Bad Breath Can Be More Dangerous Than It First Appears To Be
A study done by Anne Bosy, co-founder of the Fresh Breath Clinic in Toronto, found that most people with bad breath do not have gum disease. Instead, she found that sulphur-producing bacteria live at the back of the tongue, bedding down under plaque and mucous. These bacteria are a source of halitosis.
If there is a white film covering the tongue then you can be sure that there are millions of bacteria resident there.
Because there is an oxygen-poor environment at the rear of the tongue, the gram negative anaerobic bacteria can thrive nicely there and provide a constant supply to the mouth. Hence it is practically impossible to remove all the bacteria from the mouth.
These anaerobic bacteria are B. forsythus, T. denticola, A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia and P.gingivalis. They are known to be active in periodontal diseases.
Not only does this plaque on the tongue result in bad breath smells, but gum diseases and tooth problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis readily follow.
85% of all cases of bad breath originate in the mouth, and 90% of those are caused by the coatings on the tongue. It has been shown previously in various studies that the major components of halitosis are the mercaptans and hydrogen sulphide.
Studies into human behaviour have shown that nobody likes to let anybody else know that they have bad breath, not even their closest partners - usually out of fear of embarrassing them.
Fairly shocking news just released connects the bacteria in our mouths to heart disease and other serious diseases.
Under the coating on the tongue are several bacteria, and one of them is the main actor in periodontal disease. When the gums are damaged or bleeding, this bacteria get into the bloodstream and travels through the body. It is thought that it may be causing damage even to the heart.
Several of the bacteria in the mouth have been shown to enter the bloodstream through the gums and cause blood clots and damage heart muscle tissue. Some recent studies have shown that one particular bacteria called Clostridium perfingens, which is very often found in the oral cavity, is suspected of being the major culprit.
Researchers claim that there may be a direct connection between gum diseases in pregnant women and low birth weights of their offspring. They say it could be an effect of the toxic by-products of the bacteria.
Some studies are showing a connection betweem diabetes and periodontal disease.
Bacteria found in the mouth can end up in the airways and increase the risk of complications associated with chronic lung conditions and respiratory disease.
A lot of toxins and metabolic waste is removed from the body while we sleep through the tongue coating, as many people are aware, but do we consider the fact that much of this can be re-ingested with our very first meal of the day!
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
About the author: Del Carl researches and posts free articles and information on the subject of bad breath and periodontal disease at his website. Be sure to check it out.
Banish Your Bad Breath And Gum Disease
Oral Cancer — Causes and Symptoms
Worldwide, there are 350,000 to 400,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. Even with today's medical and dental advances, this number hasn't improved significantly in years. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous for two reasons: 1) it is routinely discovered late in its development and 2) oral cancer patients have a 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer even five to ten years after the first diagnosis.
Doctors can't explain why one person gets oral cancer and another doesn't, even when they have the same risk factors. The known risk factors include:
- Smoking and Tobacco Use - At least 75% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are tobacco users, including the so-called 'smokeless' tobacco.
- Alcohol - Heavy use of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of oral cancer.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use Combined - Those who smoke and drink heavily are 15 times more likely to develop oral cancer.
- Sunlight - Prolonged exposure to sunlight is a causative factor in lip and skin cancers.
- Diet - Studies have shown that a diet low in fruits and vegetables may put you more at risk for oral cancer, and other studies indicate that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may protect against many types of cancer.
- A color change in the mouth, including white, red, smooth, or discolored patches
- Ulcer or sore on lips or gums that doesn't heal
- Rough, crusty or eroded spot that doesn't heal
- A lump, mass, thickening inside the mouth or neck
- Bleeding in the mouth (Healthy gums don't bleed! This can also be a sign of gum disease.)
- Loose teeth
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking or chewing
- Pain or difficulty moving the jaws
- Wart like masses
- Hoarseness that doesn't go away
- Numbness in the oral/facial region
- Change in the way teeth fit together
- Difficulty wearing dentures
- Earache
- Any oral change or soreness that doesn't go away or heal within two weeks
source:searchwarp.com/
How To Deal With Gum Abscess
By: Andy Lim
When pus forms in your gums but not in the bone, you have gum or periodontal abscess. It ranks second in dental emergencies. It is the result of periodontitis, a severe gum disease. It usually needs to be treated immediately.
