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The Importance Of Having a Healthy Tongue and Symptoms of Disease

2013-12-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

The tongue is a muscular organ associated with the function of taste and speech. It acts as an easily accessible organ for the assessment of health of an individual and shows the state of hydration of the body.It is said that tongue is the mirror of the gastrointestinal system and any abnormal functioning of the stomach and intestines will be reflected on the tongue.

Some characteristic changes occur in the tongue in some particular diseases.That is why the examination of the tongue is very essential and will give some clues for diagnosis.All doctors examine the tongue and they consider the changes in size,shape, color, moisture,coating, nature of papillae and movements.

Appearance of tongue in some abnormal conditions:-

1) Movements of the tongue:-

a) In one sided paralysis of the body(hemiplegia)tongue moves towards the paralyzed side when protruded.

b) Tremulus movement of the tongue is seen in diseases like thyrotoxicosis,delirium tremens and parkinsonisum.Tremor is also seen in nervous patients.

c) In progressive bulbar palsy there will be wasting and paralysis of the tongue with fibrillation.Eventually the tongue shrinks and lies without function in the floor of the mouth.This condition is associated with dribbling of saliva and loss of speech.

d) In chorea(involuntary rhythmic movements) the patient may not be able to keep the protruded tongue in mouth and may move involuntarily.

2) Moistness of the tongue:-

The moistness of the tongue gives some indication about the state of hydration of the body. Water volume depletion leads to peripheral circulatory failure with symptoms of weakness, thirst, restlessness, anorexia, nausea a vomiting, dry and parched tongue.

Dryness of the tongue is seen in following conditions.

a) Diarrhea
b) Later stages of severe illness
c) Advanced uremia
d) Hypovolemic shock
e) Heat exhaustion
f Acute intestinal obstruction
g) Starvation
h) Prolonged fasting.

3) Change in color of tongue:-

a) Central cyanosis :-
Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the mucus membrane due to decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood.This is seen in heart and respiratory failure. In cyanosis the tongue and lips become a pale bluish color.

b) Jaundice:-
This is the yellowish discoloration of all mucus surfaces of the body (including tongue)due to increase of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice is seen in hepatitis,bile duct obstruction and increased destruction of RBCs.

c) Advanced uremia:-
This is the increase of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to kidney failure. Here the tongue become brown in color.

d) Keto acidosis:-
This is the acidosis with accumulation of ketone bodies seen mainly in diabetes mellitus .Here the tongue become brown with a typical ketone smell from the mouth.

e) Riboflavin deficiency:-
Deficiency of this vitamin (vitamin B2) produces magenta color of the tongue with soreness and fissures of lips.

f) Niacin deficiency:-
Deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3)and some other B complex vitamins results in bright scarlet or beefy red tongue.

g) Anaemia:-
It is the decrease in hemoglobin percentage of the blood. In severe anemia the tongue becomes pale.

4) Coating on the tongue:-

a) Bad breath:-
The main cause for bad breath is formation of a pasty coating(bio film) on the tongue which lodges thousands of anaerobic bacteria resulting in the production of offensive gases. Those who complain about bad breath may have thick coating on the posterior part of the tongue.

b) Typhoid fever:-
In typhoid fever tongue becomes white coated like a fur.

c) Candidiasis;-
It is a fungal infection which affects the mucus surfaces of the body.On the tongue there will be sloughing white lesions.

d) In diabetes and hypoadrenalism there will be sloughing white lesions.

e) Secondary syphilis:-
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted diseased caused by trepenoma pallidum infection.In secondary stage of this disease we can see mucous patches which are painless,smooth white opalescent plaques which can not be scraped off easily.

f) Leokoplakia:-
Here white keratotic patches are seen on the tongue and oral cavity.This is a precancerous condition.

g) Peritonitis:-
It is the inflammation of the peritonium inner covering of abdominal cavity which also covers the intestines and keep them in position) in this condition there is white furring of the tongue.

h) Acute illness:-
Furring is also seen in some acute diseases.

5) Papillae:-
These are small projections on the tongue associated with taste.There are different type of papillae on the healthy tongue.In some diseases there are some abnormal changes which are following.

a) Hairy tongue:-
This condition is due to elongation of papillae seen in poor oral hygiene ,general debility and indigestion.

b) Geographic tongue:-
Here irregular red and white patches appear on the tongue. These lesions looks like a geographic map.The exact cause is not known.

c) Median rhomboid glossitis:-
In this condition there is smooth nodular red area in the posterior mid line of the tongue.This is a congenital condition.

d) Nutritional deficiency:-
In nutrional deficiency there is glossitis(inflammation of tongue) leading to papillary hypertrophy followed by atrophy.

e) Benign migratory glossitis:-
It is an inflammatory condition of the tongue where multiple annular areas of papillae appear on the tongue which shift from area to area in few days.

