Many people think they do not have to replace missing teeth. Often they associate the loss of teeth with the aging process. However, replacing missing teeth will not only improve your physical appearance, it will also improve your eating and speaking skills. Also, each tooth performs a special function when combined with the rest. Each tooth holds the teeth on either side of it in place. Missing teeth can cause shifting and many other problems. Food particles could lodge in the spaces, forming plaque and causing periodontal disease, which can result in more lost teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants (osseointegration) are a good alternative to ordinary dentures because they serve as a substitute for natural tooth roots that rely on support from the jawbone. Implants can replace individual teeth or bridges and also support dentures.

Researchers recently developed the most advanced version of dental implants using titanium. They are beneficial because bone tissue actually fuses to the titanium.

The implant has a small post that protrudes from the gum tissue and is anchored in the jawbone or fitted over the jawbone. The prosthetic teeth are attached to the posts. They can be permanent or removable.

Not everyone can receive implants. You must be in general good health and have healthy gums . You cannot have a disease or condition such as diabetes. You have to maintain good oral hygiene. And care properly for implants.

Bridges and Partial Dentures

Dental bridges are used to fill empty spaces and may be cemented to the remaining natural teeth. It made be made of gold, a combination of gold and porcelain, or a combination of gold, porcelain and other materials. If there is a natural tooth on either side of the space, an artificial tooth may be fused to the metal bridge.

If there are no natural teeth near the space, a partial denture may be constructed to replace the missing teeth. A partial denture usually fastens by a clasp onto the last tooth on each side of the space. A removable partial denture should be taken out and cleaned properly whenever the rest of the teeth are brushed. You should visit the dentist regularly to have your partial denture checked for looseness. A loose clasp can move the teeth that it is attached to, possibly causing the loss of those teeth as well.

Complete Dentures

Before the dentist constructs a full set of removable dentures, your gum ridges will be checked for abnormalities. If gums are in poor condition, they may need treatment before dentures can be made.

Then the dentist will make an impression of your mouth and you will choose tooth and shade choices. There probably will be several appointments before you actually receive your dentures.

The mouth changes with age so it is important to have regular visits so the dentist can be sure they are fitting properly. The dentist will also teach you how to clean your dentures properly. They are a responsibility but can make a huge difference to someone who has lost their teeth.

Teeth health starts with proper eating habits, not necessarily avoiding sweets, but finding the proper balance.

Teeth health starts with proper eating habits and not just avoiding sweets, which include chocolate candy, sugar cane, chocolate bar or hard candy. The goal is to achieve the proper balance. When it’s time to select food for your children, know that sweets will be a part of their diet and teach them how to care for their teeth.

Care for your children’s teeth by requiring brushing of teeth twice a day, no matter what they eat during the day, whether it is sweets or other types of food. Despite what many young people like doing with it in their mouth, a Candy Cane is not an implement to clean their teeth. A person who eats a lot of sugary foods needs to brush daily.

One of the causes of tooth decay is sweet candy. The greatest way to maintain the smile is to use toothpastes containing fluoride. Help kids get into a routine of brushing their teeth, limiting sweets, and always brushing before they go to bed to help fight germs while they sleep.

Kid-friendly animations and online games created to teach children how to care their teeth and other various basic oral health care. They instruct kids to recognize the harm that chocolate candy, hard candy and other sugary foods can cause if regular cleanings aren’t performed.

Studies have shown children who like to brush their teeth when the toothpaste is flavored, since they link the taste to the sweet taste of candy. Correct brushing stops cavities, gum diseases and other dental health.

Children of the ages of 5 years or under should be brushing with no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to remove plaque. This simple gesture is enough to provide the required protection against chocolate candy, sugar and regular food that remains bonded to the teeth.

Healthy eating habits are the keys to healthy teeth, because the snacks consumed by children are typically composed of sugar. The more they consume, the more likely formation of cavities will occur. Limiting snacks for children isn’t a smart idea since they need food to have energy, but try replacing candy with more nutritious snacks, like vegetables.

