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Periodontitis: Signs and symptoms of the disease

January 14th, 2012 by admin

Did you know that one of the most dangerous gum diseases is periodontitis? This is an advance gum problem caused by plaque build up.  Most people believed that this type of gum disease are common to adults over 40 and pregnant women.  This is due to degrading immune system and hormonal changes of the body. However, periodontitis is also true to teenagers and kids especially if they refuse to brush their teeth regularly.

The progression of bad bacteria in your mouth is unnoticeable until such time that it surfaces in your mouth. Usually periodontal disease has the following signs and symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Swollen gums
  • Tenderness or sensitivity of gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Teeth loss

If you already noticed all the above mentioned symptoms, it is best to see a professional dentist for a periodontitis treatment. Your dentist knows what is best for you and your gum condition at this point. Hence, it is better if you have it check and diagnose for a proper prescription and right treatment. Although, home remedies are available but it is recommended if a specialist looked into it for an earlier treatment.

Leaving your gum disease untreated will cost you a lot of money.  There is a big possibility that you will undergo dental surgery depending on how severe your gum disease has affected your teeth and gums. Moreover, surgeries have after effect once the anesthesia has faded. Studies show that most patients think that dental surgery caused by periodontitis is one of the most traumatic experiences they had.  Imagine the discomfort that you are going to feel every time you open your mouth for a check up and operation.

Did you know that you can avoid or prevent periodontitis?  First of all you have to know its causes. Here is a simple list:

  • Vitamin C deficiency
  • Improper brushing
  • Smoking and chewing of cigarettes

When your body is too weak to fight back, that is the time periodontitis occur. Therefore, you have to ensure that you take your vitamins every day, eat and drink nutritious food.  In addition, brushing your teeth regularly helps eliminate bad bacteria and freshen up your breath; but improper brushing leaves more dirt on your teeth and gums resulting to accumulation of plaque.  Smoking and chewing of cigarettes only aggravates the situation. It also weakens your immune system which makes you prone to gum disease.

Chinese herbs as remedies for tonsil stones

December 21st, 2011 by admin

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilollith, cause a very uncomfortable and annoying feeling to a person who has it, not to mention that it can be embarrassing as well.  There is an accompanying soreness and the feeling that something is always stuck in the throat can make having this condition quite unbearable. This also causes bad breath which can specifically affect a person’s self-esteem.  If you are suffering from this condition, then you should know that there are natural remedies that can help cure tonsil stones.

Chinese medicine explains that tonsil stones and other issues related to tonsils happen due to toxins and poor quality digestion. That is why they recommend lowering or completely avoiding foods which create more acidity and toxins in body. Such foods are white flour products, red meats, and fat rich food items like dairy products, butter, ghee, fried foods and white sugar. Apart from avoiding these foods, they also suggest to include in one’s diet the foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, pomegranate, carrots, cabbage, raspberries and turnips. Ginger and carrot juice is also suggested to detoxifying the body and for relieving infections of tonsils and tonsil stones.

Chinese herbs are also used for removing tonsil stones. Mu Xiang and brown sprouted rice can be used to aid digestion and lower toxins present in the tonsils. These help in moving the food via the body very quickly without making them stagnated to form toxins. Other Chinese detoxifying herbs like She Gan, Ban Lan Gen, Bai Hua She She Cao and the Chinese herbs that are meant to clear off mucus like Ban Xia, Chen Pi and Bai Fu Zi also help treat tonsil stones.

There are certain cool natural herbs that are not recommended by Chinese health enthusiasts and doctors. These herbs, like the spirulina and chlorophyll, deplete the digestive energies and might result in food stagnation leading to higher toxicity.

Apart from these herbs, it is very important to have good oral hygiene. This is because it removes the bacteria present in the tonsils. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar along with water can be used to get rid of the bacteria present in the mouth. Celery is also considered as one of the best natural tonsil stones remedy. Chewing on celery is known to destroy odor causing bacteria and help in removal of tonsil stones. Onion is another food item that can help you get rid of the tonsil stones along with the mint and parsley.

