Nothing but the tooth
Nothing but the tooth
by ANGELA EPSTEIN, Daily Mail - More by this author »ut the tooth
YELLOW TEETH ARE HEALTHIER THAN WHITE TEETH
Gleaming white teeth may look better, but research has shown that they are less resistant to decay than yellow ones. As we grow older, structural changes in dentine (the bone-like tissue below the surface tooth enamel) and a reduced blood supply to the teeth may make teeth appear more yellow, but that does not mean they are less healthy. Overuse of whitening products can also strip away the protective enamel layer.
BRUSHING AND FLOSSING WON'T STOP BAD BREATH
Regular brushing and flossing will remove the excess bacteria that could otherwise remain trapped in the mouth and cause bad breath, says dental surgeon Dr Philip Stemmer of the London-based Fresh Breath Centre. But other things can still promote bad breath. These include eating sulphur-producing foods such as onions, or a dry mouth caused by medication. Bacterial build-up at the back of the tongue will also aggravate the problem.
BRUSHING AFTER EATING CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
Although it is important to brush morning and evening, it isn't necessary to do so after every meal. In fact, it can do more harm than good - particularly after eating acidic foods such as citrus fruits, as brushing will wash away tooth enamel that has been weakened by the acid. Leave teeth cleaning for at least an hour after eating. It is also better to brush teeth before breakfast, not after, as this prevents dental erosion by coating the teeth with fluoride.
BRUSHING IS GOOD FOR BLEEDING GUMS
Bleeding gums are a sign that they are unhealthy and inflamed - usually as a result of plaque accumulating around the teeth. Gums will continue to bleed until the plaque is removed. So brushing teeth efficiently will help gums recover.
THUMB-SUCKING WON'T HARM CHILDREN'S TEETH
Contrary to popular belief, thumb-sucking under the age of four rarely causes problems. But if the habit continues it can result in the forward placement of the teeth, stopping them from developing properly.
SUCKING AN ASPIRIN WON'T HELP A SORE TOOTH
If you have toothache then aspirin may help - but only if swallowed. Applying one directly to the surface of an aching tooth may burn the soft, sensitive tissues in your mouth.
A HOT PACK WILL ONLY AGGRAVATE TOOTHACHE
Never use a facial hot pack to treat dental pain. The heat may aggravate inflammation and make the pain worse. Alternating hot and cold packs may help if there is swelling, but they will not help toothache. Any swelling must be checked by a dentist as you may have an abscess.
DON'T IGNORE SLIGHT TOOTHACHE - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE
Most toothaches start in a small way and then build gradually. Never ignore painful twinges, pressure or other warning signs, however slight. Get any problems checked by a dentist.
ADULTS CAN STILL GET CAVITIES - ESPECIALLY AFTER 60
Children do get more cavities than adults and the cavity risk does slow down after the age of 20. However, as more adults are keeping their teeth, this risk increases again around the age of 60, when gums begin to recede. As the gums pull away from the teeth, the roots are exposed, causing a cavity. Dr Phil Stemmer points out that at any age, a combination of refined sugar and bacteria can lead to cavities.
AN ELECTRIC BRUSH IS THREE TIMES BETTER THAN A MANUAL
Manual brushes tend to be used in a sawing, side-to-side motion, which can wear away the gums and the neck of the teeth. Electric toothbrushes are thought to be better for the teeth, because they vibrate in three directions, which means they are more far-reaching. They should be used in conjunction with flossing.
CHOCOLATE PROTECTS AGAINST DECAY
If you crave something sweet, it is better to eat chocolate than sticky sweets. researchers in Japan found that the part of the cocoa bean from which chocolate is made has an antibacterial content that could protect against tooth decay. While any sugar in the mouth will increase the risk of decay, this could offset the high sugar levels in chocolate.
FIZZY WATER CAN DISSOLVE YOUR TEETH
Avoid fizzy water as it contains carbonic acid, which can dissolve teeth enamel. Drinking fluoridated water is linked to a reduction in tooth decay and improved dental health.
TOO MUCH BRUSHING CAN DAMAGE TEETH AND GUMS
Once you have removed plaque, you are actually endangering teeth by lengthy, aggressive brushing _ damaging the enamel and causing the teeth to wear away. Up to 20 per cent of people suffer from receding gums, often caused by scrubbing their teeth too aggressively. Dr Stemmer suggests brushing for no more than two minutes, using a rotating motion. Place the brush at the neck of the tooth where it meets the gum and use small movements at a 45 degree angle.
