Gum Disease

By Steven H. Poulos, DDS

Gingivitis and periodontal disease are names for inflammation of the gums around the teeth, which results in deterioration of the bone beneath the teeth. According to research, four out of five people have periodontal disease and dont know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.

Plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, food debris and saliva, builds up on gums and teeth. This is the start of gum disease. As it progresses, the bacteria give off toxins (acids) that make the gums red and inflamed and eat away at the bone under the teeth. Brushing and flossing the teeth helps keep the plaque from forming and damaging gums and bone. And it is very important to have regular visits to the dentist who can determine if there is a problem with gum disease.

There can be other causes of periodontal disease besides poor oral hygiene, and things that predispose one to a greater risk for the disease.

Plaque and tartar form more easily on teeth if one smokes or chews tobacco.

Any situation that causes spaces between teeth can cause gum disease. Such situations could be defective fillings, crowded teeth or bridges that do not fit well in the mouth. These things will ensnare plaque and bacteria.

Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva " this makes the mouth dry and make it easier for plaque to stick to gums and teeth. These medications include steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure medications, oral contraceptives and others.

Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and puberty cause changes in hormone levels, which can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.

Systemic diseases such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV/AIDS can cause susceptibility to gum disease.

Genetics plays a role in predisposing a person to gum disease of an aggressive type. If relatives have a history of loss of teeth, pay attention to changes in your gums.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include red and puffy gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth (caused by bone loss), loose teeth, pus around teeth or gums, receding gums and any tenderness or discomfort of the gums.

Anyone can improve chances of healthy gums by taking care of the teeth and gums with regular brushing and flossing. A good diet also helps to stave off gum disease and to help cure it. Regular visits to the dentist will help prevent the disease by catching it before it causes bone damage and causes loss of teeth. - 29879

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Individual Dental Insurance: How To Discover Low-Priced Plan To Take Care Of Your Family And Children

By Dwayne Eaton

Knowing that you need to better understand this issue of individual dental insurance, I recommend that you take 5 minutes to go through what we have to say.

The best service for your dollars: this is the right dental insurance that covers interventions for teeth and gums. Many people fall into the trap of low costs looking for cheap and individual dental insurance plans, neglecting other factors that should influence the choice of the package. Consider the following suggestions before making your choice, and maybe the plan you go for will be more advantageous for you as a patient.

Maybe you get an individual dental insurance, but will you be able to choose your dentist? Just as it happens with many other types of health insurance, some cheap dental packages will make you visit only certain doctors. The freedom to select your dentist is less accessible if we speak in terms of the monthly fees of insurance plans.

Another problem frequently encountered with cheap or, more politely said, individual dental insurance is that the policy coverage is restricted to the cheapest treatment for the dental condition. Even if there are better treatment possibilities, and you won't benefit from them because your affordable insurance plan covers only the lowest-paid type of service.

Inspiring Quote of the Day: "The important thing in life is to have great aim and to possess the aptitude and the perseverance to attain it." ~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

When you decide for ad effective dental insurance plan, carefully analyze all the clauses in the contract. A good package will thus cover X-rays, fluoride treatments and two cleanings per year. In case you need other dental health interventions, the costs will usually be split between you as a patient and the insurance company according to the plan you have with them. If the treatments are extensive and complex, the costs will also be higher with variations from case to case.

A very individual dental insurance plan may limit one in terms of the flexibility to set an appointment for instance. Most of the time such situations are encountered with certain doctors that plan their appointments for a category of dental insurance participants on specific times or days of the week. Check for such details before choosing the dentist rather than afterwards, because there may be little you can do about the situation.

The most important question one ought to ask about an individual dental insurance plan is: what will I pay? By far the best option a family has is an employer sponsored dental insurance that significantly limits the costs of the procedures. Then, people with a special tax situation could use the premiums for tax deduction.

All in all, no matter if you choose a very individual dental insurance or a comprehensive one, the truth is that you'd still pay less money, than if you had to cover the medical interventions out of the pocket.

Did you like this paper about individual dental insurance? Try searching out other columns for another great read.

If individual dental insurance is not provided by the employer, there is always the possibility to contract it independently. In terms of client preferences, the individual dental insurance is a favorite type of service that many insurance companies provide through employing corporations. Without a dental plan, it would be a debt nightmare to try and pay for all the dental services one needs per year. Most people who lack the possibility to contract an individual dental insurance and don't get one from their employer, will tend to skip regular cleanings and checkups and eventually reach at a deterioration of the oral health.

The problem with individual dental insurance results from the impossibility to get it for a good coverage rate. To speak in general terms, an insurance company generates profit out of the monthly fee paid by the customers, and the system applies to all valuables such as home and cars too. As for dental health, insurance companies are likely to pay money given the huge necessity of dental treatments of their clients, and therefore only partly coverage is provided. Hence many individual dental insurance plans are criticized for being insufficient or faulty.

Inspiring Quote of the Day: "Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves." ~ Lord Chesterfield

Offering individual dental insurance to employees is often to the benefit of the employer who can get a tax reduction for offering it to the staff. Many companies have adopted this practice in the attempt to attract valuable work force. Another situation is the purchase of the individual dental insurance directly from the insurance companies under the form of referral plans. With the payment of a yearly or monthly fee, the client gets discounts on regular dental rates from dentists included in the network. You simply present your insurance card, get the discount and just pay the remaining sum. If you don't qualify for traditional dental insurance, and this could be your chance on staying healthy and reducing dental expenses too.

The fact that an employer will always get better dental benefits plans as compared to individual dental insurance is explained by the higher premiums businesses can offer to the insurance company. While the employee pays for a part of the premium, the employer covers the rest. It's about pure mathematics to calculate the profit: multiply the monthly contributions with thousands of employers and you can understand the amount of money insurers make. Normally referred to as the group dental plan, this kind of insurance alternative is considered the most advantageous one besides the discount individual package.

Just remember that this advice about individual dental insurance is for you to benefit from. Why not give it ago? - 29879

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Get Rid of Your White Coated Tongue

By Laurie Bogans

If you're suffering with a white coated tongue, you're not alone. This is a rather widespread problem that affects millions of people around the world. But, your white coated tongue may exist for one of a few possible reasons.

One cause of a white coated tongue is something called Candida. This is a mold on your tongue that normally results from using several kinds of prescription drugs or medicines with steroids in them. If you have recently taken anything like this, there's a good possibility that your tongue is white for this reason. See it as a passing condition of the tongue. This condition is medically recognized as oral thrush.

An extra feasible explanation for a white coated tongue is nothing more than dead skin. Your tongue is covered with skin, like just about any other feature on your body, and sometimes the dead skin on your tongue builds up to the stage where it's visibly white. One regular trigger of this is thirst, so drink some additional servings of water regularly if you think there's a chance that this can be the cause of your white coated tongue.

The most reliable way to deal with a white tongue is via the use of a tongue scraper. By using a tongue scraper several times per week, you'll know how to gently remove what are most likely dead skin cells on your tongue, bringing your tongue back to its natural shade.

Should you notice extra red on your tongue after getting rid of the white with a tongue scraper, there is a reasonable possibility that your white coated tongue is caused by the fungus mentioned previously in this piece of writing. If this is what you're observing, you ought to look for the help of a doctor to treat the condition for you.

Naturally, ingesting more water each day may rid you of the condition altogether. The bottom line is that while it can seem kind of unusual, it's mostly nothing to agonize about. Buy yourself an inexpensive tongue scraper and you'll have a fast, cheap form of therapy for your white tongue. - 29879

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How To Get Relief From Toothache Pain

By Mark Walters

Around 95% of us suffer from acute toothache, which leads us to hunt for toothache pain relief. You are probably one of those who is right now hoping to find relief from the pain which has taken away all the happiness from your life. All you want is to be able to eat, drink and sleep like you used to be able to.

