Archive for the ‘oral care’ Category

21

Coffee and Oral Cancer

Dec
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by Kristenne Snelson

So after spending some time on dental treatments, you may now have straight chompers, with no teeth gaps, and pearly white ones to boot. And to maintain them pearly white, you keep away from drinks that stain your teeth, such as coffee.

Unfortunately, it may be one drink you don’t want to drop from your diet if you don’t want to miss out on its many benefits.

We have long known that coffee contains antioxidants greatly benefit the skin, and that they have properties that play a crucial role in helping to prevent cancer. Well, guess what – a recent study published this month in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests the risk of death brought about by oral cancer is reduced among those who drink coffee.

Beginning in 1982, over 900,000 men and women became participants in this large-scale study. Over the course of 26 years, only 868 died from oral cancer. What did the others do that these 868 did not?

Other factors considered, those who drank at least a cup of caffeinated coffee a day were found to have reduced their risk of death from the said disease by 26 percent as compared to those who had no coffee intake. Those who took two to three cups of coffee per day had a 33 percent lowered risk. Those who drank even more – four to six cups a day – lowered their risk of death from oral cancer by 50 percent. According to the experts, further studies have to be conducted to determine whether coffee helped prevent oral cancers, or only assisted people in surviving it.

Regardless, this study has yet again proven that the age-old beverage does have properties that greatly benefit our bodies. Just remember, if you’re going to take up the habit of drinking coffee again, to swish some water around your mouth after drinking coffee to help prevent staining those white gnashers.

13

Edible Crafts for Christmas

Edible Crafts for Christmas

Merry Christmas! It’s only a little more than a week before one of our favorite holidays come. If you’ve got little ones in your household, now is the perfect time to be scrounging around for exciting ideas for your little bundle of joy to enjoy come Christmas Day; and what better way to do this than through edible treats! What’s more, since they’re very easy to make, the kids will love making it with you. The treats in this blog post are relatively safe to make – just guide your kids.

Just remember, these are sweets and if your kids have dental issues like teeth gaps, just be sure their chompers get cleaned up nice and good to avoid cavities.

Now on to these edible crafts for Christmas!

1. Christmas Fruit Tree

Christmas Fruit Tree

You’ll need an assortment of fruits, cookie cutters, toothpicks and a Styrofoam cone that you can purchase from a craft store. A green cone is best, but if white is all you have, then you can wrap it in green paper before proceeding.

Create different shapes out of the fruit slices. Along with this, you can use small ones like grapes and leave them in their original form.

Attach the toothpicks to the Styrofoam cone, and attach your fruits until you create a little Christmas Tree. Pack them dense if you want, and then place cilantro leaves at the bottom to garnish.

You can use them as edible center pieces as well!

2. Meringues

Meringues

This treat requires some heating, so you may want to keep your kids out of this portion of the whole process or guide them accordingly.

You’ll need 2 egg whites, 125g of caster or confectioners’ sugar, green food coloring and edible star-shaped decorations.

Pre-heat your oven at 120 degrees Celsius. To make the meringue, beat the egg whites and gradually add the sugar. Mix in a bit of food coloring until you get the color that you want. Place this mixture into a piping bag. A star-shaped tip is best for this, and creates bite-sized cones. Add a star on top of each.

Bake your little trees for about 30 to 45 minutes. The longer you bake it, the drier it gets. Some people like their meringues with a soft center, so if you want to do that, bake yours at a short time. Once ready, turn off the heat and slightly open your oven; let them cool in there before popping them out to serve.

27

Tooth Gaps, Oral Jewelry and Other Facts

 

Whether or not ancient civilizations developed tooth gaps and other complications from wearing traditional oral jewelry, only the experts know. But oral jewelry which has become popular in the recent decades traces its history a long way back. Ancient Aztecs, Mayans, and the tribes of America pierced their tongues in the belief that this enabled them to communicate with their deities and gods. Application of oral jewelry was more a religious ritual performed by high priests and religious leaders of the time than anything else. Oral piercings were also worn among members of African tribes.

tooth gaps

Today it’s a fashion statement. Once upon a time it was mostly worn by punk rock aficionados or adherents of a gothic lifestyle, but as the decades pass the stereotypes are dissipating and more types of people are able to appreciate the style.

