How to prevent bad breath?

We all know way too well how annoying bad breath can be when it comes from people you are talking with or how embarrassing it can be when you know you are the culprit! Thankfully there are some simple tricks one can follow on a regular basis to shut out this problem forever!

Halitosis

The medical term for bad breath, halitosis is an unpleasant mouth odour caused by a variety of reasons ranging from poor oral hygiene, consumption of certain foods, alcohol or tobacco, dry mouth to some chronic health conditions. Though the main cause is anaerobic bacteria which is found in the white coating on the back of the tongue that breaks down proteins into amino acids which produce foul gases called volatile sulphur compounds (VSC).

Tips To Prevent Bad Breath

Oral Hygiene

• Brushing: Yes! As regular as it may sound, you can never stress enough on the benefits of this routine. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally 30 minutes after every meal. This will go a long way in making sure your teeth are always clean.
• Flossing: Regular flossing greatly helps prevent cavities and periodontal diseases by cleaning micro-deposits of food particles from the crevices of the mouth. It helps refresh your mouth after meals as well.
• Tongue Scraping: This simple technique is of great benefit as it helps reduce countless oral bacteria that thrive on the top surface of the tongue. However, always ensure you use a professional tongue cleaner for this, not your toothbrush as it will only spread bacteria which causes a foul odour to your gums!

Watch What Goes into the Body

• Cut down on pungent/spicy foods: Your bloodstream absorbs everything you eat, only to be reflected back when you speak or breath! We are well aware of the menace pungent foods like onion, garlic, radish and other spicy foods can cause when it comes to bad breath. So cut out those from your diet and instead include more hydrating veggies and herbs like parsley, carrots, celery and cucumbers which will help clean your mouth of debris.
• Hydrate: If you cannot manage to brush and floss your teeth after every meal, water will come to your rescue! It will clean your mouth of all the food particles before it begins to form bacteria.
• No tobacco, sodas, caffeine and alcohol!: While we are aware tobacco can cause oral cancers and a host of periodontal diseases, beverages like sodas, tea/coffee and alcohols can deplete the calcium levels in your body due to the high level of phosphorous in them which causes gum diseases and tooth decay, not to mention they stain your pearlies too!
• Up your calcium and vitamin intake: Including milk, yoghurt, cheese, fruit juices, broccoli and such calcium-rich food are beneficial for your teeth and gums. Take calcium, vitamin and mineral supplements including vitamin D, zinc, copper, iron and potassium to maintain overall dental health.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Last but not the least! As per expert Dentist in India, patients vouch for the innumerable benefits of regular dental check-ups, at least twice a year to get a full hygiene treatment along with x-rays to diagnose any concerns at an early stage.

What Causes discoloration of gums?

No two people are same in this universe. Everyone has features that are unique to themselves. Usually, pink is considered to be the standard gum color but often many of us notice that our gums have turned dark, grey or white. This can be a matter of concern and needs immediate attention.

Discoloration of gums :
Discoloration of gums is a common thing that anyone can face at any stage of life. The usual reason for this is the imbalance in pigmentation or melanin. Excessive exposure to the sun can also discolor gums.

Causes of discoloration
There are several causes behind discoloration of your pinkish gums. These include the following:

• People who smoke tobacco face discoloration more than people who don’t.
• Certain medicines like tricyclic and monocyclic antidepressants can discolor gums.
• People with crown fillings containing metal can face gum discoloration.
• Gum diseases, HIV, and viral diseases can turn your gum blackish.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis:
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is a gum disease that leads to dead tissues, swelling, and ulcers in the mouth. Generally smoking, vitamin deficiency, lack of nutrition, and poor oral hygiene causes this gum disease. One of the significant side effects of this disease is the discoloration of gums.

Fungal infections in mouth :
Due to a particular type of oral fungal infection called thrush, the gums become susceptible to turning white. The germ named Candida causes this virus in the mouth. Babies are more likely to develop this infection. Their gums and tongue often turn grey and yellow, when infected.