You might have taken all the necessary steps you thought worked for toothache pain relief. But are you sure you haven't left out some helpful solutions? You don't have to have all of your teeth extracted and wear false ones in their place! Here we'll look at some more sensible alternatives.

But before that, tell me if you have the habit of prodding your teeth? How about ridding your teeth of leftover food with a toothpick? If you have any of these habits, you must immediately stop them as they are major causes of dental pain.

Yearly tooth check-ups are very important but most of us don't have time or money to do this. At the very least you should work to keep your teeth constantly clean. Do this three times a day and do it with a quality toothbrush.

When toothache does come upon you, you can should rinse your mouth with lukewarm water with a pinch of salt in it. This can soothe your pain to some extent and is an easily accessible and affordable cure. If this doesn't work well enough though, you may want to add ice or whiskey to the water instead. An alternative method is to use a small ice cube and position it directly next to the problem tooth.

If all else fails, then you must go and see dentist. Toothache can lead to more serious problems and longer you leave it the worse you'll feel. - 29879

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All About The Strategy Consulting

By John Miller

The work strategy consulting concerns a kind of service which is provided by management consultants. These breed of consultants are experts at various planning schemes and are known to change the fortune of the company. A strategy means a specific plan that is necessary to achieve a specific goal. This is a small informative on strategy consulting.

In the 1960s this was first started at Harvard Business School. The companies, McKinsey, Boos & company, with Boston Consulting Group, had collaboration with the professors of the Harvard and developed this field. The first ever company to offer strategic consulting is the Monitor Group. This was started in the year 1983 by six professors of the HBS (Harvard Business School).

The field developed at a breath neck speed in America but remained a slowly developing field in the Europe and Asia. This is because the American infrastructure allows outsiders to look into the company and lend a hand to develop and give some strategies to the company whereas this is considered lack of skill of the management in Asia and Europe. The hiring of outsiders to deal with the company is like inefficiency for the Asian and the European companies. And this is the reason the field didn't develop in Asian and European countries.

When any one or any firm is looking for strategy consultants, have a well-defined expectations, deadlines, etc to make things crystal clear. See the history and quality of the company and make sure they have minimum five references. The references should be in the context of the same work that you need.

The most important factor is that the person must belong to same industry and must have enough calibre. This can be tested by taking an interview of the candidate. This is very essential as the company will be pinning all hopes on this consultant for their plans and one wrong step means a lot. Look at the resume of the person and have a discussion before making a decision.

He must be able to understand things and also have the sharpness to do strategy planning. Many of the consultants that don't have it in them to do this kind of job use very cunning words, and have a special jargon. They are experts in word jugglery and you must be able to catch such persons and shouldn't employ them. The able consultant must be able to understand his job.

Any company must excel in consultant management. This is a means by which a company will know what the consultant has been working on and they can handle them properly. A consultant must meet the officials every week and brief them on the status. The company must also look in to the productivity of the consultant and must remove him if any job isn't done properly.

The field of strategy consulting is a very demanding profession now-a-days. This is due to the competition between various companies. So if you feel you have it in you to make it as a strategy consultant, learn the official course and then join a company a weave your magic. This means a lot to the company so be careful with your decisions. - 29879

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Improve Your Appearance With a Teeth Whitening Treatment

By Taylor Hawk

Using a teeth whitening treatment is one the most popular and easiest methods of giving yourself a brighter and better smile that you won't want to hide. Teeth whitening can be accomplished by using a bleaching gel or by using a halogen lamp. This is a common procedure that is done by most general dentistry professionals, but more frequently in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

Many people will consider using a teeth whitening treatment for the obvious reason, it offers the chance to enjoy an attractive and bright smile. Children's teeth are always white and they are really lucky. This is why it's important to teach children to look after their teeth, because we don't get a chance to grow new ones. As we begin to age the teeth will naturally darken a bit due to the natural changes to the mineral structure of the teeth and isn't something that can be prevented, but you should treat your teeth accordingly.

Your teeth can also become stained and darkened due to tobacco, foodstuffs and bacterial pigments. Many people choose to have a teeth whitening treatment done by means of using oxidizing agents. One example is hydrogen peroxide. It's the same as putting peroxide on your hair when you bleach it, except you put it on your teeth to lighten them. However, it is not the same type of peroxide; you need the one that is specifically made for your teeth.

The peroxide works as a teeth whitening treatment because is goes through the porosities of the enamel and removes or lightens stains and over a period of time will make the teeth as white as they once were. Some procedures will take longer than some of the others because there are different concentrations of peroxide in them. The higher the peroxide content, the quicker the teeth will whiten.

Teeth whitening treatment can be highly effective if you want to lighten your teeth's natural color without having to remove any other tooth surfaces. Your teeth will be lightened until they cannot be lightened anymore. They can only be done to a certain extent before the peroxide goes as far as the dentin layer, which is under the enamel.

A teeth whitening treatment can last a long time, but will be shortened by excessive coffee and tea consumption and heavy cigarette smoking.

Therefore, if you want the treatment to last a long period of time and you want your teeth to look good for as long as possible you will have to give up, or at least slow down, your caffeine intake as well as your tobacco intake.

If you aren't comfortable with your smile just want to make an improvement to your appearance, a teeth whitening treatment is a great idea. This is an ideal way to feel and look better. - 29879

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Dry Mouth - Complete Health Guide

By Brian Warren

Dry mouth is a commonly occurring condition primarily among the older women folk. It is called as the Xerostomia condition which is primarily caused because of the absence of saliva to keep the mouth wet. Less amount of secretion of salivary glands is the main reason.

Xerostomia is a common condition that occurs in young adults too, mostly those in the age group of 20 years of age. Common symptoms of Xerostomia can be cited as: 1. A sticky, dry feeling in your mouth and tongue 2. Cracked lips 3. Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, tasting, or talking 4. Mouth sores 5. Frequent bad breath 6. Dentures that do not fit comfortably

Saliva is basically used to help people to chew, swallow and digest their food. It is also a basic protector of teeth, which prevents teeth from decay by washing away the any residual matter like sugar or acids produced by bacteria. When this saliva becomes less or is not produced sufficiently, this dry mouth condition occurs.

Many health problems can arise due to Xerostomia. Reduced saliva flow results in lower pH levels in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and oral infections. Xerostomia can also lead to dryness; a burning or sore feeling in the mouth or throat; bad or reduced taste; dentures becoming loose; difficulty in chewing, swallowing and even speaking.

Many preventive measures can be taken to avoid Xerostomia or dry mouth condition. Practice good hygiene. Brush/floss regularly and gargle on a regular basis. Celery, healthy liquids and parsley are good food substitutes to chew on. They retain moisture content and are good for weight management too!

Consume more than 8 glasses of water everyday. Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption. Sleeping with an open mouth causes dry mouth condition early in the morning. Make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose. Steaming is a great relief for dry mouth as well as blocked nasal passages. The market is filled with various dry mouth products. There are medicinal lozenges that are highly effective for dry mouth. Ensure to choose only lozenges that offer long lasting relief. - 29879

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How to Tackle Dry Mouth Condition

By Brian Warren

Dry mouth is a common condition that affects primarily the older group, primarily women. Dry mouth is clinically called Xerostomia and the primary cause of dry mouth can be cited as due to lack of saliva to keep the mouth wet. The decreased secretion from salivary glands results in this painful condition for senior citizens.

Xerostomia or dry mouth is now a common condition among young adults too. The common symptoms of Xerostomia are: 1. Cracked lips 2. Mouth sores 3. A sticky, dry feeling in your mouth and tongue 4. Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, tasting, or talking 5. Frequent bad breath 6. Dentures that do not fit comfortably

Saliva is the basic facilitator that helps people to chew, swallow and digest their food. It can also be called as the protector of teeth since it prevents teeth from decay by ensuring that all residual matters are washed away. So, when this saliva becomes less it results in dry mouth condition.

