Brushing your teeth can help you avoid heart disease!!!

I am sure that a lot of us will have read in the newspapers how brushing your teeth can help avoid heart disease I am still quite skeptical but here is an article I have found on www.reuters.com that explains it in more detail.

People who don't brush their teeth twice a day have an increased risk of heart disease, scientists said on Friday, adding scientific weight to 19th century theories about oral health and chronic disease.

British researchers studied nearly 12,000 adults in Scotland and found those with poor oral hygiene had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed twice a day and who were less likely to have unhealthy gums.

People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes because inflammation in the body, including in the mouth and gums, plays a role in the build up of clogged arteries, said Richard Watt from University College London, who led the study.

The 70 percent extra risk compares to a 135 percent extra risk of heart disease in those who smoke, he said.

Although the overall risk was low -- with a total of 555 heart attacks or other serious coronary problems among 11,869 people -- the effect of regular teeth brushing was significant.

"Compared to things like smoking and poor diet, which are obviously the main risk factors for heart disease, we are not claiming this is in the same league," Watt said.

"But ... even after controlling for all those things there is a still a relationship between this very simple measure of tooth brushing and heart condition," he told Reuters.

OLD THEORIES

"In a way, it's really quite an old story, because back in the early 19th century there was a theory called focal sepsis, and people believed that infections in the mouth caused disease in the whole body," Watt said.

"As a result, they used to take everyone's teeth out."

Watt said such a response was "a bit dramatic," but his findings did suggest that twice-a-day brushing was a good idea.

Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is more likely to occur in people who do not brush their teeth regularly.

Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in Europe, the United States and many other rich nations and together with diabetes, accounted for almost a third of all deaths around the world in 2005, according to the World Health Organization.

The teeth brushing study published on Friday in the British Medical Journal was the first to investigate whether the simple number of times someone brushes their teeth daily has any bearing on the risk of heart disease.

The results showed oral health behaviors were generally good, with 62 percent of participants saying they visited the dentist every six months and 71 percent reporting they brushed their teeth twice a day.

Once the data were adjusted for other known heart risk factors such as social class, obesity, smoking and family history of heart disease, those who reported less frequent teeth brushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to those who brushed twice a day.

Blood tests on those with poor oral hygiene were also positive for two factors called C-reactive protein and fibrinogen -- both of which signal inflammation in the body.

Wisdom tooth extraction VIDEO!!!!!

Please dont watch if your are squeamish. This is similar to the extraction that I had done before my wedding, the only differences are that I am male and my mouth is extremely small and when my tooth finally popped out with the pliers I screamed very loudly...ooouuuccchhhh..enjoy..

gum disease explained..

What is gum disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.

What causes gum disease?

Bacterial plaque - a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on the teeth - is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types.

If plaque isn't removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibres that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

Are there other factors?

Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choices. A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body's ability to fight infection. Smokers and spit tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than non-tobacco users, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease. Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system, such as leukaemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, puss between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the tooth is unsalvageable. That's why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planing-removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums, and removing the hardened plaque build-up and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.

How do you prevent gum disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. Your dentist can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs. If a dentist doesn't do a periodontal exam during a regular visit, the patient should request it. Children also should be examined.

What is the role of the dentist?

The dentist usually detects gum disease and treats it in the early stages. Some general dentists have acquired additional expertise to treat more advanced conditions of the disease. If the general dentist believes that the gum disease requires treatment by a specialist, the patient will be referred to a periodontist. The dentist and periodontist will work together to formulate a treatment plan for the patient.

Is maintenance important?

Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of therapy. Patients should visit the dentist every 3-4 months (or more, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planning and an overall exam. In between visits, they should brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and brush their tongue. Manual soft nylon bristle brushes are the most dependable and least expensive. Electric brushes are also a good option, but don't reach any further into the pocket than manual brushes. Proxy brushes (small, narrow brushes) are the best way to clean in between the recesses in the teeth, and should be used once a day. Wooden tooth picks and rubber tips should only be used if recommended by your dentist.

