Toothache: How to tackle the terrible pain

Toothache can range from a mild ache to a continuous throbbing pain. Tooth decay, usually due to poor dental hygiene, is the most common cause, but pain in the teeth can also be due to gum disease, a cracked tooth, or jaw problems. Teenagers and adults may have pain from wisdom teeth emerging. Your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold or to brushing if the enamel that protects them becomes worn or cracked, or if your gums recede and expose the inner layers of the teeth.

See your dentist first
Make an appointment to see your dentist if you are suffering from toothache.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Oil of cloves is a traditional remedy from your pharmacist that may help to soothe an aching tooth. Put a few drops of the oil on a piece of cotton wool, place it on the painful tooth, and bite down gently. Be careful to keep the oil off your tongue because it may burn a little.

Fluorine: Key health benefits and risks Q & A

Fluorine is a non-metallic element which is toxic in its gaseous form. Fluorine is known to be beneficial to humans, specifically for its role in maintaining bones and tooth enamel, but it has not yet been proven to be essential for human health.

Q. I know that a compound of fluorine, called a fluoride, is often added to some brands of toothpaste, and even to some water supplies to help reduce cavities. Does it really work for that?
A. Yes. Tooth decay rates are much higher than average in areas in which the drinking water is naturally low in fluorine. When adequate amounts of fluoride are incorporated into tooth enamel, the rate of tooth decay is substantially reduced. Studies show that it works not only for children's teeth, but for adults, too.

Great dental health tips

Your mouth is more than just a pretty smile. It's also a gateway to your overall health. Keeping that gateway clean may keep you healthier longer -- and looking younger.

“Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry. “The adage ‘long in the tooth,’ used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result."

Great Tips for Beating Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a serious issue; several studies say that people who are suffering from dental anxiety have bad oral health. Here are five most effective tips for preventing and beating dental anxiety in children.

1. Don’t Wait to Visit the Dentist until the Pain Increases

Do not wait until you experience extreme pain and then visit the dentist. It is the worst thing that you can do. Once the pain worsens, you might require an extraction or root canal treatment. Extractions and root canals are very much unpleasant and they can be quite excruciating as well. You need to visit the dentist once in every six months, when you experience signs of dental discomfort.

2. Finding the Right Dentist

Not all the dentists are great in dealing with anxious patients. It is very much important to find a caring dentist who can take care of your oral health. You can also ask your family members and friends and seek recommendations to spot a good dentist. You need to book for a consultation before your start treatment with the dentist; ensure that the dentist is caring enough before you agree for the treatment. If you are not feeling comfortable at the time of consultation, then you need to continue searching until you find the right dentist for you.

3. Discuss Dental Anxiety Openly With Your Dentist

Discuss your dental anxietyopen and explain him why you are scared about the treatment; a good dentist will help you overcome your fear, and recommend you the best measures to counter your anxiety.

4. Consider General Anaesthesia and Medications

If you have severe dental anxiety, then you can discuss premedication options with drugs like valiumand usage of nitrous oxide. Anxiolytics like valium can effectually help uneasy patients to manage with the dental anxiety. Dental practices with nitrous oxide can help patients to feel at ease throughout the procedure.

Dentists perform dental procedures with the help of general anaesthesia, which involved very little risk.

5. Good Oral Hygiene

You need to start brushing your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste. Having healthy gums and teeth is the best possible way for avoiding a dentist’s drill, and boosting your self-confidence as well as reducing anxiety.

6. Preventing Children’s Dental Anxiety

If you are a parent, who’s afraid of dentist, it is pretty important not to let the fear pass on to children. Children are impressionable and perceptive; if they see that parents are afraid of dentist, then obviously children will also have the same fear.

Here are few tips to make sure that your children don’t develop any dental anxiety. Talk about the dental visits in a very positive way. It is never too young to get your child to the dentists for a general check-up.

Children below 3 years should consistently experience the dental care. From age 3, children should start attending proper check-ups and from 4, they need to get cleans.

Of course, upholding better oral health lessens the necessity to seek help from dental professional. It also makes it much easier for finding a dentist for patients suffering from dental anxiety.

These tips will certainly help in lessening dental anxiety.

source: hivehealthmedia

Gum disease on the go

Gum disease affects four out of five people in Ireland, but many may be unaware they have the condition because there are often no symptoms in the early stages, dental health professionals have warned.

They have just launched a new medical information leaflet aimed at raising awareness of the disease.

According to Dr Steve Kerrigan, of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), gum disease is a chronic infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. This can lead to red, swollen and tender gums.

"When most people think of a healthy smile, they picture straight white teeth. Many people never stop to consider the health of the gums and bone supporting the teeth that allow for a nice smile.

"Over time, the inflammation as a result of gum disease causes the gums and bones surrounding the teeth to recede and teeth to fall out, changing the overall look of a person's face, mouth and smile," he explained.

Gum disease is often considered a ‘silent disease' because many people have no symptoms in the early stages and do not realise they have a problem until it becomes more severe. Symptoms can include swollen gums, bleeding gums - particularly after brushing - pain when biting food and gums that appear pulled away or low down from the teeth.

The leaflet was launched by the RCSI, the Irish Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) and Dublin Dental University Hospital. It emphasises that gum disease can affect general health and is thought to be a risk factor for other serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gum disease worsens as a person gets older and some common lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, can cause it.

"By maintaining your dental health, not only are you helping to support your overall health, but also ensuring your smile lasts a lifetime," commented IDHA president, Susan Johnston.

