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When it comes to dental health and oral hygiene, many of us believe we pretty much know about all there is to know about the topic. However, despite intense public information campaigns, widespread water fluoridation programs, and improved dental health products, there are some very sobering statistics regarding our failure to properly prevent common dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Here are a few statistics compiled by the CDC:

• Nearly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 60 have lost all of their natural teeth
• Nine in ten adults has tooth decay over the age of 40
• 1 in 4 children under the age of five already has a cavity
• 1 in 2 children aged 6-18 have at least one cavity-for those that do have cavities and also live below the poverty line-only half get treatment
• Upwards of 15% of adults are believed to have advanced gum disease

Clearly, despite what we are supposed to know about preventing common dental problems, something is going wrong. Nearly 30,000 people each year are diagnosed with throat or mouth cancer and the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay may be a large factor in many of those cases. And it is indeed those harmful bacteria that cause most of our common dental problems and which may start even bigger medical issues if they spread beyond the oral cavity, including:

• Heart disease
• Infective Endocarditis
• Stroke
• Weakened immune system

Prior to preschool, dental health is a fairly easy part of the parenting. After all, a parent has a number of real advantages when it comes to kids dental health, such as:

• Ability to control all food intake
• Can help/supervise oral hygiene practices every day
• Permanent teeth have yet to come in

It is in the years before preschool that a parent has the most control of a child and dental health care in the home. However, once children begin going out into the world and attending school, eating meals away from home, and listening to outside influences-well, it becomes far more difficult to prevent common dental problems like:

• Tooth decay
• Gingivitis
• Halitosis

Prior to the age of six when the adult molars come in, any dental health and oral hygiene mistakes can be forgotten. However, once those permanent teeth fill the oral cavity, any lapses in pediatric dental health care will lead to more severe and expensive consequences. Unfortunately, it is at this very age when a parent begins losing control and the child starts brushing their own teeth and taking control of their own destiny.

There’s not much news when it comes to gum disease, but new research completed every year leads to more and more information about the condition and how to treat it. The newest of this research opens up chemicals in antacids as a possible solution to eliminating harmful effects of bacteria responsible for gingivitis.

Our bodies are incredible machines capable of healing most common conditions such as the occasional cut or a nasty flu or cold. Your moth is no different, producing saliva and harboring beneficial bacteria that keep sickness at bay. However, when we flood our bodies with processed foods and sugary sodas, our mouths do not function properly to remove threats to our health.

Without question, gingivitis treatment is something that any of us would rather avoid. In the best of cases, treating gum disease or gingivitis involves the use of some antiseptic agent to destroy the infection that causes the problem. If the condition progresses to necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, then you will probably need so use some antibiotics for a week or ten days in order to kill the bacteria which cause the infection in the gum tissue. Such treatment is only necessary when prevention techniques fail and you fail to practice good oral hygiene while making certain that your mouth remains properly salivated.

The harmful bacteria responsible for causing gum disease and gingivitis problems are anaerobic in nature-anaerobic meaning “in the absence of oxygen”. These microbes like to hide behind plaque which then may harden into that stuff the dentist needs to scrape off during a cleaning: tartar. Anaerobic bacteria hide behind tartar because neither oxygen nor good oral hygiene like brushing or flossing can affect them.

Another substance that cannot reach the harmful bacteria responsible for gingivitis and periodontitis is saliva. Believe it or not, gum disease and gingivitis problems are rare when a person is properly hydrated and producing plenty of saliva. The fact is that saliva is the body’s first defense against the anaerobic bacteria because it can help control the bacteria population and prevent problems like gingivitis and periodontitis from ever starting.

The single most frequent cause of halitosis is the result of common, everyday bacteria inside the mouth that release odoriferous gases. Odors coming from the stomach and lungs are almost never the cause of chronic bad breath.These common, oral bacteria go through life just as humans do, consuming foods and releasing wastes (gases). The released gases are termed Volatile Sulfur Compounds or VSC’s, and it is primarily these odoriferous wastes that lie at the root of bad breath-halitosis.