There are many health problems which can arise due to Xerostomia. 1.Reduced saliva flow results in lower pH levels in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and oral infections. 2.It can lead to dryness; a burning or sore feeling in the mouth or throat; bad or reduced taste; dentures becoming loose; difficulty in chewing, swallowing and even speaking.

People need to take preventive measures to ensure they avoid the dry mouth condition. Practice good hygiene and brush or floss regularly and gargle on a regular basis. Eat healthy good like celery, healthy liquids and parsley. They help to retain moisture content.

Consume more than 8 glasses of water everyday. Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption. Sleeping with an open mouth causes dry mouth condition early in the morning. Make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose. Steaming is a great relief for dry mouth as well as blocked nasal passages. The market is filled with various dry mouth products. There are medicinal lozenges that are highly effective for dry mouth. Ensure to choose only lozenges that offer long lasting relief. - 29879

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Orthodontics & the Hunt for a Good Clinic?

By Daniel King

When you are in need of orthodontics, selections exist that you may choose from. However, beliefs, professionalism and rates governing every clinic vary greatly. All clients have explicit requirements when it comes to braces and making these braces takes months so it is imperative to have a look around first before choosing your orthodontist. Refer to this article for contact details and information on orthodontics.

The kind of experience your orthodontist and his support team will give you a notion of the kind of treatment you will be given. To ensure the comfort and positive results of the patient, expert doctors will always keep abreast of the latest procedures. Experienced practitioners are the ones who are in authority to make the right bite analysis and treatment plan for clients. Best results are possible but you must inquire about the background of the doctors and technicians involved in orthodontics first.

It is regrettable to note that many orthodontists do not deliver tailored services that most clients desire. Another factor to look into an orthodontic clinic is the friendliness and professionalism of the staff when handling the patients. Since these kinds of treatments take so long to finish, you have no choice but to deal with these people for a long time. If you want to feel comfortable, you must check the medical staff if they are friendly. When shopping around for your braces, document all their answers to your queries and compare them on the basis of thoroughness of answers.

Your search for a clinic is already hassle free since different choices are now present with the latest improvements in orthodontics. You can now have choices when it comes to choosing the doctor who can precisely target your problems. If you are really interested on having clear braces, you can choose among the many clinics that offer Invisalign. Orthodontists are not the only ones who may perform the Invisalign procedure; staff in cosmetic dentistry clinics may also undergo special training to perform it as well.

The fees that should be charged by a cosmetic dentist must also be a prime consideration if you need to have a treatment. It would really be wise for patients to inquire about prices from different clinics so they could be aware of the differences in the rates. It would be beneficial if you will also take a look on your finances and other financing that might help you. Many patients find it very helpful to pay for pricey teeth braces in installments so that their resources are not depleted in one blow.

It can be painstaking to look for a clinic in orthodontics. You will find all the benefits of the hard work you put in once you have finally found a clinic that would work well with you from now till you get the best results. Do the necessary research among offices first before choosing the one which will help you with your own mouth braces or that of your child. - 29879

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Using Baking Soda for Natural Teeth Whitening

By Shaun P. Reily

There is never a second chance to make a first impression, and your smile goes a long way in making that first impression. The color of a person's teeth is the first thing we notice about them as we smile and greet each other. But you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars at the dentist to get that shining white smile you need to make a great first impression.

If you don't have the budget for professional teeth whitening procedures you may want to consider saving your money and whitening your teeth with baking soda. However, there are some tricks to keep in mind to avoid the unpleasant taste and slow results usually associated with this method.

By using this natural at home whitening formula you can whiten your teeth quickly and without the bad flavor of brushing with just baking soda by itself.

In an airtight container you need to combine 4 teaspoons of glycerin, 6 teaspoons of baking soda and top it off with a few drops of peppermint extract for flavor. This will provide a better flavor and texture than baking soda alone when used in place of your regular toothpaste.

Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide will greatly increase the speed of your results. Mixing peroxide with water before rinsing will dilute it and provide a mild whitening rinse without the burn.

The addition of hydrogen peroxide into your whitening toothpaste recipe is also an excellent option that will allow you to whiten your teeth faster while you brush them. Simply place a few drops of the peroxide solution into your toothpaste before brushing.

The most effective combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for teeth whitening however is to simply brush your teeth with the baking soda toothpaste you have made and then follow up with a good rinse and gargle of a peroxide mouthwash made with equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide will rapidly accelerate your whitening results but there are a few safety measures you will need to bear in mind to avoid any tooth damage or injury. Be sure the peroxide you are using is the food grade 2% solution found in grocery stores. You must also be very careful never to swallow hydrogen peroxide as it can damage your esophagus. Follow these guidelines and you will begin seeing a whiter smile in no time. - 29879

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How to Whiten Sensitive Teeth Safely

By Shaun P. Reily

Although teeth bleaching is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures for improving your appearance, it is not always a safe choice for everybody. If you suffer from excessive sensitivity in your teeth, you should seek the advice of a dental professional before beginning any type of teeth whitening procedure as the methods of bleaching differ for those with sensitivity.

Many people prefer to use hydrogen peroxide for whitening. It is an effective substance which can be applied twice a week in normal teeth but it is always advisable to avoid such compounds if you have sensitive teeth because it may cause problems in the long run by wearing the enamel.

To safely whiten sensitive teeth you can easily use mild whitening gels for bleaching. It is advisable to consult a dentist before undergoing this process.

Baking soda is another common home whitening solution that may provide you with a safe way to whiten your teeth without increasing their sensitivity. You can even experiment with add vinegar before applying to your teeth to speed up the results.

Usually smokers' teeth are covered with stains but also become sensitive due to constant smoking. Smokers can use mild gel based products or strawberries for bleaching. Strawberries actually contain a mild acid which whitens slowly but gently over time.

Having the whitening process overseen by your dentist is another option to consider. This is by far the safest method because a dentist can give you valuable advice to avoid damaging your teeth or even perform a whitening procedure for you. The high cost is the only issue here.

Children under the age of 14 shouldn't be treated since their enamel has not fully developed and can be permanently damaged. They should instead brush and floss regularly and simply practice basic dental hygiene.

As with any cosmetic medical procedure, which teeth whitening qualifies as, it is best to have it done by a professional. If you cannot afford a visit to the dentist to have your teeth whitening the second safest and cost effective method available to you is one of the many home bleaching kits available. Be sure to find one mild enough for your sensitive teeth. - 29879

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Getting Down To The Bad Breath Cause

By Roger Calfsman

When you're suffering with bad breath, it can impact your private life as well as your professional life. Most people won't come right up to you and tell you that you have bad breath ; they'll simply talk about you to others behind your back. It can be a shaming reality when you have bad breath. But what exactly is bad breath cause?

Common Bad Breath Cause

The general public have the worst breath in the morning when they first wake up. You may be OK for some hours after you brush, but as the day moves forward, the stink of bad breath may creep slowly into your mouth and make the people you deal with quiver.

Sometimes the bad breath cause can be situational. It could be you notice your breath after you have eaten a meal that is full of garlic or onions. It may be that your breath smells like smoke from cigarettes or cigars. Another bad breath cause that's considered situational is alcoholic beverages.

Another bad breath cause may be occasional. Many of us use stick of gums, sprays and other types of breath fresheners to mask the consequences of halitosis. This is another name that is given to bad breath. Even if you use breath fresheners, if the underlying bad breath cause is poor dental cleanliness or specific foods you have eaten, they wont last very long in masking the odors.

Those who suffer bad breath cause that's chronic have the worst case of dragon breath. Chronic bad breath is identified by a persistent odour that emanates from your mouth and/or nose. Most who suffer with prolonged bad breath have wonderful oral hygiene and do not know what to do about their state.