She recommended that people brush their teeth and gums twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. Sugary snacks between meals should be avoided and people should visit their dentist and dental hygienist at least once a year.

The leaflet is now available in dental surgeries, hospital cardio departments and pharmacies nationwide.

source: irishhealth

High acid levels in juices harm kid`s teeth

London: Many parents are unwittingly egging on their kids to drink smoothies and juices, blissfully unaware that a combination of high acid levels and sugar can erode their teeth.

Instead of seemingly healthy fruit juice, children should preferably be given water and a handful of chocolate buttons for the sake of their teeth, said Kathy Harley, dean of the dental faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons.

Manufacturers are required to publish nutritional content of drinks on the label - but not their levels of acid, which can invite tooth decay, according to an investigation conducted by The Sunday Telegraph.

Harley said 50 percent of five-year-olds now show signs of damaged tooth enamel caused by excess acid in their diet. While health-conscious parents meant well in trying to feed their kids fruit and vegetables, the acid and sugar combo in juice meant they should be restricted to a "once a week treat".

Tooth enamel begins to be destroyed when acid levels in the mouth drop below 5.5 on the pH scale, which has 7 as neutral and one as strong acid.
While water has a pH of 7, and milk is just below at 6.8, our investigation found that a soft drink called This Water with lemons and limes, which describes itself as a "juice drink blended with pure squeezed juices and pure spring water," had a level of 2.7 - making it more acidic than cider vinegar, which had a level of 2.9.

This Water also contains 9.5 teaspoons of sugar in a 420 ml bottle. In 2008, the company had an ad campaign banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for failing to inform consumers about the sugar content of its juice drinks.

The other fruit drinks tested, including Tropicana orange juice, Copella apple juice, Innocent smoothies, Capri Sun orange drink and Robinsons Fruit Shoot apple and blackcurrant low sugar drink all had acid levels ranging between 3.3 and 3.8.

The most acidic beverage tested was Coca Cola, with a pH level of 2.5 and 12.5 teaspoons of sugar in a 500 ml bottle.

Harley said: "The only healthy drinks for teeth are milk and water. Children are having fruit drinks and smoothies several times a day, when they these should be considered as a treat, something to have once a week."

source: zeenews

Your toothbrush may be your life saver..

Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and restricting intake of sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes can boost overall health

Going to the dentist is a chore, and a necessity if we want to keep our own teeth. But there may be more broad-ranging benefits.

Regular check ups, clean teeth and a healthy mouth could increase lifespan and lead to early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a range of diseases from anaemia to heart problems.

Experts are increasingly discovering links between gum disease – which affects half the population – and dozens of other illnesses.

Studies are also showing that treating it can lead to improvements in many of the conditions.

The British Dental Association’s scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, says: ‘The good news is that most cases of gum disease are treatable and, more importantly, preventable.’

Here, we outline the ways in which good oral hygiene – brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting intake of sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes, stopping smoking and visiting the dentist once every two years (or more often if you have problems) – can boost overall health.

HEART DISEASE AND STROKE

Gum disease usually begins with a build-up of plaque, a sticky coating made up of food and bacteria that can lead to irritation of the gums, bleeding and gingivitis.

Research at New York State University showed that treating periodontal disease (swollen gums) with scaling and root planing and antibiotic gel significantly lowered the levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, which are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

In a second study at Sydney Dental Hospital, dentists removed teeth from about 70 patients with advanced forms of gum disease and found a big drop in the levels of the same compounds associated with heart disease risk.

One theory is that periodontal bacteria get into the bloodstream and travels to major organs to begin new infections. It has also been suggested that the bacteria causing gum disease could increase the rate at which arteries become blocked.

There may be a similar risk with stroke. Research based on 9,000 adults tracked for 15 years found that women with antibodies to P. gingivalis, the organism most associated with periodontal disease, were twice as likely to have a stroke.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

A report from cardiologists at the University of Athens says there is a link between chronic periodontitis and increases in blood-pressure levels and hypertension (high blood pressure).

LUNG DISEASE

Links have been found between oral health and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or COPD, a respiratory condition whose main cause is cigarette-smoking.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, oral and other bacteria can get into the lungs to cause frequent bouts of infection in patients with COPD.

DIABETES

Gum-disease rates have been found to be threefold higher in people with diabetes.

A study by the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease found a link between severity of periodontal disease and mortality in diabetes patients.

Researchers at Newcastle University say there is evidence of a two-way effect, with diabetes increasing the risk for periodontitis, and periodontal inflammation worsening blood-sugar control.

PREMATURE BIRTH

Researchers have found higher rates of premature babies among women with periodontal disease.

Research at the University of Alabama is showing that gum infections trigger an increase in the levels of prostaglandin and other compounds that induce labour.

The researchers were able to reduce premature birth by up to 84 per cent in women who received scaling and root planing when they were less than 35 weeks pregnant.

OSTEOPOROSIS

In periodontitis, there is a loss of bone into which the teeth are rooted, and this, as well as loss of the soft-tissue attachment to the tooth, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

It has been suggested that in some patients gum disease could be an early indicator of the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis.

EARLY DEATH

Those with severe gum disease were twice as likely to die, of any cause, before the age of 64 than those with no disease, according to a study based on a nationally representative U.S. sample of 11,000 people aged over 30.

source: dailymail

How to heal mouth ulcer quickly?