Oral lesions and How To Treat Them

Taking care of your teeth is important whether or not you have a chronic condition. When you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, it is vital that you take care of your mouth and teeth to guard against tooth decay, dry mouth, infections and loose teeth. Because lupus patients are susceptible to infections, it becomes even more important to brush and floss daily as well as visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Infections can cause serious setbacks and spread to other parts of the body. If not treated in a timely fashion, it could lead to a flare, hospitalization or even death. Even with proper brushing and flossing you can still experience some inflammation. Approximately 20-25% of Lupus patients with SLE experiences oral issues.

One of the most important things you should do is select a dentist that has experience with lupus patients. A better choice would be an oral pathologist if mouth involvement is severe. This is extremely important because many times lupus patients have to pre-medicate before a visit. Your dentist should examine your neck and head along with your mouth for inflammation or any other abnormalities. This is especially important if you wear glasses or have long hair because it is difficult for you to examine these areas yourself.

Selecting the right toothbrush is also important. Find one that is soft or extra soft, especially if you are prone to lupus lesions on your gums. You might also want to find one with a small or compact brush head so the toothbrush will fit easily in your mouth. This is also helpful if you have an arthritiic condition and have difficulty holding your toothbrush. If you have problems griping the brush, build it out with masking tape, a sponge curler or tubing.

Calcium depletion can cause bone loss which can wreck havoc on your teeth. If you don’t have enough calcium in your system your teeth become vulnerable and decay faster. Your teeth can also decalcify and turn portions of your teeth abnormally white, making color uneven. Calcium supplements can help guard against bone loss. A great way to test your calcium supplements efficiency is to drop a tablet into 6 ounces of white vinegar at room temperature. If the tablet does not dissolve in 30 minutes, chances are your body isn’t absorbing the calcium. Doctors suggest between 1600 and 1800 mg of calcium per day for people with calcium deficiencies. The problem is that your body can not aborsorb all of that in one sitting. The best thing to do is to get some of your calcium from foods or drinks. If that is difficult try breaking up calcium supplements into three increments.

Oral Inspections

Get to know yourself in and out and you will be able to sense when something isn’t quite right with your mouth and face. It is not uncommon to have ulcers of the mouth which usually start out as little red patches followed by bleeding and pain. As the ulceration heals it will leave a little impression. Inspect your mouth and lips regularly so that you have an idea of what “normal is”. If you see a something other than what you are used seeing then that could be the beginning of a lupus lesion. Inspect your face, look for lumps and swelling so that when changes occur you will notice them.

Lip lesions can be found with white plaque. This plaque is heavy, thick tissue and is fairly diagnostic. Other conditions such as syphilis, diptheria and yeast infections can produce this white plaque, the difference is with those conditions, the white plaque is wipeable. There is a very low accurance of malignancy with the lupus lesions

With the tongue you can get a bald tongue. Instead of bumps and ridges there will be a smooth soft area and it can lead to severe fissuring of the tongue. If food gets in the fissures, an ulceration can occur. Look for fissures and check the evenness on both sides. Look for small varicose veins. If you have liver or kidney problems you might see an increase of these veins. Do not overlook the sides of your mouth or the roof of your mouth.

You should also inspect your lymph nodes which are located on each side of the neck. The lymph nodes drain things from your neck and head. Touch both sides of this muscle by turning your head a little which will make the nodes stand out better. You shouldn’t feel any lumps or bumps and if you do, they should not be hard like a rock. If you feel pain that is okay because it means it is not malignant.

Tips

· Do not have any dental work done during a flare unless absolutely necessary.

· If you are on steroid therapy, take extra special care of your teeth and make sure to see a dentist at least twice a year, more often if you have mouth ulcers.

· If you have mouth ulcers, avoid toothpaste. Try baking soda instead.

· Because surgeries can cause a flare, dental surgery should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This includes teeth extraction.

· Wearing dentures may irritate the sores and ulcers in the mouth. Do not wear adhesives and when using denture cleaners, rinse of thoroughly before inserting in mouth.

Tips for the Care of Teeth:  Teeth are essential parts of our bodies. Our teeth allow us to eat chewable foods. Conscientious oral hygiene is essential.