When inflammation spreads into the supporting structure of the teeth, it will result in periodontal abscess. This will subsequently destroy the supporting structure of the teeth,the bone and the tissue (periodontium). The destruction will then lead to the formation of pockets. Food particles will accumulate in the pockets to form plaque and tartar. This creates a conducive environment for the bacteria to live and multiply. In the end, infection sets in and pus develops in the gums.
Gum abscess can form around a living tooth. Beginning from the gum, the pus works itself into the bone by creating a hole in the bone around the teeth. This will eventually destroy the underlying bone. The problem can only get worse. That's why periodontal disease cannot be left untreated.
Unlike a toothache, you can't feel the pain when the infection sets in. When the pus begins to take form in the gum, you will experience continuous throbbing and burning sensations. Usually overnight, the infected area will swell. You may notice a white spot on the gum. If you push the gum around your teeth, it hurts. You may have difficulty in opening your mouth because of the swelling and inflammation of gums close to your teeth. Your taste bud will be affected also because of the draining of the pus. Bear in mind that the infection can spread to other gum areas if you don't get proper treatment.
You can use salt water and clove oil to reduce the pain temporarily before you seek dental help. Pain relieving medication with anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, motrin or acetaminophen may also help. Sometimes after using mouthwashes and peroxide flushes, the pus will form again. They can only relieve the pain but cannot treat the infection. You should see a dentist right away to have it treated.
Antibiotic therapy is the best temporary relief for periodontal abscess. It is administered during a dental emergency. You should get relief between 24 to 48 hours.
Dentists usually use scaling and root planing to remove the abscess. To get rid of the infection, they will thoroughly clean the canal system within the tooth. They also remove the debris to allow the pus to drain. But you may need periodontal surgery or even worse, selective tooth extraction if the gum disease becomes serious.
You need to keep your tooth and root surfaces clean. This can prevent the formation of pockets which gather bacteria. Then your risk of developing gum abscess is lower. You can also stop infection by removing plaque through proper oral hygiene.
Regular dental visits can help to control active gum disease by reducing the depth of periodontal pockets around the affected teeth. Regular dental cleanings can reduce bacterial growth in periodontal pockets to lower the possibility of developing periodontal abscess.
Gum abscess begins as an inflammation of the gum tissue (gingivitis). If you don't take immediate measures, it can destroy supporting structures and become periodontitis. If you need dental emergency treatment, you are already in the acute phase of gum disease. Proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits can stop gum abscess from developing.
Andy Lim gives away more tips on how totreat gum disease at his web site. You can prevent periodontal infection by applyingreversing gum disease strategies.
Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com
What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
From Tammy Davenport,
Teeth Whitening Facts
Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, has become extremely popular over the last several years. It’s a great way to improve your appearance, it’s reasonably priced, non-surgical and non-invasive.
As with everything else, teeth whitening isn't perfect and it isn't for everyone. Before you decide to have your teeth whitened, you should talk with your dentist. Your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Knowing the facts can help you with your decision also:
- Teeth whitening procedures are not covered by most dental insurance plans.
- Tooth colored fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers will not lighten when your teeth are bleached.
- Whitening toothpastes can make your teeth appear a little lighter by removing stains, but they do not actually bleach your teeth.
- Teeth whitening does not produce the same results on all types of teeth discoloration.
- Someone with yellow tinted teeth would probably have great results with bleaching, while someone with gray tinted teeth might be disappointed because gray tinted teeth don't bleach as well.
- Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects of teeth whitening treatments.
- If you have any cavities, they should be filled before you have your teeth whitened.
- Teeth whitening kits from the dentist produce faster results because they contain a stronger peroxide bleaching agent than whitening kits purchased over the counter.
- Touch ups are usually needed to maintain your desired shade, depending upon habits such as smoking, drinking coffee and tea and eating certain foods which will stain your teeth.
- People with gum disease shouldn't get their teeth whitened.
- It's a good idea to have a dental cleaning prior to having your teeth whitened to remove surface stains.