f) Thiamine and riboflavin deficiency:-
Deficiency of these vitamins cause hypertrophied filiform and fungiform papillae.

g) Niacin and iron deficiency:-
In this condition there is atrophy of papillae.Smooth tongue is encountered in iron deficiency.

h) Vitamin A deficiency:-
This causes furrowed tongue.

i) In nutritional megaloblastic anemia tongue becomes smooth.

j) Folic acid deficiency:-
Here macrocytic megaloblastic anemia with glossitis is seen.

k) Cyano coblamine deficiency:-
Here glossitis with macrocytic megaloblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathy is encountered.

l) Scarlet fever;-

In this streptococcal infection there is bright red papillae standing out of a thick white fur ,later the white coat disappear leaving enlarged papillae on the bright red surface and is called strawberry tongue.

6) Ulcers on the tongue:--

a) Aphthous ulcer:-
These are round painful ulcers appear in stressed individuals frequently. May be associated with food allergy. Usual sites are tongue, lips,and oral mucosa

b) Herpes simplex:-
It is an acute vesicular eruptions produced by herpes simplex virus.When these vesicles rupture it forms ulcers.

c) Ulcer in cancer:-
Cancerous ulcers are having everted edges with hard base. Bleeding is also seen.Cancer of the tongue is common in tobacco chewers.

d) Syphilitic ulcers:-
Syphilitic fissures are longitudinal in direction.In primary syphilis extra genital chancre is seen on the tongue.In secondary syphilis multiple shallow ulcers are seen on the under surface and sides of the tongue.

e) Dental ulcers:-
These ulcers are produced by sharp edges of carious teeth.

Taking Care Of Sensitive Teeth

2013-09-28T12:55:00.002-07:00

As millions of people all around the world know, sensitive teeth can make life in general a nightmare. Sensitive teeth comes with pain and discomfort that can make eating or drinking your favorite foods a painful experience. Although you may suffer from sensitive teeth, you can rest assured that they can be treated.

Normally, this condition presents tooth pain after drinking cold liquid, eating hot or cold foods, or breathing cold air. If the pain becomes too much to bear, you should immediately see your dentist, as the nerve of your tooth could be exposed. Normally, sensitive teeth starts when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. With the gums being a protective blanket, they cover and protect the teeth’s roots. When the gums recede and pull away, the roots have no protection, and therefore they will be exposed.

The exposed root tips contain small tubules that lead directly to the nerves of the teeth. Whenever pressure, hot, or cold elements travel down the tubules, it will trigger the nerves and result in pain. Those who don’t have sensitive teeth will have their gums covering the tubules, which prevents these types of things from happening.

The idea here is to stop tooth sensitivity and keep the gums healthy. If you reduce the pressure you use when brushing your teeth, you’ll find that your gums will remain healthy. When taught to brush their teeth, most people are instructed to use a lot of force. While this can get the teeth clean, it will also tear at the gums, which can lead to sensitive teeth. If you have sensitive teeth now, you should try using an electric toothbrush such as the Sonicare advanced.

Although you may have sensitive teeth now, there are ways you can help to improve your gums and your teeth. There are several toothpastes out there on the market that contain potassium nitrate, which helps to reduce pain and discomfort associated with sensitivity. Although there are several toothpastes to choose from, Sensodyne is the preferred. It’s recommended by dentists as being the best, simply because it affects the nerve of the tooth and stops the pain where it starts.

Mouthwash can also help tooth sensitivity, providing it contains fluoride. You can also ask your dentist which mouthwash he recommends, as there are several to choose from. Scope is a great brand to use, as it offers you plenty of fluoride without any alcohol. Unlike Listerine, Scope won’t burn your mouth when you use it. It will leave you with a clean feeling, and get your mouth and teeth completely clean - killing millions of bacteria.

If you start using fluoride toothpaste such as Sensodyne and mouthwash, you’ll notice a bit improvement in your teeth and gums. The sensitivity will begin going away, giving you almost immediate relief. When you brush, make sure you brush gently, and avoid using any type of force, as it will always cause your gums to recede again.

In the event that using Sensodyne and fluoride mouthwash doesn’t help, you should ask your dentist about other options available to you. Your dentist will know what will help you, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask. Your dentist will know how to eliminate your sensitivity once and for all, and how to prevent it from coming back. Tooth sensitivity is something that many of us have to deal with - although there are ways that you can fight back and prevent the pain and discomfort associated with sensitivity from making your life harder than it has to be.

Popularity of Dental Insurance

2013-08-28T08:31:00.001-07:00

The benefits of dental insurance coverage have been further stressed upon by the popular icons on the television, who always seem to have flashing white flawless teeth. These teeth are a result of care, expensive dental care and thus need for expensive group dental insurance plans provided by insurance companies that reducing in number by the day.

