What Causes Canker Sore and How It Can Be Treated?
March 30, 2009
Canker sores or aphthous ulcers are one of the most common types of oral conditions that affect men, women and children all over the world quite frequently. These sores appear inside the mouth, under the tongue, or at the base of the gums. Although these sores are quite painful and cause a lot of irritation, they do not pose any danger and usually go away on their own. However, to ease pain and irritation dentists prescribe some topical gels to be applied two or three times a day. Canker sores are not contagious and the actual cause of these sores cannot be known.
Nevertheless, there are some factors that may contribute to the formation of canker sores and to prevent them some measures can be taken accordingly. Bad eating habits and improper oral hygiene may cause these sores and therefore brushing teeth twice a day and before going to bed can help prevent these ulcers. It has also been found that foods that cause allergies can also serve to be a cause of canker sores, such as some acidic fruits and chocolates. Foods that contain too much sugar may also cause painful sores if the residue is not properly removed through proper brushing and flossing.
In addition to these, stress, depression and trauma have also been found to be linked with canker sores. People who take anti-depressant medicines and other drugs for the cure of these conditions are often found complaining about these sores. These mouth ulcers may also occur as a side effect of some strong medication. Moreover, deficiency of some vitamins and minerals can contribute to the development of these sores and therefore it is advisable to eat a well-balanced diet to prevent these ulcers. Some acids produced by the stomach or intestines may produce painful sores in the mouth.
Canker sores can be effectively treated at home without needing medical assistance. Rinsing the mouth with warm water with a little salt dissolved in it can help ease the pain and cure the ulcer. In addition to this, several medical treatments are also available, most of which comprise of over-the-counter drugs or topical ointments. Supplements containing folic acid, iron and vitamin B12 are also quite effective in preventing and curing canker sores. Steroid therapy is sometimes required but because of its side effects it is not usually recommended. Other effective drugs include colchicine, cimetidine, and thalidomide. Some of these are useful for the treatment of a severe case of canker sores.
Another helpful home remedy which can aid in easing the pain is application of ice over the affected area. Pain killers help to reduce irritation and pain during eating and speaking. Some people confuse mouth ulcers with intraoral herpes; however, these two conditions are entirely different. Herpes are infectious and often reappear in the same place and they take about two weeks to heal completely. Canker sores, on the other hand, heal depending on their severity and location. Proper oral hygiene, balanced diet and the use of fluoride rinse and mouth washes can help prevent these painful ulcers in the mouth.
The Procedure of Dental Sealant for Dental Hygiene and its Advantages
March 24, 2009
Tooth or dental sealants are used to prevent tooth decay and the formation of cavities. Due to the irregular surfaces of our teeth plaque gets accumulated and sometimes it becomes difficult to remove it. As a result it attracts bacteria which cause cavities and the tooth starts to decay and eventually becomes dead. In order to handle the problem of cavities, especially in children, dental sealants are used. These are plastic resins that can be bonded to the surface of teeth to protect them from further decay and damage. Cavities usually form on molars and back teeth because they are harder to clean than other the teeth on the front.
Moreover, these teeth are not that much visible and it’s hard to tell whether they have been cleaned or not. Regular dental checkups are required to see if there’s a problem and if a cavity is forming, immediate treatment must be given to save the tooth. Dental sealants are placed on the surface of the teeth to make it smoother so that plaque would not get accumulated and the teeth will be protected from bacteria. The dental sealant procedure needs to be repeated over the years to effectively protect the teeth that are at risk of decay. The procedure usually starts at an early age.
Dental sealants provide many advantages. First of all, they protect the teeth from decay and secondly they make it easy to brush even those teeth which are not visible clearly. As a result, each and every tooth is cleaned properly and is free from plaque. If you want to maintain your dental health, it is highly recommended that you opt for sealants. Since they are quite inexpensive and totally harmless, people have no reservations regarding their application. Dental sealants are particularly useful for kids who still have baby teeth.
Tooth sealants are also used as an alternative to amalgam fillings because they are made from composite materials and are quite safe. These materials are also known as synthetic porcelain and their color resembles our natural tooth color. They are used to fill gaps when crowns or veneers are applied. The sealant is liquid when applied to the tooth surface and it is hardened with the help of ultra violet (UV) light. Application of dental sealants is a totally painless procedure and these materials are usually used in conjunction with fluoride to provide a complete treatment.
You will be required to visit a dental therapist or a general dentist to have dental sealants placed on your teeth. It only takes a few minutes to complete the procedure and there are no injections or drilling involved. Today high-quality sealants are being manufactured which last for up to 15 years. However, it is advisable to keep visiting the dentist after every 6 months to have them inspected. To prevent cavity formation and tooth decay one should eat a well-balanced diet and avoid sugary foods. In addition to this, regular brushing and flossing also helps to achieve proper oral hygiene and to prevent decay and disease.