Leukoplakia:
Dentist in India thinks that smoking tobacco can lead to a severe gum condition which causes leukoplakia. It is one of the prime causes of white colored gums. Apart from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption can give you white gums.

Treatment:
The typical way to prevent gum discoloration is to take proper care of oral health by brushing and flossing every day. Apart from this, regular visit to the dentist is recommended. As it is a kind of beautification, it is considered as an essential treatment. Nevertheless, if you want to avail the service of cosmetic dentistry, visit any Dentist Mumbai who would provide you good service at affordable price.

People may face different oral conditions, but if you do encounter something unnatural, be vigilant. You need to maintain a wholesome diet enriched with vitamins that can avert future risks related to your health. So eat healthily and stay healthy.

Is Toothpaste With Fluoride Good?

More than 95% of toothpaste sold in the world are fluoride ones. It is well-recognised that the use of fluoride toothpaste in industrialised countries over the past 30 years has helped in decreasing dental problems in people.

But these days, more natural toothpaste options are there in the market, and many of these are fluoride-free. Are they as effective as fluoride containing toothpaste? Is toothpaste with fluoride actually good for you?

Fluoride Amount in Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoridated toothpaste that has higher concentrations that is, more than 1000ppm is considered adequate to prevent tooth decay. Manufacturers fortify toothpaste with fluoride as ‘parts per million’ of Fluoride in ppmF.

Only dentists can prescribe fluoride content greater than 1500ppm F under specific circumstances.

How Does Fluoride In Your Toothpaste Protect Teeth?

Fluoride protects teeth in two ways. First of all, it strengthens the teeth by helping in enamel remineralisation, also called teeth remineralisation, in which mineral ions like calcium and phosphate are deposited back into the weak or damaged parts of your teeth. Fortification of your enamel with these minerals keeps it strong and safe from decay.

Secondly, fluoride helps in controlling the acid produced by the unhealthy bacteria inside your mouth. Normally the bacteria on your teeth feed on sugars present in the inter-dental debris and produce acids that erode the teeth surface, but fluoride checks this common condition and keeps your teeth safe.

Can Children Use Fluoridated Toothpaste?

Fluoride is vital in appropriate doses, but like all good things, becomes harmful when consumed in excess. Dental fluorosis is the condition that is caused by excess fluoride in the body, a condition that kids develop if they have excessive fluoride for an extended period of time.

Dental fluorosis manifests as lines, white spots and rough brown-grey surfaces in all affected children. Fluorosis occurs when children swallow the toothpaste, which is why it is essential to watch them while they brush.

Fluoride has seen controversies since its introduction, but is fluoride in your toothpaste bad for you? Fortunately, the answer is no. This naturally-occurring mineral is safe and keeps your teeth and gum healthy and cavity-free. More than 125 organisations in the world like the ADA and WHO recognise the safety and value of fluoride.

If you are sure you are deficient in this mineral, visit your nearest dentist to seek help and professional treatment. Prep yourself before the dental visits @ best dentist in India to gain more info on the use of fluoridated toothpaste.

How To Reduce Enamel Degradation?

Enamel of the tooth is the outer layer or shell that provides a protective shield for your teeth from harmful bacteria and germs, even chemicals. It is the strongest substance in your body, and without it, you would be sensitive to hot and cold food items, be it solid or liquid.

Upon enamel erosion, the protective cover weakens, and your teeth become prone to cavities and decay say the expert dentist in India. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods increases, because without the enamel, they can get through tubules into the dentin and stimulate the nerves present inside.

Causes of Enamel Degradation

The enamel can get damaged by:

• Eating too many sweet items; sugar consumption allows the bacteria in your oral cavity to thrive and the acid produced will degrade the enamel. If teeth are not cleaned regularly, the problems become worse.
• Consumption of sour foods, sodas and candies – they have a lot of acids and this erodes the enamel.
• Dry mouth condition – saliva helps in wash out bacteria and food debris in your mouth, neutralises the acid and hence prevents enamel loss.

Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Loss

• A sharp pain when cold, hot and sweet foods or drinks come in contact with your teeth during eating
• Uneven and rough surfaces on the teeth that chip away or crack; this shows a loss of enamel cover
• Shiny and smooth surfaces of the teeth that indicate a mineral loss
• Yellowing of teeth
• Cupping visible on the contact surfaces of the tooth

Ways To Prevent And Reduce Enamel Degradation

There are various ways in which enamel loss can be prevented or reduced. The important ones are:

• Reduce your intake of foods and drinks that are acidic – citrus fruits, sodas and juices. If at all you need to eat something acidic, have it along with meals to make it easier on your enamel. Orange juice is low in acidity that is a better alternative to sodas.
• Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking something acidic washes the acid away.
• Chew sugar-free gum to increase the salivary flow and thus dilute the acid content in the mouth.
• Drinking water when having dry mouth helps to hydrate the tissues and also helps in washing away the food debris.
• Use quality toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently for two to three minutes and rinse.
• Consult your dentist for recommendations and guidance on products that help you maintain ideal oral health and manage sensitivity. If you haven’t been to a dentist in a long time or maybe ever, you can read online reviews to decide on which dentist to go to.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene is the best and the strongest way to prevent enamel decay and tooth loss. If you’re already suffering from enamel degradation, there are several treatment options like tooth-coloured restorations, ceramic crowns, etc.

How To Prevent Gingivitis?

Gingivitis might be a common gum disease, but if not treated properly, can lead to much serious oral health conditions like tooth decay, periodontitis, and finally tooth loss. The symptoms of gingivitis are swollen gums that bleed, bad breath, receding gum line and weak gum tissues.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a gum disease that occurs due to a bacterial infection. It affects the gingiva or the gums, making them weak and prone to bleeding. Gingivitis is quite common and mild in nature and can be treated easily. If ignored, it can cause the gums to separate from the teeth (tooth loss). But a consistent and proper care of one’s oral health can prevent and also cure it.

Gingivitis’ Causes

Not maintaining a good oral hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis. If attention is not given to the care of one’s oral health, the chances are that person may get gingivitis. A poor oral hygiene leads to plaque and tartar formation on teeth which further leads to inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues.

Gingivitis’ More Serious Form and Its Supposed Link with Other Diseases

A rather severe form of gingivitis is Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), colloquially known as trench mouth. This is a rare disease in developed countries but common in developing and under-developed countries, especially the ones with low living standards. People affected with this form of gingivitis suffer from infected and bleeding gums and ulcerations of inter-dental regions.

Also, research has hinted at a possible link of chronic gingivitis with diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. This hasn’t been confirmed as of yet, but this should not make people take the disease lightly.

Prevention of Gingivitis

Taking care of your oral hygiene is the most important step in order to prevent gingivitis. Here is how you can look after your teeth and gums and keep the gum disease at bay:

• Use quality toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush after two to three months of usage. Electric brushes are pretty effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily: before hitting the bed in the night and after getting up in the morning. Brushing properly for two to three minutes will suffice. Brush your tongue a little bit and then use a tongue cleaner to ensure an all-round oral health.
• Along with brushing and flossing, try using an inter-dental cleaner, like a dental pick, inter-dental brush or dental stick that will clean between the teeth, an area where normal toothbrushes can’t clean effectively.
• Floss at least once a day. Flossing before you brush helps in removing the loose food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
• Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth.
• Quit smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Eat foods rich in Vitamin-C for gum health.
• Eat healthily. Keep your blood sugar levels in control if you have diabetes.
• Go for regular dental check-ups and cleaning as per your dentist’s recommendation. Dentists in India usually recommend cleanings every six to twelve months. Also, going for annual dental x-rays can spot diseases unobserved in a visual dental examination.

So if above-stated precautions are adhered to, then it can be assumed that one will stay safe from gingivitis.

Expert Dentist in Delhi Fix Crooked Teeth!