USING TOOTH POWDER CAN BE DAMAGING
Some people still swear by old-fashioned tooth powder applied by hand. But a finger may not reach all areas of the mouth and powders can also be coarse and erode the outer layer of the teeth. Fingers can be used, though, to massage gums after brushing.
MILK TEETH NEED AS MUCH CARE AS ADULT ONES
While it is true milk teeth will be replaced, early loss of milk teeth through decay will interfere with chewing and affect nutritional intake. It will also lead to drifting of the adjacent teeth. As a result, adult teeth may erupt into an irregular position, resulting in crowding. It is also vital to get children into the habit of teeth-cleaning.
DRINKING FRUIT JUICE CAN HARM HEALTHY TEETH
Many parents give their children fruit juice instead of fizzy drinks - but while the nutritional content is better, their acidity can cause problems. Dentist Dr Andre Hedger says some fruit juices have a pH level higher than 5.5 - the level at which teeth can dissolve.
DENTAL DECAY DOESN'T ALWAYS RESULT IN PAIN
Pain is not always related to decay. Only if an infection is present and it cannot escape through the mouth, say via a broken tooth, might you experience pain. It is possible to have an abscess without realising it. That's why it is vital to have a dental check-up at least every six months.
FLUORIDE IS VITAL FOR ADULTS AS WELL AS CHILDREN
Fluoride is just as effective at preventing cavities in adults as it is in children. Always select a toothpaste with fluoride, as fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay.
CHEWING GUM CAN HELP PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
Chewing sugarless gum after eating helps prevent tooth decay by dislodging bacteria in the mouth. It also promotes production of saliva, which contains the minerals calcium and phosphate. These wash over the teeth to "remineralise" and harden them after an acid attack from food. Choose chewing gums containing xylitol, a natural sweetener made from pine bark which reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth.
DRINKING MILK CAN DAMAGE YOUR TEETH
While milk has an excellent nutritional content, it should only be drunk at meal times as the lactose (milk sugar) content can damage the teeth. For this reason, do not leave milk by a child's bed overnight, as drinking it through the night will mean the teeth are under an acid attack - particularly as neutralising saliva dries up while we sleep.
DENTURES NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY FIVE YEARS
A well-fitted set of dentures can be used for many years, but they will not last for ever. The oral tissues that lie below the dentures will change over time, while the dentures are made of stiff materials that do not adapt. So even well-fitted dentures need to be changed at least every five years.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING WILL NOT LOOSEN TEETH
Having a scale and polish may feel quite invasive - but teeth are firmly held by supporting tissues of the periodontium, including bone.
MOUTHWASHES WITH ALCOHOL CAN LEAD TO BAD BREATH
Some research claims that alcohol-based mouthwashes actually feed bacteria and lead to bad breath. They may also dry the mouth. Some studies have linked high levels of alcohol in the mouth to oral cancer.
MOUTH ULCERS ARE RARELY A SIGN OF CANCER
Mouth ulcers can be caused by many things but they are rarely cancer. They can be the result of hormonal changes, stress or deficiency in iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. Ulcers usually heal on their own within 14 days. However, do check any painless, non-healing ulcers as these could suggest a malignancy.
PREGNANT WOMEN MUST TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR TEETH
Pregnant women do need to be careful about dental health, as they are likely to be eating more sugary food and more frequently too. They are also likely to suffer from bleeding gums due to hormonal changes.
BAD TEETH ARE NOT ALWAYS HEREDITARY
Though there is some genetic connection between parents who have weak teeth and their children, it is more likely that bad dental habits such as poor diet are passed on from parent to child.
MOUTHWASHES CAN'T BEAT BACTERIA
Mouthwashes are important for reducing plaque volume, but they cannot reach areas of bacteria that toothbrushes can. Nor can they rinse bacteria away. Dr Stemmer recommends brushing with a fluoride toothpaste before breakfast, and then rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after eating.
FLOSSING HELPS PREVENT HEART DISEASE
Flossing helps prevent not only gum disease, but heart disease too. Researchers in America have discovered that people with gum diseases are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease as those without such conditions.