Common mouth ulcers start with burning pain or soreness, then a shallow, grayish-white pit with a red border develops. The ulcers tend to recur, but are not contagious. They are more likely to develop if you are run down or stressed. Some women get them before a period. Badly fitting dentures or careless tooth brushing can also cause them, Rarely, an ulcer in the mouth may be due to cancer.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

* You also feel sick and/or have a fever
* Many ulcers develop at the same time
* You have had a mouth ulcer for longer than 2 weeks and/or it is getting bigger

DRUG REMEDIES
Antiseptic mouthwashes Rinsing your mouth for about 1 minute twice a day with a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine reduces the risk of a secondary infection and will help your mouth ulcer to heal.

Mouth ulcer treatments include a mouth ulcer paste containing a steroid drug that reduces inflammation and helps healing. The sticky paste helps to keep the treatment in place. Apply it after a meal and at bedtime, so that it stays in contact with your ulcer for longer.

Mouth and throat treatments
Rinses, sprays, or gels containing the painkiller benzydamine can help to reduce the pain and inflammation of a mouth ulcer. Speak to your pharmacist before using one to treat child. Some products contain a local anesthetic to numb the area and provide temporary relief; however, using an anesthetic regularly may increase irritation.

Seek further medical advice if

* You have severe pain that is not controlled by the measures described above
* You have difficulty swallowing
* The ulcer has not healed within 2 weeks and/or it is getting bigger
* You have recurrent mouth ulcers

What you can do yourself
A common mouth ulcer normally disappears within a week or two without treatment, but it can be very uncomfortable. Try the following measures to reduce pain and help the ulcer heal more quickly.

* Eat soft, soothing foods, such as yoghurt, ice cream, and custard. Sip cool water or other cooling drinks through a straw.

* Avoid any food or drink that will irritate your mouth and aggravate your ulcer, such as citrus fruits and drinks; coffee; salty or spicy foods; hard, scratchy foods such as nuts, crisps, and toast; and very hot food or drinks.

* Clean your teeth using a soft tooth brush.

* Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Alternatively, make a salt-water mouthwash by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in 250 ml (half a pint) of warm water and use it several times a day. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.

* Apply a mouth ulcer paste containing a steroid to ease pain, aid healing, and protect your ulcer from irritants.

* Ease pain with a mouth rinse or spray containing a painkiller, or a lozenge, gel, or spray containing a local anesthetic.

How to stop bleeding gums?

Tips to treat gingivitis naturally

Bleeding from the gums is usually a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), Healthy gums are pale and firm, but diseased gums may become purplish-red, swollen, and shiny, and bleed when you brush your teeth. Your breath may smell unpleasant. The cause is usually a build-up of plaque ( a deposit formed from food particles, saliva, and bacteria) at the base of the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Bleeding gums can also be due to vigorous brushing or poorly fitting dentures. You may be prone to them during pregnancy or if you take certain drugs.

Arrange to see your dentist or doctor if:

* You have toothache or loose teeth

* You bruise easily and feel tired and weak

* You are taking a prescribed medicine, such as an anticoagulant, that may cause
bleeding gums. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine without consulting your doctor

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Oral hygiene
The following oral hygiene routine helps to reduce the risk of gum disease and prevent tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. Clean between your teeth with dental floss or tape. There are many types available; tape may be more comfortable for your gums.

* Brush your teeth before going to bed and when you get up in the morning or after breakfast. Use fluoride toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled brush. Brush all the surfaces of your teeth, especially where they meet the gums, using short, vertical or circular strokes.

* Use dental tape or floss once a day to get rid of plaque between your teeth and at the gum line. Wind a piece around one finger of each hand. Keeping it taut, move it up and down the side of a tooth, going slightly below the gum line. Repeat, using fresh pieces, for every tooth.

What you can do yourself
Use these measures to help your gums heal and prevent more serious damage to gums and teeth.

* If bleeding is profuse, try pressing a piece of gauze or cotton wool soaked in ice-cold water on your gums for a few minutes.

* Practice good oral hygiene (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). Brush your teeth gently using a new, soft-bristled brush, making sure you don’t scratch your gums. Use dental tape or floss, or a tapered interdental brush (which looks like a tiny bottlebrush), to clean between your teeth.

* Don’t use toothpicks to clean between your teeth, because they can injure your gums.

* Stop smoking, because tobacco smoke aggravates bleeding gums.

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your dentist or doctor if:

* Your gums are still bleeding after you have tried the above measures for 7-10 days

* You have any other symptoms

Home remedies for great dental health

1. Use commercial clove oil for toothache.

2. In case of toothache, suck one or two cloves.

3. Brushing teeth with a piece of apple will keep toothaches at bay.

4. Burn a turmeric stick and powder it. Use this powder with salt to brush the teeth for healthy teeth and gums.

5. A pinch of salt to the aching tooth will bring temporary relief.

6. Raw onions eaten daily is good for maintaining strong and healthy teeth.

7. Lemon or orange rind powder makes an ideal tooth powder.

8. If your teeth have turned sour, try chewing tender mango leaves.

9. Lemon juice makes an excellent tooth cleaner.

10. Dabbing vanilla essence on the aching tooth gives immediate relief.

11. Mix a little asafetida powder with little salt and raw piece of ginger, keep it
on the crevice where the pain occurs.

12. Grind the basil leaves with a little pepper. Apply this on the affected tooth or
the cavity.

13. Pyorrhea (inflammation of the gums) can be cured by eating oranges daily, and
rubbing the gums daily with the peels.

14. Mix alum with little honey to a paste and rub on the weak or bleeding gums.

15. Apply little sandalwood oil on the affected tooth to get relief from the pain.

16. Make an infusion with neem leaves and use it for rinsing for your mouth.

17. Apply clove oil mixed with pepper powder on the affected part.

18. Apply nutmeg oil on the affected tooth.

19. Use powdered shells of almonds as toothpaste.

20. Boil eight betel leaves in a liter of water. Wash the mouth frequently with this
water to cure swelling and pain in the gums.