Now, obviously this is the part where we tell you there’s a catch – a number of them, actually. And then depending on your stock of information, your reactions may vary from yeah-I-read-about-that to OMG-I-will-never-have-my-tongue-pierced-everrrrr!

But let’s get on with the meat of this stuff. According to experts:

  1. Playing with tongue jewelry can develop tooth gaps as repeated pressure is unconsciously applied to the front teeth, resulting in midline diastema.
  2. Barbells and lip piercings can cause damage to the gum tissue, and when left uncared for may require one to undergo surgery on the gums.
  3. Some mouth piercings can cause gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth to easy access by bacteria and acids, eventually leading to tooth decay.
  4. Infections can arise from mouth piercings while the wounds are healing. This possibly allows oral bacteria to travel through your bloodstream and reach your heart or brain, causing problems in those areas. Treatment, as we well know, is very expensive.
  5. Oral jewelry can make it harder to clean the mouth, which can give rise to another set of oral problems.

 

20

Teeth Gap Myths

Having teeth gap can seem like harmless little things, and it has in fact become a trend; even others go to their dentists to have a gap placed between their upper central incisors where there used to be none. All this is based on personal preference and opinions on obtaining and losing teeth gaps waver any which way.

teeth gap

Also, a lot of myths have surrounded the ubiquitous Teeth Gap for centuries: these include superstitious ones that supposedly reveal someone’s character or his destiny. Some of these beliefs are culturally- based and differ from one group to the next.

Some information on diastema, however, will remain constant until they are debunked by accurate scientific evidence. And when it comes to information, more is usually better. Here, we’re going see which among these are facts and myths.

1.      The use of toothpicks creates teeth gaps.

False. Gaps between teeth are usually caused by any of a number of reasons among which toothpicks do not belong. The list can include gum related issues, or an uneven size of teeth and jaw.

2. Gaps in Teeth May Encourage Cavities

True. While bigger gaps are easier to clean, the small gaps may house tooth decay-causing bacteria.

3. Flossing teeth regularly can cause your gap size to increase

False. Flossing once every day is recommended by dental and health experts. The floss is too small to cause any movement in teeth, and they were created in that size to reach spaces that your toothbrush normally does not. It’s a hygienic practice that should be observed religiously.

4. Shaving off part of your teeth to create a gap is alright.

False. In the time of barber-surgeons in Medieval-Europe, people would have their teeth filed and exposed to an acidic substance to whiten them. Shaving off a part of your teeth, especially the protective surface called enamel, exposes your teeth to more dangerous risks of tooth decay, in that bacteria can now attack deeper layers of your teeth. Needless to say, the clients of the barber surgeons suffered extreme tooth decay later on.

 

13

The Secrets That Hide In Your Teeth

In a previous blog, we explored what a smile can do, what they show about ourselves, and how it affects people in our immediate environment (Try smiling at a frowning person, you’ll see that he will not be able to keep that frown for long).

close teeth gap

Your teeth hold a chock full of information and reveal a lot about who you are and the way you live. In forensics alone, teeth can be used to identify people. But did you also know that teeth can reveal details about what’s going on in other places in your body? The actual state of your teeth is just as important as, say, keeping them straight or fixing your gaps using intraoral appliances or teeth bands.
1.  Periodontal disease (the category to which gingivitis and periodontitis belong) can possibly cause type 2 diabetes – this, according to studies from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Among the theories on their correlation state that oral inflammation causes inflammation in other parts of the body which can affect the way your body processes sugar.

 

2. Studies by experts in the field have revealed that not brushing your teeth twice a day increases one’s risk of heart disease, or stroke. How? It is possible for the bacteria in the mouth to find their way into our bloodstream which can thicken the arteries that may lead to a heart attack. On the other hand, the buildup of fatty plaques inside vessels can break off, find its way into the brain and lead to a stroke.

3. More cavities can mean obesity. Kids who have more cavities are clearly eating too much carbohydrates and sweets which can affect their weight as they are growing up. Similar patterns apply to adults. Your dentist can figure this out because carbohydrates and sugars are fermented by the bacteria in your mouth and turns them into acids that corrode the layers of your teeth, providing more openings for deeper penetration by these bacteria. As for weight gain, we know the complications that arise from obesity (of course, being underweight isn’t a good option either, so eat healthy and stay within your ideal weight).


