All About Fluoride
Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums in a sticky, clear film called plaque. Without good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities.
Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss can help remove plaque. Regular dental examinations and cleanings are also important in keeping teeth healthy.
During pregnancy, there are many unique physiologic changes that can have a detrimental effect on oral health.
Hormonal changes, morning sickness, poor diet, and an increased gag reflex are obstacles that can put the expectant mother at risk for tooth decay and gingivitis. Becoming knowledgeable regarding the causes of dental disease and adopting good oral hygiene practices are even more necessary at this time.
Don’t tell the school teachers, but YES!
Two ways chewing gum can aid in the cleaning of teeth: 1) Gum actually mechanically cleans teeth as you chew, and 2) Gum acts to promote saliva which can decrease the bacteria, decrease acidity, and remineralize teeth.
So, let me back up – Bacteria in the mouth produces lactic acid which causes a demineralization (cavity) of enamel – and gum helps fight all three!
Watch this video as Whoopie Goldberg Talks About Gum Disease on The View.
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes loss of bone support surrounding the teeth. The primary etiology consist of certain species of bacteria, while secondary factors include genetics, hormones, medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, obesity, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and poor diet.
The Link Between the Mouth and the Body
New research is available showing how infection from the teeth and gums is directly related to illnesses in the rest of the body.
Bacterial infections in the mouth can be a major factor in the development of several systemic diseases. These new risk factors have disproven the fallacy that the mouth is a separate entity when compared to the entire body. These findings also allow dentists and physicians to join together in treatment modalities for the betterment of their patient’s overall health.
Several people have informed me that they periodically suffer from bad breath but have never been instructed on how to treat it. Bad breath, or halitosis, can cause self-esteem and self-confidence issues, and many are embarrassed to discuss the matter at their regular dental visits. It’s a sore subject, but the good news is that the condition is not permanent and totally treatable!
Here are a few easy tips to bring back the “freshness”:
Toothbrushes are the first line of defense against dental decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, but due to claims of advertising, many people are unsure of which one to buy.
There are two types: manual and mechanical. Manual toothbrushes originated in the 1600′s, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the nylon-bristled brushes we use today were invented. Mechanical toothbrushes were created in the mid-1900′s, and in 1987, the rotary electrical brush was developed. Research shows that there is no conclusive evidence that one is better than the other in normal situations.
