Featured Articles
"People with diabetes may not realize the link between diabetes and oral health problems."
This information comes from a report in the British Dental Journal. The report was titled "Oral Health Awareness in Adult Patients:
A Questionnaire Study." The report explains the reasons why diabetic people have a higher risk of developing dental problems.
Read more...
"Learn How to Identify, Prevent and Reduce
Frequencies of Canker Sores"
(Also referred to as "recurrent aphthous
ulcers") are shallow, painful, round, or oval
ulcerations that form inside a person's mouth.
They typically have a white membrane-coated
center and a red surrounding border. Canker
sores usually begin with a tingling or burning
sensation, followed by a red spot or bump that
ulcerates.
read more...
"Should You Brush Your Tongue"
You may not need to clean your tongue to
protect your teeth or gums, but it may be
helpful if you're concerned about bad breath.
Although the anterior tongue isn't generally a
breeding ground for bacteria due to its self
cleaning ability, the posterior portion of the
tongue.
read more...
"Oral Cancer Prevention"
Anything that increases a person's chance of
developing a disease is called a risk factor;
anything that decreases a person's chance of
developing a disease is called a protective
factor. Some of the risk factors for cancer can
be avoided, but many cannot.
read more...
"Tooth Whitening: Methods & Precautions"
In the recent years, tooth whitening is still
the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in
the United States. However, with so many
different teeth whitening options on the market
today, many patients are left confused about
which ones are the safest and most effective,
and what side effects are possible with each.
read more...
"Acid In Popular Drinks Can Cause Dental Damage"
Are you worried about sugary drinks rotting
your teeth? A new study by University of Iowa
researchers suggests the acid in popular drinks
can cause dental damage, too. In its study, the
University of Iowa researchers tested the acid
erosion potential of five popular drinks- apple
juice, Coke, Diet Coke, Gatorade and Red Bull.
read more...
"Why taking care of your child's teeth is so
important?"
Baby teeth (or primary teeth) are temporary,
so why do we care about them? Many parents
overlook the importance of baby teeth and don't
realize they serve functions other than biting
and chewing.
read more...
ORANGE, Calif., March 14 (UPI) -- Dentists
often tell patients to avoid sugary foods to
prevent tooth decay, but U.S. researchers say
there also are consumables beneficial to oral
health.
"The bacteria that contribute to
tooth decay, Streptococcus mutans, feed on the
sucrose -- the sugar -- that we eat," Louis
Amendola, Western Dental's chief dental director
says..."
read more...
The Mouth-Body Connection: 6 Ways Oral
Hygiene Helps Keep You Well
WebMD Medical Reference
Taking good care of your mouth -- teeth and
gums -- does more than help ensure you have a
bright, white smile. A healthy mouth and healthy
body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral
health can improve your overall health, reducing
the risk of serious disease and perhaps even
preserving your memory in your golden years. The
phrase "healthy mouth, healthy you" really is
true -- and backed by growing scientific
evidence.
It's never too early to start teaching your
children to take care of teeth and gums --
healthy habits learned in childhood can pay off
in adulthood. And, if you're tempted to shrug
off your good oral hygiene habits -- brushing,
flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly --
remember that you're a role model for your kids.
Keep in mind these six ways having healthy teeth
and gums helps boost overall health.
Boosts Your Self-esteem and Confidence
Decayed teeth and gum disease are often
associated not only with an unsightly mouth but
very bad breath -- so bad it can affect your
confidence, self-image, and self-esteem. With a
healthy mouth that's free of gum disease and
cavities, your quality of life is also bound to
be better -- you can eat properly, sleep better,
and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth
infections to distract you.
May Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Chronic inflammation from gum disease has
been associated with the development of
cardiovascular problems such as heart disease,
blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Experts
stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect
between gum disease and these other serious
health problems, but the link has shown up in
numerous studies. The findings of these studies
may suggest that maintaining oral health can
help protect overall health.
Preserves Your Memory
Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding
gums) performed worse on tests of memory and
other cognitive skills than did those with
healthier gums and mouths, according to a report
in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery &
Psychiatry. Those with gingivitis were more
likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed
verbal recall and subtraction -- both skills
used in everyday life.
Reduces Risks of Infection and Inflammation
in Your Body
Poor oral health has been linked with the
development of infection in other parts of the
body. In one study, poor oral hygiene and
periodontal disease was associated with the
development of pneumonia in older people.
Bacteria in the mouth can travel into the lungs,
causing infection or worsening of lung
conditions.
Other research has found an association
between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an
autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of
the joints. Experts say the mechanism of
destruction of connective tissues in both gum
disease and RA is similar. Eating a balanced
diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good
oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth
decay and gum disease. Make sure you brush twice
a day and floss once a day. Using an
antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help
reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause
gingivitis.
Helps Keep Blood Sugar Stable if You Have
Diabetes
People with uncontrolled diabetes often have
gum disease. Having diabetes can make you less
able to fight off infection, including gum
infections that can lead to serious gum disease.
And some experts have found that if you have
diabetes, you are more likely to develop more
severe gum problems than someone without
diabetes. That, in turn, may make it more
difficult to control blood sugar levels.
Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting
your oral health may help with blood sugar
control if you have been diagnosed with
diabetes.
Helps Pregnant Women Carry a Baby to Term
Women may experience increased gingivitis
during pregnancy. Some research suggests a
relationship between gum disease and preterm,
low-birth-weight infants. Not all studies have
found a solid link, but maintaining good oral
health is still the best goal. If you're
pregnant, visit your dentist or periodontist as
part of your prenatal care. Consider it good
practice for the role modeling that lies ahead
for all new parents.
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