YOU COULD GRIND YOUR TEETH WITHOUT KNOWING
Tooth grinding is an involuntary action and usually takes place at night, so you could be totally unaware of it. A dentist would fit a night-time guard so the jaw can relax.
A DRY MOUTH COULD DAMAGE YOUR TEETH
A permanently dry mouth could be a sign of diabetes. Left untreated, a dry mouth can also damage teeth as saliva is vital to wash away food and neutralise acids.
WHITENING PASTE DOESN'T CHANGE TOOTH COLOUR
Whitening pastes can only remove existing stains so the underlying colour - be it white or yellow - becomes apparent. They cannot make teeth brighter than the original colour.
YOUR SALIVA CAN SHOW IF YOU HAVE BAD BREATH
Place saliva from the back of the tongue on the inside of your wrist. Leave for a minute, then check the odour.
by ANGELA EPSTEIN, Daily Mail - More by this author »ut the tooth
YELLOW TEETH ARE HEALTHIER THAN WHITE TEETH
Gleaming white teeth may look better, but research has shown that they are less resistant to decay than yellow ones. As we grow older, structural changes in dentine (the bone-like tissue below the surface tooth enamel) and a reduced blood supply to the teeth may make teeth appear more yellow, but that does not mean they are less healthy. Overuse of whitening products can also strip away the protective enamel layer.
BRUSHING AND FLOSSING WON'T STOP BAD BREATH
Regular brushing and flossing will remove the excess bacteria that could otherwise remain trapped in the mouth and cause bad breath, says dental surgeon Dr Philip Stemmer of the London-based Fresh Breath Centre. But other things can still promote bad breath. These include eating sulphur-producing foods such as onions, or a dry mouth caused by medication. Bacterial build-up at the back of the tongue will also aggravate the problem.
BRUSHING AFTER EATING CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
Although it is important to brush morning and evening, it isn't necessary to do so after every meal. In fact, it can do more harm than good - particularly after eating acidic foods such as citrus fruits, as brushing will wash away tooth enamel that has been weakened by the acid. Leave teeth cleaning for at least an hour after eating. It is also better to brush teeth before breakfast, not after, as this prevents dental erosion by coating the teeth with fluoride.
BRUSHING IS GOOD FOR BLEEDING GUMS
Bleeding gums are a sign that they are unhealthy and inflamed - usually as a result of plaque accumulating around the teeth. Gums will continue to bleed until the plaque is removed. So brushing teeth efficiently will help gums recover.
THUMB-SUCKING WON'T HARM CHILDREN'S TEETH
Contrary to popular belief, thumb-sucking under the age of four rarely causes problems. But if the habit continues it can result in the forward placement of the teeth, stopping them from developing properly.
SUCKING AN ASPIRIN WON'T HELP A SORE TOOTH
If you have toothache then aspirin may help - but only if swallowed. Applying one directly to the surface of an aching tooth may burn the soft, sensitive tissues in your mouth.
A HOT PACK WILL ONLY AGGRAVATE TOOTHACHE
Never use a facial hot pack to treat dental pain. The heat may aggravate inflammation and make the pain worse. Alternating hot and cold packs may help if there is swelling, but they will not help toothache. Any swelling must be checked by a dentist as you may have an abscess.
DON'T IGNORE SLIGHT TOOTHACHE - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE
Most toothaches start in a small way and then build gradually. Never ignore painful twinges, pressure or other warning signs, however slight. Get any problems checked by a dentist.
ADULTS CAN STILL GET CAVITIES - ESPECIALLY AFTER 60
Children do get more cavities than adults and the cavity risk does slow down after the age of 20. However, as more adults are keeping their teeth, this risk increases again around the age of 60, when gums begin to recede. As the gums pull away from the teeth, the roots are exposed, causing a cavity. Dr Phil Stemmer points out that at any age, a combination of refined sugar and bacteria can lead to cavities.
AN ELECTRIC BRUSH IS THREE TIMES BETTER THAN A MANUAL
Manual brushes tend to be used in a sawing, side-to-side motion, which can wear away the gums and the neck of the teeth. Electric toothbrushes are thought to be better for the teeth, because they vibrate in three directions, which means they are more far-reaching. They should be used in conjunction with flossing.