The most common bad breath cause is from a bacterium that is present naturally in your mouth that is feeding off the food particles that is left over from when you last ate. There are many strategies you can fight the effects of this. One is employing a good toothbrush which will get in between teeth. Many of us neglect the interior of their teeth as well as their back teeth when they're brushing.

You should be certain that you clean your teeth for five minutes or more . Any less time and you aren't reaching all the places in your mouth that will be a bad breath cause. You want to be aware that all toothpastes and mouthwashes are not made equal too.

Some products that are to be used for oral cleanliness exacerbate the issue instead of helping it. You need to use products that have baking soda and peroxide as their main ingredients. These two products can help bad breath cause and let you feel more confident when you are having eyeball to eyeball chats with co-workers or somebody you want to begin to know better. - 29879

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Do You Struggle with Halitosis

By Jackie Johnson

The answer to bad breath is a lost easier then you think. Have you done everything but you the smells still linger?

Halitosis is bad breath. Ever want to know what causes bad breath? Do you want to prevent it? See your local Dental professional and find out the cause.

Usually bad breath is related to your gums, bacteria on your tongue and teeth. The toxins that are produced by bacteria linger in your mouth and cause halitosis. Have you ever been called onion breath? Thats because certain foods like onions, spices, or even coffee can stay on your breath for three days.

It is estimated that about 1% of the population has halitophobia which is the fear of bad breath. This is a psychological challenge and one should see a specialist on that issue. Millions of people have bad breath. Babies arent born with teeth that have broken the surface yet and thus they dont have bad breath. Smell a babies breath and youll see one of the main culprits in bad breath. They dont have teeth so its virtually impossible to have bad breath yet.

Extreme hormonal changes such as puberty, menopause, or pregnancy can cause you bad breath and a bad day. Getting food stuck in the crypts or gland tissue in the mouth is usually what causes tonsil problems which can lead to infection and halitosis. Cigarettes are also a huge factor in bad breath. They heat up your mouth and bacteria are able to breed faster. Who wants to kiss an ashtray?

Dentists recommend using gum containing Xylitol rather then sugarless or artificially sweetened gum. View mouthwashes as short term relief as they do not address the root issue. Keeping healthy teeth and gums will give you great breath all day.

The proper amount of saliva is just what the doctor ordered to help in eliminating bad breath. Plus it will help in reducing tooth decay. Make sure youre getting enough fluids as dehydration can cause bad breath. Other diseases such as diabetes or liver problems can cause bad breath.

Use the best floss possible. Dentists recommend using the gentle glide kind as it is must easier to slide in and out of the teeth and creates less stress. Ask your dental professional questions, they always love that. Get educated and study as much as you can about nutrition and dental health. After all you do only get one set of teeth.

See your local dentist right away; they will be likely willing to work with some sort of payment plan for you. Its always good to have a check up especially if youre experiencing any discomfort. - 29879

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What is Teeth Whitening?

By Jane Davies

Your teeth are a very obvious part of your appearance. Teeth whitening facilities realize this fact, which is why they are encouraging people to whiten their teeth, so that they may look their best and so that others will find their general appearance more pleasing.

Whitening your teeth can also boost your self esteem. Did you ever noticed those people who smile a lot even to total strangers? Notice how easily they radiate warmth just by giving that Hollywood smile. Sometimes, that smile becomes so contagious that you find yourself smiling and feeling better for the rest of the day on.

This is the reason why you have to perfect that smile so you can do it more often. One way of perfecting it is by whitening your teeth. In today's world where beauty products and facial makeovers are rampant, you see a lot of beautiful people. What you will always remember is the colour of their teeth.

You probably think that they are very lucky to have been born with beautiful white teeth like that, but what you do not realize is that those teeth are the result of the whitening products and procedures that are available on the market today.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are not as expensive as they used to be. This is probably because of the stiff competition out there. With so many new products appearing nearly everyday, it is no wonder that the prices are dropping so rapidly.

Look at yourself in the mirror. Are your teeth not as white as they used to be? Do you feel that they could be made even whiter? Are you one of those people that need to have their teeth whitened?

To answer these questions, check out some of these considerations:

1. Methods for teeth whitening. The methods used for teeth whitening are on a case-to-case basis. For every individual, there is a method that will suit their different requirements. You can opt for veneers instead of bleaching or teeth whitening. The best thing to do is to consult your dentist first about what should be done. Your dentist will be able to tell you what will be perfect for your requirements.

2. Smokers and Caffeine-Addicts. If you are someone who likes to take caffeinated drinks, then you are probably a candidate for teeth whitening. This goes for persons who smoke a lot too. The ingredients in caffeinated drinks can discolour your teeth if you have been drinking caffeine for a long time. Tar and nicotine can also discolour teeth rapidly.

By having your teeth whitened or by using whitening toothpaste every day, you can reduce the effects that these ingredients will have on your teeth. Continued, regular use will definitely help delay the rapid discoloration of your teeth.

3. Sensitive teeth and gums. Your teeth and gums may not be able to tolerate the chemicals in the whitening products. If you think you have sensitive teeth, it is best to put off using whitening products until you have first seen your dentist.

If you have a sensitive mouth, but you are still adamant about having your teeth whitened, then you had better try one of the professional treatments. Do not take the chance of buying one of the products that you can buy over the counter.

Once you have considered all these things, then you will know if you are ready for that teeth whitening procedure. When it comes to your well being, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. - 29879

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Teeth Whitening Products

By Gail Jones

Selecting teeth whitening products from the different teeth whitening products there are on the market these days can be very confusing. However, some of these teeth whitening products do not give the desired results.

If you asked the experts, they would tell you that the best method of teeth whitening is still obtainable through your dentist. Not only is it the best, but it is also the most effective and the quickest way to have whiter teeth.

However, not all people can meet the fees that come with each treatment. Another factor that hinders them from going to dentists is fear. It seems that in early childhood, dentists are one of the most feared professions and that children just do not want to have to meet them. This fear continues on into adult life.

Although dentists do not recommend people to choose teeth whitening products, they all agree that most of these products are effective in a degree. According to many studies, most teeth whitening products can result in whiter teeth that can outlast any procedure applied by your dentist, if applied regularly and consistently.

Another plus point that teeth whitening products have, is that they contain the same ingredients that are used in professional whitening. Two of the active ingredients used in whitening teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. These two chemicals are also the ingredients present in some of the products that are on sale in ordinary grocery stores and chemists.

The only advantage that teeth whitening products have over professional whitening is that they tend to be very cheap. Everyone who finds out about them can afford to add them to their list of basic shopping items.

Most of these products can be bought for less than $30. Compare this with the $100 or more that you are charged at the dentist's surgery. It will not astound you that most people prefer them over the higher fees. However, teeth whitening products do have some disadvantages. Some of which are:

1. Suitability. Sure, teeth whitening products cater for all types of teeth, however different people have different needs. What some people find works may not work for others. This is one of the problems that people will come across with these 'home' products.

There are those who have sensitive teeth and gums. Reaction to the products will depend upon the suitability of the products to the persons that are using them. Another option would be to try out different products until you find the one that is suitable to you.

2. Strong Chemicals Used. You will not know what your reaction to any given product will be until you have tested it on yourself. As you do not know how sensitive your teeth are, you will also not know what might happen when you start using the product. It is better to consult with your dentist first before choosing any product at all.

3. Tray may not fit. The tray used in your mouth is not exactly right to you, so there is a problem that it may be either too big or too small.

