Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Gums’

Children & teeth … teeth and children

January 7th, 2010

I have several fillings in my teeth and my husband has none! What a lucky man! Of course, I hate going to the dentist and always try to avoid the experience. The mere sound of the drill makes my skin crawl and my ears ring as I’m sure is the case with many moms. Just thinking about it makes me more determined to avoid the place more than ever.

Like all children, my children nag for sweets and tit-bits that they see other children eat. As a conscientious mum I try to avoid those things altogether. It is not that easy. Whenever we socialize they get sweets from someone. That’s life and we all know it.

My daughters – being women – are particularly fond of chocolate. Although they may choose other sweets off the shelves because they look colorful and fun, they always end up eating MY chocolate instead! In a recent survey women voted chocolate to be their ‘first love’. With statistics like that how can I possibly deprive my two little girls from this pleasure?

Of course I end up allowing them chocolate on a regular basis … followed by guilt and concern. I spend thousands on different types of healthy tit-bits in my effort to try and get them to like something healthier. It doesn’t work. For almost 4 years it didn’t work … how long does one bang your head against a brick wall?

But dental health is a real concern in the short and long term!

Just read this! “Chronic periodontal disease affects about 85% of the adult population!” (Dr Steven J. Smith D.D.S., P.C). This disease can affect the entire body through bacteria that is absorbed into the body via the mouth. In fact – any disease in the mouth can affect the whole body because it has a direct pathway into the bloodstream through inflamed tissue supporting the teeth. It was discovered that disease spread through the body in this way can even cause clotting in the blood increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. The fact is … the mouth must be healthy or else a compromised systemic body health will result.

Recent studies have shown that people with healthy gums have shown to have higher levels of an antioxidant called ‘glutathione’ in their saliva. Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body however supplementation will facilitate dental health and reduce the incidence of gum disease.

My eyes and ears were open when I came across articles and information on a product that contains an array of antioxidants, including natural bioavailable glutathione that supports the healthy functioning of the body … providing a long list of other benefits!

It was just the right product for us! Chocolate! It is crucial to know one thing though – not all chocolate is created equal … you need the right kind of chocolate.

My first question was: “What does it taste like?” and the second questions was: “Will my children like it?” Children do love good things and it turns out, my children love it! They can have chocolate every day now! No more guilt, no more fear, no more worries! The other benefits are amazing too.

My conclusion? God does love the world … he gave us chocolate.www.healthychocolate.co.za

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Tips From a Dentist on Caring for your Child’s Teeth

November 20th, 2009

Fluoride has been shown to have definite beneficial effects on the growth of strong teeth, as it hardens tooth enamel. Fluoride in higher doses has also been shown to be detrimental to health in other ways. The controversy over fluoride rages on today. You will have to make your own decisions about the use of supplemental fluoride, as there are compelling arguments on both sides of the controversy.

Normally, tap water in most cities contains some fluoride supplementation. If not in your area, check with your dentist about a prescription for regular daily fluoride supplementation. However, to avoid possibility of harmful effects do not exceed recommended doses of fluoride.

Cavities are the most common dental problem among children. If you allow your infant to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, sugar present in milk or juice can remain on the gums and teeth for a prolonged period. This leads to cavities. Don’t allow your child to walk around all waking hours with a bottle. Instead, teach your child to start drinking from a cup as soon as they are able.

Additionally, if your child consumes lots of sugary foods like candy, cookies, raisins, and many sweetened fruit juices, there is a high risk of developing cavities. If most of your family members suffer from cavities, your child could also develop cavities early in life. The tendency towards tooth decay may be hereditary, but the actual development of cavities requires bacteria. Since bacteria thrive more in a high sugar environment, feed your child good nutritious non-sweetened foods and teach them to brush and floss at least twice daily. Flossing once a day is equally essential.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth – Before Birth to 6 Months

A healthy pregnancy contributes to healthy formation of teeth in your baby. A woman should eat a nutritious and balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals during her pregnancy. She should also, undergo a thorough dental examination and have any decayed teeth filled or oral infections resolved. Your baby’s teeth start forming from the second trimester of pregnancy. A baby at birth has all twenty teeth, although within the jaws beneath the gums.