30

Tricks to Remember When Eating Treats

Oct
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by Kristenne Snelson

Trick or Treat! Hallow’s Eve is almost here, by far the “sweetest” holiday of the year for obvious reasons. While trick-or-treating traces its history back to several sources including the Celtic custom Samhain, or the European practice of going door to door asking for cakes in return for prayers for souls on All Souls’ Day, some things have remained the same all through these centuries: the door-to-door visits and a bagful of sweet stuff.

With that being the case, you and the kids in your household may have more than your teeth can take. These sugar-laded treats may just be little devils in disguise – talk about trick-or-treating.

The bacteria in our mouths interact with sugars in that they turn it into lactic acid; logically, a lot of sugar means a lot of acid later on. Acid wears away the tooth enamel (which is the outermost layer of the tooth), allowing for the acids to attack deeper layers. This is what causes tooth decay.

Among the most loved types of candies these days are the sour ones – just like those squiggly little colored worms rolled in sugar and bursting with fruit flavors. But, according to the Minnesota Dental Association, these are among the most dangerous for the teeth because not only are they high in sugar, but they are also more acidic than other candies; in fact, so acidic that an acid attack can last only about 20 minutes.

To alleviate the effect of these little devils on the teeth, consider the following after eating sweets:

-          Neutralize the acids by swishing your mouth with water, drinking milk or consuming cheese. Do this right after eating candies, but wait at least thirty minutes to an hour before you brush your teeth because brushing your teeth immediately after consuming candies (or eating anything, in general) speeds up the effect of acid on the enamel.

 

-          Avoid sucking or chewing sweet stuff for extended periods. This exposes your teeth to a higher risk of tooth decay.

 

-          When drinking sweet drinks, best to drink from a straw to lessen exposure of teeth to acid.

 

-           If you’re using dental bands, retainers, and others, be mindful of how much you consume and the way you consume them, because these candies could potentially render your intraoral appliances ineffective.

18

Top 4 Halloween Profession Costumes

Oct
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by Kristenne Snelson

Trick or treat! Halloween is fast approaching. A lot of people have started decorating their houses with scary stuff and preparing for a Halloween party. Prepare your candies or sweets if you don’t want to be tricked. Be watchful of your dental health such as teeth gap, toothache and other teeth issues to have a ready, dazzling smile during the party.

What is the best outfit for this upcoming Halloween? Listed below are cool stuff that you may consider when choosing a Halloween profession costume:

Janitor

Zombie Janitor

A janitor outfit is very easy to create. You can use your old navy blue work pants and long sleeves. Put some red color mess on it. To complete the entire look, carry a mop or push brooms with you.

Nurse

Nurse Zombie

A nurse zombie is very popular in different American movies. You have to wear white nurse dress and cap. Pair it with white high – heels shoes and nurse’s medicine bag. Put a mess on your dress and you are all done.

Security Guard

Guard Zombie

A security guard costume is simple yet very scary. Gossip about guards dying at night during their shift abound, and you can use this as an inspiration for your costume. In order for you to accomplish your guard zombie costume, you can borrow old guard uniforms from someone you know. To make it more realistic, tear your upper garment and put blood inside the slit. To complete your guard costume, bring a flash light with you.

Butcher

Butcher Zombie

Here is another simple yet scary costume for Halloween: the neighborhood zombie Butcher. Your costume can be anything. You can have any white upper garment [long sleeves or sleeveless] paired with navy blue pants. You can use animal blood or any blood – like material that you have and mess – up your clothes. For a better look, carry a big knife with you.

You can use everything you see outside and inside your room to create an elegant yet priceless costume for Halloween. You can maximize whatever you already have by using your old unused blouse and pants, making fun of your hair or even the gap between your teeth. You just have to be resourceful. Be open – minded! Use your imagination and create an outstanding Halloween outfit.

Make - up Zombie

“If you can’t make the best costume, play with your make – up!”