Dental emergencies and what we can do!!!

Since we really can't tell when the next emergency will occur to us at home, at work, or anywhere, we have to be prepared to act upon the situation with level-headedness and extreme calm. It would also help us if we have stock knowledge on what to do when certain emergencies happen. A dental emergency, for instance, is common among kids because they are often very active. Knowing something about emergency dentistry could help us help our kids and possible help save their teeth too.

Here are some episodes in emergency dentistry that commonly happens with kids or even adults:

" Toothaches - However severe or mild a toothache is, one should attend to it immediately and properly. It is not advisable to use painkillers like aspirin directly on the gum because it can damage the tissues there. When toothache occurs, use warm water to clean the mouth and gloss around the affected tooth very gently. This is done to remove the food particles that might still be stuck in the teeth. Toothaches can be prevented with frequent visits to the dentist and proper hygiene. Prevention is always best so no one encounters emergency dentistry mishaps.

" Broken or chipped off tooth - Since little kids or even bigger ones are extremely active and always on the move, they are prone to accidents. When an accident happens and a tooth gets chipped off - there may be some trauma on the child so approach this calmly. Observe the child and check if there's pain in the chipped tooth. This could mean that a nerve has been hit and a root canal would be necessary. If there is no pain, the chipped part can be replaced with porcelain or veneers. It is important to go to the dentist immediately after an accident like this so he can give appropriate treatments.

" Knocked off tooth - Emergency dentistry for this situation is to take the tooth by the top and not by the root (to preserve it). Rinse this very well. If the child is old enough, you can replace the tooth to its socket and ask him to hold it as you go to the dentist for the treatment. If holding the tooth in place is not possible, put the clean tooth in a container with milk, water, or saliva and see the dentist immediately.

" Broken tongue or bitten lip - This may be due to a fall or an accidental bump. Get a clean cloth and wipe the area very gently. Apply a cold compress on the affected part to avoid swelling (as a self-help remedy during this emergency dentistry situation). If the bleeding stops shortly after, there is no more cause for alarm, but you still need to see the dentist the next day to check the teeth. If the bleeding won't stop, you need to rush the patient to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

" Things caught in between teeth - Since kids love to put things in their mouths, things can get stuck there and if they pull them out carelessly, the teeth or gums might get damaged. Insert floss where the debris is and carefully slide it without cutting the gum. If you failed to get the object, you should let the dentist do it instead.

Emergency dentistry is something everyone should be aware of since anybody can get caught in a dental situation anytime. It will also be best to always have the contact information of the dentist visible to everyone so it will be easier to call him up in case of emergencies.

sometimes going private isnt always the best option

Thanks to www.bbc.co.uk/news for this little gem...

The Consumers' Association is calling for action to regulate private dentists.
Private dental patient Audrey Read tells BBC News Online of the "horrendous" experience she went through when her treatment went wrong.

Mrs Read from Chester-le-Street, County Durham first started having problems with her teeth last May.

She had broken a tooth, and felt she could not rely on her NHS dentist to give her the treatment she needed.

She went to see a private dentist where she was told she would need a bridge across two teeth - and it was here her troubles began.

"I asked how much it was going to cost, and he said 'Time is money Mrs Read, if you're not going to have the treatment, it's a waste of time talking to you'."

She says the problem tooth was very obvious when she opened her mouth, so she decided to go ahead with the procedure, which cost £424.

A preliminary mould was made, but Mrs Read says: "When he actually put the bridge in, I couldn't shut my mouth - and I heard him saying 'Dear me'."

He then filed down the bridge, but filed it so much that part of the root was exposed.

Painful treatment

"I couldn't bite, I couldn't eat, I couldn't do anything. I went back and told him I was 100% disappointed," she says.

A second bridge was fitted, but that too was faulty.

That had a gap at the side, big enough to fit a polo mint into.