Group dental insurance plans have been growing rapidly placed in the niche market of employee benefit programs. A few years back, dental insurance was a non-descript part of employee benefit programs and very simple to plan and execute. Most plans used were for full coverage of preventive care and cleaning, 80% coverage for basic restoration and 50% coverage for major restorative services like crowns and bridges. Despite advice many employees never visited their dentists resulting in the overall cost of insurance being low and stable compared to general health benefit plans which rose year after year. For many years dental insurance was a simple rider for employers who took it major plans from big insurance companies.

The last few years saw a spurt in television advertising and as the smiles brightened on the idiot box, the importance of whiter smiles and straighter teeth became apparent and people started taking more interest in dental care. This in turn saw a spurt in rise of dental insurance premiums almost at the rate of 7-10% a year. This rate is significant and big employers started looking at it with a bigger eye. This tells on the bottom-line of the company since the employee benefit expenses are going up due to this rise. The dental insurance costs about 10% of the total employee benefits for a corporate today. So the rise in premium year after year, pushes the total employee benefit expenses 1% higher year after year.

"Employers aren't paying that much attention yet, but considering the way dental plans are evolving, they should," says Donald S. Mayes, dental plan auditor and consultant from Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Dental Insurance plans, as a part of employment package have also increased in popularity. So big companies, to recruit and retain their employees cannot do away with these plans; at the same time have to watch the cost going upward. A Catch 22 decision is awaited.

Always research different plans and remember that discounted dental plans can be as effective as dental insurance without the monthly cost. Dental plans offer a one time fee with yearly benefits.

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A Quick Look At Gingivitis And Periodontal Disease

2013-05-29T07:26:00.001-07:00

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a serious condition that will eventually result in tooth loss. With adults, gingivitis and periodontal disease are the most common forms of gum disease. To prevent both types of gum disease, you should always brush your teeth and floss regularly to remove as much plaque as possible. If you allow the plaque to build up, gum disease will usually be the result.

Gingivitis is known as inflammation in the tissues of the gums. If plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, the gums will eventually get swollen and irritated. Over time, the gums will get very tender and start to appear puffy. When you brush your teeth, you’ll notice that your gums have become very sore and they will start to bleed with little to no pressure. If you notice blood when brushing, chances are you have gingivitis. Anytime you brush your teeth or floss, there should never be any sign of blood.

During this stage of gingivitis, there is no loss of bone structure. You can help to prevent gingivitis though, through flossing and brushing a few times a day. If you have gingivitis and you don’t do something about it, it could lead to periodontal disease. Those who don’t treat gingivitis or those who keep poor oral hygiene habits, will normally end up with periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a condition in which the bone and surrounding structures are destroyed. Even though this form of mouth disease cannot be reversed, you can put a stop to it’s progression by going to your dentist on a regular basis and brushing your teeth a few times day. Periodontal disease is a serious condition, which is why you should always try to stop the progression or even better, take necessary measures to prevent it from getting out of hand.

If you don’t do something about the progression of periodontal disease, the condition will continue to get worse. During the early stages of the disease, you’ll notice that your gums appear to be bright red, and very sore. This is due to the plaque building up below the gum line. When left untreated, the plaque and tartar that is below the gums will continue to eat at the teeth.

Keep in mind that plaque doesn’t need to be visible or detected in order for periodontal disease to be diagnosed. To determine if you have periodontal disease, you’ll need to have your dentist examine you on a regular basis. Your dentist can perform tests on your gums and your teeth, to determine if you have it. If you do have periodontal disease, your dentist can tell you how to stop the progression and prevent things from getting any worse than they already are.

Both periodontal disease and gingivitis aren’t normally painful and both tend to progress in a slow fashion. Although you may not be aware that you have either of the two at first, the symptoms and signs will start to show in the later stages. Once the later stages have started to progress, you’ll normally end up losing the tooth.

To be on the safe side and protect your teeth and your gums, you should always go to the dentist for your regular checkups and cleaning. If you catch it in time, your dentist will be able to help you treat the earlier stages of gum disease. You don’t want to wait until it is too late, as the more advanced stages of gum disease can completely destroy your teeth and gums. At late stages there isn't much your dentist can do to save your teeth.

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Tray-Based Teeth Whitening: Extending Professional’s Touch

2013-04-19T11:56:00.004-07:00

Out of curiosity, have you ever asked the question why teeth get dark? Or have you even pondered on the possible answers to this simple query?

Tooth discoloration should not be taken lightly though the case should really lighten to brighten up a smile.

There are many reasons why teeth get stained. The most typical reasons vary from factors written below:

1. heredity
2. consumption of staining substances (such as tea, coffee, and colas)
3. excessive fluoride and use of abrasives (which only expose dentin and causes severe discoloration)*
4. tetracycline (antibiotic) staining
5. old fillings
6. aging

Toothpastes that have whitening agents can minimize the stain that is on the surface of the teeth. The case is also coined by dentists as extrinsic staining. However, professional dental cleanings and whitening toothpastes will not change the intrinsic staining of the teeth, if used appropriately. This is the main reason why tooth bleaching or tooth whitening is so popular.

