Vitamins For Dental Health

Vitamins For Dental Health

Gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease, is defined as chronic inflammation of the gums. Infection invades the tissues of the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and even the alveolar bone where the teeth attach. Various dental diseases are thought to be caused by high levels of free radicals produced by plaque and tartar on the teeth, along with bacterial proteinases, and a long list of immune system responses to these problems.

Periodontal disease often starts as simple plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that we should brush off of our teeth at least twice a day. This is because plaque harbors a lot of bacteria. The bacteria produce toxins, proteins, and free radicals that damage our gums. If plaque is allowed to harden, then it becomes tartar, which must be scraped off by your dental hygienist. Plaque and tartar form damaging oxidants and bacteria that have direct access to our gum tissues.

Inflammation in the gums also leads to increased cytokine production, which helps to thicken, bind, and harden plaque. Cytokines are proinflammatory secretions produced when the immune system senses invaders. It is meant to contain the bacteria, but unfortunately, it simply helps plaque and tartar take hold. Inflammation of the gums can cause a cascade with cytokines and oxidants making periodontal disease very hard to treat.

A strict regimen of brushing with a soft bristled brush, gentle flossing, antibacterial rinsing, and regular periodontal cleanings can help keep periodontal disease at bay. However, the slightest slip-up can cause the cycle to escalate very quickly and you’re going to have problems again. Changes in your diet, antioxidant intake, and vitamins and supplements routine can help you combat the problem from within.

Research has shown that periodontal disease can lead to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, arthritis, and a long list of inflammatory diseases because the gums give dangerous bacteria a free ride into the blood stream. Taking vitamins and supplements to prevent gum damage will also protect you from giving bacteria a way in, protecting you from a lot of other inflammatory health problems.

Your first line of defense is antioxidants that strengthen cell membranes and help them ward off oxidant attacks. If oxidants enter cells, they destroy them. Antioxidants also trap oxidants and flush them from the body. Antioxidants strengthen and calm the immune system, controlling cytokine production, and helping your gums to react to invaders, not overreact. A good amount of antioxidants in your diet and supplement routine will help control inflammation and reduce your chances of periodontal disease recurring.

One of the most proven ways to protect your gums from periodontal disease is to use vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It helps to reduce binding agents, protect cells, reduce bacteria, eradicate oxidants, and strengthen the immune system. Some forms of vitamin C supplements can be very acidic and cause tooth decay. Make sure that if you are taking vitamin C supplements for dental health that you use the best vitamin C. Vitamin C powder supplements that are buffered to reduce acidity are recommended by many dental professionals.

Speak with your periodontist or dental professional about which vitamin C supplements they recommend for you.

By: Phil Le Breton

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How to Know Realities About Dental Health

How to Know Realities About Dental Health
By Manu Modi

Most of the people are not much aware of the various health related aspects that are really critical. Apart from various health related issues, dental health care is also a critical concern. Many steps are being taken by various health organizations on national and international levels to bring awareness about the various dental health related problems and concerns.

Most of the people are still not aware and still believe in various traditional and old thoughts that are prevalent about the dental care. However, few myths among such traditional thoughts are not true that have been carried forward from generations.

Facts revealed are:

1. The biggest misconception among people is that they should brush their teeth as early as possible once they wake up in the morning. This is not true as dentists suggest to at least brushing twice in a day to maintain the gums and teeth in a healthy state. It also recommended to brush after dinner for 2 to 3 minutes to have shiny white teeth.

2. Most of the people still believe in that age old practice of cleaning teeth with tooth powders and with their fingers. However, this is not true as tooth powders are found to contain highly abrasive materials that normally exhaust the tooth structure and makes them rough and weary. Cleaning teeth with fingers is one of the biggest disaster people do to their teeth as it gives an incomplete cleaning. It will leave the food particles hidden in various corners and thus decaying the teeth and gums. Dentists recommend the use of soft toothbrushes as harder ones are injurious to the gums.

3. It is usually recommended to get ones teeth cleaned by a dentist at least twice a year. It is usually a misconception in the minds of most people that scaling and other cleaning procedure would make their teeth go weak and one might even lose them after such techniques. This is actually not the case but scaling and cleaning is just a technical way involving ultrasonic and hand cleaning procedure of removing the various kinds of deposits in the gums and teeth. They help in removing that matter which is usually not removed effortlessly by normal brushing and can lead to the formation of plaques, calculus and other deposits thus rendering the teeth weak and make them fall sooner.

4. As most of the people have less time and more of work, they still believe that taking any dental treatment is wastage of time as they take long and are painful. This is another thought that still prevails due to lack of awareness among people. Due to the recent advancements in dental sector, the long procedures have been reduced to 1- 2 sittings and that too in case of some major dental surgeries else most of the dental treatments are winded up in one session alone. People who are scared of painful treatments must not be terrified as anesthesia and modes of anesthetizing the patient have become even more advanced.