Remedies for Gum disease and boosting the immune system to fight bacteria

November 23rd, 2011 by admin

Having swollen gums includes experiences of discomfort and pain not only to the gums but the overall mouth area as well. From the time that the condition of having swollen gums is discovered, one should immediately seek treatment or else it will result to more serious gum and mouth problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, receding gums and even tooth loss. The gum swelling is usually caused by an underlying gum disease like bacterial infection or the lack of required vitamins and minerals.

There are herbal remedies for gum disease, some are readily found in the house and some can be purchased from culinary herb stores and groceries. Starting with the basics, the simplest solution that can cure gum disease and swollen gums is salt water solution. Mix a tablespoon of salt with a glass of lukewarm water. Stir the water until the salt you’ve added dissolves. Use this mixture as a gargle solution repeating 4 times daily. This swelling and pain will be reduced slowly; however, you still need to consult the dentist for prescription of the correct medication.

Another known gum disease cure or treatment for gum swelling is by using a mixture of lemon juice and warm water as a gargle solution. Like the saline or salt water solution, mix a tablespoon of lemon juice and a glass of warm water and keep it in the mouth for about 30 seconds. Circulate the water within the mouth and spit it out after. Lemon juice is known for its anti-bacterial properties therefore it will reduce the bacterial accumulation in the mouth.

Using mouthwash as a gargle solution when experiencing swollen gums is not recommended because the chemicals contained in it may be too harsh. It is still best to use all natural solutions and knowing what is its contents. Apart from direct treatment, you can help fight bacterial attack by giving your immune system a boost. What most health and wellness advocates promote is to eat, drink and live healthy by taking in a lot of healthy and natural food and less of the junk.

Fruits that contain Vitamin C, D and A are great for the immune system as well as eating green and organic vegetables. In addition to regular fruit and vegetable intake, drinking multivitamins and other supplements can also be beneficial in sustaining the correct balance of nutrients in the body to provide for the lack of it in your diet.

Keeping the gums healthy and prevent the hastening of gum recession

October 24th, 2011 by admin

The most common instances of gum recession happen to adults over the age of 40. The reason for this is that receding gums are a regular part of the aging process. As a person grows old, so does the gums. However, there are cases when gum recession is hastened and affects even young adults and children alike. And so, receding gums treatment are not only available for old people but for children as well.

Gum disease is the main culprit sighted for receding gums. As the disease progresses, the gums will drop further from the tooth and expose the roots. This will also create gaps between the teeth and the gum line referred to as pockets. During this stage, a person experiences pain and discomfort brought about by the damage done on the sensitive nerves on the roots of the teeth. At this point, it is absolutely necessary to visit the dentist. The dentist will be able provide receding gums treatment to stop the swelling of the gums and prevent further damage.

There are studies which show that some people acquire gum disease more frequently compared to others. This is because of hereditary traits passed down from generation to generation. There are also cases which begin during childhood and are caused by practices and lack of it. It is therefore advisable to start training children at an early age on how to properly take care and maintain oral hygiene. For parents, it is wise to carefully look out for what kids eat. Foods that are very sweet and loaded with sugar and also very acidic kinds can cause fast bacteria buildup.

Preventing the occurrence of gum recession in children and adults as well is always better than relying on receding gums treatment. Mild case of receding gums will rapidly get severe in a matter of weeks if not immediately brought to a dentist’s attention. A most basic tip in preventing the occurrence of gum disease is by developing and maintaining the proper habits of dental hygiene.

When situations arise and you find yourself in a condition where your gums have already begun to recede, there are still treatment options available. If the bone loss is not yet severe, medications will be effective to prevent further damage. However, for critical cases, surgeries to transplant healthy gum tissues are needed. This is to help recover the receded area and protect the tooth and nerve endings which have been exposed.

How to treat Dry Mouth Associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome

September 17th, 2011 by admin

To date, there is no known Sjogren’s syndrome cure.  Most treatments are targeted to relieving the symptoms associated with Sjogren’s syndrome, such as dry mouth and eyes and muscular pains.  Out of all symptoms, dry mouth presents more chances of complications due to bacterial and fungal growth infections.    As saliva contains oxygen that keeps bacteria level in check, the absence of saliva in the mouth may mean more susceptibility to bacterial and fungal overgrowth in the mouth.  This could result to yeast infection or Candidiasis (thrush).  It could also cause a slew of other oral health problems including gingivitis and loss of teeth.

