Alternative Treatments for Tooth Decay

May 11, 2008

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Alternative Treatments for Tooth Decay

Author: Jonathan Abrenilla

We all know what causes tooth decay. But what we didn’t know is that it could lead to a lot of secondary complications or diseases. Preventing tooth decay is a must, for our health’s sake.. Bacterias are like us, a living organism. They find a lot of ways inorder to survive. When we consume food and beverages, we create waste products. Bacterias do the same, they consume or utilize sugars as their food source that causes tooth decay. The waste products created from digesting these sugars are the acids (mostly lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin.

Since the bacteria that live in our mouth eat when we do, as we ingest foods which contain sugars these bacteria get a meal too. And within minutes they start producing the acids that cause tooth decay.

Here are some of alternative treatments for tooth decay:

Exercise

This is the most powerful way to cleanse your body from accumulated toxins. Makes you sweat more and naturally cleanse your body.

Some other examples:

- Sauna

- drink warm tea in a hot room

- walking for 30 minutes

It is known that some modern industrial toxins and pesticides can leave your body only through sweat glands..

Diet

A healthy diet from a dental standpoint is one that keeps the sugar concentration in the mouth at a low level. The worst foods for your teeth contain sugar and also stick to the teeth.

- Discourage yourself from eating foods such as hard candy or all types of white sugar (candies, pastries, cakes, chocolates, etc.) . When a person eats these foods his/her teeth are in contact with sugar for a long time.

- Eat plenty of fruit and drink freshly squeezed natural juice, which are rich in natural sugars and are accompanied by protective substances, such as vitamins and minerals.

- Eat raw vegetables (salads) everyday.

- Use wholegrain creals and bread that contain parts of grain and avoid refined products made with white flour and sugar.

- Ensure you eat enough biological protein by including soy or cereals with pulses, or dairy products in your daily menu, as a protein deficiency can also effect the formation of tooth enamel.

- For children (baby), prevent baby-bottle cavities by not letting your infant sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. It is better to put the child to bed after she is finished with the bottle.

- From early age, teach chidren to chew raw hard vegetables, such as carrots, apples, nuts, etc., as this:

1. stimulates tooth growth

2. strengthens the system that support the teeth

3. helps ensure the jaw and dental arch develop correctly, preventing mispositioned teeth

4. and helps muscles used in chewing develop, which will ensure correct speech.

- Ensure there is an adequate supply of calcium, vit. D, phosphorus, magnesium and fluoride when the teeth are being formed, both before and after they cut the gums, by:

1. breast feeding for as long as possible,

2. following an appropriate diet during pregnancy and when breastfeeding,

3. at 3 or 4 months of age, give babies fresh fruit and vegetable juice, and solid raw food that has been blended or in a puree once they reach ten or twelve months.

- And since no one can keep children away from candy completely, try to teach his/her to brush after eating it. Avoid frequent snacks and offer foods that contain sugar with meals only.

- You do not need to worry about soft drinks because the sugar in these drinks does not bind to the teeth and leaves the mouth rather quickly.

Toothbrushing

The purpose of toothbrushing is to remove plaque from the teeth. Dental plaque is biofilm (usually colorless) that builds up on the teeth. If not removed regularly, it can lead to dental cavities (caries) or periodontal problems (such as gingivitis). Within this plaque, mouth bacteria change sugars to acids, which in turn etches the tooth enamel.

Try to brush after each meal, but especially after the last meal or snack of the day. To prevent mouth bacteria from changing food caught in the teeth into acid, brush the teeth within the first 5 to 10 minutes after meals. If your child is in a setting where she can’t brush her teeth, teach her to rinse her mouth with water after meals instead.

- Brush the molars (back teeth) carefully. Decay usually starts in the pits and crevices in these teeth.

- Use dental floss to remove the pieces of food caught between your teeth. This should begin when your child’s molars start to touch.

- Toothpicks are to be avoided, as they easily break and can leave splinters of wood between the teeth.

The fluoride present in the water would seem to prevent tooth decay.