5. It is also another belief that the extraction is a better alternative as compared to the treatment to be taken. However, it is recommended and well known fact that original teeth can never be replaced by artificial ones. So, it is better to get the teeth treated rather than replacing or extracting them.

6. Another big misconception among people is that removing the upper molars would lead to a weak vision as there is no link between the two.

Understand the simple facts and consult an expert dentist for any treatment or extraction which shall work for good health.

Dr. Manu Modi's, Dentist in Delhi, offering world class Orthodontic treatment in Delhi.

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Laser Ultrasound Helps Determine Dental Health

Laser Ultrasound Helps Determine Dental Health

This is the first time anyone has employed such a tool to find the elasticity of our teeth, besides assessing dental health and predict tooth decay and cavities.

Enamel goes through a cycle of mineral loss and restoration, through a lifetime, in which healthy teeth maintain a high mineral content.

If the balance between mineral loss and gain is lost, however, teeth can develop areas of softened enamel -- known as carious lesions -- which are precursors to cavities and permanently damaged teeth.

'The ultimate goal is to come up with a quick, efficient, cost-effective, and non-destructive way to evaluate the mineralisation of human dental enamel,' says study co-author David Hsiao-Chuan Wang, graduate student at the University of Sydney (U-S).

Wang and his adviser Simon Fleming, physics professor at the U-S Institute of Photonics and Optical Science, worked on the study with U-S dental researchers and ultrasonic researchers from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan.

Stronger than bone, enamel is the hardest and the most mineralised substance of the human body -- one of the reasons why human teeth can survive for centuries after a person has died. It envelops teeth in a protective layer that shields the underlying dentin from decay, said an U-S release.

Enamel demineralisation is caused by bad oral hygiene. Not brushing, for instance, can lead to the build-up of dental plaques, and bacteria in these plaques will absorb sugars and other carbohydrates a person chews and produce acids that will dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel.

By: Shane Ennerson

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Dental Health - Do's and Don'ts

Dental Health - Do's and Don'ts

Just like with most things, never take advantage of your dental health and beautiful smile. It's important to maintain good and consistent dental hygiene. To do this, you must make a couple short and simple sacrifices, as well as be willing to commit time to your dental health each and every day.

The first and possibly most important step is to brush your teeth twice a day. If possible, try to work towards brushing them after each and every meal. Be sure to find toothpaste that contains fluoride, as fluoride helps maintain your tooth structure, and protects your teeth from current and potential decay.

Also, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which gently protects your gums without being too hard on them. Contrary to how most people brush, it is important to brush up-and-down, not back-and forth. Always brush for about two minutes, never too harshly. Also, don't forget to brush your tongue! Brushing your tongue scrapes off leftover food particles, and improves the smell of your mouth.

Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or once your brush bristles become dull- whichever comes first.

While it's an important tool, a toothbrush can't possibly reach every nook and cranny in your mouth. Plenty of gunk can build up between your teeth, as well as envelope under your gums, thus causing plaque to build up. It can also lead to gingivitis or halitosis of the mouth- not to mention painful cavities. You don't have to floss as often as you brush, once a day is more than adequate.

When you do, be gentle, and ease the floss between each and every tooth. Wrap the floss around both your index fingers, and pull it back and forth so as to scrape the base of your teeth. Floss holders are available, as are disposable "plackers" which work best for tight teeth. If you find that your gums bleed, don't be concerned. So long as you keep flossing consistently, your gums with toughen up, and stop bleeding when flossed.

There are several times when you should contact your dentist. If your gums bleed, and don't seem to be recovering, go ahead and let your doctor know. Extreme hot and cold sensation could indicate a problem as well. Also, changes in your tooth structure or quick crowding of your teeth are both things that a doctor should know.

It's important to see your dentist one to two times each year. A regular appointment entails a basic cleaning, and checkup. So long as you keep your appointments regular, there will rarely if ever be a problem with your dental health. Never fear a dentist- remember, they're here to keep you healthy

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Technological Developments In Dental Care

Technological Developments In Dental Care

Dental technology has done more wonders nowadays for dentists and patients alike. Dental experts continue to keep themselves up-to-date with technological developments in oral health care. When you visit a dental clinic for a regular check-up or examination, you'll discover that there are options that you can choose to make your dental visit a breeze, thanks to the latest developments in dental technology.

At present, dental technology continue to grown and develop, according to Dentist Irvine. However, there are still dental practitioners who are hesitant in investing in new technologies in dentistry for different reasons. An expert from Dental Irvine said that there are disadvantages if a dental clinic is reluctant to invest in new dental technology. A dental clinic may be left behind against its competitors. Quality care and efficiency can spell the difference between a successful dental clinic and a shabby one. And if your clinic fails to keep up with today's technology, then it is nearly impossible to catch up.