If it is too large, the formula may not work very well. On the other hand, if it is too small, it may cause gum bleeding and side effects that will cause bigger problems. Be sure that the teeth whitening precuts you choose are suitable for you. If none of them works, then perhaps professional teeth whitening will. - 29879

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Things You Should Know About Your Childrens Teeth

By Harold Johnson

Children are not immune to dental complications, they are actually more susceptible and will have more complications in the future due to dental conditions. The lack of development of permanent teeth effects 2.8 percent of the United States population, and may lead to other dental complications and malnutrition. The absence of permanent teeth is known as hypodontia or oligodontia, depending on the number of teeth missing and is commonly referred to as congenitally missing teeth. Hypodontia describes 6 or less teeth missing, and oligodontia describes more than 6 teeth missing. A condition in which all teeth are missing is rare but still occurs, this is called anodontia.

On average, permanent teeth appear in the early teens, between 12 and 14 years of age. But radiography as early as time of birth shows the development of primary teeth and the spaces where permanent molars will appear. A radiography can be used to make an early diagnosis of hypodontia or oligodontia, but a positive diagnosis cannot be made until the approximate age of 6. The most common cases of hypo- and oligodontia involve missing teeth on just one side of the jaw, but some cases of missing teeth occur on both sides of the jaw.

Factors that have an effect on the development and eruption of permanent teeth are environmental and genetical. Environmental effects that may cause hypodontia or oligodontia are fractures in the jaw occurring before tooth development, surgery on the jaw, chemo and radiation therapies, treatment for malignant diseases, irradiation procedures, and Thalidomide use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a medication used for multiple myeloma and as a sedative. The genetic factor that causes hypodontia and oligodontia is a mutation chromosomes MSX1 and PAX9. There are thought to be mutations in other chromosomes that affect tooth development, but they have not been discovered yet. Screening tools for mutations in the MSX1 and PAX9 genes are used in research, but are not yet available for routine testing.

In hypodontia or oligodontia cases an open bite, gap between teeth, may be present, and teeth do not respond to treatment with braces. Some cases have partially erupted teeth that may be covered by soft tissue, and is some cases, teeth are so tight in its socket that the tooth cannot erupt normally. Dental occlusion is a term describing the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaw is closed, hypo/oligodontia has an affect on the way this occurs.

Teeth that are present in the mouth of a victim may be smaller in size or/and deformed in shape compared to teeth from an unaffected person. Some teeth may be rotated, this means that the tooth is not facing the direction it should. The formation of unaffected teeth may be delayed and eruption may occur at a later then normal age. A condition called hypocalcification can be present in some cases due to the enamel layer on a tooth or teeth being too thin, causing dents or scrapes in teeth, discoloration of entire tooth, or spots of discoloration.

Only approximately 2.8% of the US population suffers from congenital missing teeth, and, in most cases, only two teeth are missing. The mandibular premolars and the maxillary central incisors are the most common teeth that fail to erupt. If there is a history of hypodontia or oligodontia in either of the parents families, then there is a high possibility that a child born to those parents will have congenitally missing teeth. If the child is female, the possibility increases slightly because studies show a slight increase of predominance in females. - 29879

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A Quantity Of Useful Facts About Natural Dental Care

By Dawn Enstruthe

More and more people are leaning towards natural dental care. A wonderful set of white teeth is a sign of ideal health. When you have taken good care of your teeth it will also mean that you have taken good care of your body as a whole. Healthy teeth and gums will ultimately additionally lessen degenerative diseases.

To start with one has to uphold a balanced diet which contains all the vital nutrients in addition to trace elements which in the end will reflect the status of your mouth by showing healthy gums and teeth. If you are not maintaining a balanced diet you will end up with severe gum infections. Normal toothpastes mainly contain harsh and abrasive substances which have made persons turn towards natural dental care products which are far gentler on the mouth.

Illness can be caused which in turn can affect the whole body by reason of poor periodontal hygiene and it has now been noted that epidemiologically bacterial pneumonia as well as cardiovascular disease and pre term babies resulted from poor periodontal hygiene and gum disease.

Periodontal disease is caused by microorganisms which has now been discovered can transport themselves into other body tissue parts and can also affect the heart muscles causing serious illnesses. There is approximately two out of every five people that suffer from periodontal disease as well as presented with cardiovascular disorders. Researchers are saying that periodontal disease could be the cause of degenerative diseases.

Natural dental care products that have been proved to heal and sooth the gums are mouth rinses which are now available chiefly in health shops contains ingredients like aloe vera in addition to grape seed extract and Xylitol which inhibits gingivitis and lowers plaque which causes bad bacteria causing gum disease. These products are highly helpful as well as palatable for adults and children.

Bacteria lodge's itself between the teeth and brushing does not fully eradicate these deposits so a mouth rinse is important which will not only do away with the bacteria but will maintain freshness as well as prevents any gum disease from developing.

Typical toothpastes that we have all been making use of for years are rather harsh and abrasive and also contain fluoride which may be harmful to the human eventually. More persons are opting for natural dental care products that are fluoride free and that prevent bacteria from growing in the mouth ensuring peak health. It is a known fact the young children do need a certain amount of topical fluoride in order to prevent cavities but in later years can become harmful to the system.

Browse online and see the many natural dental care products obtainable. You will additionally note that there are natural dentists which you can look up with regards to natural dental care. Keep in mind your smile says it all. A healthy balanced diet as well as regular oral hygiene will ensure peak health and stunning teeth. - 29879

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How Root Canal Treatment Eliminates Your Toothache?

By Shelton Graham

It's the most feared dental treatment of all. Patients avoid going to the dentist because they do not want to hear that they need a root canal. They would rather have the tooth removed, removed forever, with a permanent space, than go through the pain of a root canal. In fact, a root canal often isn't unpleasant and, in most instances, the agony related to the tooth infection subsides in a matter of days after the treatment is complete.

Root canal treatment is required when the nerve tissue of the tooth, or pulp, gets infected or dies. The only way to remove the infection is to remove the source of the infection, the infected or dead pulp tissue. There are 2 ways to remove pulp tissue. The initial way is to get rid of the whole tooth, and the pulp tissue includes it. The second easier way to remove infected pulp tissue is to perform root canal treatment. In this procedure your dentist removes the infected pulp tissue while leaving the rest of the tooth intact.

A root canal is what a dentist does to clean out and remove only the pulp tissue of the tooth. Your dentist will first give you anesthetic to numb the tooth, so you should be comfortable in the whole process. To maintain a dry field and ensure the pulp doesn't become further tarnished with saliva and other bacteria, your dentist will place a protective barrier around the tooth, known as a rubber dam, to isolate it and keep it clean. Once the tooth is isolated, your dentist will create an opening in the top of the tooth to use the pulp tissue. Then, using tiny files, your dentist will scrape the interior of the tooth and the walls of the pulp canal space to get rid of any infected or dead nerve tissue. Your dentist will repeat this part of the procedure several times with files of varying dimensions and shapes to remove an adequate amount of pulp tissue and adequately clean the nerve canal space.

To figure out how deep to go with each set of files, your dentist may employ a device called a peak locator. This machine tells your dentist how far to go with each file and when the file reaches the end of the canal.

Now that the canal spaces are cleaned and dry, the empty spaces have to be filled. A rubber material, called gutta percha, is placed in each canal to fill the gap left by the pulp tissue. The access area your dentist made thru the top of the tooth also needs to be filled. A silver amalgam or white composite restoration fills in the rest of the tooth. Ultimately, an abiding restoration needs to be made to defend the fragile tooth from splitting. Your dentist will make a crown for the tooth, a restoration made of metal alloys and rigid porcelain, to surround the tooth and protect it from breaking.

A couple days after the root canal treatment, your toothache should be eliminated, and you still have your tooth! - 29879

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Professional Teeth Whitening Kits At Home

By Janice M. Reily

Many of the professional teeth whitening gel kits can be found over the counter and in dentist offices. It's easy to find tooth whitening products that will effectively whiten your smile. While these products have been more readily available to dentists for many years, it is a relatively new thing to find products in stores.