21. Chewing coconut pieces with a little jaggery strengthens gums and prevents decay.

22. Rub burnt ginger with salt over the teeth to cure dental sensitiveness caused by eating sour fruits.

23. The fresh leaves of mint, chewed daily is an effective antiseptic dentifice.

Poor dental hygiene ups endocarditis risk

Poor dental hygiene ups endocarditis risk for heart disease patients

Washington: Patients with congenital heart disease floss, brush and visit the dentist less than their peers, and researchers say these poor dental hygiene behaviours could increase their risk of endocarditis.

This was revealed in two studies supervisor by Professor Philip Moons, professor in nursing science at the University of Leuven, Belgium, and guest professor at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.

“Patients with congenital heart disease are diagnosed and receive their initial treatment in childhood but this does not mean that they are cured,” said, Professor Moons.

“They remain vulnerable for developing complications – for instance we know that in patients with congenital heart disease, binge drinking can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias and good dental hygiene helps prevent endocarditis,” he stated.

For the first study (FPN 34) 1, lifestyle information was collected from 429 adolescents with congenital heart disease aged 14-19 years from the longitudinal study i-DETACH (Information technology Devices and Education programme for Transitioning Adolescents with Congenital Heart disease).

Of these, 401 were matched with a control of the same age and gender without congenital heart disease. All participants completed a questionnaire, developed by the research group of Professor Moons, which measures the use of alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs, dental care and physical activity. These behaviours are particularly important to the health of patients with congenital heart disease.

An ‘overall health risk score’ was calculated using the substance use risk score, dental hygiene risk score, and the absence of physical activity. The 3 risk scores were transformed to a scale ranging from 0 (no risk) to 100 (maximum risk). Scores were compared across different age groups.

In adolescents with congenital heart disease, substance use increased with age. Compared with matched controls, adolescents with congenital heart disease had significantly lower substance use and health risk scores, and significantly higher dental hygiene risk scores.

“The fact that adolescents with congenital heart disease have better health behaviour overall than the general population is understandable given the amount of input they have had from healthcare professionals over their lives. But we need to do more to understand why their dental hygiene is not as good as expected,” Professor Moons said.

For the second study (FPN 158), the same questionnaire was used to collect lifestyle information from adults aged 16-48 years (average age 24 years) with a type of congenital heart disease called single ventricle physiology.

Compared to healthy controls, patients with single ventricle physiology had better health behaviours overall. But patients exercised less and their dental hygiene practices (mainly flossing) was poorer.

“Patients with complex conditions can have physical restrictions so the fact that they are less physically active is perhaps not surprising. But the reasons behind the poorer dental hygiene practices of patients in both studies need to be investigated further,” noted Professor Moons.

In the past, efforts to prevent endocarditis in patients with congenital heart disease focused on taking antibiotics one hour before a dental procedure. This prevented bacteria released into the blood from damaged gums travelling to the heart and causing an infection (endocarditis).

But researchers have since discovered that daily dental hygiene is more important for preventing endocarditis than antibiotics before a procedure.

Professor Moons said: “This was a change in the American Heart Association 2007 guidelines but not all physicians have switched to that new paradigm. And of course if you switch to that paradigm you also need to educate patients in a systematic way, but a lot of centres are not doing that yet.”

“Systematic structured patient education on the importance of dental hygiene is critical for preventing endocarditis in patients with congenital heart disease,” he added.

The findings were presented in two studies at the 12th Annual Spring Meeting on Cardiovascular Nursing, 16-17 March, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

source: zeenews

Natural dental tips for better oral health

Bad breath/ Mouth washes

1. Freshly plucked basil leaves are natural mouth fresheners if chewed and kept in mouth for some time.

2. Blow the air through the nozzle of an empty toothpaste tube. Fill it half with water and shake well. Makes an excellent mouth wash.

3. To stop bad breath, Gargle with warm water with lemon juice

4. Chew a couple of cloves

5. Gargle with mint juice

6. Chew on an orange peel for half an hour

7. A little tamarind combined with salt and rubbed on the tongue cleans it reduces bad breath

8. Mix equal quantities of water and vinegar, use as a rinse

9. Gargle with rose water

Double chin

1. Chewing gum reduces facial wrinkles and even eliminates double chin

2. Apply olive oil under the chin and along throat. Start with strokes from the base
of the throat to the jaw line. Tap with light pressure on the double chin and then stroke

Gum

1. To strengthen the gums, chew roasted sesame seeds with jaggery. This also helps to keep the teeth shining and healthy

2. Clean your mouth with salt water after brushing your teeth

Lips

1. Thin lips or broad lips can be corrected by outlining them with a lip pencil, a little outside or inside the natural lip line. Apply lip gloss on the upper lip for giving a full appearance to your lips

2. Outline crooked lips either below or above the natural shape depending on the fault.

3. If you have full and thick lips line your lips inside the natural shape with a lighter shade of lipstick and fill in the outline with a shade lighter.

4. Lipstick with a matt finish helps to give the illusion of smaller lips. To get matt finish place a thin tissue over the lips after applying lipstick then remove

5. IF your lip line is droopy outline it upwards with the lip pencil in a shade slightly darker than your lip color. Use lip gloss to touch up the centre.