Following are some vital tips for dental care:

– Brush your teeth and floss after eating. Use an appropriate toothbrush as well as correct brushing and flossing methods.

– Always put milk on cereal. Eating sweetened cereal dry can be harmful to teeth.

– The risk of tooth decay is greater in those who drink coffee, with or without sugar.

– Breastfeeding for an extended period of time with short feedings offered every few minutes can also promote tooth decay.

– Eat a balanced diet of whole grains and cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat and proteins as well as healthy snacks.

– People should not eat sugary foods that stick to the teeth on very hot days when less saliva is available.

– Pay attention to bleeding gums or noticeable changes in your bite, and report them to your dentist.

– Talk to your dentist about options that can help improve the look of teeth that are chipped or discolored.

– Wear a mouth guard when playing sports.

– Make regular trips to see a dentist. Periodontal disease is common in adults and seniors. The dentist can remove plaque from teeth to reduce the amount of bacteria, which goes a long way to preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease.

– Avoid eating tougher foods, as they could break one of the teeth.

– Chewable Vitamin C tablets are acidic and can harm teeth. Avoid the use of lemon juice as a way of whitening teeth, as the Vitamin C will harm the calcium in the tooth enamel.

– Avoid the use of tobacco products, which can yellow teeth, and increase the risk of gingivitis and cancers of the jaws, throat and tongue.

– It’s important to give babies foods they can chew as soon as they get teeth. You will need to assist young children to get their teeth properly cleaned.

Generally the main ingredient that whitens is a type of peroxide. The teeth whitening solutions come in either a paste or gel form, containing either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. Stain removal on the teeth by both of these products containing peroxide work effectively. Because the solution is strong, usually between 10 and 22% peroxide, it is important that it isn’t used on the gums. Actually, the teeth that are the most yellow are whitened; as long as you take your time, all will be good.

Some people have trouble with sensitive teeth and if this is the case for you, it is a good idea to brush your teeth with Sensodyne two weeks before and two weeks after using a teeth whitening product. If your teeth have never been sensitive, you shouldn’t have a problem with the teeth whitening solution, but it is wise to begin by using a minimal amount of the solution, just in case.

White strips are falling out of fashion because more people are realizing that they just don’t do the job. No matter how yellow your teeth are, a good at-home teeth whitening kit can work for you.

We offer reviews and advice for real teeth whitening to average people just like yourself, as we observe methods of teeth whitening. It is no longer necessary to pay for a dentist visit to have your teeth whitened. Be certain to obtain our teeth whitening reviews.

Side effects of treatment

Some side effects of surgery may be a change in the patient’s ability to talk, chew, or swallow, especially if a large tumor is removed. The patient may also look different.

Radiation therapy may make the mouth sore and it can change the amount of saliva produced, making chewing and swallowing difficult. A decrease in saliva can also cause tooth decay. Radiation therapy may also make the patient very tired, so resting is important. Also, the skin may become red and dry, tender, itchy, and then moist and “weepy”. Men may lose all or part of their beard, but the facial hair usually returns after treatment is finished.

Patients being treated for oral cancer often have a sore mouth, causing serious weight loss. Eating several small meals and snacks during the day may help, as can eating soft, bland foods with sauces and gravies. Soups, puddings, and high-protein milkshakes may be more easily tolerated.

Other side effects may include a lowered immune system (so patients get sick easier), nausea, vomiting, inability to wear dentures, and loss of appetite.

Rehabilitation after treatment

Rehabilitation usually begins as soon as possible after treatment. This may include:

* Dietary counseling
* Surgery – reconstructive or plastic surgery
* Prosthesis – if surgery cannot be performed, then a dental or facial-part prosthesis may be used to help the patient look more normal
* Speech therapy – the patient may need help learning to speak again

Risk factors

There are several risk factors that increase the chance of developing oral cancer. These include:

* Exposure of the skin, especially the lips, to the sun
* Tobacco use
* Alcohol use, especially beer and hard liquor
* Poor diet, especially if it is low in fruits and fiber
* Chronic irritation to the mouth and upper throat, such as poorly fitting dentures or dental appliances
* Poor dental hygiene and gum disease
* Over 45 years old
* Male
* African-American

Also, using mouthwashes with high alcohol content, or having herpes simplex or human papilloma virus (HPV), may also be related to oral cancer.

