While tooth brushing, proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups play an important role in preventing dental health problems like gingivitis, it is equally important to take a balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients for preventing the condition. Did you know that a deficiency of vitamin C in your body may cause the gums to bleed, which if not treated on time, takes the form of gum infection? Vitamin C isn’t only important for helping your body maintain as well as repair teeth, but it also helps in strengthening cartilage and bones. If you have the problem...
Gingivitis-How It Affects Your Oral Health
Being a common and mild gum infection, Gingivitis leads to irritation, inflammation (swelling) and redness of the gums. As this oral health condition can be mild, you might not notice any symptoms. However, it is extremely important to take this condition seriously and ensure its prompt treatment. If not treated, gingivitis can cause periodontitis and may lead to tooth loss. Normally, gums are pale pink and firm. If you feel that your gums are dusky red, bleed easily and puffy, then you might have gingivitis. Some of the symptoms of this oral health condition are as follows: Swollen gums Receding...
Things to Look For In A Mouthwash
The use of mouthwash is undoubtedly an integral part of your oral hygiene routine. But with the wide variety of oral health products available in the market today, choosing a mouthwash can be really challenging. Looks what’s in there There are some mouthwashes that are labeled as antiseptic and anti-plaque. These can play an active role in killing the germs that lead to plaque, gingivitis as well as bad breath. A mouth rinse having fluoride is even better, especially in terms of tooth decay prevention. But, you should always consult your dentist and look carefully at the manufacturer’s label to...
Causes of malocclusion
Malocclusion is defined as improper positioned teeth in the upper and lower jaws with inability to bite properly. Abnormal growth and development are believed to affect the bite, health of gum tissue, growth of jaw as well as appearance. Almost every person has a little bit of malocclusion of the teeth but most of the times, no treatment is needed. It is generally believed that the development of malocclusion is associated with hereditary along with environmental factors. A recent research paper suggested that since the humans changed their dietary habits some 10,000 years ago and started eating soft and processed foods,...
How to live with Mouth Cancer
After a person is diagnosed with mouth cancer, the discussion with his doctor about treatment modalities and options ensues. The patient who is already disturbed with his diagnosis is more confused about the treatment. This stressful time can be tackled by adopting the following measures: Information about mouth cancer The patient should know about his disease as much as possible. All options should be discussed with the doctor, and an effort should be made to learn more through books, websites, etc. The decision of treatment option should preferably be made once the patient knows and understands all about treatment...
Why Does Your Dentist Recommend Mouthwash Use?
Complete oral hygiene=optimum oral health results While regular tooth brushing and flossing play an extremely important role in taking care of your teeth, using a mouthwash is equally important for ensuring optimum oral health. Use of a good mouthwash helps take care of your gums while reducing your chances of developing oral problems like gum disease or plaque-accumulation. Dentists also consider mouthwash as a home remedy for oral infections and minor tooth injuries. Your Mouth Shouldn’t Smell Bad Bad breath is a common problem that results either from eating the wrong foods or because of an underlying oral problem. Whatever...
Understanding the Causes of Mouth Cancer
Cancer affecting one of the structures inside the mouth is known as mouth cancer. This cancer is alternatively called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth like lips, gums, cheeks (inner surfaces), tongue, floor and the roof of mouth, etc. Various types of cancers developing on the head and neck area form a large group called head and neck cancers; and mouth cancer falls under this category. All head and neck cancers including the mouth cancer usually have same treatment modalities. The patients with mouth cancer may present with one or more of the following signs and...
Periodontitis- All You Need To Know
Periodontitis is infection and inflammation of the bones and ligaments that support your teeth. This condition occurs when infection or inflammation of the gums is left untreated. Inflammation and infection spread from the gingiva (gums) to the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. The teeth become loose and fall out due to loss of support. Periodontitis is a common oral health condition but can be prevented. This disorder usually occurs due to poor dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing the teeth daily can significantly reduce your likelihood of develop this dental condition. Symptoms of this condition include: Bad breath Red-purple...
Dysphagia- What You Should Know
Dysphagia is characterized by a condition wherein there is difficulty in swallowing. The condition typically occurs because of neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia and depression. Patients of dysphagia have an increased probability of developing pneumonia, therefore extra support and modifications are required at the time of oral care routines. The signs and symptoms of Dysphagia include: Pain while swallowing Hard to swallow Food getting stuck behind the breastbone or in the throat or chest Drooling Stomach acid backing up into your throat Regurgitation Heartburn Unexpected weight loss Gagging while swallowing Coughing while swallowing Taking Care of Your Mouth Maintaining...
Do You Know Enough about Gum Disease?
Gum disease is one of the major causes of dental problems like periodontitis and gingivitis that can negatively influence the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes of gum disease in order to prevent developing this oral condition. Tartar and Plaque- The Major Culprit The mouth houses thousands of bacteria that react with mucus as well as other substances for forming “plaque” on the teeth. While good oral health practices like regular tooth brushing help remove plaque, many people develop tartar on their teeth, which then contributes toward the development of gum disease. Smoking isn’t...