Dentistry: Halitosis
23. June 2008
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Halitosis, or bad breath, may seem like an embarrassing nuisance. Companies market their products, promising fresh breath by chewing gum or using mints or mouthwashes. However, halitosis can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
About Halitosis
A variety of factors contribute to bad breath. Food is the most common culprit to this problem. Foods that emit strong odors, such as asparagus, onions, and garlic can cause bad breath. Although gums, mints, and mouthwashes may give the appearance of fresh minty breath, odor caused by foods does not pass until that food has completely left the body.
Daily, we suffer from morning breath. This type of halitosis is caused by the lack of saliva cleansing the mouth, necessary to remove and prevent odors and particles that may cause bad breath. Problems such as these can be relieved with regular brushing and flossing in the morning.
If halitosis seems to be a recurring problem, it may be a sign of something more critical. Gum disease and tooth decay, if left undetected, can contribute to bad breath. However, if a dentist has already determined that you are in perfect oral health and halitosis is still recurring, it is advisable to see a physician. Bad breath can be a sign of respiratory infections, such as sinus infections, or other serious problems such as diabetes or liver and kidney problems.
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Dentistry: Mouth Sores
22. June 2008
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Mouth sores may be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. It can be a sign of a serious problem, or merely a nuisance from orthodontic work, depending on the type of sore.
Mouth sores lasting a week or more should be examined by a dentist or hygienist.
Common Types of Mouth Sores
Two common types of mouth sores are canker sores and cold sores. A canker sore is characterized by a small white ulcer with a red border, occurring inside the mouth. Although canker sores are not contagious, they often return. Canker sores generally last about 1-2 weeks and usually heal on their own, although over-the-counter topical ointments are available to relieve pain.
A more serious form of a mouth sore is the cold sore. Often called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, mouth sores are a viral infection caused by the herpes virus type 1. Mouth sores are very contagious, and in severe cases, the painful sores are often accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms. Although cold sores are a form of oral herpes, it is not only a sexually contracted disease, but may develop hereditarily and remain inactive.
Treatment of cold sores usually involves a prescription anti-viral drug to help reduce the infection, as well as fever reducing medicine for extreme cases. Recurring or suspicious-looking sores should be examined by doctors for diagnosis.
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Dentistry: Dental Hygienist
21. June 2008
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A dental hygienist performs many of the fundamental functions that we experience in a typical dentists office visit. With a licensed degree as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), these professionals are skilled in preventative dental care. However, a hygienist is not a dentist, but is often consulted more in a dentists office visit for preventative dentistry.
The Job of a Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are usually the people to see for x-rays and regular teeth cleaning. Oral examinations and dental work, such as fillings and various treatments, are done by the dentist directly. Under their RDH license, hygienists are specialized in removing plaque and calculus, along with treating diseased gum tissue.
Hygienists also specialize in teaching oral health. Oral health may be different during various stages of life, and it is the dental hygienists job to inform patients about these special cases. Classes on how to teach oral hygiene to children and dental hygiene for pregnant women may be taught by a hygienist at a hospital or a dentists office.
A job as a dental hygienist is a rewarding experience. The program to study to become a hygienist is often much shorter than the schooling needed to become a dentist. Not only that, dental hygienists take part in developing patients to be aware of their oral health, so as to not have to visit a dentist for painful procedures.
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Dentistry: Periodontal Disease
20. June 2008
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Periodontal disease, most commonly known as gum disease, encompasses diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to damage of the bone around the tooth, known as the alveolar bone. Proper nutrition and dental practices are important in preventing the onset of gum disease.
Characteristics of Periodontal Disease
A variety of symptoms accompany periodontal disease. Unfortunately, many Americans may already have the disease and not even know it. Because early stages of the disease do not exhibit symptoms, it is important to maintain proper dental care before it is too late.
Most commonly, pain, tenderness, and swelling of the gum areas are telltale signs of periodontal disease. If you experience bleeding, pus, or constant bad breath, a dentist should be consulted immediately as they are signs of worsening conditions. Gum disease should be detected early to prevent having to undergo painful procedures that may be irreversible.
Periodontal disease may be contributed by a variety of factors. Improper bite, such as an underbite or an overbite may irritate gums and cause gums to be inflamed. Also, excessive grinding of the teeth can lead to wear and tear of the gums and teeth. Preventative measures, such as wearing a rubber mouthgard, and of course proper brushing and flossing, are essential to maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
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Dentistry: Natural Healing
19. June 2008
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Natural healing for ailments has become increasingly popular in the age of holistic medicine. Natural treatments for conditions from cancer, to AIDS, and even to dentistry have been promoted heavily. These healings operate on the fundamental premise that what we need to live is already available in nature: we should not have to resort to man-made chemicals for healing.
Natural Healing in Dentistry
Natural healing in dentistry is most commonly known as holistic dentistry. Within this practice, dentists believe that unnecessary chemicals and operations should not be placed into the body. These beliefs have enabled the development of technologies based on natural healing beliefs.
Fillings have been developed that are amalgam-free. These Mercury-free fillings resemble a coating to the teeth and are more attractive than the traditional alternative. Use of such fillings is not only better for the body, but also more aesthetically pleasing.
Jaw and teeth problems, such as Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome, can also be cured with natural healing. Prior to methods of natural healing, TMJ Syndrome was cured by an operation to tighten the jaw muscles, or replacement of the jaw bone in serious cases. However, holistic treatments use relaxation techniques to alleviate the pain of TMJ Syndrome and restore jaw muscles to its original usefulness. Holistic treatments in dentistry have paved the way for future developments of treatments for various bodily diseases.
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