Prevention

According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco use is responsible for more than 90 percent of oral cancer in men and 60 percent in women, and is responsible for 90 percent of oral cancer deaths in men. People who stop smoking cigarettes reduce the risk of developing oral cancer by 50 percent within 3 to 5 years and return to the normal risk within 10 years.

Heavy cigar use is especially associated with oral cancer development. Marijuana use has been shown to be a cause of oral cancer in younger people.

Since the risk of oral cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day as well as the number of alcoholic drinks consumed per day, stopping both drinking and smoking lessens the risk of oral cancer considerably.

Other lifestyle changes that can decrease oral cancer risk include increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet, which can lower the risk by 30 to 50 percent. Using sun block on the lips, either as colored lipstick or as lip balm with sunscreen, lowers the incidence of cancer on the lip, especially the lower lip.

Screening

Regular checkups by both dentists and physicians help detect oral cancer in the early stages, when the cancer is the most treatable. Ninety percent of oral cancers occur on the floor of the mouth, the front one-third of the tongue, and the soft palate, so these areas should be closely inspected. Leukoplakia (white patches) and erythroplakia (red lesions), which are precancerous changes, should be treated.

Monthly self-examinations are easily done using a mirror and looking for any changes in the mouth.

People who have had previous oral cancer are at higher risk of developing a new cancer of the mouth or another part of the head and neck. Vitamin A is currently being studied for protective properties against these secondary cancers.

Treatment for oral cancer is most successful when the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stages and the necessary lifestyle changes are made.

Oral cancer involves the oral cavity and the oropharynx.

The oral cavity consists of:

* the lips, teeth, and gums
* the lining inside the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa)
* the bottom of the mouth under the tongue
* the front two-thirds of the tongue
* the hard palate (bony top of the mouth)
* the small area behind the wisdom teeth

The oropharynx consists of:

* the back one-third of the tongue
* the soft palate
* the tonsils
* the back of the throat

The main causes of oral cancer include:

* Tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
* Alcohol use, especially when combined with cigarette smoking
* Leukoplakia – a whitish patch that forms inside the mouth or throat
* Erythroplakia – a red, raised patch that forms inside the mouth
* Too much sun exposure can cause cancer on the lip
* Chewing of betel nuts

Symptoms

The warning signs of oral cancer can include:

* A growing mass that may be painful or painless
* An ulcer that does not heal
* A continuing sore throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Bleeding or numbness
* Loose teeth or dentures
* Foul mouth odor
* Changes in hearing, smell, or taste
* Difficulty speaking or changes in voice
* Facial weakness or pain
* Decreased saliva
* Painful, enlarged lymph node in the neck

Cancer or some other, less serious problem may cause these symptoms. Pain is not usually an early symptom of oral cancer. If any of these symptoms lasts more than 2 weeks, you should see a physician or dentist immediately.

Diagnosis

Regular dental checkups are important to detect cancerous or precancerous conditions early. Looking in the mirror and checking your mouth every month also helps detect any changes early.

If an abnormal area is found, an oral surgeon or ear, nose, and throat surgeon will remove all or part of the mass (biopsy). Almost all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas because squamous cells line the oral cavity. If cancer is found, then further tests, such as x-ray, CT (or CAT) scan, ultrasonography, and/or MRI, may also be done to determine the spread of the cancer.

Treatment

The type of treatment used is based on the patient’s overall health and medical history, the stage of disease, the patient’s preference, and how the disease is expected to proceed.

Early cancers (stages I and II) are highly curable by surgery or radiation therapy, while more advanced cancers (stages III and IV) are usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes other experimental therapy.