Stop for a moment! Do you have children? If so, how old are these little rugrats? Now, take a quick gander at their smiles. What do you see? Are their choppers looking ideal and perfectly straight? Or, are you looking at some serious future bills? Let me tell you, the average cost of braces is not cheap by any means. Hey now, don’t get down and start to fret. These are issues that many parents face in today’s world. In fact, I basically assume that every kid needs braces these days. It sure seems like they do. It’s one of those things you’d might as well plan for like college tuition. So, it’s now time to do some figuring.

Full article at Average Cost Of Braces

What was great about my new-found health and dental insurance plan was the cost. It was very reasonable if you ask me. Being a full-time student had its perks. I believe it cost me like 32 bucks per quarter. I was very stoked about this. I totally took full advantage of the dental insurance plan when I cracked a molar. That is when these plans really prove their worth. The last thing you want is to need one and not have one.

Full article at Dental Insurance Plans

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), is a subtle but potentially disastrous medical problem that millions of people must contend with each year. Unfortunately, not many people take the time to learn about and prevent gum disease because for years we were told to brush and floss daily in order to prevent tooth decay and the loss of our teeth. Precious little has been done to make people aware of the consequences of gum disease and that plays a large part in the overall ignorance about the condition. Some of the more minor problems that may arise when gum disease prevention is not taken seriously include:

• Halitosis and the worsening of morning breath
• Increased susceptibility to infection and disease
• Potential for lesions or “mouth sores” in oral cavity

The more serious health implications of a failed or non-existent gum disease treatment are:

• Loss of gingival and supporting bone tissue
• Teeth loosen and ultimately fall out when no supporting bone structure remains
• Increase risk for coronary heart disease
• Increased risk for infective endocarditis (infection in the heart chambers or arteries) especially for anyone who has a history of problems with other heart problems, including: Mitral Valve Prolapse; Heart Murmur; or Rheumatic Fever.
• Increased risk of stroke

Millions upon millions of dollars are spent each year on teeth whitening products. Convenience over-the-counter products make it possible to get a healthier smile in the privacy of your own home, but professional treatments work better. Whichever method you choose, teeth whitening products are meant only for short term use. Ensuring that your pearly whites stay that way inbetween treatments means more whitening for less money.

Bottled Drinking Water

Bottled water is becoming popular with the masses. It is a common site to see people walking around with a bottle of drinking water in their hands. The prime reason for this phenomenon is the belief that bottled water is safer and purer than the tap water. The critics of bottled drinking water argue that actually this bottled water is nothing but filtered tap water! Is it prudent to buy a water filter and install it in your own kitchen since this will definitely save money for you? Are you aware of the different types of bottled drinking water available in the market?

It’s a question you may never have asked, but if you’ve ever brushed your teeth before you’ve had a glass of juice, you’ll know why we had to seek professional advice. David Cannell is the scientific spokesperson for Questacon, “It’s because of a certain ingredient in toothpaste called sodium laurel sulfate. It actually blocks sweet sensors. All the other taste bud cells in your mouth are firing away nicely, but the receptors which pick up the sweet sensors are not working anymore. Not only does it block the sweet sensors, it enhances the sour and bitter, so you get this massive influx of sour and bitter taste coming through the mouth.” David says tastebuds are a very interesting part of the body, “They’re the little bumps on the top of your tongue. They look like a tiny onion, if you look at it with a high powered microscope. Each tastebud, which we have about ten thousand of, has about fifty different taste cells.” “The tastebud itself goes through such a heavy process of tasting things left, right and centre, it gets too much for them. They actually die after about two weeks. But they generally grow back, but they don’t always grow back. As you get older and older, your tastebuds do generally die off. You can be left with only two or three thousand.”