Normally, teeth whitening remedies are put into 2 categories

1. Professional whitening systems

This is usually performed by dentists using whitening gels and lasers to activate the solution. This is normally done inside a dental clinic.

2. Home-based teeth whitening remedy

This could either be done in-between appointments of professional treatments using whitening kits and tray-based whitening techniques or are just home-made remedies from kitchen and medicine items. These applications are usually done at home and according to the frequency suggested by dentists and/or by a product’s instructions.

Just how is tray-based teeth whitening technique employed to the patient? Read on the following four-step procedure:

1. A whitening gel is poured all over a tray that just fits over the teeth of the patient.
2. The active ingredient inside the gel, carbamide peroxide will be broken down sp that oxygen can enter the enamel to bleach the discolored areas.
3. By this, the physical structure of each tooth is not actually transformed. Crowns, fillings, and Bonding will not lighten but the colored substances will.
4. Casts or impressions of the tray are customized by dentists. The accuracy of the trays is critical to the treatment

Below are follow-up questions most patients are curious about tray teeth whitening method.

How safe is the method?

Most dentists agree that tray bleaching or whitening is relatively safe, fast, provides easy ways to lighten teeth between two and five shades in a matter of few days.

How is this different from other professional whitening systems?

Below is a list of some professional whitening products dentists in choosing items for their professional whitening system. The kind of bleaching laser or light is enclosed in parentheses.

1. BriteSmile (gas plasma light/light emitting diode)
2. LaserSmile (a Biolase laser)
3. LumaArch (halogen light)
4. Rembrandt Sapphire (plasma arc light)
5. Zoom! (metal halide light)

Generally, laser treatment is done by applying a 35% Hydrogen Peroxide gel-based solution on the teeth of the patient. After applying the solution on the surface of the teeth, a light is held several inches away from the patient’s mouth to activate the peroxide component of the gel. There are manufacturers and dentists who advertise that this method works better than tray whitening method. There are no actual data completed to support their claims.

Actually, after a year of usual lifestyle habits (drinking tea, colas, coffee, smoking, etc.) treatments using laser-accompanied whitening gel are disregarded. This will cost you another $ 500 or more to have the same treatment again.

However, with the custom-made “mouthpieces”, you can have your usual lifestyle habits for a year and perform touch-ups one day roughly alternately every 3-6 months to take off the new stain inexpensively.

Discount Dental Plans

2013-02-23T15:57:00.007-08:00

What are discount Dental Plans?

In general Dental plans are a low cost alternative to dental insurance. Dental care services become more affordable with discount dental plans for families in the lower income bracket. A dental plan is a kind of a club you join where we have a section of providers and consumers. In a discounted dental plan, the providers have agreed to provide the services at a discounted rate. As a consumer, one just has to display his or her membership card while visiting the provider. These discounted dental plans do not purport to insurance in any way, they are just discount programs.

Choosing a Dental Plan

While taking a decision on a discounted dental plan, it is important to be fully informed so that one can make a confident decision. The internet would be great tool to search for various plans in your area and compare them. Keeping the cost and benefits offered in mind, an informed decision can be made against the backdrop of your needs. Joining or enrolling in any of these plans is easy and quick; you just have to pay the fee using your credit card or electronic check and get the package online, in a matter of minutes. Many of these packages come with a 30 day money back guarantee, which means if you are not satisfied with the package or services, you can get your money back within 30 days without any questions being asked.

Many discounted dental plans offer ways to save on more than dental care, offering discounts on pharmacy prescriptions, vision etc. Keep these in mind while comparing the plans.

Using your discounted Dental plan

After you join a discounted dental plan you can start using the plan immediately without any waiting period. Benefits for most discounted dental plans are activated within 48 hours from enrolling.

When you use the discounted dental plan, make sure you call the empanelled provider dentist for an appointment. When you reach the dentist to keep your appointment, make sure you show the discount dental plan card to the receptionist to avoid confusion, it will ensure that you are charged the discounted rate in the first place.

The payment at the discounted rate is to be made at the time of taking the service. There are no hassles of paperwork and claims as in insurance plans.

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Dental Plans -vs- Dental Insurance

2013-01-15T16:50:00.003-08:00

Dental plans and Dental insurance...what are the differences ??

Dental coverage is normally not underwritten by insurance companies because the treatment and medication of dental needs are predictable and follow a time table. No individual would opt for a dental insurance plan if he were to pay more in premium than in annual dental charges, and the insurance company would lose money if they pay more in claims than the premium collected for each policy they underwrite.

