Dental Health Care

Dental Health Care
By Mary Rose

Dental Health Care is one of the best prevention programs to ensure fresh breath, healthy mouth and teeth for life. Dental diseases are not considered to be fatal. Hence very often people neglect the importance of oral hygiene. Nevertheless, the cost of dental disease in pain, suffering, treatment and loss of work is huge. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years to come.

Tooth decay is not restricted to children's disease. It can occur to anyone as long as natural teeth are in the mouth. It is caused by bacteria that usually exist in the mouth. The bacteria stick to teeth and form a colorless and sticky film called dental plaque.

An important part of dental health care is to know how to brush and floss perfectly. Careful brushing each day removes plaque. In addition to brushing, using dental floss is required to keep the gums healthy. Proper flossing is imperative because it removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush cannot reach.

The following are the brushing Tips.Worn out toothbrushes cannot properly clean your teeth and may injure your gums. So it is recommended to replace them every three or four months. Teeth should be brushed gently with very short strokes and enough pressure so that you feel the bristles against the gums. The tips of the bristles do the cleaning, so it should not be compressed. Never use a toothbrush with very hard bristles .It can damage the gums. Teeth should be thoroughly brushed at least once a day, preferably twice in a day. Children should clean their teeth after every meal and at bedtime.

The following are the flossing tips.Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gum lines where the toothbrush can't reach. As tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas, it's important to clean them thoroughly and daily. A commercial floss holder may seem helpful to use. Most children cannot floss their own teeth until age 10.
Gums may be sore and bleed for the first five or six days after you floss .It is a sign that plaque and bacteria are being removed. If bleeding does persist even after a few days it is better to consult your dentist. Exercise care while flossing as improper flossing injures your gums. Consult your dentist about how to floss properly, to avoid injuring your gums.

A healthy smile is a winner at any age. Eat a balanced diet and restrict munching snacks between meals. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit. Fluoride is important for both adults as well as children. Fluoride compounds are present in drinking water and some foods. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are worn as it won't do a perfect job of cleaning your teeth.

Apart from following a good dental health care, it is essential to have regular check-ups by the dentist whether you possess natural teeth or depend on false dentures. It is also vital to abide by with any special treatments that are required to make sure of good oral health. For example, if you have sensitive teeth caused by receding gums, your dentist may advise using special toothpaste for sometime. If you have on false dentures, keep them clean and free from food that causes bad breath and gum irritation. Make sure that you brush all the surface of the dentures with a denture care product once a day. A common cause of tooth loss after one crosses 35years of age is gum disease which is also known as periodontal disease. This occurs due to infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in its place. Gum diseases are also caused by dental plaque.

Remember you can have just one set of natural permanent teeth in your lifetime. Take good care of it and the reward will smile back at you every time you look at your reflection. Keep away from activities that are harmful to the teeth such as smoking, addiction to caffeine etc. A healthy mouth is indeed an indication of a healthy body. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life

The Health Focus Of Dental Health Plans

The Health Focus Of Dental Health Plans
By Fariba Zargar

When you are thinking about all of the advantages you will have when you choose a dental health plan, there is a very important factor to keep in mind. While you are probably already aware of many of the advantages, you should also consider the health benefits. This is an essential factor which you may not have considered. Your health is important-- and a dental health plan will go a long way in promoting good health.

When you select a dental health plan in which you will have one primary care dentist, this will be in the best interests of your dental health. As soon as you start dealing with your dentist, he will begin to familiarize himself with your particular dental needs. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, he will then be aware of your dental history, any potential problems, and what type of work needs to be done. Not only will this be very helpful in determining and carrying out any necessary procedures in a timely manner, but it will also lessen the possibility of missing problems which may occur or performing unnecessary procedures.

When your primary care dentist has become familiar with your dental history, it will be a very important factor in saving time and ensuring proper care. In addition, this kind of timely, proper dental care will be beneficial to your overall health in general. As there are a number of serious medical complications which can result from lack of or improper dental care, having a dental health plan which promotes regular visits to your primary care dentist will help you to eliminate this risk.

Your primary care dentist's familiarity with your dental health and history is one factor. Simply being aware of any specific problems that you may have is the surest way of having them taken care of as soon as possible. The financial aspect, however, is an additional factor. When you have a dental health plan that is right for you, you will not be as likely to skip regular visits or ignore potential problems. Your dental health plan will make proper care completely affordable. You will no longer be in a position of determining whether or not to have diagnostic or corrective procedures done based on cost, as the plan will cover all of your regular and emergency dental needs.

Your dental health and your general health are important to you. Fortunately, you no longer have to choose between your health and being economical. There is a dental health plan which will fit into your budget, without placing any undue strain on your finances. You can find the specific plan which best suits your dental care needs and your budget as well. You will be pleasantly surprised when you find how inexpensive the plan which is the most suitable for you can be.

When you think about the longterm effects on both your dental and your overall health, you will see that choosing a dental health plan is quite cost-effective. It is the most responsible way of managing your health.