In order to get the most from any teeth bleaching solution you will need to ensure that you keep your teeth clean and healthy to begin with. Fresh fruits and vegetables can clean your teeth and keep them healthy as well as drinking plenty of water and maintaining proper dental hygiene with regular dental checkups and daily brushing.

You should also keep in mind that preventing any new stains will require you to minimize smoking if you are a smoker and to cut back on any drinks that are known to stain teeth.

You will have a myriad of selections when shopping for home whitening kits so we will cover and few and you can select the one that fits your individual preferences.

Most kits will include instructions for application, a tray to hold the gel on your teeth, a tube of gel, and some even include a special toothpaste to use in between applications.

These kits are so simple to use. You want to follow the instructions carefully, and many of them will have you putting a thin layer of the whitening gel on the plastic trays, and then placing the plastic trays over your teeth.

The duration of each application will depend on the strength of the gel provided with the kit you choose. The gel I use works in about an hour. Others work faster or slower but you should never exceed two hours per session. After the gel has done it's work you simply remove the tray and clean your teeth with a simple water rinse.

After using the tray and gel at home a few times a week for two weeks, my smile is noticeably whiter and overall I am extremely satisfied with such immediate results at such an affordable price. - 29879

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Taking Care Of Your Teeth Well Past Retirement.

By Casy Wigwire

Unfortunately, there are some dental procedures that are not covered by public health plans, including cosmetic dentistry options and other optional surgeries. However, these procedures can be advantageous to many people, which is why finding the right private dentist can work for many patients. Before choosing the private dentist that's right for you, be sure to research in advance. No matter what procedure you're hoping to undergo, the right dentist and expert is out there to perform that surgery. Don't settle for a private dentist that's not right for you.

Dental insurance is the most common type of plan that people think of when they are shopping around. Companies like Delta Dental, Cigna and Metlife all offer these plans and they usually cost in the hundreds each month for a family of four. They usually have some limits on how many times you can go to the dentist and what kinds of things you can have done. Teeth whitening and other cosmetic work isn't covered, but most of the services your family needs are taken care of with a small co-pay. Depending on your budget, these plans work for most Americans as long as you are willing to pay on a monthly basis.

Since private practices can charge a variety of fees, secure in advance the fees you'll be paying for appointments, check-ups and other surgeries. Research to find the best fees and be sure that your private dentist is certified and well-regarded. Another important aspect to research is what happens after your procedure. Understand the risks that come with elective surgery, and talk to your dentist about what to expect in recovery.

Dental discount plans are also very common today and offer more than just dental benefits with their services. Ameriplan and Aetna carry these kinds of benefits and they also include things like vision or hearing programs as well. These plans are usually the least expensive on a monthly basis, but what you pay on a per visit basis is higher. Discount plans are my personal favorites because they give the customer the greatest amount of choice in the care they receive. Cosmetic dentistry is also included in these programs, but if you don't want to pay for it you don't have to. There are also no limits on visits or services with a discount plan, so you can go as often as you like and have whatever work you want done depending on your budget.

Paying for dental today has many choices, but as time goes on it becomes more the customer's responsibility to arrange payment than it was in the past. Employer based plans and insurance through the government are becoming less likely, but the need for us to go to the dentist is the same. Maybe it's for the best that we are given the full array of choices, but some people will always want to have things taken care of for them. A bright white smile is something we all take pride in and paying for it will always be a difficult decision. Taking care of your health is essential to a happy life and that includes you teeth and mouth. - 29879

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The Effectiveness of Teeth Bleaching Kits

By Shaun P. Reily

Unfortunately, not everybody is blessed with pearly whites and for some this is more of a problem than others. The people this does bother tend to look for solutions to their problem, and many opt for laser teeth whitening.

The cost alone, however, bars most people from the quick and noticeable benefits of laser teeth bleaching.

During the procedure, the cosmetic dentist will apply a translucent bleaching gel to the person's teeth and then a laser beam is used to speed up the whole bleaching process.

Weakened enamel and increased tooth sensitivity are another alleged downside to this procedure that prevents many people from making it their whitening solution of choice.

These drawbacks to laser teeth whitening have led many consumers to pursue the less effective and slower method of at home teeth bleaching kits. Although the results are not as noticeable at first, continued use will eventually achieve the same whitening effect as the more expensive professional whitening alternative. At home kits are also much more convenient for most people.

Obviously there are many benefits of home teeth whitening over dentist whitening. Affordability being the most obvious, as the cost of these home whitening kits is a fraction of a fraction of professional whitening procedures. The fact that these solutions aren't as strong means that they require several more sessions to achieve the same results, but that also means that they do less damage to the teeth as well.

There's no need for you to hide your smile anymore, always worrying about covering up yellow stains by holding back when you feel like smiling or laughing. Imagine the improvement to your overall appearance and self-confidence that you will feel knowing that you can smile freely all the time.

You can stop worrying about breaking the bank to get the perfect smile you've always dreamed of having. Find a good home teeth whitening product and for only a few bucks that shining white smile is yours. - 29879

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Trays for Teeth Whitening

By James Matthews

Tray whitening are usually used at your home. Mouth trays and syringes come with each kit. Peroxide is placed in the mouth tray and worn like a mouth guard and usually worn on and off for 2 weeks. You will gradually see results over the two week period until you reach your desired shade.

Dating all the way back to the 1900's, tray whitening was the only option people had. As light emitting diodes began to come onto the market, tray products began to lose their luster. Over the counter baking soda toothpastes also started to become a product of interest.

The time committed to using these systems for two weeks plus began to wear thin on consumer's patience. Some of the tray systems were uncomfortable, so many opted for the dentist office, where they could have it done in less than an hour.

One plus to tray whitening is allowing you to control the shade of color you desire. Office visits can either be too dark or too light requiring follow-up visits. Tray kits are relatively cheap as well compared to other alternatives. Many of the tray kits also have a lower chance of side effects.

Consumers may purchase over-the-counter or from one's orthodontist. Prescription kits usually require the custom fit mouth trays. Custom fit trays will reduce the duration of the treatment due to the even contact between the teeth and solution. Your dentist may take an impression of your teeth, then make a mold to match. Boil and bite features are common in the store brands, which work similar to sports mouth guards. It will be a little less effective than the mold from your dentist, but you may not even notice the difference. I prefer the boil and bite over the one-size-fits-all brands that are still being sold.

The great advantage of home trays is that your lightening will be gradual. You can stop when you reach your goal. Those who have sensitive teeth will also notice reduced side effects due to less potency.

Carbamide is more user friendly than the hydrogen peroxide form. It has a longer shelf life, so it will last longer.

Hydrogen peroxide is stronger than carbamide. It usually requires supervision to apply. Freshness is important for full effectiveness, so check the expiration date before use.

Quick Summary:

-Your doctor's trays will always be better than the trays you receive with the store brands.

-If you have sensitive teeth, you react to hot or cold substances, you may want to choose a product with a low peroxide concentration to start out. There are kits on the market for this exact purpose, so read the description carefully.

-Purchase only from reputable manufacturers. Do some homework if it is a brand you have never heard of. Search for reviews on the product just to make sure. There are many well-known brands out there, so there isn't really any need on taking a chance with a sub-par product. Since this industry isn't very regulated, you should do a little homework. - 29879

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What are the Best Ways to Prevent Cavities?

By Amy Nutt

No one wants cavities. After all, having cavities means getting work done by the dentist. This work typically involves a drill and several other tools, and (at best) ends in getting a cap and (at worst) ends in a root canal. And no one wants either of these results, really. So, it is best to just avoid this type of work altogether by preventing cavities in the first place.

How can you avoid getting cavities? Here are several tips that will help to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be - and that will help to keep that dental drill as far away as possible.

1. Eat healthy. Sugary foods and drinks are not good for your teeth or oral health. By limiting the amount of junk that you eat and drink, you will be helping to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth.