To prevent tooth decay 100% it is necessary to regularly visit your dentist to have your teeth checked.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/alternative-treatments-for-tooth-decay-410889.html

About the Author:

I’m a license physical therapist..
from http://www.mksol.com

Laser Technology for Teeth Whitening is Quick, But Expensive

May 11, 2008

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Laser Technology for Teeth Whitening is Quick, But Expensive

Author: Matt Wittchow

Smiling with discolored teeth is difficult for most people, of all ages. In fact, to many, this is what causes some social stigma to them when in public places. However instead of brooding over the topic, something can be done to treat discolored teeth. And one suitable option is using laser technology for teeth whitening.

This is because it is possible to treat discoloration of teeth both quickly and easily with the help of laser technology. The number of visits one requires for whitening teeth depends on the sensitivity of your teeth. However in most cases, only one visit is sufficient to restore the color of your teeth.

Why choose laser technology over traditional methods?

It is possible to use traditional tooth whiteners, in the comfort of your home. However with laser technology, you can get results as quickly as possible. This is the main reason why people prefer using laser teeth technology for teeth whitening over traditional methods, although it may be more expensive.

However if you are on a budget, and money is a factor, then of course, it is possible to use other teeth whiteners for getting rid of discolored teeth. However you will not be able to get as good and as quick results as you would from laser technology.

If you think of getting your teeth whitened using a home teeth whitening kit, available at the local drug or grocery store, you need only pay a few dollars for it. The most you may receive in the kit would be whitening toothpaste in such kits. Of course, it is possible to get the more sophisticated gel or molding based whitening kits for cheaper than $100.

However if you think of using laser teeth whitening, you may have to pay more than this, somewhere between the range of $500 to $1,000 to get your teeth whitened. It all depends on your teeth, how much of whitening you require, the dentist you approach and any extra services that the dentist may provide you like scaling of plaque and teeth cleaning.

Understanding laser technology for teeth whitening

When compared to other tooth whitening techniques, laser teeth whitening as some similarities as it uses tooth bleaching or whitening gel for the process. First the dentist will clean your teeth in the normal way. This is to ensure that all plaque and debris, that would hamper the whitening process is removed.

He or she than applies this gel to the teeth surface, and then with the direct aiming of the pulse of laser light on the teeth, its whitening ingredients get activated. The main reason laser is used here is to accelerate the process with the activation of the whitening gel.

Many people get happy with the results within one of its session. However sometimes, several sessions with the gel and laser may be required if the teeth has lots of staining or discoloration to be removed.

After all this laser technology, you experience immediate white teeth. However there are some side effects accompanied by side effects with laser technology. The main side effect of this technology is that people who are sensitive may experience irritation of both the teeth and gums.

However as this irritation is a consequence of the whitening process, it usually stops once the treatment is over, wherein the teeth and gums have sufficient time to heal. However those who don’t have any sensitive teeth or gums, and experience no negative reactions with the tooth whitening gel or laser pulses and can afford it, then laser teeth whitening can help create a transformed and instant smile.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/laser-technology-for-teeth-whitening-is-quick-but-expensive-410392.html

About the Author:

If you think of getting your teeth whitened using a home teeth whitening kit, available at the local drug or grocery store, you need only pay a few dollars for it. Brow online resource for teeth whitening products .

Cosmetic Tooth Whitening

May 11, 2008

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Cosmetic Tooth Whitening

Author: Matt Wittchow

When you look at all those celebrities smiling away with dazzling teeth, you are sure to wish that you too had a set of equally shining teeth. Taking a look at your discolored teeth, you are sure to think that this is something that is far from your reach. However on the contrary, modern cosmetic dentistry has now made it possible for anyone and everyone to have a set of white, sparkling teeth.

It is through teeth whitening that it is now possible for you to whiten your teeth. There are various methods employed by different dentists for you to whiten your teeth; and one of these methods is through cosmetic tooth whitening. In dentistry, this procedure is also referred to as tooth bleaching.