Despite these drawbacks, some companies offer dental benefits by group discount schemes. These are also called discounted dental plans or affordable dental plans. These are a kind of “clubs” where membership costs a little money monthly or annually where the members can avail of dental services at a discounted rate. The dental service providers or dentists affiliated to these “clubs” have agreed to provide dental services at a discounted rate. The payment is made directly by the patient to the dentist, no paperwork or claims or future hassles. These “clubs” only do matchmaking between the patient and the dentist, earning money in the process. The dentist in turns gains to earn due to larger volumes of work. The patient gets the service at a discounted rate. It’s a WIN-WIN for all parties involved.

Dental Insurance when offered is again a complicated issue. The insurance company generally stresses upon background checks and pre-existing conditions. After this goes through you have to wait out until the coverage starts. When the treatment is actually undergone, a lot of paperwork regarding claims, %age exclusions etc. come to the fore where it becomes more of a pain to actually undergo and finish the process of reimbursement.

However insurance has its own benefits and plans have their own. A lot of employers also provide dental insurance whereupon the need for plans ceases for the individual. It’s for the individual to decide between the two as per their requirement, needs and current situation.

Understanding Dental Pain & Applying Quick Remedies

2012-11-24T12:02:00.001-08:00

As we all know, toothaches are the result of several different factors. The pain that stems from a toothache is always apparent, normally in the form of throbbing. The pain will normally intensify as time goes by, when you eat, lay down, or drink hot/cold liquids. Toothaches are very painful, and it may seem that no matter what you do - it seems to hurt more.

In the dental world, toothaches can include such things as cavities, infections or abscess in the teeth or gums, debris that has been trapped between the teeth and gums, and trauma to the face, teeth, or the jaw. Sometimes, toothaches can result from medical conditions and have nothing to do with dental. In most cases, if the problem goes without being checked, it can lead to serious trouble and maybe even become a life threatening situation.

Normally, when you have a toothache, you’ll experience tremendous pain. The pain will stem from the affected tooth or the jaw, and you’ll know it almost immediately. It will start out to be a throbbing pain, then continue to get worse and worse until you get it treated. If you wait too long and allow the infection to spread throughout the tooth, you’ll end up having to get it pulled or cut out.

Anytime you start to experience a toothache, you shouldn’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked. Sometimes, getting an appointment when your tooth starts hurting is easier said than done. Even though you may be able to use certain products to stop the pain, the pain will always come back until you get the problem fixed. A toothache will always come back, until you get the tooth taken care of.

If you visit your dentist in time and he catches the problem early, he may be able to save your tooth. Normally, this will result in a filling, crown, or root canal, although you won’t have to have the tooth removed. Dentists always look to save teeth, as they don’t like to remove a tooth unless they absolutely have to. If the tooth has become abscessed, the dentist will put you on antibiotics such as penicillin until the infection has subsided enough to remove the tooth.

Throughout our lives, most of us will experience the pain and agony of a toothache at some point. A toothache can be the worst pain you have ever felt in your life, especially if you are feeling the pain of an abscess. Here are some quick remedies until you can get to the dentist. (Results vary for each individual)

1) Try to get antibiotics like Amoxicillen to kill the infection. You can buy it from your local pet store if you are unable to get a prescription right away.

2) You can use Aspirin, or pain relievers like Tylenol, Aleve, etc... but eventually the nerves will become immune to the popular pain relievers. (These are effective for temporary use)

3) Gently clean the tooth with baking soda, or remove food particles with dental floss, then rinse with lukewarm water and salt.

4) Try soaking a cotton ball in Peroxide and applying to tooth/gum area. This will sooth and help the infected area.

5) Try dipping a Peppermint flavor tea bag in boiling hot water. Squeeze some of the water from the tea bag and place on painful area. Finish in a cup of tea and occasionally swish around in mouth.

6) Apply Ambesol or Orajel with a cotton ball to area.

7) Apply pure vanilla extract with a q-tip to infected or painful area.

8) Another simple remedy is to place an ice bag on the outside of the cheek nearest the aching tooth. You can make an ice bag by placing a few pieces of ice in a sealed baggie and wrapping the baggie with a handkerchief or a wash cloth.

Here is a great FORUM with many ideas that may help if you are still experiencing tooth pain....

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Dental Extractions

2012-11-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Dental extractions are among the easiest and best ways to get relief from a toothache. As the name implies, an extraction involves removing the tooth. If your pulp has died or the tooth has become severely infected, extraction may be your only route. Depending on the tooth, the dentist can do either a simple extraction or a more complicated extraction.

Simple extractions
These types of extractions, the simple extractions, are the most common in the world of dentistry. During a simple extraction, the dentist will remove the tooth by loosening the gums around the socket. He will grasp the tooth with forceps and move it from side to side until he can get it to break free from the socket and remove it.

The teeth are held to the bone by a thin piece of soft tissue. This soft tissue is known as the periodontal ligament. The dentist uses this tissue to remove the tooth. As you may know, the key to removing a tooth by pulling is to rock the tooth from side to side, which enlarges the socket in the bone and breaks the ligament that helps to hold the tooth in place.