6. Rub almond oil regularly on your lips to keep them from chapping

7. In winter, apply a little cream or butter on the lips before going to bed, to prevent your lips from chapping

8. Apply honey on lips to keep them moist. It is good for chapped lips

9. While applying lipstick use a brush to spread it evenly on the lips.

10. Before applying lipstick put a thin coating of powder on the lips so that the lipstick stays on for a longer time

11. To mend a broken lipstick join both the broken ends with a tooth pick and store in the fridge for one day

12. Bright lipstick makes the mouth appear larger

13. Lip pencils will be easier to sharpen if popped into fridge for about 15 minutes.

14. Take a few old lipsticks and scoop out their contents. Put then into spoon. Hold the spoon over the low flame, when it melts, put back in a container and leave in fridge. The result is fantastic, new shade

15. A tip for only men, Eucalyptus oil removes lipstick marks from clothes.

Teeth

1. A little baking soda or coarse salt put on your toothbrush or paste will make your teeth pearly white.

2. Using your fingers rub the mixture of soda bicarb and lemon juice on your teeth for a sparkle in them

3. Eat an apple after meals to add a sparkle to your teeth

4. To prevent tooth decay brush your teeth with a mixture of alum powder and salt

5. Brush your teeth using a powder of the dried lemon rinds. This cleans and whiteness your teeth and also good mouthwash

6. Baking soda can be used instead of toothpaste when you have run out of the latter

7. Mix soda bicarb and hydrogen peroxide equally. Rub on teeth for shining teeth and removal of the yellowish coating on teeth

8. IF your teeth have turned yellow rub cooking soda on the teeth as often as possible

9. Use the inner part of an orange peel to rub teeth for a lovely white shine

10. Use a slice of a strawberry or apple to rub your teeth and bring out their whiteness,

11. Chew crunchy carrots and celery leaves

12. An excellent whitener combination of orange and powdered bay leaves

13. Rub teeth with dried neem leaves powder to clean your teeth

14. Equal quantities of coda bicarb and salt lend teeth bright sparkle.

Evaluating salivary gland tumors and diseases

Primary-care providers (PCPs) see a wide variety of tumors and diseases that originate in the salivary glands, of which the three major are the parotid, submandibular and sublingual. Hundreds of additional minor salivary glands within the mouth can also develop pathology.

Salivary gland pathology can be classified broadly as inflammatory and infectious swellings, traumatic disorders, and benign and malignant tumors. Additionally, systemic disorders can involve the salivary glands. Each of these entities has a unique clinical presentation, and proper identification is critical to providing the correct and most efficient course of treatment.


Inflammatory and infectious swellings 


Inflammatory and infectious swellings present acutely and are often painful enlargements of the salivary glands. Sialoliths and granulomatous diseases are inflammatory conditions that cause enlargement and pain but do not have an infectious etiology. 


Typically found in the submandibular gland, sialolithiasis is the most common cause of salivary gland enlargement. It results from the formation of a stone within salivary ducts. It is thought that the long path of the submandibular duct and its thicker mucoid secretions may be responsible for the increased frequency of sialoliths in this location.

Radiographic examination will usually show an opaque mass in the duct if the stone is well calcified. The stone blocks salivary flow out of the gland, causing pain and swelling, especially before or during mealtime. If the stone is located near the duct orifice, clinicians will typically be able to feel a hard mass beneath the oral mucosa.

Small sialoliths can sometimes be removed by gentle massage, sialogogues, moist heat or increased fluid intake. Treating larger inaccessible stones involves complete removal, usually by cannulation and dilation of the duct.

Although the stone is not infectious, the backup of salivary flow predisposes the gland to secondary bacterial infection, which causes fever, redness and purulent discharge. This is why treatment includes antibiotics. Occasionally, more aggressive treatment — including complete gland removal — is needed if the stone does not resolve or continues to recur. 


Infectious causes of salivary gland enlargement include mumps, parotitis and HIV lymphadenitis. Acute suppurative parotitis presents with painful parotid swelling, fever, redness and purulent discharge from Stensen's duct.

Parotitis is attributable to a retrograde infection of the gland, usually bacterial in nature. This condition is typically seen in immunocompromised patients or subsequent to receiving a general anesthetic during a surgical procedure, especially abdominal surgery. Parotitis is thought to arise when a patient is given atropine intraoperatively after having had nothing to eat or drink, which decreases salivary flow and makes it easier for the bacteria to invade the gland. 


The most common pathogens associated with acute bacterial parotitis are Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic bacteria. Samples for culture and sensitivity testing can be obtained by milking the gland to obtain the purulent material. Therapy includes hydration and parenteral antimicrobial therapy.

Once an abscess has formed, surgical drainage is required. Swellings and cysts of the salivary glands may also be associated with HIV infection and such granulomatous diseases as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. For example, patients with HIV may demonstrate bilateral lymphoepithelial cysts. 


Chronic nonspecific sialadenitis is a lower grade salivary inflammation that usually involves one or both parotid glands. The etiology is not definitively known; it is most likely multifactorial and includes decreased salivation, stasis, and an ascending retrograde duct infection.

Sialadenitis is also thought to be caused by obstruction of one of the salivary ducts from either a stone or external radiation. The patient will complain of pain and such symptoms as fever and malaise. Fortunately, the swelling is self-limiting and typically resolves with anti-staphylococcal antibiotic therapy and increased fluid intake. Refractory cases are treated with surgical resection after failure of antimicrobial therapy.


Mumps, an acute infectious inflammation of the parotid gland, is an acute contagious viral infection typically seen in childhood. True mumps is caused by the mumps paramyxovirus, but a similar clinical disease can also be seen with coxsackievirus A and echovirus.

