HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Dental & Mouth

Sticky Snacks Spell Trouble

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Sticky, chewy foods-like cough drops, hard candies, and sugary pastries-cling to the surface of your teeth, where they mix with bacteria in the mouth and produce acids that gradually wear away tooth enamel. Granola bars, many dried fruits, and foods or cereals sweetened with honey, corn syrup, or molasses are particularly troublesome. But starchy foods like bread, crackers, potato chips, or pretzels-which are turned into sugar by saliva-can also be a problem. To minimize this difficulty:

* If you eat fruit and other foods high in sugars, eat them with meals. Finish a meal with foods that help buffer acid formation.

* Don’t eat sweets, fruit, or starchy foods before bedtime. Saliva production slows down overnight, enabling cavity-causing bacteria to feed on food particles more easily. Brushing your teeth doesn’t effectively prevent the problem.

* Avoid sugar-sweetened gum and beverages. Chew a sugar-free gum instead, especially one with the artificial sweetener xylitol.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
All About Brushing And Flossing

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Whiter teeth, fresher breath, fewer cavities. Who could ask for more from toothpaste? Some dental products make additional claims. Here’s a short guide to ingredients and product claims to help you decide which toothpaste is best for your teeth. (Note: Choose products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the labels. For more information on the ADA Seal of Acceptance and brand name products that have this seal, accesswww.ada.org.)

Fluoride. To help prevent cavities, children and adults should use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. (Note: Many dentists prescribe fluoride supplements for people whose household drinking water contains little or no fluoride. If your drinking water is low in fluoride, you might want to ask your dentist about this option.)

Desensitizing toothpaste. Some toothpastes are specially formulated for people whose teeth are sensitive to touch or temperature changes.

Anti-plaque and tartar control toothpastes. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden goo that clings to the surface of your teeth. Unless plaque is removed every 24 to 36 hours, it can turn into a cement-like substance called tartar. And tartar destroys your gums. Plaque- and tartar-control formula toothpastes, used along with flossing and regular dental visits, can help to prevent plaque buildup. Mouthwash can help, too.

Whitening toothpastes. These remove stains on the surface of the teeth with gentle polishing, chemical agents, or other nonbleaching action. (Note: Consult your dentist before using over-the-counter peroxide-containing whiteners or bleaching agents.)

Don’t Forget to Floss

Waxed. Unwaxed. Fine. Regular. Plain or fancy, all dental floss does the job: It removes bacteria and plaque from between your teeth and above and below the gum line areas your toothbrush can’t reach. It also removes particles of food lodged between your teeth. Floss carefully at least once a day to help keep plaque from building up. (If plaque hardens into cement-like deposits called tartar, your teeth can start to decay or wobble due to loss of bone.)

Here’s how to floss.

1. Cut a piece of floss about one-and-a-half feet long. Wrap the ends of the floss about your middle fingers.

2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and index finger, exposing about one inch of floss. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, being careful not to snap it into the gums.

3. With the floss at the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth and gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss. Repeat on each of your teeth, top and bottom, using a fresh section of floss for each tooth.

4. After you’ve flossed, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove remaining debris. Your gums may be tender and bleed for the first week. That’s normal. But if the bleeding continues, see your dentist.

Here are some additional hints.

* If you find flossing awkward and messy, try using a dental floss holder sold in drugstores. Instead of wrapping the floss around your fingers, you insert the floss in a small, plastic fork-like holder.

* To help you remember to floss daily, without fail, floss after you brush your teeth.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Take A Good Look At Your Gums

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Plaque buildup, crooked teeth, illness, poorly fitting dentures, trapped food particles, and certain medications can irritate or destroy your gums. With good oral hygiene, however, you can prevent gum (periodontal) disease. If caught in the early stages, gum disease is easily treated. If ignored, the gums and supporting tissues wither, and your teeth may loosen and fall out.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease is important for early treatment. Pay attention to the following:

* Swollen red gums that bleed easily (a condition called gingivitis).

* Teeth that are exposed at the gum line (a sign that gums have pulled away from the teeth).

* Permanent teeth that are loose or separate from each other.

* Bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth.

* Pus around the gums and teeth.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bad Breath

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Bad breath (halitosis) is a social concern. It can be a health issue, too.

Signs & Symptoms

* A bad odor from the mouth. To detect this, wipe the back of your tongue with a piece of white, sterile gauze. After 5 minutes, smell the gauze for an odor.

* An unpleasant taste is in the mouth.

* You are told you have bad breath.

Causes

Bacteria on the tongue, dry mouth, and strong odors of food, such as garlic and onions, are common causes of bad breath. Other causes are smoking, alcohol, ill-fitting dentures, and infections of the gums or teeth. Less often, bad breath is due to another problem, such as a sinus infection or indigestion.

Treatment

TheSelf-Care/Preventionitems listed on this page treat most cases of bad breath. If not, your dentist can prescribe:

* A special toothpaste.

* A mouth rinse.

* A special brush.

* A tongue scraper.

* An antimicrobial solution.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Practice good oral hygiene.

* If you wear dentures, clean and care for them as advised by your dentist.

