Sunday, 17 March 2013

Mouth Breathing or Nose Breathing?

Do you breathe through your mouth? Or through your nose. You might think this doesn’t matter, but it does. In fact, it might be the reason why you have excessive cavities. Here, we’ll go over how mouth and nose breathing affects cavities, plaque, and tooth sensitivity. 

Mouth Breathing and Cavities 

Breathing through your mouth can be a big problem.   In fact, it may lead to bad breath, the buildup of plaque, tooth sensitivity, and even rye mouth. 

This is because cavity risk increases markedly when you breathe through your mouth. Whenever you do, it causes a drier mouth, leading to dry mouth. With less saliva production, it doesn’t wash away the acid, and they’re not neutralized. This means that bacteria are given free rein to move around and eat at your enamel. 



When you don’t have saliva, you will have tooth decay. 

The reduced saliva is a big reason why you might have dry mouth, and these food particles are left on there. It also contributes to an acidic environment, which is a prime breeding ground for cavity formation.   It also leads to more buildup and cavities, again a big problem. 

Some mouth breathing also may cause jaw misalignment, and also orthodontic issues at hand, which again, is a big problem. 

If you breathe through your nose, you have this happen far less. 

The Impact of Oxygen on Bacteria and tooth sensitivity 

Another issue with mouth breathing is that it reduces oxygen flow. The lessened nature of this leads to more room for bacteria to grow.   You’re not giving enough oxygen to the body when you breathe through your mouth. That along with a dry environment, leads to more tooth sensitivity as a result. 



How to correct Mouth Breathing 

Correcting mouth breathing may require just a few changes, or something drastic. Consistently practicing breathing with your mouse during the day is a good place to start. 

If you’re unable to breathe through your nose due to congestion, use some saline sprays or take allergy medications to help clear up your sinuses. 

Sometimes, breathing through your mouth is caused by a deviated septum, or tonsils that are enlarged. In that case, you might need to see a doctor. 

If you’re already doing those, also consider reducing your stress too. you might be doing this because you’re stressed out, without realizing it. Also, consider adding a humidifier or an air purifier if you have allergies, to help with the effects. 

Finally, consider using a mouth guard or mouth tape to help with nose breathing. 

If these issues are present, which they might be if you’re a chronic mouth breather, you need to see a doctor to help with figuring out the cause and treatment. In some instances, you might need surgery in order to breathe through your nose more, and reduce the mouth breathing as best as you can. 



Breathe Correctly for Best Results 

If you’re not breathing correctly, whether through your nose or your mouth, you’ll run into trouble. By correcting your breathing and breathing through your nose, you get more beneficial air, which oxygenates the body, and provides better airflow throughout the body.   You will also create an environment that’s less dry, and also create more saliva in your mouth, improving your overall dental health. 

It works wonders, and it can be the answer you’re looking for. Make sure to use this in order to keep your oral health in check, and also to keep your physical health active and strong across every front, so you can have a better, stronger body with the right motions and changes.


Sunday, 13 January 2013

The Science Behind Saliva

Saliva is something that our mouth forms. Think of when you need to spit. That’s saliva. But, saliva isn’t just a nice thing to have in your mouth for when you need to spit out gunk. It’s actually important for your oral health. 

Here, we’ll go over why saliva is the defense against bad breath and plaque, and why without it, you’re going to be missing something invaluable. 

How it Neutralizes Acids 

Saliva is a natural acid neutralizer. This is because our mouths tend to have a baser pH to it with saliva. Acids will wash away when saliva is in contact with it. 



Think of saliva as like a broom that will sweep away some of this gross plaque and acids.   When it’s done early on, it neutralizes plaque formation, along with the acids, giving you long-term success and happiness when you’re building the ultimate protection against bad mouth bacteria. 

What causes our Mouths to Get Plaque-Infested 

The simple solution is bacteria, but it is more than that.

When we eat food, we give sugars to the bacteria in our mouths that feed on it. They release a chemical, which creates a biofilm on the mouth.  This is known as plaque. 

However, it’s more than just that.   saliva also prevents our mouths from crying. It may seem weird that our mouths can get dry without it, but dry mouth is a big problem for many people. With a dry mouth, it creates cavities, because there’s no saliva to wash this away. 



It also reduces tooth sensitivity as well, which in turn can cause pain and discomfort for many people. 

Finally, it causes halitosis, which is bad breath. While also being unsettling, it means that you have a mouth that’s a bacteria playground, which again, is gros.   You owe it to yourself to not have this, and the best ways to prevent this is to have some saliva-beneficial foods and habits. 

Foods and Habits that Stimulate Saliva Production 

Water is going to be one of those things that will naturally help to lubricate your mouth, and aid with making your mouth moist. 

But, what about food?   One of the most common is crunchy foods, such as fruits and veggies. So apples, carrots, pears, celery, broccoli, even cauliflower all trigger the production. 