Raised in Tehran and London, and educated in the United States, Fariba Zargar holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Engineering from University of Houston, TX and her MBA from Pepperdine University. She has enjoyed a diverse and rich career history, with over 25 years of engineering, management, business ownership, residential and commercial real estate finance and sales.

Fariba's interest in dental health is inspired by her passion for health in general. Living a healthy lifestyle is not a passing interest for Fariba. Struggling with RA she took an interest in Alternative methods of dealing with her health issues. A passionate Vegan and Raw Food expert has made Fariba Zargar a strong supporter of alternative medicine. Fariba is currently serving as a contract consultant to Liberty Dental Plan of California.

source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Health-Focus-Of-Dental-Health-Plans&id=1173956

Dental Insurance For Better Dental Health

Dental Insurance For Better Dental Health
By Susan Jan

Dental diseases are the most common and prevalent diseases affecting almost everybody in the world. Today the cost of dental treatment is enormous.

Treatments to treat these dental diseases are of two types, occasional and routine. Occasional dental treatments include tooth extraction, braces, root canal treatment etc., while routine treatments include cleaning, plaque removal, X-rays, etc.

People today care more about their teeth and image than they did few decades ago. With wide television coverage nowadays on cosmetic dentistry, having a good-looking smile has become even more important. Dental insurance plan is a good way to reduce the impact of dental treatment especially for large families. Almost 55% of Americans are covered by dental plans.

Insurance plan for dental treatments is coverage for individuals to protect them against the high cost of dental treatments, and is usually included in health insurance. For this plan the individual has to pay a monthly premium to the insurance company. The insurance company then provides the cost of medicines and treatment procedures to the individual for a specified period. Usually the period is limited to one year.

The insurance has to be renewed after the period. The premium set by the company usually increases year by year. For sicker and older individuals the premium is higher than for healthier individuals, which has been a cause of controversy and debate in the western world. The premiums range from 15$ a month to 70$ a month depending upon the type of insurance plan taken and the health of the individual.

Dental insurance plan usually involves a lot of health records, age records, screening and paper work. The insurance company tries to avoid adverse selection. Adverse selection means people with poor dental health who are more likely to opt for dental insurance plans than healthier people. This increases the insurance cost to the insurance company. Most individual dental insurance plans require a waiting period before having any major or minor restorative work done. However there are annual limits to the cost of treatment that one individual can claim under dental ainsurance plans.

When the employer provides employer dental insurance plan then it works out better than discount dental plans opted by individuals. However the trend of employers providing insurance plans is on the decrease.

Dental insurance plans help improve the dental health of individuals as they are paying premiums and hence opt for dental treatment. Employer dental insurance plan is more common and less costly than the individual insurance plan.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Dental-Insurance-For-Better-Dental-Health&id=291920

This Is Why Ignoring Your Dental Health Can Be Deadly

This Is Why Ignoring Your Dental Health Can Be Deadly

Overall dental health is the routine preventive care of keeping your teeth and mouth healthy. You must take care of your teeth daily or you'll soon develop tooth decay, gingivitis or possibly even lose your permanent teeth.

Did you know that because your mouth is exposed to so many types of bacteria, it can become a breeding ground for all kinds of germs. Fortunately, by brushing and flossing regularly you can avoid most of these issues.

Dental Hygiene is necessary for several reasons. For example, if bacteria were allowed to pile up on your teeth in the form of plaque, this plaque will gradually rot the teeth causing you severe pain and bleeding.

Even worse, the infection can work its way into the jaw bone and be spread to other teeth. Even though you may be able to have that tooth pulled, if you fail to take action the infection could possibly spread throughout the body leaving you in a serious condition that could cause hospitalization or even death.

Bleeding gums (Gingivitis) is another likely problem for individuals that don't take care of their teeth. Ultimately, all of these situations can leave you with bleeding, infection and pain.

By working together with your dental provider and taking routine care of your oral hygiene, you may be spared many of these awful situations. You could even be able to get the condition of your teeth back to their normal state.

It is never too late to begin working on your personal hygiene. It will help to keep you healthy in the long run. Most conditions can be repaired over time and through regular care. Find out where the condition of your dental health is at and find out what you need to do to start improving it right away!

By: Joe Stewart

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Teach Kids Dental Health Early

Teach Kids Dental Health Early

Even though Adults mostly neglect their dental health for whatever reason it should be an important aim to keep their children's teeth looked after. Children's dental care is especially important because their teeth are still developing. And will carry on well into their late teens.

Proper Dental Care

Dental care for children can be started early on. This is because children love doing new things and love to have fun at the same time. Children should be encouraged to do some of the following: The children should be introduced to brushing and flossing at an early age which will show the importance of dental care by giving them the responsibility to care for their own teeth. Take children along for the annual dental visits and provide proper dental nutrition. When dental emergencies arise get them treated quickly.

Proper Nutrition for Teeth

Proper nutrition is essential to dental care in children. To encourage the combination of nutrition and dental care parents can do some of the following: Provide the required amounts of daily dairy products to help in strong bone development since teeth are bone. Provide nutritional snacks and meals without excess sugar and sweeteners Provide un sugared drinks such as milk, water and natural fruit juices.