As you know, Sjogren’s syndrome produces cells which attack the glands that secrete moisture, such as the mouth and the eyes.  While there is no way to treat damages on these glands, you can still alleviate the discomfort associated with Sjogren’s syndrome and preventing complications that arise from these symptoms.  For dry mouth, proper oral hygiene is required to keep the bacterial level in check.  Brushing, flossing and gargling with mouthwash can control the spread of bacteria in your mouth and prevent periodontal diseases.  However, you must steer clear of alcohol based oral hygiene products as these can cause dryness and irritation in your mouth.

Choose dental health products with natural ingredients to help combat bacteria without drying your mouth even further.  Opt for toothpastes and mouthwash with aloe vera as aloe vera fight off bad bacteria which could damage your teeth.  You can also make your own toothpaste by mixing baking soda and, salt, vegetable glycerin and peppermint (to flavor).  Baking soda, glycerin and salt are all known for their antiseptic qualities.  Unsweetened cranberry juice can also substitute your commercial mouthwash as this has powerful antiseptic qualities which could kill odor and tooth decay causing bacteria.  Salt and warm water solution is also a good substitute if cranberry juice is not available.

Constant hydration may also relieve dry mouth caused by Sjogren’s disease.  Bring with you a bottle of water or sugarless drink so you can take small sips when you’re talking or eating.  Chugging down large amounts of water can cause frequent urination which could strip off mucus from your mouth and aggravate the dryness in your mouth.  Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy can also induce salivation, if your mouth still produces little saliva.  You could also opt for saliva substitutes or medicines which induce salivation.  However, you may need to consult your doctor as not all of these medications can be for everyone.

What causes Gum Infection and other gum ailments?

August 20th, 2011 by admin

Gum infection can be hard to be managed with a simple proper brushing and daily flossing. The important key to have healthy gums and strong teeth is by having a good dental hygiene. However, if gum infection gets in your way visit your oral professional to have it assess. There are several types of gum infection like irritated gums, cavities and abscesses and gum disease. Gum infection can be treated successfully if given attention in time.

Irritated gums- can be acquired from small food debris that is accumulated in between gums and teeth. Dirt and food particles sit in and produce acid thus resulting into irritation. There is the presence of pain when eating or drinking. It is sometimes felt only in a particular part of the gum or worst the entire gum line. It may develop into the condition called periodontitis or gingivitis.

Periodontitis- is a type of gum disease that attacks the tissues that support surrounding the teeth and destroys the bone that holds the tooth firmly. Gums and bones destroy eventually losing all of the teeth if not treated. It is caused by microorganisms that attached and grow on the tooth’s surfaces. Microorganisms creates pocket between teeth and gums increasing the chances of destroying the attachment of teeth and gums.  Periodontitis is a very common type of gum infection.

Gingivitis on the other hand is an inflammation of the gums that is associated with redness, swelling, bleeding and the sensation of pain. Inflammation caused by bacteria attacking the teeth and gums. Gingivitis may eventually progress into periodontitis. Every time you forget to brush and floss your teeth dirt accumulates in between teeth and gums. Dirt causes bacteria to develop and greater factor of forming into dental plaque.

Plaque or tartar must be removed by dental expert. Dental plaque contains minerals that play an important role in developing dental caries. These sometimes refer to tooth cavities. Bacteria attack the teeth and formed cavities in the teeth. Bacteria will produce acids that can quickly or permanently dissolves tooth enamel.  Tooth enamel is the outer layer of the teeth that serves as protection from getting tooth decay.

Tooth enamel is considered as the one of the hardest mineral much even stronger than bone. But everyday foods that we take in contain certain acids that destroy its strength. Sugars, starch and preservatives will produce acids that attacks and weakens tooth enamel.