It is common for teeth to darken

In general dentistry, this procedure is rather common, and is a special part of cosmetic dentistry. It is quite normal for the teeth of people to start darkening as we grow older. There are many reasons for teeth to darken like any changes in mineral structure of the teeth, foodstuffs like coffee and tea, bacterial pigments and tobacco in the case of smokers.

Cosmetic tooth whitening is a procedure that should preferably be done at the dentist’s and not at home. The dentist will use some oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. This will break down into mono peroxide in the mouth, with which the shade of your teeth is lightened.

This is because this agent penetrates into the enamel of your teeth and this is when it oxidizes the stain deposits. Over the course of time, the stained dentine layer starts getting bleached and this is what leads to teeth whitening.

Two types of cosmetic tooth whitening procedures

There are two types of bleaching in this cosmetic teeth whitening process, where the first is called Office Bleach. In this case, the dentist will use a high concentration of oxidizing agents on your teeth for a short time. This process is known to give fast results; however there is the possibility of the chemicals used here in burning the soft tissues of your mouth.

This is why some protection has to be used when using this method of cosmetic teeth whitening. As a preventive measure for soft tissues, the dentist will paint a light protective layer on the gums. The second type of bleaching here involves the use of a thin mouth guard or strip on the teeth.

This strip has a low concentration of oxidizing agents and is placed on your teeth for a long time, like a few hours a day for five to fourteen days. The length of the process depends on how discolored the teeth is and how much whitening it requires. This process is called over-the-counter bleaching, or take home bleaching as you can do it at home. However comparatively, this is a slower method of teeth whitening; however there is less risk to your soft tissues than other tooth whitening measures.

Side effects of cosmetic tooth whitening

Like all good things in life, cosmetic tooth whitening has its side effects, which includes the occurrence of chemical burns. Chemical burns take place when highly concentrated oxidizing agents come in contact with the exposed and unprotected tissues that lead to the discoloration of mucous membranes.

The difference between these two types of teeth whitening processes is that the office bleach has to be done in a dentist’s chair and is rather expensive. The price range is anywhere from $500 to $1,000 which depends on how much tooth whitening is required. The other option of teeth whitening can be done at home is cheaper but however does not produce as quick a result as office bleach.

So the choice of cosmetic tooth whitening that you wish to use lies in your hand; you have to choose depending on your budget and how much whitening you require.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/cosmetic-tooth-whitening-410393.html

About the Author:

It is through teeth whitening that it is now possible for you to whiten your teeth. Visit online website for teeth whitening products

Use Minneapolis Teeth Whitening to Eliminate Discoloration of Teeth

May 11, 2008

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Use Minneapolis Teeth Whitening to Eliminate Discoloration of Teeth

Author: Matt Wittchow

Smiling in a crowd for many people is a big task as they feel embarrassed to show off their discolored teeth. However instead of feeling pity for oneself, it is better to do something for this discoloration, like opting for some teeth whitening procedure to whiten your teeth.

There are different procedures adopted for teeth whitening, where Minneapolis teeth whitening is one of these procedures. To understand the concept of teeth whitening, you have to first understand how and why your teeth discolor. Most teeth stains are due to aging, coffee, tea and tobacco. Even too much of antibiotics like tetracycline and too much of fluoride can lead to teeth discoloration.

Various treatment options in Minneapolis teeth whitening

There are numerous treatment options associated with Minneapolis tooth whitening, which includes over the counter whitening systems, toothpastes meant for whitening and the latest inception, laser tooth whitening. According to experts, the best method for maximum whitening is using hydroxide peroxide.

Today, people tend to prefer using supervised bleaching procedures for teeth whitening. This procedure can be done at home and in the office where in some cases, the whole process is done in the office using a light or heat source. This light or heat source is used to actually speed up the bleaching process.

In some cases, the oral health care professional starts the procedure in the office, and then instructs you on completing it at home. They provide the material you will need to complete at home. There is another option of Minneapolis teeth whitening, where you can do the whole procedure at home.

Night guard vital bleaching can be done at home

These procedures that are done at home are called night guard vital bleaching. This procedure is done placing a bleaching solution, which is a peroxide mixture in a tray or night guard. The oral health professional would have custom fitted this tray for your mouth prior to this.