CHOCOLATE PROTECTS AGAINST DECAY
If you crave something sweet, it is better to eat chocolate than sticky sweets. researchers in Japan found that the part of the cocoa bean from which chocolate is made has an antibacterial content that could protect against tooth decay. While any sugar in the mouth will increase the risk of decay, this could offset the high sugar levels in chocolate.
FIZZY WATER CAN DISSOLVE YOUR TEETH
Avoid fizzy water as it contains carbonic acid, which can dissolve teeth enamel. Drinking fluoridated water is linked to a reduction in tooth decay and improved dental health.
TOO MUCH BRUSHING CAN DAMAGE TEETH AND GUMS
Once you have removed plaque, you are actually endangering teeth by lengthy, aggressive brushing _ damaging the enamel and causing the teeth to wear away. Up to 20 per cent of people suffer from receding gums, often caused by scrubbing their teeth too aggressively. Dr Stemmer suggests brushing for no more than two minutes, using a rotating motion. Place the brush at the neck of the tooth where it meets the gum and use small movements at a 45 degree angle.
USING TOOTH POWDER CAN BE DAMAGING
Some people still swear by old-fashioned tooth powder applied by hand. But a finger may not reach all areas of the mouth and powders can also be coarse and erode the outer layer of the teeth. Fingers can be used, though, to massage gums after brushing.
MILK TEETH NEED AS MUCH CARE AS ADULT ONES
While it is true milk teeth will be replaced, early loss of milk teeth through decay will interfere with chewing and affect nutritional intake. It will also lead to drifting of the adjacent teeth. As a result, adult teeth may erupt into an irregular position, resulting in crowding. It is also vital to get children into the habit of teeth-cleaning.
DRINKING FRUIT JUICE CAN HARM HEALTHY TEETH
Many parents give their children fruit juice instead of fizzy drinks - but while the nutritional content is better, their acidity can cause problems. Dentist Dr Andre Hedger says some fruit juices have a pH level higher than 5.5 - the level at which teeth can dissolve.
DENTAL DECAY DOESN'T ALWAYS RESULT IN PAIN
Pain is not always related to decay. Only if an infection is present and it cannot escape through the mouth, say via a broken tooth, might you experience pain. It is possible to have an abscess without realising it. That's why it is vital to have a dental check-up at least every six months.
FLUORIDE IS VITAL FOR ADULTS AS WELL AS CHILDREN
Fluoride is just as effective at preventing cavities in adults as it is in children. Always select a toothpaste with fluoride, as fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay.
CHEWING GUM CAN HELP PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
Chewing sugarless gum after eating helps prevent tooth decay by dislodging bacteria in the mouth. It also promotes production of saliva, which contains the minerals calcium and phosphate. These wash over the teeth to "remineralise" and harden them after an acid attack from food. Choose chewing gums containing xylitol, a natural sweetener made from pine bark which reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth.
DRINKING MILK CAN DAMAGE YOUR TEETH
While milk has an excellent nutritional content, it should only be drunk at meal times as the lactose (milk sugar) content can damage the teeth. For this reason, do not leave milk by a child's bed overnight, as drinking it through the night will mean the teeth are under an acid attack - particularly as neutralising saliva dries up while we sleep.
DENTURES NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY FIVE YEARS
A well-fitted set of dentures can be used for many years, but they will not last for ever. The oral tissues that lie below the dentures will change over time, while the dentures are made of stiff materials that do not adapt. So even well-fitted dentures need to be changed at least every five years.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING WILL NOT LOOSEN TEETH
Having a scale and polish may feel quite invasive - but teeth are firmly held by supporting tissues of the periodontium, including bone.
MOUTHWASHES WITH ALCOHOL CAN LEAD TO BAD BREATH
Some research claims that alcohol-based mouthwashes actually feed bacteria and lead to bad breath. They may also dry the mouth. Some studies have linked high levels of alcohol in the mouth to oral cancer.
MOUTH ULCERS ARE RARELY A SIGN OF CANCER
Mouth ulcers can be caused by many things but they are rarely cancer. They can be the result of hormonal changes, stress or deficiency in iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. Ulcers usually heal on their own within 14 days. However, do check any painless, non-healing ulcers as these could suggest a malignancy.
PREGNANT WOMEN MUST TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR TEETH
Pregnant women do need to be careful about dental health, as they are likely to be eating more sugary food and more frequently too. They are also likely to suffer from bleeding gums due to hormonal changes.