Simple extractions, also known as pulling, don’t take long to complete. The dentist will numb you before he starts, so you won’t feel anything. Depending on the tooth, pulling it will normally take just a few minutes after you have been numbed with local anesthesia. Once completed, the dentist will place gauze in your mouth to bite on and you will be free to go.

Complex extractions
As we all know, not all teeth can be pulled. Sometimes, the tooth will be so decayed or broken off that the dentist will have nothing to grasp above the gum line. In cases such as this, the dentist will need to perform a more complicated extraction, which involves getting the tooth out below the gum line, as he won’t be able to use the standard method of pulling and rocking.

These types of extractions involve the dentist making an incision in the gums around the tooth, and raising the flap he cut to expose the bone. Once he has exposed the bone, there may be enough of the tooth exposed for the dentist to grab and remove it using the pulling method. In most cases however, the tooth will be embedded in the bone, meaning that the dentist will be unable to pull the tooth out.

With teeth that are imbedded in the bone, the dentist will need to use a drill and chip away at the bone to get to the tooth. This is known as cutting the tooth out, and happens to be very common with impacted teeth or teeth that are severely decayed. Once the dentist has cut his way to the tooth and removed it, he will sew back the flap of skin that he cut to get to the tooth. The flap of skin and the socket will heal over time - providing you take care of it.

Dental extractions are very common, and happen on a daily basis for dentists. Oral surgeons are the best for extractions, as extractions are all they do. All types of extractions, even the most complex, will take time to heal. As long as you take care of your extraction site, you’ll avoid common pitfalls such as dry sockets and other mishaps. Although they can be painful once the procedure is over - you’ll eventually start to feel a lot better once you have had the tooth or teeth removed.

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Getting Over Your Fear of the Dentist

2012-10-26T20:15:00.002-07:00

Dental anxiety or fearing the dentist is a problem that I myself experienced. Many people have this problem, and something that is somewhat difficult to overcome. This fear normally prevents rational people from visiting the dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth. The key to keeping your teeth healthy is to prevent problems before they start. Those who suffer from dental anxiety will try to avoid going to the dentist, which results in problems. I suffered for years which resulted in major issues later.

When someone who suffers from dental anxiety finally goes to the dentist, they normally find that even the smallest of problems can turn serious and require a lot of work and intervention from the dentist. Even though you may not realize it, regular cleaning visits to your dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities.

You can use several techniques to overcome dental anxiety. Some of the techniques require mild sedatives, also referred to as sedation. Sedation is a way to relax, given by breathing or IV (Intra Vein) through a vein in your arm. Sedation will help you to calm down, although you will normally be awake to answer questions or talk to your dentist.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety have had bad experiences. Any type of negative dental experience will normally result in emotional scarring and last for years. Anything that results in negative feelings for the patient will normally cause them to feel in a negative way toward the entire dental profession. Although all dentists aren’t bad - a negative experience will certainly make a patient feel that way.

When you look for a dentist, you should always ask your family and friends who they use, and who they recommend. When you visit a dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask him any questions that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed. You should always keep in mind that you are customer, and the dentist is the one who needs to make you feel relaxed. Never should you feel intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to establish a sense of trust.

Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist relationship. You’ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis, so you’ll want to be sure that you can trust him. When you go to your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about your dental anxiety. If he isn’t willing to talk about it with you or do things to help you relax, you should look into a new dentist.

You can always tell who the better dentists are by the type of facilities they have. Dentists who have a lot of customers or nice offices, have established themselves and proved that they are indeed the best. If a dentist has a lot of customers, it lets you know that he has them for a reason. People that are satisfied with a dentist, normally return.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should always let your dentist know in advance. This way, he work with you to overcome your fear. Over time, you’ll find that you can overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with your dentist. You can get over your fear of dentists, no matter how bad your fear may be. It will take you some time, although your dentist should be willing to work with you. Before you know it, you’ll be over your fear and more than willing to go to your dentist.

Teeth Whitening Products: Pros and Cons

2012-09-13T14:52:00.006-07:00

With so many products on the market for teeth whitening, choosing the right teeth whitening product today can be very confusing, not to mention that some of the teeth whitening products are not giving your desired result.
If you ask the experts, they will tell you that the best method of teeth whitening is still through your dentist.

Not only is it the best, it is also the most effective and the quickest to have whiter teeth.

But then, not all people can afford the fees that come with each treatment. Another thing that hinders them from going to dentists is fear. It seems that as early as childhood, dentists are one of the most feared personalities that people do not want to encounter. This fear continues on in the adult years.

Although dentists do not advise people to choose teeth whitening products, they all agree in saying that these products are effective in some degree. According to studies, teeth whitening products, if used regularly and consistently can result in whiter teeth that can outlast any dentist-assisted procedure.

Another additional plus that teeth whitening products have is that they contain the same ingredients that are being used in professional whitening. Two of the active ingredients needed for whitening teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. These two are also the ingredients that are present in some of the products that are sold in groceries and drug stores.