The bleaching solution that is used for teeth whitening is of different potencies and should be worn for an hour or throughout the night. It is up to the dentist to tell you how long you have to use the bleaching solution, the right potency for your teeth whitening based on how much discoloration your teeth has undergone, and your budget.

Teeth whitening is not effective in whitening fillings

Minneapolis teeth whitening is effective in whitening most forms of removal of stains that are caused by coffee, tea, age and tobacco. However other types of stains, like those caused by tetracycline and excess fluoride tends to respond less reliably to bleaching.

However, before you actually consider trying out teeth whitening, you have to remember that if there is a tooth filling, when you undergo bleaching, the filling remains yellow as dental restorations don’t change in color with teeth whiteners.

Side effects of Minneapolis teeth whitening

There are some minimal and tolerable side effects associated with Minneapolis tooth whitening. Some patients have experienced discomfort with short term side effects with bleached teeth.

The temperature sensitivity in the teeth can also be increased with hydrogen peroxide, especially if you use stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, some people experience gum irritation with night guards.

The excessive use of over the counter home bleaching products for teeth whitening only leads to wearing away of the tooth enamel. This is most prevalent in solutions that have acid in them; and this is why it is better to conduct this procedure under the eye of a dentist or a professional oral health care provider.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/use-minneapolis-teeth-whitening-to-eliminate-discoloration-of-teeth-410394.html

About the Author:

There are different procedures adopted for teeth whitening , where Minneapolis teeth whitening is one of these procedures. DramaticSmiles is one of online website for teeth whitening products .

Carbomide Peroxide Gels are Effective Teeth Whiteners

May 11, 2008

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Carbomide Peroxide Gels are Effective Teeth Whiteners

Author: Matt Wittchow

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that forms a part of cosmetic dentistry. Many people resort to teeth whitening to get rid of discoloration of teeth caused by aging, coffee, tea, tobacco and in some cases, because of use of antibiotics and excessive fluoride. There are many options for you to choose from for your teeth whitening purposes.

However there is one point you have to remember which is that you get the best results, in the shortest time period if the teeth whitening system contains carbomide peroxide gels. This carbomide peroxide gels is nothing but the whitening agent or active ingredient found in teeth whitening systems, and is the most effective whitener gel.

Carbomide peroxide gel is found in various strengths

This carbomide peroxide gel is available in various strengths ranging from 10 – 22%, while some products have as much as 30+% of it. Though the teeth whitening product becomes more aggressive and stronger with a stronger solution of carbomide peroxide gel, you face the risk of getting sensitive teeth, discolored gums and soft tissue.

The safest concentration is found in products with 16% carbomide peroxide gel. With this strength, it is possible to see faster results in teeth whitening, while maintaining a safe level where gums and teeth are not damaged.

When you buy your teeth whitening product, remember that it is not necessary that the more you have of the product that it proves to be effective for teeth whitening. This is because most of the products have cheap fillers and inactive ingredients in them to give a larger package.

More is not always better

So using more of such products prove to be just as effective as using little of a product of higher concentration. So the secret here lies in using products from reputable companies and not just at the amount the products offers.

The carbomide peroxide gel that is found in a product breaks down in the mouth, to produce hydrogen peroxide and urea. This hydrogen peroxide then breaks down into water and more importantly, oxygen. It is this oxygen that penetrates your teeth so that it can safely and effectively oxidize stains.

Carbomide peroxide gel breaks down into a third of hydrogen peroxide, to ensure an 18% carbomide peroxide solution. It is mainly because carbomide peroxide is a stable ingredient, when compared to hydrogen peroxide, that it has become a popular option for home tooth whitening. Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable ingredient that tends to weaken quickly if not kept in a cool place like a fridge.

Choose your carbomide peroxide gel based on sensitiveness of teeth

When choosing your carbomide peroxide gel, remember that the 11% carbomide peroxide gel works better than strong gel as it works harder at breaking down itself into hydrogen peroxide, and then oxygen to whiten your teeth. This is a good option if you have sensitive teeth and have to leave the product on overnight.

