3 Reasons Why You May Need Wisdom Teeth Pulled:

• For those who notice the occurrence and the growth of wisdom teeth it can be a painful affair. Unlike the other teeth, often wisdom teeth need to be helped to evolve from the gums. Typically due to the paucity of growth space between the molars, there isn’t enough space to grow. They then get trapped between the gums or the jaw bones and constantly push at the surrounding teeth and gums. The pressure on the gums and the teeth cause trauma in the adjoining areas of the wisdom teeth. This causes immense pain and swelling. Dentists feel that it is a better idea to have them pulled if this occurs. However, you may have to wait for the pain and swelling to subside.
• In a situation as this, often there is the possibility of gum infection. Dentists recommend wisdom teeth extraction to avoid bacteria build up that can cause periodontal infection.
• Typically this is done at the earlier stages as leaving them in an untreated condition enhances the chances of nerve and gum damage, cyst formation and bone damage becomes more than just a possibility.

Usually it is easier to have wisdom teeth pulled when one is relatively young and the gums are less dense. However, they can affect when one is older as well. But with the improvement and newer developments in the field of medical sciences, and evolving of sedation dentistry, often the wisdom teeth can be pulled painlessly.
So if you feel a funny sensation in your gums for a prolonged period, it may be that your wisdom teeth are pushing at the edges. Consult your dentist immediately and take action before it becomes too painful.

The Center for Disease Protection has stated that adding of fluoride in drinking water supplies has improved the dental health of masses at large in America. The percentage of people suffering from dental decay has significantly improved. There has also been an overall improvement in dental health.

Benefit of Fluoride in Water

While one can use fluoride enriched products, like toothpastes and mouthwashes, enriching water with fluoride helps to make it available at all times. So even if one were to forget to use fluoride enriched products, the constant consumption of water would be helpful. It is cost effective, while also adding to your health at no extra cost. On a study conducted by CDC (Center for Disease protection) it has been seen that the estimated cost of fluoridating the water is almost 50 cents, and that is the attributed per person cost. By constant use it as been seen that such expenditure saves an individual almost $38 towards dental services. So to speak absolutely pennies worth!

Things to Consider:

There is a downside to drinking too much fluoride enriched water though. In some cases it has been seen that excess fluoride consumption increases the chances of bone fractures, dental or even skeletal fluorosis. Children too suffer from fluorosis which causes damage to the enamel of the teeth. Dental products for kids have a very nominal amount of fluoride in them so as not to cause any damage. With that said it is ideal to restrict adding fluoride to water to about 2mg per liter.

There are two sides to the story. The benefits of fluoride enriched water far outweigh the negative aspect, if consumed in moderation. Brushing and flossing also supplements the effort and makes your teeth and gums stronger.

Your body can succumb to different bacterial attacks. It can also happen orally. In most cases these attacks infect and affect different parts of the body. Often this situation gets out of hand unless treated with an antibiotic. The bacterium is stubborn and unlike a viral attack does not go on its own. The only way out is with the help of antibiotics to help fight the problem.

How Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Can Help

To begin with antibiotics immediately work on the spread of the infection. Once that is handled it reduces the spread and recurrence of the disease spreading infection. It is also true that patients should be selected for antimicrobial prophylaxis or advised with it, if the medical condition or any surgery runs the risk of infection. Often after a surgery one is weak and the body is prone to various infections, which could in turn be hazardous and life threatening. Infections can be many. An open wound could attract infection, so would small and big problems like pneumonia, minor surgeries, dental surgeries, urinary tract infections and others. Hence, medical practitioners depending on the issue at hand, do prescribe antimicrobial prophylaxis to such patients.

The antibiotics so prescribed are ones that are and have adequate serum released all through the existence of the risk factor. Medical practitioners make sure that the patient also should be tolerant to the antibiotic prophylaxis and not have reactions.

Typically tobacco is chewed and the juice that is extracted from that causes the addiction. It releases nicotine which is absorbed into the system. Tobacco is used in various forms. Some just make a bundle out if it and keep it in the corner of the mouth, while chewing at it over a period of time. Most commonly it is used and smoked as cigarettes or other chewable items. In some countries they are used alongside some leaves and with betel nuts.

Why Chewing Tobacco is Bad For Your Health

While there is constant warning about tobacco inhalation or chewing it, it is and has been considered to be hazardous to one’s health. Chewing tobacco reduces the lunges to a sponge that soaks in at least 30 known carcinogens, or cancer causing chemicals. The tar like substances discolors the lungs and eventually is the cause for high risk cancers, tuberculosis and other oral diseases. Continuous consumption or chewing of tobacco also causes leukoplakia which is cancerous growths in the mouth. Before you know it they are diagnosed as malignant and can be life threatening. Once it takes over you, it is difficult to get over the addition and is the cause for many serious and life threatening diseases.

Either way, smoking or chewing tobacco is not something that is welcome or a safe addiction. It is a serious hazard to good health. Do not ignore the statutory warning that comes along with these products. Get rid of them or they will rid you of a healthy and a happy life.

Image: Tobacco Farm

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Typically tooth decay is caused by acid producing bacteria that remain in the dentures. This is caused by leftover food particles and mostly when the teeth have not been cleaned as properly as they should have been. The leftover food particles cause a thin film to form on the teeth enamel, more commonly known as tarter or plaque. Over time this causes decay and affects the teeth.