If you don’t have any of these, consider chewing some sugar free gum, as this will increase saliva production. Just don't have too many if you’re consuming xylitol, because it can increase blood sugar.

Watermelon has a high water content, which naturally hydrates your mouth and is responsible for improving saliva. 

Dairy, including yogurt and milk, are also good, because they can contain probiotics, and also moisturize your mouth. 

Anything that hydrates you, and also improves the moisture in your mouth is considered a beneficial food. 

You should also get in the habit of brushing and flossing when you can, and drinking water instead of other drinks. 



When you take care of your oral health by also having the right foods and stimulating the saliva in the mouth, you’ll benefit. So start today, and improve your oral health now. 

Saliva is important to a healthy mouth. By harnessing its power, you’re naturally able to give your mouth a happier experience, and an environment that really shines. Start today, and leave your mouth not only nice and fresh, but also moistened, healthy, and also ready for the healthy teeth and fresh breath that you are always supposed to have, whenever you can get it, and whenever you’re able to get a moment to take care of yourself as well.


Monday, 26 November 2012

what is oral psoriasis

If you’re someone who knows about psoriasis, you already know the basics of this. This is an autoimmune condition and skin condition that causes thick, dry, and silvery scales along with sometimes itchy patches within the skin. This happens when the skin cells' life cycle is sped up, and this creates rough, dead and other problems with the skin cells. 

While it isn’t contagious and very common, it’s considered an immune disorder with a genetic focus. There are different triggers based on the person, but stress, dry weather, alcohol consumption, smoking, and existing infections put you at risk. Luckily, since it is so common, there are plenty of treatments which are available. 

Oral Psoriasis Vs. Regular Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is usually seen on the skin, but there are rare cases where it can happen in other places. If you already suffer from psoriasis, there’s a high chance that you may develop oral psoriasis. 



This occurs on the corners of the mouth, tongue, lips, and the like.  It doesn’t have regular triggers and patterns like others, so the outbreaks will happen without rhyme or reason. 

Psoriasis within the mouth is not common, but if you’ve got symptoms, talk to the dermatologist or dentist to make sure that it is psoriasis and not a cold sore. 

Diagnosis and Symptom Treatment 

If you do have psoriasis, you may wonder this. 

The two most common symptoms are: 

  • Small, white bumps that bleed when you scrape them. 

  • Red and white plagues on the mouth or other oral areas 

If you think that you have these symptoms, then you should talk to the dermatologist or dentist in order to figure out the best course of treatment. 

Ideally, you may get a biopsy in order to ensure that you get the correct diagnosis. 



If it is confirmed, there are certain treatments which get prescribed for your means. 

The most common treatments for those with psoriasis include: 

  • Steroid creams 

  • Anti-inflammatory oral medications 

The medications will reduce both inflammation and pain, so it will be easier for you to drink and eat.  It also may improve if you treat the symptoms in the skin, so yes, treating other areas can impact treating these areas. 

Prevention of Psoriasis 

While you can’t combat psoriasis, one way to do so is to know the triggers that co occur when you’re dealing with skin prosaic. 

Oral psoriasis is a little more complicated because they usually don’t have sudden symptoms that show up.  However, there are a few triggers that contribute to psoriasis in general, including the mouth. 

There are a few precautions here and there, and they include: 

  • Limit the spicy foods that you have 

  • Don’t smoke 

  • Utilize mouth rinses, especially after eating 

  • Practice good oral care, and see your dentist every six months 

Again, there’s a specific set pattern with oral psoriasis, but just like with regular psoriasis, if you know what triggers it, it will definitely benefit you. 

You can also talk to a dentist, doctor, or dermatologist to help you get on the right path. If they do prescribe medications, try to use one that fits your needs, and talk to them prior to treatment of this. 



Promises is not a comfortable disease, and in some cases, it can be downright painful. But, with the correct diagnosis, along with proper care, you’ll be able to control and manage your symptoms as well, treating them in an effective manner. You’ll be able to ensure that you’ve got the right preventative and diagnosis tips in order to best fit the needs that you have and treat the symptoms as well.


Friday, 25 February 2011

Climate and Geography’s Impact on dental health

 Where you live does have bearing on many things. Whether it’s the conditions of where you live, access to foods, or even your overall bodily health, it does play some role in this. 

Climates, especially those with more extreme circumstances, can impact oral health. We’ll dive into just how this works, and the way that you’re able to control this through additional steps you can take to make this better for yourself. 

Fluoride in Water 

Most places have fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride is a mineral that’s used to help improve your teeth’s health and strength. Mineralization utilizes fluoride in order to build up the enamel and make it strong.



By mandate, most places have drinking water which contains fluoride. This is a good thing, because it can keep your teeth strong, and prevent other oral health issues.

But, despite many people benefitting from fluoride, there are some risks that excessive fluoride have in certain circumstances. 

