Posts Tagged ‘oral health’
|
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Knowing that you should floss daily is one thing – but few people know how to do it effectively to get the best results and protection for their teeth. The right technique is essential for preventing gingivitis, build up of plaque and other oral issues.
These are basic guidelines that can ensure that your mouth is healthy and that you’re also happy wih your smile:
1. Make sure you clean below the gum line – ensure you get the area of the teeth around and below the gum line to remove harmful plaque build up
2. Keep the pressure on your teeth - sometimes people aggravate their gums by pressing too forcefully against them. Instead, pressure of the floss should be placed against the side of the teeth while flossing
3. Recognize it if your gums bleed - bleeding gums usually indicate that you’re not flossing often enough; it’s a sign that your oral health is failing and you need to step up your routine
Via: Animated Teeth
 Tags: flossing techniques, flossing tips, oral health, using floss
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
Friday, April 16th, 2010
While we specialize in dental care for people, often those who find themselves in our chair receiving treatment begin to question if similar care is required for their pets. After all, as people we’re taught to brush and floss at least twice a day in order to remain in optimal health, and yet, how often do our pets receive care even close to our own?
 We might not treat pets, but we know that they can have oral health issues that are very similar to humans and do also require care. Bones and other products are designed to remove plaque from teeth, but that’s not always enough. Animals also require teeth cleaning and there are specially shaped toothbrushes and even non-toxic, flavoured toothpaste that is safe for dogs to swallow after brushing.
Many veterinarians also offer dental care for dogs that require deeper cleaning or other types of treatment that can parallel procedures done in dental clinics on humans.
If you want more information on dental care for pets, you can visit Pet Dental for more information.
Image Via: Flickr CC
Tags: dental care for pets, oral health, pets and dental care
Posted in Dental Questions | No Comments »
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
This year, sinusitis has been a major health issue that people across North America have faced. It’s been a resistant virus, causing long-lasting cold symptoms. I know what you’re thinking; you’ve stumbled across a dental blog and yet, we’re discussing issues related to the common cold. Well, sinusitis has a greater impact on your oral health than you might think. It actually causes bad breath.
Sinusitis results in the overproduction of mucus in the sinuses, causing post nasal drip as the sinuses drain into the back of the throat and the tongue. Sinusitis doesn’t just occur when colds persist; it can also result from allergies and other environmental irritants.
One of the most important prevention methods of bad breath due to sinus drainage is to see a doctor regularly. A doctor can provide solutions to ongoing problems caused by allergies or recommendations to cope with post nasal drip from a cold. Sinus irrigation is another method to help all irritants and mucus from the system and this can be done at home.
Remember, your overall health and your oral health are closely linked – so if you ignore one you may have negative repercussions with the other; and bad breath is just not one issue that anyone wants to face!
Via: EZine Articles
Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons
Tags: bad breath, colds and bad breath, oral health, preventing bad breath, sinus problems, ToothSavers
Posted in Dental Questions, Dental Tips | No Comments »
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
You probably know by now that good oral health can do a lot more of your body than simply provide you with whiter teeth and a more sparkling smile. But did you realize that it can actually have a bearing on your health in the winter, helping you get through those months where a plague of germs puts you at risk during cold and flu season?
 (image via: Flickr Creative Commons)
Well, here are some tips to help you survive those common winter bugs, and it starts with your oral health.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly – a toothbrush that’s not clean can be a source of bacteria and germs as it’s put into the mouth. Replace a toothbrush every four months, whether it appears worn out or not to reduce the spread of germs
- When you’ve been sick, get a new toothbrush – once you’ve gotten over the cold or flu, you should get a new toothbrush or risk reinfecting yourself every time you clean your teeth
- Sanitize your toothbrush – any oral health supplies, whether it’s a toothbrush, or tools that help with flossing, can be sanitized. When items are damp, but them in the microwave for one minute to kill bacteria
Via: DentalPlans
Tags: oral health, replacing toothbrush, sanitizing toothbrush, staying healthy, surviving cold and flu season, winter detal care, winter health tips
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
Saturday, January 16th, 2010
Many parents don’t think about their children’s oral care until they’ve developed teeth in their mouths for a more extensive period of time. But, for proper oral care, it’s got to start even earlier than that. Parents who take control of their children’s health care early can prevent the development of much bigger problems later on.
- Remember, dental health starts in the womb – when there’s a baby on board, moms can aid in the development of their child’s teeth by consuming calcium-rich items
- Recognize that teeth are there even if you can’t see them – while they might not be visible at birth, there are about 20 primary teeth in the jaw. They can be cared for by wiping the gums with a warm cloth to prevent bacteria
- Start dental care around the first year – by a child’s first birthday they should have a visit to the dentist. Gum and tooth decay can be evaluated, other issues like thumb sucking or use of soothers than can affect teeth can also be addressed. This is also a time when dentists can begin providing parents better tips for caring for children’s teeth
- Don’t introduce toothpaste too early – toothpaste, even the children’s variety, should only be used by age 2. Before that water and a toothbrush is a great way to start
- Teach them to brush – although children may not be able to brush independently until 6 or 7, until then, teach them the right techniques and give them a chance to try brushing for themselves
- Use floss – many parents forget that floss is important for children too. Start as soon as they have teeth in their mouth to clean between them
- Make dental visits fun – some kids fear the dentist, make sure the trips are fun and if you have the right dentist, that can help make it an even more enjoyable experience for them
Via: Dentistry.com
(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)
Tags: caring for children's teeth, dental care for parents, dental tips for children, dentists for children, oral health
Posted in Dental Tips, Oral Health for Children | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
(Image Courtesy Flickr Creative Commons)
It’s an age-old myth that chewing gum is bad for oral health and one that was perhaps created by moms who got tired of finding gum stuck to their hardwood floors, in their childs’ hair, or as a result of the simple irritation of watching a young one chew gum with their mouth open.
If you choose a sugar-free gum (or even one that’s not) there are benefits to your teeth, and they’re greater than just minty fresh breath if spearmint is your flavor of choice.
1. Chewing gum is the next best alternative to brushing – if you can’t brush and floss, chewing gum can help improve your oral health. Of course, it shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing, but if you do these things twice a day, chewing gum in between will keep your mouth in even better shape
2. Chewing for long periods cleans teeth – you receive the best benefit from chewing gum for longer periods of time; even after the flavor has run out. Doing this cleans plaque and food particles from the surface of your teeth
3. Chewing gum develops saliva - saliva can help prevent bacteria that causes decay and neutralizes acid in your mouth, even that from food or drink. The more your salivate, the better you’re protected!
Via: MyNewSmile
Originally Posted at ToothSavers.Wordpress.com
Tags: chewing gum, dental health, foods that harm your teeth, foods that help your teeth, keeping teeth clean, oral health
Posted in Dental Questions | No Comments »
|
| 
