftentimes, most of us do not associate bad breath with swollen gums or periodontal disease given that bad breath can be caused by a whole lot of other and familiar factors.  We can say that we have bad breath because we ate something that has a strong flavor or we were drinking something that has an unpleasant smell.  However, deteriorating and swollen gums can also cause bad breath.  If you have been experiencing halitosis for quite some time now, better check your gums.

Speaking of gums, discoloration of the gums would be another way of indicating swollen gums.  Apart from the evident swelling experienced, you should also take note of the color of your gums as it is capable of telling whether you are experiencing something that is beyond swollen gums.  Usually or normally, gums have a pinkish hue.  This is an indicator that your gums are in a healthy state.  Once its color changes to deep red, it may mean that swelling is somewhere out there.  However, if you already notice gray film-like substances on your gums or any weird discoloration taking place, you need to have that consulted as it could mean that your oral cavity is starting to deteriorate.

These are just some of the common indicators of swollen gums and periodontal disease in general.  There are still a whole lot of them so it is important that you track them down as soon as possible.  You may ask help from your dentist for a comprehensive list of symptoms that you should be wary of.

28
Aug

How gum recession affects your life?

The occurrence of receding gums in your mouth does not happen overnight. It is actually goes through steps or progressive procedures before your gums recede.   It all starts when you forget to brush your teeth regularly.  This simple reminder to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day can cause you, your self-confidence.  How do you identify if your gums recede? Looking at the mirror you will see that the roots on your teeth are very visible. The next thing you know, your teeth are larger than before.

When untreated at its earlier stage, receding gums may damage your teeth and worst lose them. Thus seeing yourself without your original teeth can be frustrating. You know for a fact that human teeth are one of the most important physical attribute of a person. Without your teeth, you cannot eat, chew or nibble your food.  Losing your teeth one by one is a very depressing situation especially if you are conscious of your physical appearance.

During a job interview, an interviewee is more confident answering the interviews questions knowing that everything is perfectly going smoothly. We cannot take away the idea that employers would base their impressions and eventually ratings on the physical attributes of the applicant. If you have receding gums you will feel less confident about yourself.

However, there is always hope for everything.  If you are experiencing receding gums do not feel so down. Once you notice that the roots of your teeth are visible, immediately schedule a meeting date with your dentist. Your dentist will know exactly what to do. He or she might include in your list of treatments prophylaxis or dental cleaning to remove cavities in your teeth. Next, purchase soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This will ensure that your teeth and gums are unharmed while brushing.

Most of all make sure that you religiously brush your teeth. Even if your dentist will do everything to treat your current dental problem but you do not help yourself, it is still a futile action. Learn to take care of yourself. This is the most important lesson one should learn. If you do not take care of yourself nobody will.  Furthermore, people around you will notice if you do not give importance to your well-being.  If you continue to neglect personal hygiene, most importantly oral hygiene then you will one by one lose the people you care the most.

11
Aug

How to avoid the Danger of Bleeding Gums

Our mouth is one of the most important parts of our body; yet it also the most neglected. There are many signs and symptoms that it does get disregarded, one of it is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are known as gingivitis with these your mouth will appear bloated, sore, irritated and bleeding. Ones your gums get irritated, it becomes very painful to eat and drink. As a result, you will no longer enjoy the sweetness or the sourness of the food or drink.

Studies show that bleeding gums or gum problems are indications of more serious health problems such as heart diseases, stroke and diabetes. If untreated at its early stage, these can be the cause of your own death. This is the last thing we have in mind, right? Now to keep yourself from this dreadful thought, you must know how to avoid the dangers of bleeding gums.

  • Regularly brush your teeth. Professional dentist always advise to brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is to wash off bacteria in your mouth accumulated while you were eating, drinking and even smoking. In addition, you can also rinse with mouthwash. This will add to the freshness in your mouth after brushing. Most importantly, it kills bacteria in your mouth. If you have sensitive teeth, make sure to use toothpaste intended for the type of gums and teeth that you have and soft bristled toothbrush will help a lot.
  • Learn how to use dental floss. Brushing alone is not enough. There are areas in your mouth that are hard to reach. You may need to use dental floss to remove dirt in between your teeth.
  • Regularly visit your dentist. The best person who can give you recommendation on how to avoid bleeding gums is your dentist.  During your check up, your dentist will know if something is wrong in your mouth and teeth.  With this, initial findings you will be given tips and tricks on how to avoid or eliminate the problem.  Therefore, do not be afraid of scheduling a visit with your dentist before it is too late.

Generally speaking, becoming aware of what is happening in your body is the most essential part of taking good care of it. Remember that, you only live once and you do not want to spoil it with bleeding gums. These gum problems are something that you can manage on your own.