I read many an article on health, and still feel baffled by some of the newest developments. As a reporter for a small, independent paper, I quickly realized health information moves at such a fast pace nowadays that it can be difficult for us to keep up with it. With all of the advances in DNA, cloning, bioengineering, fitness, medicine, and the World Wide Web, it can be almost impossible to not feel like you’re being left behind by the rapid pace of society… 

Read the full article >> article on health 

Gum disease is a growing concern among dentists and doctors alike. Recent studies show a correlation between gum disease and a host of other health problems including:

• Diabetes
• Low Birth Weight
• Premature Babies
• Heart Disease
• Increased Risk of Stroke

It all starts with plaque. Plaque is the buildup of food particles and bacteria on the teeth and gums that can leave people with dirty mouths that breed infection. Slowly, plaque gathers around the gum line and begins to attack tissues causing bleeding and swelling. While not painful, the condition, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Though the jump from a little plaque to tooth loss is a gradual process, knowing the warning signs and making changes now to your oral hygiene can save you a ton of pain (and expense) later.

Tooth whitening is a common practice in general dentistry. Many people believe that white teeth are the greatest contribution to a perfect smile. As a person ages, teeth often become darker and stained. This is due to many factors including a change in the mineral structure of the tooth or stains such as coffee and tobacco. White teeth are now becoming more desirable with the spread of American culture worldwide. White teeth are often associated with ‘Hollywood smiles’.

Read more about Tooth Whitening here: Teeth Whitening Tooth Bleaching & Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Insomnia is a common sleep sickness that has bothered many people around the world. But the consequences brought about by this disorder may not be as ordinary as it may seem. It can be downright punishing.

Read more about Insomnia here: Insomnia: How to End the Frustrationv

Maybe you are ready to get rid of your old silver fillings. Maybe you don’t like you discolored teeth. Or maybe your smile needs adjusting. This new dentistry goes beyond just fixing teeth. Its about helping people gain more self confidence by having a wonderful smile. Your image matters and tells your customers and friends that you value your image and expect the best in return. There are several different forms of cosmetic dentistry to give you that “winning smile”. Crowns, veneers, bonding and bleaching are all effective methods to varying degrees and price.

Read more about Cosmetic Dentistry here: Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening

A whiter, brighter smile has become an obsession for many Americans and literally drives the entire teeth whitening industry. The availability of over-the-counter products makes whitening teeth as simple as a couple of thirty minute sessions a day. But, in some instances, you may be fighting a loosing battle.
Women using teeth whiteners during pregnancy or nursing may notice an improvement in the color of teeth, but the product could be harming children. As with many medications or treatments, the body absorbs chemicals used to brighten teeth, which will then be passed on to the child. Tooth whitener products are also no recommended for use in children under the age of 16 as teeth have not fully developed, and the absorption of chemicals can irritate and inflame nerves.
Dental cosmetic appliances such as veneers, crowns and ceramic fillings will not change color when whitening agents are used. People with multiple dental restorations will notice that the result of teeth whitening will leave teeth without repair whiter than those that have been restored. For a more even smile, consider whitening teeth before the application of crowns and partials. However, if restorations are already present, bonds crowns and veneers might be recommended by your dentist as a solution to uneven color.

When your body’s production of saliva is not enough to keep your mouth properly lubricated, food particles and bacteria stick to surfaces, which makes your mouth a breeding ground for plaque. Plaque attaches to teeth at the gum line, and over time slowly breaks down tissues, which leads to swelling, bleeding gums, and possibly tooth loss. If your dry mouth is causing bad breath, you should take action now to avoid further problems, such as gum disease.

Excessive teeth whitening is often called bleach-o-rexia, and teenage girls are the main casualties. Regardless of the product you use to whiten teeth, you should only use it as recommended by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this rule is not being followed. Dentists and other oral care professionals are finding that over bleaching can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Extended overuse of products can even go as far to cause teeth to appear chalky. And, it’s no doubt that the long term effects could even lead to tooth loss.

Cosmetic dentistry is very popular right now because people are starting to realize that a cosmetic dentist isn’t anything you should be afraid of. A cosmetic dentist can actually help you feel better about yourself in a variety of ways. Because a lot of who we are is how we feel about ourselves, we can’t afford to have a smile that we aren’t comfortable with. Your smile is the easiest way to show people what a warm person you are, but when you aren’t feeling good about your smile it’s hard to let that warm side show through the way you want to. A cosmetic can easily turn your aging or unattractive smile into something beautiful.

Read more about Cosmetic Dentistry here: Changing Your Looks With Cosmetic Dentistry