How Tooth Decay Affects the Teeth

A tooth is made of three layers. The first or the topmost layer, the enamel. The dentine being the second and lastly, the nerves. Once decay starts setting in on the enamel, it infiltrates into the dentine. If that happens it is just a matter of time before it gets into the nerve chamber. This can be immensely painful and can lead to completely destruction of the teeth.

How Can You Tell if You Have Tooth Decay?

Decay manifests itself in three forms. It can often start of as a white spot. The plaque starts feeding into the teeth enamel, and is the beginning of a more serious form. At this stage good toothpaste and regular brushing often help remove the spot. Once the enamel is eaten up by the bacteria, it gets into the dentine, which is generally referred to as the cavity. This can be cured by a dentist, where they may scrap out the bacteria and add a sealant. The advanced stage of decay is when the bacteria has eaten into the pulp or the nerve chamber and destroys the tooth completely.

Decay is actually caused by a bad lifestyle and also due to bad dietary habits. So take heed and work on your habits before you suffer from the excruciating pain that is brought about by tooth decay.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

• Harsh Brushing Habits – Brushing your teeth too hard can lead to enamel destruction over time. It is suggested that everyone brush their teeth gently with a soft bristled toothbrush.
• Negative Tooth & Gum Health – Decaying, chipped, or cracked teeth are a common cause of tooth sensitivity. Gum disease is another common cause of sensitive teeth because of gum recession which leaves dentin exposed.
• Acidic Drinks – Drinking acidic things such as soda, alcohol, or juice often causes enamel destruction. It is a great idea to reduce your consumption of acidic drinks and rinse your mouth with water after you enjoy them.

Remedies for Sensitive Teeth

• Using gentle toothpastes and alcohol free mouthwashes to avoid enamel damage.
• Desensitizing toothpaste.
• Oral hygiene products with a high fluoride content.
• Professional treatments from a dentist.

It is important to visit your dentist at the first sign of sensitive teeth to find the cause and an effective treatment plan to relieve the sensitivity. Schedule an appointment at Briggs Family Dentistry for all of your oral health needs.

Your teeth help in proper digestion. The canines are long and sharp and help to tear at hard food. The molars are wide and flat and help to grind food into smaller particles to aid digestion. This is the first step to digestion as the teeth break down the food and gets is ready for digestion. All of us in our lifetime have two sets of teeth. The primary or the milk teeth, and over time which gives way to a permanent set of teeth known as the permanents. In totality an adult has 32 permanent teeth.

The Anatomy of a Tooth Comprises the Following:

Incisors:
8 of the middlemost four teeth on the upper and lower jaws.

Canines:
4 of the pointed teeth just outside the incisors.

Premolars:
8 of the teeth between the canines and molars.

Molars:
8 of the flat teeth in the rear of the mouth, best at grinding food.

Wisdom teeth or third molars:
4 in total and they show up at around age 18. It can be painful and often are removed surgically.

The permanent teeth start forming under the gums and from the jaw bone. It is hard and stays throughout ones adult life until they fall out due to decay or any other problem. The anatomy of a tooth consists of:

Enamel:
The strongest and the hardest, white outer part of the tooth. It is made of made of calcium phosphate.

Dentin:
Below the enamel is the layer called the dentin. It is made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.

Pulp:
Below the dentin is a softer inner structure. It is known to be the live structure in the teeth and is essential as the blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp.

Cementum:
Last of all is the connective tissue that binds the roots of the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone and is known as the cementum.

Periodontal ligament:
This is the ligament that holds the teeth tightly against the jaw.

Laser Technology for Diagnosing Cavities

The new laser technology is designed to scan the inside and surface of teeth for any small cavity which may be missed by the previously established methods. It provides visual cues such as appearing slightly illuminated when no cavities are present, and appearing fluorescent when an abnormality has been found. The lasers also provide audio cues which vary from being silent, to a range of sounds which indicate the severity of a cavity.

With the use of x-ray, visual inspection, and laser technology, your dentist will be able to assure you that you are receiving the best dental care available. Talk to your dentist about any questions you may have about how laser technology helps diagnose cavities.

What Is Halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It happens when bacteria sets in on the surface of the tongue and below it, around the gums and in between teeth. This is a reflection of poor oral hygiene and be the cause of severe social embarrassment. It can also be the cause of losing out on those special occasions where a positive presence is so important.

Reasons For Halitosis

Different reasons can be attributed to the occurrence of halitosis. This is more than just bad diet. Bad habits like skipping on brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, rinsing or forgetting to scrape your tongue after a heavy meal is one of the major causes for accumulation of bacteria. What typically remains unseen by the naked eye can simply play havoc with your dental health. The bacteria sets in with the disadvantage of being completely invisible yet harming you the most. This manifests in the form of bad breath and the beginning of Halitosis.

How To Prevent Halitosis

While we know the cause it is also important to stop it from growing. It needs no rocket science to understand that one needs to go to the dentist. In addition to that, it is advisable to brush your teeth with toothpaste enriched with chlorine dioxide. Rinse your mouth at least four times a day with oral rinses that have the same product in them. After every greasy and oily meal scrape your tongue to remove the unseen residues. Last but not the least, increase your intake of water to as much as you can.

These are some simple measures, but ones which can assure you of sound oral health, prevent bad breadth and smile your way into the hearts of millions.

Fruits containing significant amounts of malic acid:
Apples, bananas, peaches, prickly pears, watermelon, apricots, mangoes, lemons, grapes, pineapple, kiwi fruits and strawberries.