Surgery may include one or more of the following techniques:

* Primary tumor resection – the entire tumor and surrounding tissue are removed
* Maxillectomy – The tumor and part or all of the hard palate are removed, if bone is involved
* Mohs’ micrographic surgery – the tumor is removed in “slices” so that very little normal tissue is removed
* Laryngectomy – A large tumor of the tongue or oropharynx is removed, which may also include the larynx (voice box)
* Neck dissection – The lymph nodes are removed along with the main tumor

Radiation therapy may be administered externally using a machine or internally with radioactive materials. Radiation may be given before surgery (to shrink the tumor) or after surgery (to destroy any remaining cancer cells).

According to the National Cancer Institute, patients who smoke while undergoing radiation therapy do not respond as well to treatment and do not live as long as patients who do not smoke.

Some experimental treatments being studied include chemotherapy (drugs used to treat cancer), radiosensitizers (drugs used to make the tumor more sensitive to radiation), and hyperthermia (heat treatment).
to be continued soon…

The first thing you should do is throw out your non-electric, bristle-worn toothbrush and replace it with a fresh, new, electric toothbrush (you should get a new toothbrush at least every three months). If a deluxe model is not in your budget, a standard, battery-operated toothbrush will do the trick. These usually run for around five or six dollars or so and can be purchased at most any department or drug store.

Most people brush their teeth once in the morning and once before they go to bed, but care should be taken to brush your teeth after lunch and dinner as well. If you don’t have access to a sink and other necessary materials during these times, at least carry with you a package of nonstick, sugarless gum, preferably a brand containing xylitol. Not only will this help prevent plaque and tooth decay, it will help freshen your mouth in general (you don’t want your boss or that important client to avoid talking to you because of your bad breath).

When you do brush your teeth, you should brush vigorously for at least three minutes (six is preferable), which may seem like an eternity to some, but is well worth the time. After brushing, you should use a good mouth rinse, such as Listerine Total Care, which helps strengthen teeth, fight plaque, reduce cavities, restore minerals to enamel, and kill germs that cause bad breath (once again, you don’t want to scare off associates by simply talking to them face to face).

One of the most important ways to take care of your teeth is to floss each and every night. Simply take a strand of floss (10 to 18 inches is preferred), slip it between each of your teeth (all the way down to your gums), and floss with 10 or so vertical strokes to dislodge food particles and plaque. Not only will this help preserve your teeth (“floss only those teeth you want to keep,” a dentist once said), it will give you good, strong gums that are largely free of bacteria. If your gums don’t bleed a bit during teeth cleanings at the dentist, there’s a good chance that you are flossing regularly.

Naturally, sweet, sticky foods should be avoided to maintain a bright, healthy smile. If you must indulge in sweets (and who doesn’t from time to time?), only do so when you are in a position to brush and floss immediately afterward. Also, instead of eating nutrition-absent sweets for an extended period (such as nibbling on jelly beans while sitting at your desk), eat a cookie or a piece of pie (at least they have some food value), finishing it within a couple of minutes so you can go take care of your teeth and get back to what you were doing. Even better, substitute sweet snacks with cashews, carrot sticks, or pretzels.

Taking care of your teeth is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular brushing, flossing, and other such preventative measures can help ensure that you have a pretty smile and relatively inexpensive, hassle-free trips to the dentist. Speaking of the dentist, you should visit him or her every six months.

In order to make this whitening paste that is all-natural, mix a crushed strawberry with a sprinkling of baking soda. Once every week, brush your teeth with this paste and you can see the results over time. Remember to use a fluoride toothpaste in order to remove the acids and natural sugars from the strawberries.
It is important to not overdo it with this solution. Once a week is plenty. If you use it more often than that, the acidic quality of the strawberries may damage your tooth enamel in the long run.

Salt and Baking Soda: As an abrasive cleanser for your teeth, baking soda can’t be beat. This makes it a tooth whitener that is all-natural and effective. For added scrubbing power, baking soda was mixed into the strawberry paste, but it also is effective combined with other tooth whiteners.