The only advantage that teeth whitening products have over professional whitening is that they tend to be very cheap. Everyone who will tumble upon them can simply afford to add them to the list of their basic things.

Most of these products can be bought for $30 or less. Compare this to the $100 or more that you need to pay to the dentist. It will not surprise you why people prefer them over the high fees.

Still, teeth whitening products are found out to have some disadvantages. Some of these are:

1. Suitability

Teeth whitening products cater to all. But then different people have different needs. What others found effective may not work for others. This is one of the problems that people will encounter with these products.

There are those that have sensitive teeth and gums. The reaction to the products will depend upon the suitability of the products to the persons using them. An option would be to try different products until you find the one that is suitable to you.

2. Strong chemicals used.

You will not know what your reaction to the product until you have tried it out. Since you do not know how sensitive your teeth are, you will also not know what might happen when you start using the product.

Better consult with your dentist first before choosing a certain product.

3. Tray may not fit

The tray put in your teeth is not exactly fitted after you, so there is a tendency that it may either be too large or too small.

When it is too large, the formula may not work well. On the other hand, if it is too small, it may cause gum bleeding and side effects that will cause bigger problems.

Be sure that the teeth whitening products you choose is suited for you. If none of them works, then maybe professional teeth whitening will be a better solution.

Whiten Teeth Naturally

2012-07-12T20:54:00.004-07:00

HOW TO WHITEN TEETH NATURALLY

We all want beautiful smiles, and having a great smile increases your confidence along with magnetically drawing people to you. When you are confident, it permeates through everything you do. In the work place. In relationships and every aspect of your life. Your teeth and smile are the gateway to the window you love to open and be admired by everyone. When that window is closed you are unable to show the "beautiful you" effectively. You may crack the window open slightly to let some light in, but the window is limited, therefore you aren't walking in full confidence.

So..... lets now look at how to get rid of yellow teeth. Let's get those teeth pearly white so that you can show the world that beautiful SMILE.

Here is a quick remedy of how to get WHITE TEETH NATURALLY.

This is a simple and cheap way to get white teeth.

REMEDY #1

YOU WILL NEED

1) 2 Strawberries -Strawberries are a known powerful fruit to remove stains from your teeth. They contain an astringent and Vitamin C. Strawberries can remove surface stains like coffee and wine, while the Vitamin C whitens and removes the plaque from teeth.

YOU WILL LASTLY NEED

2) 1 tablespoon of baking soda - Baking Soda is great for cleaning as well as neutralizing odors.

Step One: Clean Strawberries and remove the stem. Place in a small bowl.

Step Two: Mash the 2 Strawberries with a spoon or fork until they are in a "jam like" form. *You can also use a blender if you prefer.

Step Three: Add one tablespoon of baking soda and mix together.

Step Four Apply paste like mixture to teeth with a toothbrush. (different toothbrush that you normally use)

Step Five Concentrate on front teeth. (for visibility) Brush thoroughly. Be careful not to swallow mixture.

Step Six Rinse mouth with water, then brush with regular toothpaste. If needed, remove strawberry seeds with dental floss. Thats it !! You are DONE !

YOU WILL NOTICE THAT YOUR TEETH ARE WHITER AFTER 1 or 2 uses.

*** Do not APPLY more than once a week !! The acid can damage the enamel of your teeth. ***

REMEDY #2

Another natural teeth whitener remedy is chewing on a crunchy apple. It acts as a toothbrush as you chew on it. Apples contain malic acid which is in chemical used in teeth whitening products. Something as simple as eating an apple, can remove excess particles and bacteria, while scrubbing surface stains.

REMEDY #3

Replace the strawberries in Remedy #2 with a freshly squeezed lemon. This mixture may bubble slightly.

Remove excess plaque and saliva with a cotton swab. Apply the lemon mixture and leave on for about 1 minute. (do not leave on longer than 1 minute) The acid is detrimental to the enamel of your teeth.

Remove by brushing lightly.

*Again....Do not APPLY more than once a week !! You do not want to damage the enamel of your teeth*

Hope this helps........ enjoy your beautiful SMILE !!

Effects of Smiling From a Musicians Perspective

2011-04-07T17:58:00.003-07:00

Have you ever been in the grocery store and someone you don't know gives you a beautiful smile. That one kind jester, without a word, can change the course of your day. That one smile causes you to smile back with kindness, and in turn can change the course of the other persons day. SMILES are very powerful !

Lets look at some scientific facts about smiling.

Research has shown that smiling can impact us on a subliminal level. When we listen to people speak, we are picking up on all sorts of cues, and unconsciously can interpret their mode. If you are listening on the phone, you can visualize and hear when that person is actually smiling.

