|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – In these financial hard times, when many across America don’t even have medical insurance, dental insurance sure seems like an extravagance. With the mounting evidence that poor oral health can increase the risks for many systemic diseases, one can get a “two for one” bargain by taking good care of teeth and gums.
Gum Diseases are widespread and dangerous!
The first thing to understand is that diseases of the mouth are bacterial in nature, epidemic in proportion (they affect 75-90 percent of the population), and their side effects can actually kill you. Perhaps the most dramatic recent example was the 13-year-old boy who died of a brain abscess from an infected tooth, but oral bacterial infections also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, respiratory problems, certain cancers, diabetes, and even of pregnant women having premature babies.
The mouth is a portal of entry to the blood stream. If the mouth has open, bleeding wounds, like deep decay or periodontal pockets, those microscopic organisms living around the teeth and under the gums can travel from the mouth into the blood stream and start infections in other organs of the body. That means that each of us needs to take responsibility for killing those mouth bugs on a daily basis.
Do you have a gum infection? Take the test:
1. Are your gums tender, swollen, painful, or itchy?
2. Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth, floss, or use a toothpick?
3. Are your teeth feeling loose or has your bite changed?
4. Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth or do they seem to be moving?
5. Are your gums receding (pulling away from your teeth)?
6. Are you troubled with constant bad breath?
7. Have you noticed pus oozing out from your gums when you press on them?
Here are four inexpensive and quick tips to enhance your oral health:
· Think gums when you brush your teeth. Brush half on the tooth, half on the gums at a 45 degree angle with bristles pointed towards the gum line for optimum cleaning.
· Think germ warfare! In addition to ordinary toothpaste, you must use a good antibacterial dentifrice to disinfect the bacteria. I recommend baking soda, salt, and hydrogen peroxide mixed 50/50 with water. The recipe can be found on my website, www.mamagums.com.
· Clean between. Less than ten percent of the population actually flosses, and even fewer floss correctly. It’s important to remove those bugs between your teeth. A toothpick, rubber-tip, interproximal brush, or irrigator will get rid of those stubborn critters between the teeth.
· Brush your tongue! Many bacteria hide and breed in the nooks and crannies of your tongue. Brush it gently every day. Start as far back as you can without gagging, and bring your toothbrush or tongue scraper forward to remove debris. This will also sweeten your breath and make you more kissable.
· Buy extra toothbrushes when they are on sale. They should be replaced every month or so because they harbor bacteria. And besides, used ones are great for many cleaning chores around the house.
Sheila Wolf has been a dental hygienist for more than 35 years. She is currently enjoying writing, speaking, and consulting on various oral health issues. Her website, www.mamagums.com has more information on gum infections and how to avoid gum surgery. She is the author of three books on oral health: “Your Mouth Could be Killing You”, “Oral Health Made Simple”, and “Pregnancy and Oral Health”
Sheila Wolf, RDH
www.mamagums.com
Find answers to all your oral health questions and more in my books:
“Your Mouth Could be Killing You”, “Oral Health Made Simple”, and “Pregnancy and Oral Health” http://www.mamagums.com/about_book.html
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com