After the birth of your child, in addition to a good nutritious diet, follow simple dental habits. As mentioned previously if bottle-feeding your child, do not put your child to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. Sugars from juice and milk stay for prolonged periods and cause bacteria to develop. Remove bottle soon after feeding. Breast-feeding to sleep does not cause any problems.

Clean your child’s mouth and gums with a wet gauze after feedings and at bedtime. If anyone in the household smokes, you will want to keep your child away from the tobacco and cigarette smoke. Aside from the obvious harmful medical effects, this could cause gum inflammation.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth – 6 Months to 3 Years

Infants start the eruption of their first teeth from the age of six months. They normally have six teeth around their first birthday. Use a wet cloth or sponge to wipe their gums after feedings. After the first few teeth appear, use a soft brush and water to clean your infant’s teeth. Develop the habit of drinking from a cup around nine months of age to discourage bottle-feeds.

Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth after your child is a year-old. Until the age of three, you should brush your child’s teeth both in the morning and at night. Teach your child not to swallow toothpaste.

Develop good eating habits in your child by giving foods that help in growth and development of strong gums and teeth like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Do not give sugary or high-carbohydrate foods like pastries, pasta, and processed carbohydrates.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth – 3 Years to 6 Years

At three years of age, your child may be learning to talk and starting to understand a few things. This is a good time to teach your child good dental habits.

Teach your child to brush their teeth on their own with your supervision. You can encourage your child to watch other elder siblings and elders brushing their teeth to learn the correct techniques.

Flossing is essential as soon as teeth start touching each other. Use plastic flossing tools available in the market to teach proper flossing habits to your child.

Infants and small children often suck their thumbs. A four-year old normally stops thumb sucking on their own. If not, you can take necessary guidance from your dentist to stop this habit and avoid unnecessary orthodontic complications.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth – 6 Years to 16 Years

From the age of six, your child starts losing all primary teeth and permanent teeth start growing in their place. By now, your child should be able to brush their own teeth independently. Make your child realize importance of brushing regularly in the morning and evening. Teach your child to floss regularly. You can ask your dentist to guide your child on correct technique of flossing.

Take your child to the dentist regularly. If your child develops cavities, the dentist will suggest proper treatment remedies. Give chewable disclosing tablets to your child regularly to detect any plaque left on your child’s teeth after brushing. These are available at local drugstores. They cause the plaque on the teeth to stain red so that it can be seen.

You can discuss with your dentist if it is essential to put dental sealants on the molar teeth of your child. Sealants are of hard plastic. The sealants are a flowable liquid when applied, and flow into the grooves and pits of the chewing surfaces and then are hardened. This protects these surfaces from bacteria.

Teach your child to eat nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Educate your child about ill effects of highly processed carbohydrates and sugary foods. These habits, if started early, will instill good eating habits in your child and will lead to healthy teeth and bodies.

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New Study Finds Drinking Green Tea Promotes Healthy Teeth and Gums