Just imagine having to be calculative about an expression as natural as a smile! Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? Well, unfortunately, it is a living reality for people with crooked teeth. Especially in today’s day and age when one’s appearance determines a lot of outcomes in their life.

Health Concerns

To add to their woes, crooked teeth can prove to be harmful to their health as well as they can cause periodontal (gum) diseases which in turn can up the risk of cardiovascular issues. Misaligned teeth can also cause premature wear and tear on your enamel, pose hurdles in proper brushing and flossing and affect your bite.

However, thanks to the technological and medical advancements, you no longer have to live with this problem forever.

Treatment Options

A.   Orthodontics

We’re probably living in the best era as far as dental procedures are concerned as there are multiple orthodontic treatment options available to suit different budgets that are effective, safe and fast. These can literally prove to be life changing.

Orthodontics fix teeth that are poorly aligned, have big gaps, are overlapping as well as correcting bites with the help of the following types of braces:

1. Lingual Braces: These are conventional braces that are mounted on the lingual side of the teeth so that they do not hinder your appearance and are not visible to others.
2. Clear Braces/Invisalign: These are made of tooth coloured wires or brackets as against the traditional ones made of metal which makes them visually more aesthetic.
3. Inman Aligners: These are specifically to align front teeth in as little as 6-18 weeks! Along with being quick, they are also cost effective, safe, efficient and removable.
4. Removable Aligner: These are custom-made, clear aligners that are removable and gradually move teeth little by little.
5. Conventional Braces: Your good old braces made of individual brackets/wires are still as relevant as they continue to remain the most effective option for very complex cases and are safe for everyone, from small children to adults.

B.   Cosmetic Procedures

Not just orthodontic treatments, dentistry has come a long way as far as cosmetic treatment options are concerned. Expert Dentist in Delhi suggests more and more patients are opting for these procedures.

1. Composite restoration: These are tooth coloured fillings used to correct chipped, discoloured or decayed teeth.
2. Veneers: These are porcelain laminates that are bonded to the tooth surface to correct the appearance of broken or worn out teeth or close unsightly gaps between teeth.
3. Implants: This is an artificial tooth root replacement procedure where there is a complete loss of one or more teeth.

How Often Should You See A Dentist in India?

Taking care of the health and hygiene of your mouth is no doubt important and what better way to do that than by visiting your dentist. But the question that arises here is how often should you actually see a dentist? And how is often is not too often? If you have the same question in your mind then you do not need to worry, Dentist India has the answer.

Of course, the first step is to find a dentist whom you and your family are comfortable with. This is the most important step in keeping your teeth healthy.

How Often Should You Go?

Most people generally prefer going to their dentists twice a year, every six months. Even if you are not the best at oral hygiene, a cleaning every six months could improve your oral health considerably. However, every person is different and their teeth are also likely to be different. Some teeth do not need such frequent care, and then there are some that would be better off with more frequent care. Visit your dentist and discuss with him how often you and your family should visit him to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Of course, many factors could affect the frequency of visits like pregnancy.

During your dental exam, your dentist will check your teeth to make sure it is free from any dental diseases or cavities. Regular visits to the dentist help detect early signs of oral diseases and can be treated before they become severe.

Parents are role models for their children and if they visit their dentists regularly children would understand the importance of oral hygiene from early on in life.

Pay Attention to Your Teeth

Of course, there may be times when you would have to visit your dentists for reasons other than your regular check-ups. Do not ignore even the smallest signs of dental problems. A little swelling here or a little pain there could be the beginning of something serious. It is advised that you visit your dentist the minute you find something is wrong. The same goes for your children.

Also, if you or any other members of your family have had any previous dental problems or any diseases like diabetes are sure to inform your dentist and discuss with him about how this could affect your dental health.

How Do You Know You Have Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a gum disease that affects the gingiva or the gums. It is quite common and mild in nature and can be treated easily. Expert dentist in India claim that if not cured in time, gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.