She says: "It was horrendous."

When Mrs Read went to see an NHS dentist, he told her he was "absolutely appalled".

Mrs Read adds: "I wrote to the practice twice to say can I have my money back so I could go and have it repaired properly."

But she had signed a form straight after treatment to say she was happy with the work.

"He invited me in to discuss it, but I didn't want to set foot in there again."

Lack of help

She contacted the British Dental Association, who helped her find a specialist solicitor.

But she says: "There was no help available apart from that.

"There was a lot of phone calls, a lot of argy-bargy."

Mrs Read eventually managed to secure a payment of £6,500 from the dentist concerned, a sum negotiated through solicitors.

She says: "I would definitely be in favour of a new regulatory body.

"There should be someone that can help in situations like this."

how to help your child deal with toothache

Thanks to www.ehow.com for this superb article.

Your child comes to you holding the side of his face. His pained expression immediately tells you something is wrong. He tells you about a pain in his tooth, and you call the dentist. The earliest appointment you can get two days from now. What do you do until then?

Causes of Tooth Ache
The sugar in your child's diet breaks is broken down into acid by ever-present bacteria in the mouth. The acid attacks tooth enamel. This process leads to enamel erosion and, eventually, cavities and exposed roots or nerves. Tooth ache occurs when the decay approaches the small blood vessels and nerves in the pulp chamber.

Ask your child to show you which tooth is affected. Using a pen light, check for ulcers, irritations, noticeably swollen gums or a piece of food lodged between teeth. All of these things can feel like tooth pain but are not directly related to cavities.
Home Remedies
The dentist should be your first call for tooth ache pain. If he can't see your child for a few days, there are some remedies you can try beyond acetaminophenand Anbesol. Remember never to give children or teens products containing aspirin as it increases the risk of developing Reye's Syndrome.
• Rub clove oil on the affected tooth. It may be more painful for a brief period of time, but it should alleviate the pain. If your child won't let you apply the oil, allow him to place it on his finger and do so himself. Children older than age 7 should be able to handle this.
• Small cubes of potato or cucumber cooled in the refrigerator make ideal mini ice packs. Tell your child to place the cooled cube against the painful tooth. This may be a better option than oil of clove for younger children.
• Place a small amount of dried mint leaf around the painful tooth. Tell your child to spit every few minutes.
• A warm, damp towel or an ice pack applied to the jaw line on the affected side may help your child's tooth ache as well.
• Salt water mouthwash is good for treating infections, ulcers and numerous other mouth conditions. Mix about 1 tsp. of table salt into a glass of warm water and have your child rinse his mouth with the solution. Repeat every few hours. Supervise younger children to ensure they don't swallow the salt water.
• Distract your child from the pain. Let him curl up in a comfy chair while you read him a story or allow him to watch a favorite video. You can play board games with him or listen to music while waiting for your dental appointment.

Please dont pull your own teeth out....read why..