Mumps typically causes bilateral inflammation of the parotid glands (parotitis), but it can occur unilaterally. Fever, headache, painful testicular swelling (orchitis) and a rash may occur as well. The symptoms are generally not severe in children. This disease is self-limiting, so such palliative treatment as analgesics, antipyretics and fluid intake are appropriate. Isolation from other nonimmune individuals will prevent further spread. Although serious, sterility from orchitis is a rare complication of mumps. 


Noninfectious inflammatory disorders can also cause enlargement of the salivary glands. These include the systemic diseases sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome. Sarcoidosis can cause swelling of the parotid gland and sometimes facial-nerve palsy.

Heerfordt's uveoparotitis is a manifestation of sarcoidosis that occurs when the lacrimal gland, uveal tract and parotid gland are involved. An autoimmune disease caused by anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B antibodies, Sjögren's syndrome presents as xerostomia, dry eyes, and bilateral swelling of the major salivary glands. Sjögren's syndrome is often associated with such other autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis. 



Traumatic disorders


The most common traumatic salivary disorder encountered by PCPs is a mucocele. Other disorders include a ranula (Figure 1) and a salivary duct cyst. A mucocele, also known as a mucous extravasation phenomenon or a mucous retention cyst, is not a true cyst because it lacks an epithelial lining. It is a submucosal cystic swelling of a gland-bearing area commonly found in children and young adults. It is thought to arise following the rupture of a salivary gland duct.

Mucoceles typically present on the lower lip as a dome-shaped and fluctuant mucosal swelling. Some mucoceles may be only 1 to 2 mm in diameter, but most measure between 5 and 10 mm. Mucoceles are painless swellings and are frequently recurrent.

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Red Gums Signals Gum Disease

Have you checked out your teeth and gums inside the mirror not too long ago? The natural color of the actual gum area differs from individual to individual but it usually is actually coral formations red. Some races could have a deeper color even though some may have that various as a result of certain problems. These kinds of conditions contain – ingesting food items along with colors, smoking cigarettes (which usually transforms gums with a gray color) and also particular medications. However, persistent red gums area in which doesn’t seem to disappear completely can suggest something else such as periodontal ailments.

Soreness about the nicotine gums as a result of chewing gum ailments is due to the lower vascularization, as a result altering the gums in to a deeper red color. It also happens to women that are pregnant as a result of particular metabolic and also endocrines system disorder and hormonal modifications – that generally means they are vulnerable to periodontal illnesses. Yet generally, reddish nicotine gums and periodontal diseases are related to having less dental health care.

When foods dirt remains about the teeth and gums, germs type over them in the form of a little thin sweaty compound known as plaque. Any time plaque isn’t eliminated through oral treatment, it is going to shore up directly into tartar — which is something that can’t become eliminated through regular signifies. Dental practitioners can easily nevertheless clear tartar however it will be problematic to keep on producing cleansing appointments to the so it would be best to determine a verbal treatment regimen to handle tartar.

Any time infection spreads towards the nicotine gums, they flip reddish which can be currently a kind of gingivitis – the initial stages associated with gums and teeth. The symptoms are often associated with hemorrhaging, inflamed and inflamed gum area; and often, persistent bad breath. The symptoms during this time period tend to be gentle and also likelihood is, unless of course an analysis is done, patients will not know they’ve it. For that matter, you should check for gums and teeth symptoms to make certain your gum area tend to be wholesome.

In the event that gingivitis is not cured, it has a chance to develop into a more serious disease – periodontitis is the severe version of gingivitis and is when the symptoms worsen and when gum diseases pose a greater threat to your overall health. When still left untreated, the gums may recede and may eventually lead to tooth loss; during this stage, it is pretty much irreversible. If you find out that you have gum diseases, it is recommended to immediately find a way to cure it. There are several natural remedies for red gums or you may opt to visit your dentist for professional help.

Gum disease is on threat to your dental health. One indication of gum disease is swelling or red gums..

source: eva-news

Effective ways to clean your gums

1.Brushing

* Place a pea-sized dab of toothpaste on the head of the toothbrush (soft bristles).

* Toothbrush should be place against the teeth at 45-degree angle to the gum line.

* Using small circular motion brush your teeth and continue with this motion cleaning one tooth at a time. Try to keep the tips of the bristles against gum line. Don't press so hard that the bristles lie flat against the teeth.. Bristles should reach into spaces between teeth.

* Gently brush your tongue. This will help remove bacteria and freshens your breath.

* Brush at least twice a day or if you can do it every after meal. Brushing removes plaque that can cause tooth decay.

* Replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

2. Flossing

* Flossing helps get rid of food and plaque between the teeth. Plaque that stays between teeth, it can harder into tartar, which should be removed by a dentist. Floss once a day.

3. Eat right.

* Lessen the intake of foods that contain sugar and starches. As these foods produce the most acids in the mouth and the longer they stay in the mouth, the higher chance that they can damage the teeth.

* Avoid snacking on the following foods: cookies, candies, cakes, potato chips, dried fruits and raisins.

4.Dental check-up

* To maintain healthy teeth and gums you need to have a regular check-up and professional cleaning at least once every 6 months.

You can use other interdental cleaner aside from the dental floss and toothbrushing. Toothbrushes specifically formed with gum cleaners are also available at your local drugstores. Professional cleaning called oral prophylaxis should be sought from a dentist. In this procedure, not only the teeth will be cleaned but also the gums as well. The dentist will be further evaluated and checked if there are food debris that lodges along or inside the gum lines.