Problems that May Cause Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
March 17, 2009
Gingivitis or pyorrhea is also known as inflammation of the gums, whereas periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Bleeding gums and constant bad breath are often the first signs of gum disease. It has been established that both gingivitis and periodontal disease are caused by bacterial plaque; however, many other problems also contribute to these complications which have to be controlled in order to prevent these serious oral diseases. Some bad habits like smoking or excessive use of tobacco may increase the risk. In addition to this, crooked teeth and use of steroids may also lead to problematic gums.
Since bacterial plaque has been found to be one of the most prominent causes of gingivitis and periodontal disease, as a first step to prevent these conditions one should properly clean and brush their teeth. In addition to this, flossing and the use of oral devices such as irrigators and tongue cleaners also facilitate proper oral hygiene. If your teeth are badly stained due to excessive use of tea and tobacco products, you may want to have them cleaned by a dentist. The dentist will use devices like a tooth scraper to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth.
Sometimes improperly placed dental fillings and bridges may also contribute to gingivitis and gum disease. This is because such a treatment makes oral hygiene difficult to achieve and as a result plaque starts to accumulate attracting bacteria and eventually causing infections. If you fear that the procedures were not done properly or the fillings irritate you, you should see a dentist and have them replaced or reshaped. Similarly, if you wear braces you will have to take extra steps to clean and brush your teeth. In addition to manual toothbrushes and fluoride toothpastes, dental floss and fluoride rinse should also be employed to remove plaque effectively.
Some foods like those rich in sugar, drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco also contribute greatly to gingivitis and gum disease. Infections like periodontitis can be controlled by eating a well-balanced diet consisting of all important nutrients. If your body has a healthy immune system, it will fight against such infections on its own. However, low body resistance causes these infections to develop into serious complications which are difficult to cure. Stress is also a factor which reduces a person’s internal resistance to fight against diseases. Live a healthy and happy life to prevent oral problems like periodontal disease.
In some cases no warning signs appear that indicate the development of an oral infection. That is why it is advisable to have regular dental checkups to avoid conditions like swelling and pain. Do not neglect the importance of proper oral hygiene and self-examination at home. If you feel any pain, irritation or sensitivity to pressure on your teeth, immediately consult a dentist. The use of contraceptives, steroids and anti-depressants should also be reduced to bare minimum for healthy and strong teeth. If periodontal disease runs in your family you should arrange for regular checkups to prevent and control this condition.
Importance of Oral Health during Pregnancy
March 9, 2009
Oral health is often the most neglected form of health during all stages of life. In order to develop completely, your baby needs all kinds of nutrients which are obtained through the mother’s diet. Calcium is very important for proper growth and development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Similarly, adequate amounts of vitamin D are also required to help in maximum calcium absorption during pregnancy. The expectant mother should not neglect the importance of brushing and flossing during the entire period to prevent bleeding and other oral complications. It should be noted here that oral problems such as swollen gums and cavities can have a negative effect on the digestive system and consequently the baby suffers. Some women develop mouth ulcers as a reaction to strong medicines. These problems should also be controlled through proper oral care. Regularly use a mouth wash or a toothpaste rich in fluoride to prevent and cure these ulcers. After consuming starchy foods, milk or sweets and before going to bed thoroughly brush your teeth. Eat more and more dairy products and other calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yoghurt, green vegetables, almonds and eggnog. Regular dental check ups are also important to prevent serious problems and complications during pregnancy. It has been found through scientific studies that premature and abnormal births might be connected with some oral problems, particularly gum disease. It is advisable to start caring for your teeth even if you have no plans of becoming pregnant in the near future. Neglected oral care often has long-term effects on our overall health, including the health of the baby during pregnancy. Serious problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease may also occur during this period as a result of neglected oral hygiene. Drink lots of water to keep your mouth clean and rinsed at all times. It is not recommended to take strong medicines such as antibiotics during pregnancy. Although dental care is very important and should not be neglected, the health of your baby comes first and therefore you should not stress too much on any minor oral problems during this time. Your dentist should also be aware of your condition along with any important information regarding pregnancy-related complications you may have. This is to ensure that you receive proper treatment without having to take strong medicines or any other prescriptions that might not be necessary. If you are planning on getting dental implants or wish to get your teeth whitened, then wait till the baby is born. Although cosmetic procedures are mostly harmless, it’s better to avoid taking in chemicals you have no knowledge of. It is also advisable to avoid nitrous oxide during pregnancy which is also known as laughing gas and is often used as an anesthetic in sedation dentistry.Proper oral care and hygiene is of utmost importance during pregnancy to avoid complications. Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding foods that may cause oral problems, proper brushing and flossing and having your teeth checked on a regular basis are steps to ensure oral health during this time.