2

Smile with Confidence for Success

Aug
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by Kristenne Snelson


Did you know that men pay lesser visits to the dentist than the women? This is according to the study made by the Academy of General Dentistry or AGD. This is an organization composed by general dentists who are dedicated on continuing dental education. Based from the online poll that they conducted, about 45 percent of men do not go to the dentist because they don’t think that it is necessary. 30 percent of them may be afraid on the treatment or embarrassed on going to the dental clinic. Around 8 percent appears too busy to get a regular consultation with their dentist while 5 percent of them do not have a personal dentist to go to. If it is a simple gap on teeth, it can be fixed by using Orthofill. But for other dental concerns, the expertise of a dentist is needed.

However, it seems that the trend is starting to change now as more men are beginning to go to the dentist for consultation and treatment. Majority of them do it for work or business reasons. They figured that a co-worker or officemate that had dental treatment may it be teeth bleaching or bonding, had a positive effect on the business or office operation. This is because they are more confident in speaking with their customers and business associates. Plus, it is easier for them to give out a great smile, which brings a good vibe to everyone.

Adults are recommended to visit the dentist at least every six months to maintain their dental health. This is necessary aside from the regular healthy habits of taking care of the teeth. Regular visit to the dentist will prevent any serious gums, oral or dental problems that may arise. As they say prevention is better than cure. This is cheaper than having to purchase medicines or undergo expensive treatments due to problems that could have been avoided with a regular check-up with the dentist. Furthermore, self confidence is a big thing when it comes to work and business. A great smile can do wonders and can help you become successful.

 

2

TMD Causes and Symptoms

Aug
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by Kristenne Snelson


Yes, it’s really exciting to take a huge bite of that mouth watering hoagie or that giant cheeseburger. It’s also fun at times to chew on ice and candies. Opening the shell of a peanut is easier when you do it with your teeth. However, all of these are not actually good for your oral health. Biting or chewing hard foods can chip or break your teeth. If this happens, you would need to go to the dentist for treatment that can cost several dollars. That’s unless you want to live with broken or damaged teeth. A space between teeth can be fixed quickly without spending much as gap bands are available at a low cost. But a damaged tooth caused by biting hard foods is a different story.

Biting huge size of foods can also cause or worsen temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ). This is characterized by chronic pain and inflammation on the temporomandibular joint. Aside from biting huge size of food, this can also be caused by exaggerated opening of mouth when yawning or sneezing. Other causes also include loss of bite height, trauma from accidents, damaged crowns, jaw thrusting, unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth and lack of overbite. Some of the symptoms of TMD are difficulty when chewing or biting, clicking sound when opening or closing the mouth, jaw pain and difficulties opening and closing mouth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to go to your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, a simple way to prevent this from happening or from getting worse is to bite only what you can chew. If you think that the food is too big for you to take and it would require opening your mouth really wide, cut it down into smaller parts instead. The taste would still be the same anyway plus you lower the risk of getting TMD.

31

The Right Toothpaste for Optimum Oral Care

Jul
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by Kristenne Snelson


There are many toothpaste brands in the market which claim they provide the best oral care and help preserve perfect teeth. Manufacturers assert that their products contain fluoride, a chemical compound with cleansing and treatment ability that wards off the growth of bacteria in the teeth. All of these claims may have basis but there may not be any proof that each of them can offer total protection against cavity and oral disease. With the way brand labels are presented, it seems toothpaste products are only out to compete with each other, hence their assertions that they are unsurpassed in quality and efficiency.

And yet though toothpaste ads can lure consumers to try the products they are endorsing, care must be exercised when choosing the right toothpaste for optimum oral care. The following must be considered when deciding which toothpaste is the best choice.

The toothpaste must contain the highest percentage of fluoride than other brands. Fluoride is proven to be effective in reducing tooth decay. The chemical compound of fluoride contains healing agents that prevent bacteria from thriving in the teeth. When brushing your teeth with toothpaste, some of its fluoride content stays with the teeth thus promoting longer hours of cavity protection.

Choose toothpaste with mint taste to encourage children to brush their teeth more often. Kids are sometimes stubborn and refuse to brush their teeth regularly. One of the reasons why they do not want to do it is because they dislike the taste of toothpaste in their mouth. To encourage them to brush, let them use mint flavored toothpaste.

Use toothpaste with antiseptic component. Enhance oral health maintenance with antiseptic agent which is found in many toothpaste brands. Antiseptics are very good anti-bacteria agents. When brushing your teeth with antiseptic toothpaste, you are cleaning your teeth and at the same time protecting them from decay and possible teeth gap.