Make your gums healthy well by eating foods rich in vitamin C. These foods are strawberries, broccoli, green peppers, cantaloupe, dark green leafy vegetables, kiwis, papaya and other citrus fruits. Celery is also good because it massages gums as you eat with it. Avoid foods that are too abrasive for your teeth and gums as well. Drink plenty of water – this will help keep your gums hydrated.

Gum disease affects women's fertility

Enjoying good oral hygiene habits such as brushing teeth and flossing regularly can improve women's fertility and their chance of conception.

A new Australian study involving 3,416 pregnant women showed that periodontal disease may delay the time needed for conception by two months on average.

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth.

Previous studies have linked gum disease with several health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, respiratory and kidney problems as well as pregnancy-related complications such as miscarriage and premature birth.

While periodontal disease is believed to be associated with fertility problems in men, the new study says the condition, just alike obesity, can affect women's fertility and conception rate.

According to the new study called the SMILE, University of Western Australia researcher found that women with gum disease need in average more than seven months to become pregnant while the average conception time is about five months for their peers with healthy gums.

The results also revealed that it takes non-Caucasian women with gum disease in average more than a year to become pregnant, said the report presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

"Our data suggest that the presence of periodontal disease is a modifiable risk factor, which can increase a woman's time to conception, particularly for non-Caucasians," said senior researcher Roger Hart from the University of Western Australia.

Researchers suggest that chronic inflammation in oral cavity causes a chain of reactions that may affect other organs such as reproductive system.

Considering the fact that about 10 percent of the whole population suffers severe gum disease, researchers recommend women who are considering becoming pregnant consult with their dentist to make sure they do not have any gum disease.

Scientists also emphasized that dental hygiene is just a part of "a whole package of healthy lifestyle."

"You have to make sure you're the appropriate weight, and many women need to lose weight, they need to stop smoking, they need to curtail alcohol to a minimum amount, they need to take folic acid, they need to ensure they've got the rubella vaccination," Hart added.

source: presstv

Gums Infection Linked to Erectile Dysfunction

Bad Gums May Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Bad breath and bleeding gums are not sexy.

But periodontitis, an inflammation or infection of the gums, may hamper your sex life in another way: It may be a cause of erectile dysfunction, a new study suggests.

The results showed that periodontitis impaired erectile function in rats.

The findings agree with a previous study that showed periodontitis is more common in men with erectile dysfunction than men without erectile dysfunction.

Dentists and doctors should be made aware of the connection, said the researchers from Luzhou Medical College in China.

"Identifying and treating periodontitis in the patient presenting with or without [erectile dysfunction] may improve the patient’s sexual health," the researchers wrote.

However, others say the link is a bit of a stretch.

"I don’t think your gums are related to your penis in any reasonable way," said Dr. Andrew Kramer, a surgeon and erectile dysfunction expert at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Instead, periodontitis may be an indicator of overall poor health, which increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, Kramer said. Conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes have also been linked with erectile dysfunction.

More research is needed to understand whether inflammatory diseases, which include periodontitis, are a cause of erectile dysfunction, he said.

Gum disease and erectile dysfunction
Periodontitis has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease, and, heart disease has been linked with erectile dysfunction. The researchers wondered whether periodontitis might be directly tied to erectile dysfunction, and how the two might be connected.

They found periodontitis increased inflammation in the rats' bodies. Inflammation is an immune response and can be beneficial when your body is fighting off infection, but chronically high levels are known to be bad for overall health.

Rats with periodontitis also had less of an enzyme involved in achieving an erection, called eNOS. This enzyme produces nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis.

The inflammation produced by periodontitis may decrease nitric oxide, which then interferes with erection, the researchers said.

Role of inflammation
The study is "one of the first indications that inflammation could have a negative impact on erectile function," said Dr. David Meldrum, an infertility expert and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved in the study.

Earlier studies have found the men with erectile dysfunction have higher levels of certain inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, in their bodies, Meldrum said.

Another major cause of inflammation is abdominal fat, Meldrum said, which is also a known risk factor for erectile dysfunction.

Inflammation is also thought to play a role in heart disease, so it may be a common factor in periodontitis, heart disease and erectile dysfunction.

More research is needed to see whether treating periodontitis could also treat erectile dysfunction, the researchers said.

The study was published online June 23 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Pass it on: Periodontitis impairs erectile function in animals, but it's not clear if the same thing happens in people.

This story was provided by MyHealthNewsDaily, sister site to LiveScience.

Quick tips to check cavities in your kids

All kids want in their summer holidays is chocolates and dollops of ice cream. The craving is so intense that they readily snack on carbohydrate rich diet of chips, cakes, candies, cheese, pizzas and what have you.

These are the same food items that the cavity forming bacteria thrive on. So all through summer the bacteria feasts on the carbs, and the end result is dental decay commonly known as cavities.

Colas and aerated drinks add to the problems because they contain acid which corrodes the surface of the teeth. Same is the case with our all-time summer favourite 'Nimbu Paani'. Repeated and frequent consumption makes the tooth surface porous and susceptible to tooth decay.

Dental expert Dr Bela S. Jain shares some invaluable tips with us on how to care for your kid's dental hygiene.

1. Stock healthy fruits in the refrigerator. If the refrigerator is stocked with diced and ready to eat fruits, in all likelihood your child will pick up the bowl. If the child has to slice the fruit himself chances are he will move on to a bag of chips!

2. Have access to fresh fruit juices. Stock coconut water or natural fruit juices instead of synthetic drinks. Due to the heat, there is more consumption of liquid items. Make it a practice with your kid to rinse his mouth after taking any aerated drink.