Bleeding Gums: Visiting your Dentist to Know the Reasons

July 25th, 2011 by admin

There are several reasons why your gums bleed. Braces or dentures that are incorrectly fitted may irritate the gums and can cause the bleeding. Also, there are medications that can also make the gums more sensitive. Apart from that, bleeding gums is also one of the symptoms for hormonal changes that are happening during pregnancy as blood flow is increased to the gums. To be able to truly identify the cause of your bleeding gums, you must have a visit to your dental professional for check-up and cleaning of your teeth.

Your dentist will be able to know the cause of your bleeding gums and will be able to suggest treatment to stop the symptoms which can develop and make matters worse. The most likely cause of bleeding gums is its direct association to the most common illness of nearly 80% of Americans today which is gum disease. This is an infection of the teeth and gums, and in severe cases; the bones and ligaments that support the jaw.

The mouth provides bacteria the right environment for them to grow and multiply fast. The warmth, darkness, and moisture along with plenty of food for them to feed on allow bacterial infection to readily take place. The food particles left after eating forms a sticky substance on the teeth and stays on the teeth and gum line. This is called plaque where bacteria feed on and work deep into the tissues of the gums.  This will later cause swelling, irritation, and bleeding gums. For most persons, the irritation may be painless, that is why it is not often noticed at first. But together with the bleeding is the probability that there is an infection. The gums may bleed early even when there are no other symptoms that are noticed.

Despite the bleeding, dentists will advise to continue brushing and flossing the teeth daily in order to remove bacteria on the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. It is also vital to follow the recommendations of your dentist for proper care. It is not good to brush the teeth too vigorously especially with the use of stiff-bristled toothbrushes. Flossing too hard also causes bleeding gums.

Because the most common cause of bleeding from the gums is bacteria, it is essential that we have to choose an effective cleaning agent for the teeth and gums. There are chemical additives as toothpaste ingredients that can cause irritation to the gums. It is best to select the right product to avoid further complicating your problems. Natural alternatives can be utilized instead, like spearmint, peppermint, and almond oils ingredients. These are long utilized because of their natural anti-infective and antibacterial benefits that kill germs the natural way.

A “Green” Approach to Cure Gingivitis

June 20th, 2011 by admin

According to a recent research, approximately 48 percent of the adults aged 35 to 44 are affected by a disease called gingivitis.  Such an alarming statistic signifies that this disease is something that we should all take seriously.  For those who are unfamiliar, gingivitis primarily refers to the inflammation of the gums.  This particular inflammation is caused by the accumulation of harmful bacteria inside our oral cavity.  If neglected, gingivitis may lead to other dental problems such as tooth loss and ulcerative gingivitis.  There are a lot of ways to cure and even prevent this disease from attacking us.  However, some people also prefer the natural remedy for gingivitis.  This article will list down some natural methods that you can try on.

The first natural gingivitis cure that you could use would be sage.  The sage that you can buy in the supermarket contains powerful antiseptic and inflammatory properties that can be very effective against gingivitis.  It is also to be an effective astringent which could help tighten your gums.  What you can do is to look for dental products like toothpastes which contain sage.  If not, you can also create a sage-based mouthwash.   To do this, pour a cup of boiling water on a 1tbsp dried sage leaves.  Leave the mixture for about 15 minutes.  After that, sift the mixture using a strainer then add 2tsp sea salt.  Place in a covered container and refrigerate.  Use this solution after you brush your teeth.

Tea tree oil has also been proven to be a very effective antibacterial and antiseptic substance.  A research way back in 2004 has also proven that tea tree oil is one of the most effective treatments for gingivitis.  This study has proven that gels with tea tree oil, when applied to the gums of patients with gingivitis, have helped in decreasing the inflammation of the gums and has also contributed in the betterment of the person’s dental health.  There are a lot of dental health products which contain tea tree oil extracts that you can buy or you can buy the extract itself and simply add a drop to your toothbrush before you brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.

You could also use products that contain grapefruit seed extract (GSE).  This particular organic substance is also known for being an effective antibiotic.  You can add a pinch of the GSE to your toothpaste and let it do the job for you.  It is recommended to practice this at least twice a day.  You can also try other products that contain marigold, white oak bark powder, peppermint and cranberry.