Dental fluorosis is one example. This is where white or brown areas of the teeth show up due to excessive fluoride. Again, it isn’t a serious condition, but it does make the aesthetics a bit of a downer in some cases. 

In rare circumstances, too much fluoride can cause bone pain, fractures, or stiffness, but again, this is something that involves large amounts of fluoride, so if your water contains such, take the time to make sure that your oral health is not compromised due to these concerns. 



Cold and hot Climates 

Obviously, climate change has started to impact the way oral health is treated. In cooler climates, people tend to have more sensitivity and dry mouth, as the air tends to be dry. This is in contrast to more humid climates, where it might be the opposite.

With dry mouth and sensitivity, it does put you at cavity risk, especially if you have a history of dental care. With that said, if you have issues with cavities, and live in a climate that is not conducive to such, then take it upon yourself to ensure that you are managing your oral health effectively. 

Urban Vs. Rural Hygiene 

Urban climates also may have some issues with oral hygiene. 

In rural climates, there is a chance that oral care might not be available, along with fluoride in the water.   If it is hard to get this type of assistance, then take it upon yourself to look into alternative means to get treatments. 

For those in urban areas, while fluoride might be in the water, air pollution is common, which might irritate the gums, leading to periodontal disease. 

Some vector borne illnesses in more rural areas might also lead to malaria and dengue in a person, if not properly treated. 

Some people also might experience changes in their oral health as well depending on the extreme circumstances of weather that they’re going through.

All in all, if you have some sense of concern for the weather, or for your oral health matters, talk to a doctor today. They’ll be able to point you in the correct direction, allowing you to have better oral health. 



Taking care of your teeth does matter, regardless  of the climate that you live in. if you are not doing such already, start to work on improving oral health by taking it upon yourself to brush your teeth and floss every single day. Make sure to stay hydrated, and if you are not getting enough fluoride already, make sure you work with your dentist to find the right alternatives for your oral health. 


Sunday, 1 August 2010

Crohn’s disease, ulcerative Colitis, and Dental Health

 Colitis and Crohn’s disease are conditions that cause a bit of your digestive tract to become inflamed.  This is something that impacts not just the gut, but also the mouth and colon. 

It does make you susceptible to some diseases, including gum disease. This is because of the inflammation reduction the body does, and also the possible damage the antibodies can do to the teeth.

That’s why having good oral hygiene helps with reducing the symptoms that come with this disease. 

How Dentists Can Help 

You should always be mindful of your oral health, telling your dentist about this condition, along with medicines that are taken, and from there, you get specifically tailored advice.



You should still make sure to brush daily for up to two minutes, and also, you should use a fluoride type of toothpaste. 

You should also be mindful of the side effects of colitis and Crohn’s disease medicine, which is dry mouth. This is when the mouth is sore and dry, and it can irritate this as well. be mindful of acidic, or spicy foods, as this can further irritate it.  If you do have dry mouth, talk to the dentist to find out how you can get help to treat this.

Some toothpastes have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which is an agent that creates frothing in the mouth.  It might be astringent for those with colitis, so make sure that you’re using toothpaste that doesn’t have this. If necessary, you should also talk to a dentist or a hygienist to figure out the right toothpaste that you should use.  Get one that’s high in fluoride in order to control the oral health that you have, protecting this against tooth decay.  This is especially important if you have a dry mouth. Colitis and Crohn’s is something that causes mouth ulcers, which you should be mindful of.

If you do have a mouth ulcer, and within three weeks it doesn’t heal, talk to a dentist so that they’re able to look at, and manage all of this too.



Make sure to clean between the teeth every single day, using tape, floss, or interdental brushes.  If the joints start to feel painful, or you have some issues with moving your floss between the teeth, consider using Water Parks to get water between the teeth to get rid of debris and plaque.  Those with bad dexterity love these.  The plaque that collects between the teeth does cause the risk for caries, along with gum disease and other conditions. It can also cause issues with your heart, as diabetes and cardiovascular disease also play a role in this too.

Other Risks 

What a lot of people don’t know are the other risks. 

Smoking for those with colitis and Crohn’s can be bad, and it might be a risk factor, or minimally exacerbating. Smoking is also bad for your oral health.  This is because it causes nicotine staining.



If you do chew tobacco, you’re likely to get mouth cancer. This is why the ulcers begin to appear, which can be confused with the mouth ulcers from colitis or Crohn’s disease. If you do engage in smoking or chewing tobacco, and you start to have these ulcers form, talk to your dentist, and make sure that you keep an eye on it.

For those with Colitis or Crohn’s disease, you want to make sure that you eat a diet that’s balanced, especially for the flare-ups.  Avoid anything that’s processed, and any foods or drinks that are sugary when possible.

For those with a diet high in sugar, or they vomit up when flaring, use mouthwash to get rid of possible decay.