We all have heard the saying "Laughter is the Best medicine". Lets take a look at how beneficial smiling is for your well-being and health.

a) Smiling releases endorphins - Researchers found that just forming or turning your mouth up, whether you feel like or not, can help release endorphins, which are Feel-Good hormornes. Serotonin, a chemical that is a natural stress reducer, is also increased when you smile.

b) Fight a Cold ! - You can actually stay well, cut down on sick days with a great Big Smile on your face. Everytime you show your teeth, your body is more relaxed and produces greater quantities of antibodies and T-Cells (or white blood cells). This helps in giving you a stronger immune system.

c) Smiling has Body Benefits - You use from 5 - 17 facial muscles when smiling, Adding a laugh helps to slim your mid section. The movement exercises your abs, diaphragm, shoulders and heart. You can actually boost your calorie burning by 20% by just laughing.

d) Its Easier to Smile Than Frown - Scientist found that your body works harder to frown and uses less facial muscles when you smile.

e) Longer Life Span when you Smile - Research has found that people who are happy and smile have a longer life expectancy than those who barely smile.

f) Beauty comes when smiling - University of Scotland did a study which concluded that people who were beaming and smiling, were found to be more attractive. In fact, 69 percent of particpants said that women look younger and more beautiful when they smiled rather than when they are wearing make-up !!

More FACTS:

Did you know that there are 19 different types of smiles. A San Francisco researcher by the name of Paul Eckman identified and put these smiles into 2 categories. Heartfelt - sincere smiles that uses more muscles on both sides of face, while the 2nd category, Artificial, Social, Polite, or Insincere smiles engage fewer muscles. Also sincere smiles cause the corners of your eyes to scrunch upward while the artificial smiles don't.

Although babies learn alot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, scientist found that babies have the ability to smile as soon as they are born.

In the work force, smiling causes you to be more attractive, sociable and confident. Those who smile are most likely to get a promotion.

There is more to smiling than you know, but hopefully this quick article gave you a deeper insight of how infectious smiling can be....... Smiling is very much like Music. Its Universal ! It's known across the world as happiness and acceptance. Share a SMILE and Change the World. :-)

Do You Need Help with your SMILE ?? Are dental problems preventing you from Smiling ??
Here is an affordable solution: How to have healthy teeth and gums

Thanks for reading !! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful SMILES.

My recent video...and Yes I am Smiling !!

Facts About Gum Disease - From a Musicians Experience

2011-02-28T02:46:00.001-08:00

Being a Musician I understand how dental exams can take a back seat to everyday necessities, along with monthly bills. As the economy suffered, many people were unable to afford health and dental insurance.

I suffered for some years with severe gum disease along with tooth decay. I rarely smiled on stage due to insecurities about my teeth. Due to my teeth being crooked and decayed in areas, it literally affected how I mingled with fans or those who came to see me play. I was in bad need of dental care, but I simply could not afford to go to the dentist. I finally purchased an affordable dental plan along with monthly savings to get extensive dental work started.

This is why I can help you. Its very personal for me, so I decided to help others that may be experiencing dental difficulties. No need to worry..... Affordable Dental Care can help with the costs. You will perform better on stage and most of all will gain the confidence you need in many aspects of your life. Your SMILE says alot about you :-)

Lets first take a look at a few key points about your oral health.

Did you know that your oral health can tell the story of your general health ?? Studies have shown that bad gums and teeth can be linked to Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke.

Studies also showed the link to gum disease in premature child birth. 75% of women get gingivitis during pregnancy.

A child's first exam should be no later than around 7 years of age, but can start as early as 2 yrs of age. Preparing your child in the early years while making dental visits fun, will ease the association of "pain" and "hurt" when seeing a dentist. Bad experiences in early years can cause life long affects of how one deals with going to the dentist office.

****** 5 Signs of When You Should See a Dentist ******

1) Bleeding Gums

2) Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks

3) Puffy Red gums

4) Dark Spots or holes in teeth

5) Bad Breath

Regular check-ups can prevent some of the symptoms above if detected early. The longer you wait the more symptoms occur, often with severe pain.

Don't wait any longer. Check out the dental plans and pick whats best for YOU. If you are like me, I needed a patient and gentle dentist due to bad experiences in the past. My dentist was a participant of most of the dental plans and there was no need for me to fill out any paper work. I simply presented my card and I had already researched what percentage the plan would cover. EASY and CONVENIENT !! When I walk on stage now I am confident and my recent Youtube videos I am actually SMILING....almost too much ..LOL

HELPFUL HINT: Did u know that you can gargle with Peroxide to prevent gingivitis and other mouth infections. It is also the BEST Mouth wash on the market !

Quick and Easy Cure To Bad Breath EBook !! A MUST HAVE !!

MY Youtube Video - Watch ME SMILE :-)

VISIT MY MUSIC SITE: DJLadydrummer.com (BEAT OF HER DRUM) - Musician site with a female perspective - How to Change Habits, How Too's, and Music Equipment Reviews.