Gingivitis is a disease that you should not take for granted.  There will be a lot of regrets on your part if you chose to neglect this disease as it may lead to far worse conditions that can be out of your control.  Consult your dentists about the natural remedies that you plan to use and for sure, gingivitis won’t be able to bother you.

Cure for Periodontal Disease That Most People Know

June 16th, 2011 by admin

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums considered of the mild level. This usually occurs when bacterial plaque lives on the sugars left in the teeth and gums after eating. With proper oral hygiene, this gum disease can be prevented from occurring. But if there is already tartar buildup, the condition can be treated with professional cleaning. But there are a lot of people who neglect the importance of dental cleaning and leave their gum disease untreated. When this happens, this will lead to a serious infection and will develop into periodontitis. This gum infection requires thorough treatment.

When the infection is still mild, the gums are observed to be swollen and reddened. After a time, the plaque hardens and leads to the formation of tartar, making bacteria easier to live in the surface of the teeth. This will then be difficult to control with mere brushing and flossing. The plaque will continue to spread under the gum line and will later form pockets filled with the bacteria. This will cause damage to the gums, which will recede from the tooth, and will result to tooth loss.

The toxins produced by the bacteria will flow into the bloodstream affecting the circulatory system, especially the heart. Studies have shown that people with the disease have increased chances of the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant women are at greater threat to giving birth to premature babies when they have contracted the disease. There are several processes used as cure for periodontal disease depending on how mild or severe is the condition.

Treatment options not involving surgery for treating the gum disease include scaling and root planing. This method is used professionally where the dentist will remove all traces of tartar on the teeth as well as any root surfaces of the teeth affected by the disease.

Surgical treatment is resorted to if the gums are already heavily infected or severely damaged. Flap surgery is done by a dental professional or surgeon where the gums flap are cut and peeled back to expose the root of the tooth that is affected by the disease. This is the process done to clean the tooth efficiently. If the gum or bone tissue is extremely damaged, it needs removal and a graft must be done to replace it. Tooth extraction will be the last recourse when the tooth is already irreparable.

Periodontal disease cure includes proper techniques of brushing and flossing when cleaning the teeth. But if you are already suffering from mild gum infection, it is vital that the services of a dentist must be sought out to treat the gum disease effectively before it can advance into the much more harmful and dangerous periodontitis.

Ways to Prevent Gum Recession

May 27th, 2011 by admin

You will have to go through a health problem no matter how you try to stay away from it. This is a fact of life and you have nothing to do about it. Well, not at all times. Intellectuals and researchers have been finding ways to get rid of popular health and dental problems that are common to mankind. In case of dental diseases, studies have shown that almost a half of the world population have gone through a number of dental problems in their lifetime. Gum diseases are among these dreadful dental problems. The causes of these dental problems may vary. There were also claims that smoking and receding gums are interrelated with each other. Are you a smoker or knew someone who is? This might be your lucky day. Learn more about gum disease to prevent them from developing or completely get rid of them.

Receding gums is a dental disorder characterized by the gradual wearing out ad eventual recession of the gums. This exposes more the tooth and can result to development of gaps between your teeth and your gum line. This condition makes it easier for bacteria to buildup easier and faster. It can gradually damage your teeth and gums and may eventually end up in tooth loss. There is no such thing as a perfect world. You need to face this problem before it gets any worse.

You need to do whatever it takes to solve any gum problem even before they start to develop. How are you able to do this? The answer is simple. There is a good reason why your dentist tells you to drop by his clinic at least twice a year. This is an important appointment because brushing alone is not enough to achieve excellent oral health. Your dentist can help you out in this more than you think he could. Come to think of it, how can you possibly determine if you are slowly developing a gum problem when you cannot see the insides of your mouth clearly? Your dentist is the only one who can do this effectively.

You need to pay attention to your dental health. You may not realize its importance but you will when it is all gone. Do not wait for that dreadful day to happen. Do your part in caring for your teeth by keeping it healthy all the time. Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet can do wonders, too. You may even choose to take supplements to make sure you have adequate supply of teeth friendly nutrients in your system. Having a great and healthy smile is not so difficult. You just have to do the works.

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