Causes of Gingivitis

Not maintaining a good oral hygiene is the primary cause of gingivitis. If attention is not given to the care of one’s oral health, the chances are that person may get gingivitis. A poor oral hygiene leads to plaque formation on teeth which further leads to inflammation of gum tissues.

Development of Gingivitis

Here’s how gingivitis develops:

• Not cleaning your teeth on a regular basis allows plaque to remain on the surface of your teeth. And more plaque forms on your teeth by the day.
• It then hardens just below the gum line into tartar (calculus), which breeds bacteria. Tartar creates a protective cover for bacteria which irritates the gum line and makes removing plaque more difficult. Professional means of dental cleaning only can remove tartar.
• The plaque and calculus begin to irritate if they haven’t been removed, and then cause inflammation of the gingiva. In time, the gums turn tender, and they start to bleed. This is the gingivitis condition.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

The signs of healthy gums are that they are pale or light pink in colour and firmly fitted around the teeth.

You know that you have gingivitis by the following signs:

• Your gums are swollen i.e., they have some sort of inflammation and puffiness.
• The colour of your gums is dusky red or dark red instead of light pink.
• Upon brushing or flossing, your gums start to bleed.
• You have bad breath coming out of your mouth; there might also be a feeling of a bad taste in your mouth.

• The gum line has started receding; the gums look like as if they’ve been pulled away from the teeth; small pockets form between teeth and gums, causing food particles to collect there.

• The gums have lost their firmness and have become soft and tender.

Precautionary Measures Against Gingivitis

Ideal oral health goes a long way in preventing this gum disease. Brush at least twice a day, floss, go for regular dental checkups, and doing just this much will keep gingivitis at bay.

Upon noticing any symptom of gingivitis, go to a dentist immediately. If you want, you can read dental reviews online to make up your mind. The sooner you start the treatment, the better your chances of curing your gums and preventing periodontitis.

Expert Dentist in India connecting dots – SMOKING and Dental Health

We all know that smoking can have innumerable adverse effects on overall health isn’t a news to most of us. However, what many aren’t aware of, is that it can do equal damage to your dental health. This one habit can potentially weaken your teeth in more ways than one, some of which are often irreversible.

How Smoking Can Make Your Teeth Weak and Brittle

a.    Tooth Decay

Regular smoking leads to a buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth which in turn breeds bacteria. This issue often persists even with regular brushing and flossing. Overtime, this causes large cavities and infections around the gum line that hold the teeth together, thus making them weak and eventually fall out.

b.    Periodontal Diseases

Commonly referred to as gum ailments, periodontitis is basically a bacterial infection of the mouth that eventually impacts the gums. While bleeding, sore, swollen red gums are often the first signs of periodontitis; it can also manifest as quickly receding gums in smokers due to damage to the bone under the gums.

Early detection can help reverse this problem. However, long-term tobacco abuse is most likely to worsen this problem leaving one with weakened teeth that can easily fall off.

c.    Bone Damage

If periodontal diseases are left ignored for too long, the infection can spread to the tissue and bone around the gums, rendering them weak which will result in brittle teeth. Sometimes it may even completely destroy the jaw bones.

In extreme cases, where the damage is too severe, surgical restorative procedures like bone grafting may have to be carried out.

d.    Tooth Loss

Once infections start to affect your gums, they naturally become weak. And since gums are responsible for holding your teeth together, it is a given tooth loss won’t be far behind.

e.    Tooth Discolouration

A seemingly harmless condition, discoloration could be a sign that the tobacco has begun to attack the enamel of the teeth, thus signaling future dental concerns like plaque, tartar which will eventually lead to bacterial gum infections that render your teeth vulnerable and brittle.

Seeking Help From Expert Dentist in India

While these side effects can certainly seem daunting at first, most of them are easily reversible with treatments like regular cleaning, fillings, root canals; crowns provided you keep up your regular dental check-ups. Numerous Dentist in India are connecting dots and  suggest best solutions which say that prevention is better than cure, so quit smoking!