3. Keep a ready stock of chewing gum at home. Chewing gums are good for you! Firstly- The sweetness goes away quickly so they don't harm the teeth. Secondly- As the gum is chewed its stickiness picks up all the food stuck on the surfaces of the teeth. Hence the chewing gum does the work of a tooth brush. Thirdly- As chewing continues, saliva keeps flowing. This is similar to taking a water pipe and hosing the garden down. This keeps your mouth clean and washes away the bacteria. Lastly- As long as the chewing gum is in the mouth; there are no chocolates in it!

4. Stock detergent foods. These do the work of a tooth brush. Give the child a slice of apple, a carrot or a pear after they have had a chocolate. These are very useful because their fiber cleans up any food stuck to the teeth. These can be used instead of a brush after every meal.

5. Mouthwashes. Using a fluoride mouthwash can help reduce tooth decay. Fluoridated mouth washes make the top layer of the tooth more resistant to acid attack. Thus, they protect your dentures from cavities.

6. Brushing. Fluoridated tooth pastes also strengthen the tooth surface against acid attacks. Use vertical strokes of a soft brush to clean the teeth. Once the food particles are removed efficiently, the formation of permanent stains and cavities on the teeth is reduced. Doing this soon after meals offers best results.

After doing any of the above, don't forget to show your teeth and smile!

source: TOI

Dental hygiene tips for teeth in braces

There are things that we often see but simply pass off either because they do not happen to us or we just do not care. Having braces is one such thing, and often we see school-going children with them and adults too. Cleaning them never occurs to you right until you see them covered with debris in the person’s mouth talking to you. So what should one know then when it comes to braces?

How to take good care of your braces

Sticky foods will bend, loosen or damage brackets and bands. Avoid caramels, toffees, bubble gum, sweets with whole nuts, frozen chocolate and ice-lollies. These foods are also high in sugar and can cause permanent damage to your teeth.

Hard foods can bend wires and loosen cement under the brackets or bands. Cut up hard fresh fruit like apples or dice raw vegetables like carrots before eating. Avoid popcorn, sugarcane, peanuts or corn/maize on a cob. Do not chew on pens, pencils and finger nails.

Don’t try and eat meat off the bone. All the meat must be eaten with a fork and knife. If you eat biltong (dried salted meat), stick to the soft sliced variety.

Call the dentist immediately if something comes loose. Should a wire be poking you in the cheek, place some wax over it and have it clipped.
Sore teeth are normal for two or three days after appointments. If the lips or cheeks are irritated by the roughness of the braces, use the wax provided until the soreness subsides.

Brush after every meal. Brushing is recommended after eating anything. Make sure that extra care is taken of oral hygiene while in braces. The teeth are expected to be shiny and clean every day. Treatment will go smoothly with healthy teeth and gums.

Appliances are to be worn at all times unless specified by a dental specialist.

Retainers are important to the retention of teeth once the active stage of treatment is completed. Wearing retainers is the part of the orthodontic treatment that is your responsibility.

Emergency cases warranting medical attention

A loose band, brace or wire irritating the mouth

An arch wire that is broken or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue

A removable appliance that is not fitting well is not to be worn until it can be properly adjusted at the doctor’s.

Any unusual symptoms such as pain or bleeding

Flossing your teeth could save you from a stroke

Tooth loss increases the risk of a stroke many years later

Flossing may be a bore but this kind of fastidious teeth-cleaning might be a lifesaver

Tooth loss increases the risk of a stroke many years later, according to a new Japanese study, and underlying gum disease may be to blame.

Researchers have calculated that those with fewer than 24 of their own teeth (adults should have 32) are 60 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke.

Stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood supply to the brain.

The most common type is an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel that normally delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked.

An haemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding into the brain.

In any stroke the nerve cells in the affected area of the brain may die within minutes of being denied oxygen, leading to impairment of bodily functions. An estimated 150,000 people have a stroke in Britain each year, leading to about 53,000 deaths annually.

In the new study, researchers at Hiroshima University looked at the dental conditions of 358 patients and found that stroke patients in their 50s and 60s had significantly fewer remaining teeth than did patients in the same age groups who had been treated for other conditions.

The number of teeth remaining was also significantly lower among stroke patients in their 50s than in the general population of the same age.

The researchers then analysed results from four separate studies. They found that having 24 or fewer teeth increased the risk of stroke by 57 per cent compared with those with 25 or more teeth. The researchers also took into account a range of other risk factors associated with stroke, including smoking habits, obesity and alcohol use.

'This review suggests that tooth loss may be related to both ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes,' says Dr Mitsuyoshi Yoshida, who led the study.

Some studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Periodontal diseases range from gum inflammation to diseases that damage the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss after the age of 40.

The mouth is brimming with bacteria, which contributes to the sticky, colourless plaque that binds to teeth. Brushing and flossing helps get rid of plaque.

Research into heart disease has shown that micro-organisms associated with gum disease have been found in atheromas - accumulation of calcified material - in the arteries of patients. It has been suggested that toxins in these micro-organisms damage cells in the lining of the arteries.

One theory is that periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries and brain tissues, and cause greater amounts of compounds involved in clotting.

Dr Sharlin Ahmed of The Stroke Association says: 'It is believed that oral bacteria can contribute to the furring up and narrowing of artery walls, which could result in a stroke. Oral bacteria could also attach to fatty deposits in the arteries, which can lead to a blood clot and could result in a stroke.'

source:dailymail