November 5th, 2009

Beverly Hills, California – June 18, 2009 – A healthy and beautiful smile is not just a product of cosmetic dentistry but also of good health and smart nutritional choices. In recent years, green tea has been validated by multiple research studies for its effect on improving weight loss, and reducing the incidence of heart disease and cancer. New research published in March 2009 suggests a connection between the consumption of green tea and a reduction in the incidence of periodontal disease. The study was published in the Journal of Periodontology. For the study, 940 men between the ages of 49 and 59 were included and their green tea drinking habits were compared. Those who drank green tea regularly had healthier teeth than those who drank less green tea. The comparisons in dental health were made using three factors normally associated with periodontal disease, including the bleeding of the gum tissue, the depth of the periodontal pocket, and the loss of attachment of gum tissue. The researchers discovered a correlation per glass of green tea consumed and a reduction in those three indicators. Researchers believe the connection stems from the presence of catechin in green tea. Catechin is an antioxidant which has been shown to fight inflammation in the body. Periodontal disease is a condition marked by ongoing inflammation of the gums which causes the deterioration of gum tissue and supporting bones. By reducing this inflammation, the catechin from the tea may be promoting healthier teeth and gums. Although not documented in the study, green tea is known to provide other dental benefits. Polyphenols in the tea stop plaque from sticking to the enamel of the teeth thus reducing the risk of cavity development. Green tea can also prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth which cause bad breath. Some green teas also include fluoride which strengthens teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology has endorsed many studies suggesting that maintaining healthy gums is critical to the overall health of the body. “The mouth is a mirror providing a reflection of conditions affecting the entire body,” says Dr. Farnoosh. “While green tea is not be a replacement for regular brushing and dental care, it can serve as a supplement to promoting proper periodontal health.” Dr. Farnoosh is a leader in the field of cosmetic dentistry and aesthetic periodontal surgery. In addition to his 25 years of experience in private dental practice he has been teaching for more than two decades at the University of Southern California. Because of his credentials, he is considered by the Consumer Research Council (CRC), an independent research organization, to be one of “America’s Top Dentists”. His innovative research and pioneering procedures have earned him the recognition of the International Association of Dental Research and the American Academy of Periodontology. About The Total Smile Located in Los Angeles, California, The Total Smile is a full-service dental office specializing in advanced cosmetic dentistry including dental implants, lip lowering surgery for correcting gummy smiles, gum lightening for the treatment of discolored gums, bone grafting, gum grafting, and the conservative treatment of periodontal disease. Fly-in services are also available for out-of-town patients. Contact: The Total Smile 8920 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 517 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-657-0503 http://www.thetotalsmile.com

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Maintaining Healthy Teeth

October 30th, 2009

Proper oral care is that way to maintain healthy teeth. Caring for your teeth is much easier than it sounds. Regular check ups with your dentist is very important as well. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are important as well. What most people don’t know is that a healthy diet is a major factor as well.
Choosing the proper diet to maintain great teeth can be a little troubling. Foods that are high in sugars and starches, soda pop are horrible for your teeth. Plaque builds up onto the teeth from these starches. When the plaque is then combine with the sugar it then attacks the enamel on your teeth. When the enamel is weakened it will then lead to tooth decay. It’s not only crucial to keep your teeth plaque free, but taking care of your gums is important as well. Many of the food you consume everyday have came into contact with hundreds of germs and bacteria that can survive in your mouth. This is why you should brush your after meals and floss daily.
Your teeth do a lot of work everyday of your life. They grind down your food to help you digest your food. Without your teeth assisting you with this task your body wouldn’t get the fuel it needs. Just like a car to keep it running it needs proper maintenance. Keep your teeth maintained. Using a good toothbrush will help cut down plaque and tarter. There are tons of electric toothbrushes to help remove bacteria.
Bad breath is another issue when it comes to oral hygiene. It is not only unpleasant for yourself, but also embarrassing when you are trying to hold a conversation with others. Bad breath is caused by the bacteria that live in your mouth. You can chew gum that is sweetened with xylitol, or try buying a tongue scrubber. When you brush your teeth gently brush the gums, roof of your mouth and as far back as you can.
When you let bacteria build up at the bottom of your teeth when you brush you can see bleeding. When this continues your gums start to loosen and it bacteria begins to eat at the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. The bacteria can get into your blood stream from there and can cause heart disease and other serious conditions.
It is extremely important that if you feel anything wrong with your teeth that you see a dentist immediately. Leaving a cracked tooth can cause harmful liquids to get into your blood stream and cause infection into your body. If you feel your tooth is sensitive you should do to the doctors to get a cavity filled as soon as possible. Leaving this untreated can cause decay and eventually lead to a root canal, which is very painful.
In general some people just have sensitive teeth. You should then use some type of fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse. You may even need a prescription for specific toothpaste.
Not only do you need your teeth for eating but appearance is important as well. You do not need perfect looking teeth. A clean appearance with nice white teeth can land a job, or catch the eye of the opposite sex. To keep your teeth looking their best you can try Crest White Strips Premium 7-day. You will start seeing result in 3 days and the full result in 7.

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