2. Take care when you do eat and drink sweets. It isnt reasonable to insist that anyone completely avoid sweets. Instead, be wise when you do eat and drink sweets. After eating a sugary snack, go brush your teeth. And as for a sweet drink, try drinking it through a straw so that the drink never even touches your teeth. Also, with any type of sweet, consume it in one sitting rather than throughout the day so that you can avoid exposing your mouth to it all day long.

3. Brush properly. You have heard it before, of course, but it is extremely important to brush your teeth at least twice each day. Using a fluoride toothpaste will help most, as research has shown that it has a higher chance of fighting cavities.

4. Use a mouthrinse. Several antimicrobial mouth rinses on the market - such as Crest Pro Health and Listerine--have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. Try rinsing with one of these after brushing and after eating for the best results.

5. Dont forget to floss. So many people skip flossing, but this is a very important step in avoiding cavities. This is because flossing is the only way to remove the food debris that gets caught between the teeth when eating. If traditional dental floss is difficult for you to maneuver, try using floss picks. The single-use picks might make flossing easier for you - and, therefore, you may be less inclined to skip.

6. Chew sugarless gum. The American Dental Association (ADA) awarded their Seal of Acceptance in 2007 to Wrigleys Orbit, Eclipse, and Extra sugarless chewing gums for helping to prevent cavities. They work by increasing the flow of saliva to your mouth. It is best to chew a piece after meals, when brushing isnt convenient.

7. Have sealants put on your teeth. Your dentist can place dental sealants, which are a protective coating, on your back teeth. This will help shield these teeth against bacteria and plaque.

8. Visit your dentist regularly. Some cavities - or teeth in danger of getting cavities - can only be detected by a dental x-ray. Regular check-ups are essential. - 29879

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3 Sacred Rules of Proper Dental Hygiene

By Yoshi Higawa

What lies behind a beautiful smile? Good dental care, of course! No Hollywood smile? No problem. Your teeth still deserve to be tartar-free and your breath, sparkling-fresh. Don't be fooled by evenly spaced pearly-whites; crooked teeth are not the end of the world. Your teeth are only as attractive as you keep them healthy. Clean, stain-free teeth can turn any smile into a starry smile.

The next time you stop to talk to someone, notice how you are first struck by the appearance of his/her mouth and teeth. We are naturally wired for such automatic observation. Often it forces us to take in unsavory details including remnants of the person's last meal (stuck between his/her teeth) or black gum-lines. Appearances apart, unhealthy teeth are home to acid-causing bacteria that trigger unpleasant mouth odors.

Three golden rules to a healthy smile are: Brushing, Flossing,Keeping an eye on the gums.

With Products like Philips Sonicare Toothbrush, you can give your teeth and gums all the TLC they need to stay healthy, shiny, and keep plaque at bay. Let's revisit the 3 basics of healthy teeth.

When you are getting out of bed and into bed, remember to brush your teeth. All it takes is 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per brushing routine. Remember to brush gently and firmly. Scrubbing hard will only harm the protective enamel on your teeth. Refrain from brushing in circles. Keep your brush-strokes vertical. When your brush moves in circles, it chafes against the gums, thus causing more harm than benefit. For effective brushing, start at the gum line of your upper or lower teeth. Position your brush slightly above (or below) the gum line. Now brush in vertical strokes away from the gum line (from top to bottom for your upper teeth, and vice versa for the lower teeth).

The best defense against gum disease and foul odors is flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria accumulation. Not only should you floss at before going to bed, it's also important to floss between meals. Waxed floss is generally the easiest to use, especially for those who have tight spaces between their teeth.

A variety of flossing strings and picks are available to suit your needs. Rechargeable holder sticks make it possible to floss with ease, using only one hand.

Monitoring closely the state of your gums will allow early detection of a possible gum disease. The problem with conditionslike gingivitis is that they go undiagnosed for too long and then end up developing into periodontitis and other serious problems. If you experience bleeding gums, shaky teeth or notice inflammation or swelling of gums , you should consult your dentist without delaying. It is much easier to prevent a problem that to deal with it afterwards. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will also help you avoid cavities, and related medical bills. Teeth serve a precious function, that of cutting up and crushing our food before swallowing.

Try to imagine how difficult it would be to eat without our teeth, we might choke of our food, and we would certainly suffer from digestive issues. Having strong, healthy teeth allow us to eat whatever we want without any difficulty or pain. Therefore, we should all adhere to the 3 golden rules of oral hygiene and take good care of our precious set of teeth - its the one one we have. - 29879

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Cosmetic Teeth Whitening - Is It For Your?

By Gwendolyn W. Taylor

There is not one person that would not like to have a nice smile and this is where cosmetic teeth whitening often comes in. Teeth whitening has become incredibly popular over the last several years as it is a very simple and relatively low cost way to get white teeth and make a step to approve your appearance. There are many things that can affect the color of your teeth.

If you are a coffee drinker or a smoker you can very effectively use cosmetic teeth whitening tools to correct the damage done to their teeth. There are many other ways that the color of your teeth can be affected. Your current age, some types of prescription medications and genetics are all things that can affect the color of someone's teeth. You will find that teeth whitening will be quite successful here too.

While the dentist can provide cosmetic teeth whitening at his office you can also get a variety of great cosmetic teeth whitening kits right in your own home.

They have all kinds of toothpastes available that have baking soda in them or other teeth whitening agents in them to give you whiter teeth. There are at home teeth whitening strips that you can put on your teeth, teeth trays to put a teeth whitening mixture in and wear. They even have teeth whitening pens.

Choosing any of those options is sure to have a great effect on the color of your teeth. Many of the kits that you can purchase for at home cosmetic teeth whitening are very similar to the tools that a dentist would be to accomplish the same thing.

When you want whiter teeth, at home cosmetic teeth whitening options are a great way to go. - 29879

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How to Improve Dental Health and Whiten Teeth

By Shaun P. Reily

If you drink a lot of carbonated beverages or coffee, or are a smoker, you've probably seen a decline in the condition of your teeth over the years. Particularly a loss of their original radiance.

There's no need to worry though. There are a plethora of solutions, natural or procedural, that you can use to solve this kind of problem and give you whiter teeth.

Your first step to a whiter smile will require disciplining yourself to hold off on some of those fixes you may have developed into long-term habits. Try drinking water as often as possible in place of the usual soda or coffee and have a few less cigarettes a day if you are a smoker. You will also need to avoid excessively acidic foods as much as possible.

Vitamin C will play a vital role in your new diet so if you will want to consider adding oranges or grapefruit to your daily meals. Not only will Vitamin C from citrus fruit have a subtle natural whitening effect on your teeth, it is a powerful immune system booster and will improve your overall health. Also make you sure are getting enough calcium either from leafy green vegetables or supplements.

Lastly, it is high time that you start making flossing a routine. This should help remove hard to reach bits and pieces of food that often causes tooth decay and dullness of the teeth.

If you go the route of professional dentist teeth restoration you will have a couple procedures to choose from. With one procedure your teeth are restored to a dazzling white by first removing a tiny portion of the natural protective layer around all of your teeth. The natural coating of your teeth is then replaced with an artificial layer of white resin which creates a very strong and seamless bond.

The other method available from your dentist is known as veneer bonding. In this method instead of replacing the natural coating with resin, the teeth are simply covered over completely with porcelain implants. These sheets of porcelain provide perfectly white teeth and a picture-perfect smile. They are also durable enough to last for up to five years which justifies the enormous price difference.

Regardless of your choice of teeth whitening solution, your main goal should be improving your overall health with the diet changes discussed above. The dentist whitening options will provide immediate results, but your health will provide lasting ones.