A very effective all natural solution for getting your teeth whiter is salt and baking soda. Combining 1 part salt with 6 parts baking soda makes a powerful whitening powder for your teeth. Use a regular toothbrush or (for maximum results) a toothbrush with a spinning head to apply the abrasive solution. With this powder, just a little is enough, as it goes a long way.

Salt granules give you good scrubbing power; however, be advised that you will absorb quite a bit of salt through your gums. See your doctor to be sure it is alright to brush with salt if you are on a low sodium diet.

As with strawberries, you shouldn’t use this type of treatment more than once a week as it could cause wear on your enamel. Although baking soda is quite gentle, it can still be damaging to tooth enamel in the long run.

Hydrogen peroxide: Baking soda is the best known natural tooth whitener.  Peroxide comes right after that. The toothpaste that is your favorite brand probably lists peroxide and baking soda as ingredients. That is because these two compounds possess excellent tooth whitening power.

Mix a little hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to enhance your tooth whitening regimen. Just apply it to your brush and brush your teeth as you normally would. Alternatively, you can brush normally after pouring a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the toothbrush. When using either of these techniques, you can finish with a fluoride toothpaste to freshen your breath. Hydrogen peroxide is not really a good breath freshener, even though it whitens teeth well.

If you brush once to apply whitening solution and again to freshen your breath, be sure to do it gently. Don’t be too harsh on your gums while trying to get whiter teeth.
After you brush your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Just mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts warm water. You won’t get granulated scrubbing action for this mouthwash, but it will help you keep your teeth white between use of tooth whitening solutions.

With all tooth whitening solutions, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. All natural tooth whiteners may cause damage to the enamel of your teeth just like professional solutions. Don’t overdo it, and have fun with your whiter smile.

Which foods keep your teeth healthy?
Everyone knows there are some foods that are not good for the teeth. Consuming food that contains high amounts of carbohydrates or sugar can produce unpleasant critters called bacteria, which like to eat on the bits we leave behind; while eating they generate an acid that leads to tooth decay. So after saying this, are you aware that there are foods that can really help battle this bacteria? Yes, certain foods can prevent these nasty animals from generating acids. Once you prevent the bacteria from producing acid, you can have a pretty smile and a healthy mouth.

Bacteria in the mouth can be battled using celery. Besides celery’s most noticeable advantage, which is that it is beneficial for you, celery also makes you chew more and produce extra saliva. When you create saliva, you kill the bad bacteria found in the mouth. Celery doesn’t have a good taste, but you could think about eating it as snack instead of potato chips, which is the most known plaque creator that bacteria hunger for. The extra water that celery contains also is a method of cleaning your teeth when you eat; it is a way of brushing naturally.

Additional onions and Shiitake mushrooms are ways to eliminate bacteria. As you eat a raw onion, the substances contained in onions do their best to destroy those irritating teeth eaters. You might have to put up with smelly breath, but the advantages of your teeth being healthy are worth the trouble and you can chew gum after this. Shiitake Mushrooms perform a similar function. They might not destroy the bacteria, but they prevent it from creating plaque which will sooner or later, if you don’t take care of your teeth, turn into cavities which hurt a lot.

The most tasty choice would be cheese, a food that also contains some elements that will help your teeth. Cheese makes the mouth produce more saliva, which can destroy the bad bacteria found in the mouth. Cheese can prevent your teeth from being discolored. Your teeth are saved from becoming stained with this protective wall that is provided.

People all over the globe suffer from stains and discoloration. There are some foods found at home that can assist in whitening the teeth, for instance, oranges and strawberries. Try brushing your teeth daily with strawberries and then rubbing the skin from an orange rind against your teeth. You can try products such as tooth gel, but the occasional side effects can outweigh the benefits. It is  easier and not as harmful to just search and use what you see in your home that can help your teeth.

It is a good thing to find that the foods you are eating are good for your teeth and your body. The benefits of consuming raw onions are worth it, even though you might not like eating them. With all of the knowledge we have right now, we can maintain white teeth for the remainder of our lifetimes. The nicest way to have white and clean teeth is by consuming these foods. Since everyone has to eat, why not try foods that are good for your brain, body, and your teeth?