Toothache can be a nightmare. So people do try and pull out their own tooth by applying their own techniques. Just to get relief from this throbbing pain, they do not mind pulling their tooth. Sometimes the pain is so unbearable that you cannot think of anything other than trying ways to reduce this pain. Sometimes the cavity is so bad that any amount of medicines would not help in giving relief to the tooth. Tooth problems have existed since man has been there. Pliers were used in the good olden days to extract tooth. In the olden days, there were no tranquilizers. So people used to get drunk so much that they would forget the pain and then the tooth would be pulled out. In case you venture out on pulling out the tooth on your own, then it is for sure that you would definitely experience some amount of pain and discomfort.
It is not always possible to pull one’s own teeth. Baby teeth can be pulled out, in case it moves a little. But certain times, we are not quite sure whether the tooth which is shaking is due to an abscess or something else. When you are unsure, heed for a dentist.
Another instance where you could just pull out the tooth is when one is suffering from a severe gum disease. The socket of the tooth becomes so loose and flimsy that even without any effort; your tooth would become loose and just fall off. But in case the infection is so severe, that you experience unbearable pain even on merely touching the tooth, do not play mischief with it. In case you manage to shake it, there are chances that you are not able to pull out the entire tooth, only a portion of the tooth comes out in your hand. For clearing the remaining portion, you would not have to go to a dentist.
It is not always likely that you just hold the loose tooth with pliers and rip it off. It would result in more damage than good. One need to appreciate teeth are fragile and delicate and they need to be handled with care. Handling your tooth with cutting pliers is definitely not a wise option. It would also lead to other mouth infections. It is advised that one does not deal with abscesses. You need to go to a dentist immediately to sort out the problems. The dentist would give you some antibiotics which could help in healing the wound.
It is advised that one does not wait till the tooth problem becomes so grave that you have to rush to the dentist. Teething problems should be taken care of immediately. Never venture into pulling off your tooth on your own. It would lead to more problems. Your dentist would do a clean job and you would not experience any pain or discomfort. He would numb the infected area with injections and then rip off the tooth. Antibiotics would also be prescribed by healing the infected area of the tooth. In case you manage to pull out the tooth by any chance, you would still have to go to the dentist.

Remedies I think you could avoid...ouch!!!!

‘I told you so’ is not the thing to say to a victim of toothache for they will already have perceived the point of oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist and all they will wish is for the pain to be removed. Toothache appears to occur most frequently at night or during the holiday period, making the need for an instant panacea of paramount importance.

Sweets, sugary foods and fizzy drinks are appallingly detrimental to the care of teeth and gums. The acid and sugar combine to make the noxious plaque in which bacteria can fester and cause gum disease and tooth decay. A good diet from birth with the correct balance of vitamins and minerals in necessary for the development of strong teeth but even with the best possible advantages regular visits to the dentist are essential and so is regular cleaning of the teeth after each meal. Contrary to popular belief an apple is no substitute for this routine, so if you cannot clean you teeth after meals buy one of the special chewing gums which dentists recommend as being better than nothing. Use dental flos and toothpicks (and use them gently) to remove small particles of food from between the teeth – this will do much to ensure healthy gums.

At one time toothbrushes and toothpaste were unheard of and the bark or twigs of shrubs were used with pains taking care to keep the teeth free of detritus. The end of the stick was chewed and softened until frayed and carefully infiltrated into every crevice in the mouth. Elder wood twigs were most commonly used in the british Isles but most countries throughout the world had their own favourites.

Considering that years ago the victim of toothache probably had to live with it until the tooth rotted in his head (the alternatives being too awful to contemplate), a great deal of thought was given to the best ways of preventing this happening. Appealing to Divine intervention was obviously thought the best method for the most powerful talisman one could carry around was the double jaw bone of a very ancient haddockproving no doubt that you were a good Christian, knew of the haddock’s Biblical connections and had no right to suffer the purgatory of toothache. Another merry thought was a religious script proclaiming one’s desire to lead a good, toothache-free life, and this was carried around the neck for double indemnity. Rabbit’s or sheep’s teeth were also carried in a small leather bag near the throat or failing either of these amulets a hedgehog’s skull or double hazelnut which does not look unlike a large double tooth – were guarantee that should toothache strike the pain would be transferred to the charm. Another ancient rhyme suggests that one should chew the first fresh fern of the year as insurance against toothache and of this one would be guaranteed as it would have probably caused death instead.

It is interesting to note that although the majorit of hare-brained superstitions were practiced by the wealthy as well as the lowly it was the country folk who were the ones to employ sensible practices to keep their mouths healthy. They used elder toothpicks the elder vinegar as a mouthwash, they strengthened their gums by rubbing them with blackthorn or sage leaf and they made a variety or kitchen powders using soot, salt, charcoal, burnt bread or rye meal and herbs to cleanse and whiten the teeth at the same time as they stimulated the gums and disinfected the mouth.