You should consider incorporating lots of helpful fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery, broccoli, spinach and carrots into your diet to build the foundation of a healthier body and teeth. - 29879

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Use a Tongue Scraper to Fight Bad Breath

By Alan Rawlings

One of the most effective means of preventing bad breath is a simple, cheap method that doesn't involve buying expensive mouthwashes, gums, or any other product that requires a regular monthly expenditure. By using a tongue scraper once or twice per day, you can eliminate most of the root of your bad breath with a very simple to follow process.

There are small buds on the back of the tongue known as papillae. If you look at the back of your tongue closely, you'll see that it's not at all flat. Inside these grooves live small bacteria, and these act as the main cause of bad breath as we know it. Part of the reason for this is due to the lack of oxygen these bacteria receive since they're buried within the ridges inside your tongue. The small amount of oxygen results can in really bad smells.

While using mouthwash and brushing your teeth will both help with this, they'll only mask the source of the issue and won't really attack the heart of it. Scraping your tongue will gather up a good portion of these bacteria, and essentially removes them from your tongue.

Tongue scraping is the easiest and cheapest means of removing these bacteria. Many people prefer to use their toothbrush to scrape the surface of their tongues when they brush their teeth. This isn't the best idea, and I'll explain why:

1. It's very, very difficult to get a toothbrush to reach the back of your tongue. Not only can it cause your gag reflex to kick in, but it's somewhat dangerous. Without reaching the back of your tongue, you're not removing the strongest sources of odor.

2) The bristles on a toothbrush are too rough for your tongue and can do permanent damage to the soft tissue on your tongue.

3) Even if you can somehow fit a toothbrush into your mouth so that it reaches the back of your tongue, a toothbrush is narrow and won't be able to cover the whole span of your tongue from left to right.

A tongue scraper, on the other hand, is smooth, often bendable, and wide enough to cover your tongue's surface area as it generally removes the bacteria from the back of your tongue and drags it out of your mouth. They're also extremely affordable.

If you've tried gums, mouthwashes, brushing, and everything else imaginable, look no further than the tongue scraper as your best bet for directly removing the source of bad breath. You'll be glad you did. - 29879

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Teeth Bleaching

By Jason Myers

As a individual grows older, their teeth have a tendency to lose their brilliant, lustrous shine to them and turn out to be stained and dull. This process can be quickened by habits such as cigarette or tobacco smoking, drinking red wine, or improper oral hygiene. Teeth bleaching, also popular as teeth whitening, is a common practice in dentistry, and most popular in cosmetic dentistry.

There are a lot of ways in which teeth can be bleached. You can get bleaching strips, bleaching gels, bleaching pens, natural bleaching and laser bleaching. The most traditional method that most people use would possibly be bleaching gel applied to the teeth through a bleaching tray. Also, small strips of bleaching gel can be applied to the front of the teeth.

Such bleaching gels use oxidizing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to reduce any discoloration of the tooth. Teeth bleaching can be of two types - one carried out using low concentration gel, and the other with high concentration gel.

Low concentration bleaching is the less costly of the two methods and is usually only done at home. The majority of over the counter whitening gels and bleaching strips have a low strength of oxidizing agent in them. This is why they can safely be held against the teeth for a number hours a day for up to two weeks. Depending on the class of the product, as well as the treatment selected, the results can vary. High concentration bleaching is usually performed in-office by dentists, but you can also find teeth whitening products that contains a high concentration of oxidizing agent.

Since the strength of bleach is high, the product is only applied to the teeth for small amounts of time to prevent damage, but rapidly gives results. You can find the greatest method of teeth bleaching for you as there are many methods to fit every person's budget and lifestyle. - 29879

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Best Teeth Whitening

By Jason Myers

Several people are paying big bucks and hours of their time on attempting to make their teeth whiter. The discoloration of teeth is a natural process, but it can be delayed and practically avoided using the right products and the best oral hygiene habits. But with so a lot of products available, you should think long and hard before deciding on the best teeth whitening method for you.

The most excellent products for teeth whitening are custom whitening trays and whitening pens. The first one is essential because they can give you whiter teeth that look entirely natural and healthy, devoid of any significant discoloration or stains close to the gum line. Spending a few additional dollars on a whitening kit that has a tray that can be formed to your mouth is fully worth the effort.

Whitening pens are to some extent the same as brush-on gels, but are more efficient because they are faster, contain a higher quality of whitening components and are much more accurate. If you want a fast, better quality whitening method that is easy to use, then a whitening pen is the way to go.

Before making any purchases, however, you have to think about a few other issues. First, a visit to your dentist is of utmost importance, to fill in cracks and clean your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, therefore the best teeth whitening method would be the one that is effective but takes very little time because sensitive teeth shouldn't be exposed to harsh agressive ingredients or oxidizing agents for too long.

For individuals on a low budget, an at home whitening product is the best way to get whiter teeth. There are several products to choose from and they are all very cost effective. Perform your research and compare the choices you have before making a choice. As long as you assess the products and methods available to you, figuring out the best teeth whitening solution for yourself shouldn't be a problem. - 29879

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3 Golden Rules of Good Oral Care

By Yoshi Higawa

Healthy teeth and a great smile are the benefits of having good oral hygiene. Even though we may not all be born with flashy Hollywood smiles, it is important for everyone to properly clean their teeth and keep our mouths fresh. The health and cleanliness of your teeth are what is truly important, it really doesn't matter if you have spaces between your teeth, uneven incisors or canines that are a little off. Any irregularities or structural imperfections can be compensated for by having beautifully white teeth.

Our focus tends to shift from a person's eyes to their mouth when we are talking with them up close. Our brains are just wired that way. This explains why, when someone has something stuck in between their teeth or noticeable plaque build-up, we will notice it right away. Even worse than plaque, the end result of poor dental hygiene is embarrassing bad breath, which is caused by the bacteria in the mouth which produce damaging acid.

Dental health can be achieved with three simple steps: brush, floss, and regular gum-care.

You need to take care of your teeth and to do that, you may need to use sophisticated tools such as Philips Sonicare Toothbrush. That said, let's review our 3 golden rules.

Every morning and each night before bed, it is imperative that we brush our teeth. Thoroughly cleaning your teeth should take somewhere between 2 to 2 minutes. However, it is to note that aggressive brushing will damage the tooth enamel, so it is important that you don't brush too hard, which is another reason to consider a cutting-edge toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare Toothbrush. Vertical movement of the toothbrush is actually better than brushing in a circular motion. Brushing in a circular motion will lead to irritation of the gums because the bristles are brushing against the gum line instead of away from it. For example, the proper way to brush the lower teeth is to start from below the gum line and the brush stroke should go from bottom to top - and of course, it's just the opposite for the upper teeth (starting from above the gum line with a downward motion).

The best defense against gum disease and foul odors is flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria accumulation. Not only should you floss at before going to bed, it's also important to floss between meals. Waxed floss is generally the easiest to use, especially for those who have tight spaces between their teeth.

There is now flossing tools available in the form of reusable plastic floss holders, which are great for people that have limited dexterity or only have one hand free when they are flossing.

You can detect early signs of gum disease if you closely monitor the condition of your gums. It is all too easy for gingivitis and gum disease to go unnoticed for far too long, and that can lead to periodontis or other serious and costly problems. You need to consult your dentist immediately is you notice any inflammation, swelling or bleeding of the gums or gum line, or if you develop a loose tooth. Of course, instead of having to manage serious dental issues after they occur, it much smarter and easier to simply prevent them to begin with. Furthermore, you can avoid the (literal) headache of cavities and the related dental bills by maintaining good oral hygiene. As an adult, you only get one set of teeth for tearing, crushing and chew your food, making it possible to eat.

Without teeth we could easily choke on big chunks of food, and experience major digestion problems. Our teeth makes food intake easy and painless. Let us take care of our teeth , and respect the 3 golden rules as a sign of our gratitude. - 29879

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