Good Dental Care Habits

If a parent wanted to give their children a head start they could concentrate on good dental hygiene in early development to make sure it sank in.

These habits would include the following: Daily brushing after meals and especially before bedtime when plaque can do the most damage. Daily flossing to remove any food caught in between teeth Drinking water after meals to loosen anything caught in the teeth Choosing fruit or vegetables to increase energy and sustain healthy teeth and gums.

The old Dentist Visits

Dental health care includes regular visits to the dentist. Making sure that children make the visit to their dentist at least once per year helps to ensure proper dental care. Some of the things the dentist will look at during the yearly office visits include: Tooth growth Cavities Any sign of gum disease Abnormal or crooked teeth

Looking after your own teeth and setting an example when your children are young will not only help you but will also help your children. That means walking the walk, doing exactly what you want your children to do and setting an example.

By: Louise Servage

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dental Health: Causes And Treatment For Bad Breath

Dental Health: Causes And Treatment For Bad Breath

The medical name for bad breath is halitosis. Causes can range from poor oral hygiene habits and foods you eat to various other health problems and unhealthy lifestyles.

If you eat foods with strong odors like garlic or onions you basically have to wait until the foods have passed through your body before the odor is completely gone. You can mask it with brushing and mouthwash to cover up the odor temporarily.

All food you eat begins the breaking down process in your mouth. As food digests and is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is eventually carried to the lungs and given off in your breath.

Poor dental hygiene habits promote bacteria growth between teeth, around the gums and on the tongue, which causes bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, the food particles that remain in your mouth begins to promote bacteria growth on teeth, gums and the tongue. If dentures are not properly cleaned, bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath.
Other unhealthy lifestyles that include smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can cause bad breath, stain the teeth and irritate gum tissues.

Health problems associated with bad breath include:

•Gum or periodontal disease
•Poorly fitting dental appliances
•yeast infections of the mouth
•Dental cavities
•Dry mouth (dry mouth may be caused by side effects of medications, salivary gland problems or continuous breathing through the mouth)
•Respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
•Chronic sinus infections
•Postnasal drip
•Diabetes
•Chronic acid reflux
•Liver or kidney problems

Tips on how to prevent or reduce bad breath include:

•Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and brush after you eat
•Always brush your tongue
•Replace toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
•Use floss or interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day
•Remove dentures at night and clean thoroughly before placing in your mouth the next morning
•See your dentist at least twice a year.
•Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products
•Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist
•Chew cinnamon flavored, sugar free gum (read the food label for the ingredient Xylitol. Studies show Xylitol in sugar free gum can help to destroy the bacteria in your mouth and give you that just brushed clean feeling as well. The flavor “cinnamon” has also been shown in some studies to be the best flavor to combat against bad breath.
•Mouthwashes you buy over-the-counter generally provide a temporary way to mask unpleasant mouth odor. There are some antiseptic brands of mouth-rinse products that do help kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist which product is best for you.

In most cases your dentist can find and treat the cause of bad breath. If your dentist determines the odor is due to gum disease you may be referred to a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in treating gum conditions. If the dentist finds your mouth to be healthy you may be referred to a family physician, internist or some other specialist to determine the odor source and an appropriate treatment plan.

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

By: Connie Limon -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dental Health Is Part Of Overall Well-being

Dental Health Is Part Of Overall Well-being

There are proven connections between a person’s overall health and their dental health and many companies now offer some type of dental plan to help their employees remain healthy and available for work. It has been shown that plaque that builds up on the teeth often flows into the person’s system adding plaque to the heart and affecting their coronary health as well as their dental health.

A person who has had limited or no dental health throughout their life may also end up with diseases such as gingivitis as well as severe cavities and rotting teeth. While the teeth may affect their appearance gum diseases can lead to complications in other health care concerns. Plaque is made up of colonies of bacteria and poor oral hygiene allows the bacteria to grow and infect other parts of the body. It is also a major contributor to bad breath.

While bad breath is often attributed to poor dental health, it is not the only cause. Food, such as onions, is digested and put into the blood stream. As the blood returns to the lungs to be re-oxygenated, it puts the odor of the food back into the lungs where it is released as bad breath. This also happens to others such as smokers and no amount of brushing, flossing or scraping of the tongue will eliminate this source of bad breath.

Oral Hygiene Is Important

Taking care of the teeth is so important to most people and the country spends over $3 billion a year on dental health products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and tongue scrapers as well as breath mints and gum. While many will spend hundred of dental health products, they shy away from trip to the dentists and have a feeling of pain before they enter the dentist’s office.

In part, dentists may be to blame for some of the reluctance of people to seek professional help with their dental health. Previously, many dentists were judgmental in their approach with patients, which made them feel even more uncomfortable than the actual work being done. Today’s non-judgmental approach to dentistry is having a positive effect on good dental health.

Recent studies have also concluded that that poor dental hygiene can be a contributing factor to ischemic stroke, one of the most common types of stroke in the United States. The plaque buildup can cause release of plaque which can settle into small blood vessels more common in the brain.

By: Kimberly Graham

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kimberly Graham is a retired Ph.D. and has put up a site about Dental Care at the health and medical portal