Technological advances on dental practices are focused on providing patients with better care and better treatments. The use of modern equipment yields positive results. Patients get a healthier mouth, teeth and gums, as a result. According to Dentists Irvine, there are tons of information available regarding the latest trends and technology in dentistry to improve the dental health of patients. Some of these technological advancements include:

High-Tech (Digital) X-Rays

This type of dental x-rays is replacing traditional radiographs. It is faster and more efficient. It captures the mouth's image and then stores it on the computer. With this procedure, dentists can now compare previous and future images to maintain and keep updated with a patient's dental health record. Digital x-rays are able to find cavities and zero in on those bones below the teeth. It can also help an endodontist with root canal treatments.

Dental Lasers

With lasers, dentists are able to use this for tooth cavity detection and removal. Dental lasers can also produce readout of bacteria level.

CAD/CAM Technology

A computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) helps patients needing crowns and bridges procedures to have fewer dental visits. With this technology, the tooth is drilled in preparation for the crown. After the image is taken with a computer, it is relayed to a machine to make the crown in the office instead of going to a dental laboratory.

Dentistry Irvine said that improvements on dental procedures through the advancement of dental technology have come a long way. We now have thinner veneers that are stronger and can actually preserve the teeth over a longer period of time. There are also better bonding and filling materials for chipped tooth which are actually shinier and longer lasting. Dentists are also able to provide better dental implants that can last for more than ten years.

Advances in equipment technologies have improved the efficiency and quality of dental practice. There are many advantages such as an increase on the productivity of dental experts. According to DDS Irvine, when dentists migrate to high-technology systems, it teamwork is enhanced among member of a dental crew. It also provides more knowledge regarding the use of latest equipment, and enables dental clinic to keep up with the competition. With dental technology, it will make our dentists work easier and provide us with a much better quality of dental treatments.

By: Zyra Robinson

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Dental Insurance For Individuals

My Dental Insurance For Individuals.

Your Dental Insurance For Individuals.

Dentist's Dental Insurance For Individuals.

Dental Health: What Is Plaque

Dental Health: What Is Plaque
by Michael Russell

If no action is taken to maintain proper dental health care, acid will form and attack the tooth enamel, allowing tooth decay to penetrate into the softer tissue inside the tooth. If the decay is not treated in its early stages, it will progress to the tooth pulp, a soft tissue containing nerves, arteries, veins and lymph vessels. Eventually, an abscess will begin to form at the root - and unless endodontic (root canal) treatment is carried out, the tooth will be lost.

Plaque must be removed daily, if not, the irritants in plaque can cause swollen, red, bleeding gums. These conditions occur when plaque hardens and forms tartar (calculus) that collects around the tooth under the gum line, causing the gum to pull away from the tooth. Pockets form between the tooth and under the gum line. Plaque and its harmful by-products move down along the tooth towards the roots. When the bone is eaten away, the tooth, with little support, will become loose and fall out. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. However, if it is detected in time, it can be treated. Practising proper dental health care, you will be able to notice any warning signs of tooth decay.

Food is a huge contributing factor in causing plaque formation on teeth. Sticky, sugary foods are the traditional cause of tooth decay. However, over the past decade, scientific thinking about the connection between diet and tooth decay has changed quite appreciably. Dentists no longer talk about foods being good or bad for teeth. How often you eat and how long food remains in the mouth are considerations that are just as important as what you actually eat.

A bacterial deposit (plaque) constantly forms on the tooth surfaces. The bacteria in plaque thrive on refined carbohydrates (especially sugar) that are converted into acid. This acid damages the tooth enamel and erodes it until a cavity (caries) forms. Dental scientists have found that these bacteria can use either natural or processed sugars. Sugar in an apple is as likely to cause tooth decay as sugar in a chocolate bar.

Furthermore, the simple starches in foods such as bread, cake or cereals are broken down by salivary enzymes into the same kinds of sugars that generate the formation of acids. The main problem with sticky confectionery, such as toffee or dried fruit and with long-lasting boiled sweets, is that they remain in the mouth (and release sugar) for a long time, thereby increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. It is best, therefore, to eat sweets in moderation and to brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you must have sugary foods, restrict their consumption to immediately after meals, when increased saliva production makes them less harmful.


Another point often overlooked in dental health care for children is that children older than one year old should not be put to bed with feeding bottles containing fruit juice, sweetened tea, flavoured or sweetened milk, or even cows milk. The flow of saliva slows during sleep and the liquid can stagnate on the teeth. The sooner a mother starts cleaning a child's teeth - even if it is breastfed - the less chance of it developing tooth decay from food and drinks.

Foods that promote dental health care and especially lessen plaque formation are raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, plain yoghurt and cheese. In fact, cheese is not only considered one of the best sources of calcium (a nutrient essential for healthy bones and teeth), but research has also shown that certain types - for example, aged Cheddar - protects the teeth against the acids that cause tooth decay.

Michael Russell

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