The stronger version gel of carbomide peroxide that has a concentration of 16% works better than the 11% one. However as it is a stronger option, you have to remember that it requires shorter treatment time. You need to use it only for two 40 minute sessions per day, or maximum, three sessions in a day.

This is the better option if you have heavily stained teeth where you may require a month for your teeth to whiten as required. However you will have to follow instructions to get a shade that is about eight shades lighter than the first shade you start out with.

There is also a possibility of some people experiencing sensitivity with this product; its main advantage is that it requires a short treatment time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/carbomide-peroxide-gels-are-effective-teeth-whiteners-410397.html

About the Author:

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that forms a part of cosmetic dentistry. Carbomide peroxide gels is one of best teeth whitening products .

Understanding How Toothpaste Whitens Your Teeth

May 11, 2008

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Understanding How Toothpaste Whitens Your Teeth

Author: Matt Wittchow

Teeth discoloration is something practically everyone suffers from because of aging, consumption of coffee, tea, tobacco and in some cases, antibiotics like tetracyclines. This is why cosmetic dentistry has come up with means of whitening your teeth. There are hundreds of products and quite a few methods to use to whiten your teeth.

You have to choose the product according to your budget and the urgency of teeth whitening. The most expensive teeth whitening product is office laser whitening that costs about $600 - $1,000 depending on the doctor and the amount of discoloration. This method produces immediate and guaranteed results.

Teeth whitening toothpaste is a cheap means of whitening teeth

However if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, then teeth whitening toothpaste is the answer for your teeth whitening needs. This is the cheapest and slowest method to be used to get whiter teeth. However you may need to wait for six months of brushing your teeth twice a day with this toothpaste to see results.

These teeth whitening toothpastes don’t actually increase the whiteness of the teeth. What they actually do is work at removing stains which in turn makes your teeth whiter. Instead of starting on your teeth whitening procedure with a teeth whitening toothpastes, many people opt to have an in office laser whitening, or gel tray and then use this toothpaste so that their smile remains white.

So if you have the money, you could try this option. However if you have the time and are looking for something cheaper, you can use teeth whitening toothpastes on a long time basis to see an improvement in your teeth.

Over brushing of teeth can lead to loss of tooth enamel

Basically, the success of your tooth whitening toothpaste is very much dependant on how long, and how often you brush your teeth. However bear it in mind that many dental health professionals warn that excessive use of toothpastes you may use to reduce the staining and yellowing of teeth leads to the loss of tooth enamel. This is mainly because of the over-brushing associated with excessive use of the toothpaste.

As tooth enamel is something that cannot be replaced, you have to be careful when using your toothpaste. Moreover, if you have sensitive teeth, you will not be able to use a tooth whitening toothpaste. As the tooth enamel is already sensitive in people with sensitive teeth.

Teeth whitening toothpastes have humectants in them

There are various ingredients found in teeth whitening toothpastes, where different ingredients have different functions. These teeth whitening toothpastes have abrasives in them that work at removing debris on the teeth and all residual stains.

These toothpastes also have humectants that work at avoiding the loss of water and it also has thickening agents and binders that help in stabilizing toothpaste formulations. These thickening agents prevent the separation of liquid and solid phases while the flavoring and foaming agents in the toothpaste are to be chosen by your preference.

The therapeutic agents of these teeth whitening agents all contain fluoride which is effective in reducing caries. The potassium nitrate that is found in it helps in caring for dental hypersensitivity and triclosan or stannous fluoride works mainly in decreasing any gingival inflammation found in your teeth.

There are some additional ingredients that may be added to teeth whitening toothpastes so that it provides esthetic advantages. These ingredients include pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that stops the buildup of tartar and numerous abrasives and enzymes that are effective in helping in teeth whitening. However these ingredients don’t actually have any impact on the working of the toothpaste.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/understanding-how-toothpaste-whitens-your-teeth-410398.html

About the Author:

However if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, then teeth whitening toothpaste is the answer for your teeth whitening needs.