BAD TEETH ARE NOT ALWAYS HEREDITARY
Though there is some genetic connection between parents who have weak teeth and their children, it is more likely that bad dental habits such as poor diet are passed on from parent to child.
MOUTHWASHES CAN'T BEAT BACTERIA
Mouthwashes are important for reducing plaque volume, but they cannot reach areas of bacteria that toothbrushes can. Nor can they rinse bacteria away. Dr Stemmer recommends brushing with a fluoride toothpaste before breakfast, and then rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after eating.
FLOSSING HELPS PREVENT HEART DISEASE
Flossing helps prevent not only gum disease, but heart disease too. Researchers in America have discovered that people with gum diseases are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease as those without such conditions.
YOU COULD GRIND YOUR TEETH WITHOUT KNOWING
Tooth grinding is an involuntary action and usually takes place at night, so you could be totally unaware of it. A dentist would fit a night-time guard so the jaw can relax.
A DRY MOUTH COULD DAMAGE YOUR TEETH
A permanently dry mouth could be a sign of diabetes. Left untreated, a dry mouth can also damage teeth as saliva is vital to wash away food and neutralise acids.
WHITENING PASTE DOESN'T CHANGE TOOTH COLOUR
Whitening pastes can only remove existing stains so the underlying colour - be it white or yellow - becomes apparent. They cannot make teeth brighter than the original colour.
YOUR SALIVA CAN SHOW IF YOU HAVE BAD BREATH
Place saliva from the back of the tongue on the inside of your wrist. Leave for a minute, then check the odour.
posted by Bill at
9:57 AM
4 Comments:
Do sugar free chewing gums protect teeth or do they damage teeth?
By
Anonymous, at 28 October, 2007
Many experts say that chewing sugarless gum can actually give you whiter, cleaner teeth. Here’s how it works: The gum stimulates production of saliva and increases salivary flow. That helps to “wash” the teeth and neutralizes some of the acid produced by bacteria that feast on sugar and other food particles in your mouth. The acid, which attacks your teeth enamel, is then reduced. Xylitol, a low calorie sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, has also been shown to reduce the amount of those very same bacteria that also cause bad breath. Sugarless gum has other benefits, especially with weight gain. It has been known to help curb cravings. Studies report that popping in a piece of sugarless gum may help you from straying off your diet or indulging in unnecessary after-meal snacks.
On the downside, chewing gum often can result in muscle pain and fatigue to the jaw. If you suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), then gum may not be the best thing for you. Chewing causes excess air to be swallowed, which might cause more discomfort or bloating to an already tender large intestine. I know what the next question will be. Is swallowing gum bad for you? The short answer is again yes. While it might not be detrimental to your health, introducing something into your stomach that your body can’t digest is never a good thing. Gum is made from chewable synthetic polymers like rubber and polyethylene, mixed with a little bit of natural latex injected with flavors and sweeteners. Doesn’t sounds like something I would want in my belly! And no, gum doesn’t stay in your intestines for seven years though all my girlfriends from high school told me it was so.
http://skinnychef.com/blog/chewing-gum-bad
By
Bill, at 28 October, 2007
Some of us aspire to have great smiles. But having a great smile requires a healthy set of teeth. I once visited my dentist (Lake Forest, IL) and she told me that I needed to floss and brush my teeth regularly. She even taught me the correct way of brushing my teeth because improper brushing can actually damage the teeth and can sometimes cause gum to bleed. I sure am lucky to have good doctors around and to be near the dentists (Lake Forest IL based) clinic.
I appreciate you for sharing how to properly take care of our precious teeth. I enjoy reading your posts!
By
Elizabeth Cull, at 16 July, 2010
Too much fluoride intake can cause fluorosis, not just to kids but also to adults. Mouthwashes on the other hand, can both kill good and bad bacteria because of the strong concentration of the solution.
I am currently studying dentistry here in Raleigh. Dentistry is one part of medicine that has already broadened its scope. A lot of new researches have been done about fluoride and other ways to prevent tooth lose. But unfortunately for fluoride, it has been reviewed that it should not be swallowed. Aside from those, Raleigh) cosmetic dentistry also boom at this millennium. People of today's age are very conscious about looks and health. They always keep up with the trend including the services of cosmetic dentistry, like having a Hollywood dazzling perfect smile!
By
Anonymous, at 12 October, 2010
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