* Don’t smoke. Limit or avoid alcohol.

* To prevent dry mouth, drink plenty of water and other liquids.

* Use a baking soda toothpaste. Brush your teeth and tongue. Do this after all meals, if you can. If not, rinse your mouth with water, chew parsley, mint leaves, celery, or carrots after meals.

* Don’t rely on mouthwash or mints. They mask bad breath and help cause it, because they dry out the mouth. Try chlorophyll tablets.

* Eat at regular times. Eat nutritious foods. Limit sugary foods.

* Chew sugarless gum or suck on lemon or other citrus drops. These help make saliva. Saliva helps deal with bacteria on the teeth and washes away food particles.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Teeth & Mouth Changes With Aging

Dental & Mouth Concerns

As you age, changes occur with your teeth and mouth. Common changes are:

* Fewer taste buds on your tongue, especially for sugary and salty foods, but not for bitter tasting foods

* Drier mouth. The tissues in your mouth get thinner and tend to hold less moisture. This makes your mouth more dry. Some medications can add to the problem. Examples are water pills, some antidepressants, and antihistamines.

* Gum problems. Your gums may recede. This exposes the roots of your teeth and can promote cavities.

* Loss of natural teeth. Proper care of your teeth can prevent this. In persons over age 40, the number one cause of tooth loss is periodontal (gum) disease.

More than half of persons over age 50 have at least one tooth replaced. A tooth or teeth can be replaced as crowns, bridges, partial or full dentures. Dental implants are another option.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bonding For A Beautiful Smile

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Bonding can correct certain dental problems effectively and inexpensively. By bonding plastic or porcelain to the tooth, a dentist can:

* Cover discoloration.

* Close small gaps between teeth.

* Repair fractured and chipped teeth.

* Protect exposed roots caused by receding gums.

* Seal out decay-causing bacteria on back teeth.

If you’ve had your teeth bonded, take these steps to prevent chips, stains, or other problems.

* Don’t chew ice or bite down on hard foods or candy.

* Avoid smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or eating blueberries or other foods that easily stain.

* Have the bonded teeth checked every three to five years. They may need to be touched up or done over.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Seal Out Tooth Decay

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Even if you brush, floss, rinse with fluoride, and never eat a sticky sweet, decay-causing bacteria can invade the tiny pits and crevices in your molars, or chewing teeth. To head off that kind of decay, researchers have developed sealants-special plastic coatings that form an effective barrier between bacteria and the chewing surfaces of your teeth, where fluoride is less effective.

Approximately 90 percent of the cavities in school-age children occur in crevices in the back teeth, so sealants are best applied when the permanent molars first emerge. (The American Dental Association reports a significant decrease in cavities in children who have sealants applied to their teeth.) But that doesn’t mean sealants aren’t useful or appropriate for adults who have cavity-prone teeth. So ask your dentist or dental hygienist about sealants the next time you have a dental checkup.

The procedure is simple, pain-free, and won’t interfere with later dental work. Sealed teeth may need to be touched up periodically, though.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Broken Or Knocked-Out Tooth

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Signs & Symptoms

* Loss of a tooth or part of a tooth.

* Nicked or chipped tooth or teeth.

Causes

An injury or a strain on a tooth, such as from biting on a hard object can cause a broken, knocked-out, or chipped tooth.

Treatment

When a tooth gets knocked out, go to the dentist as soon as possible. Keep the tooth moist until you get to the dentist. Follow up treatment is also needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For a Knocked-Out Tooth

* If you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown. Avoid contact with the root.

* Rinse off the rest of the tooth with clear water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to the tooth.

* If possible (and if you’re alert), gently put the tooth back in its socket or hold it under your tongue. Otherwise, put the tooth in a glass of milk, cool salt water, or a wet cloth. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

* If the gum is bleeding, hold a gauze pad or a clean tissue tightly in place over the wound.

* Try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes of the accident. If the dentist is not available, go to a hospital emergency department. Take the tooth with you.

For a Broken Tooth

* To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.

* Save any broken tooth fragments. Put them in a wet cloth or milk. Take them to the dentist.

To Protect Teeth From Damage and Injury

* Don’t chew on ice, pens, pencils, etc.

* Don’t use your teeth to pry things open.

* If you smoke a pipe, don’t bite down on the stem.

* If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist if you should be fitted or a bite plate.

* If you play contact sports like football or hockey, wear a protective mouthguard. Mouthguards may also be useful for noncontact sports, such as gymnastics. Discuss the need of using a mouthguard with your dentist.

* Always wear a seat belt when riding in a car.

* Don’t suck on lemons or chew aspirin or vitamin C tablets. Acids in these wear away tooth enamel.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Toothaches

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Signs & Symptoms

* Pain in or around a tooth that throbs or occurs with a fever and/or general ill feeling. Tooth pain occurs after you eat or drink or have something hot, cold, or sweet.

* Gums are red, swollen, and/or bleed.

* Earache and/or swollen glands on one side of the face or neck.

Causes

* A food particle, such as a popcorn hull, gets stuck between the gum and a tooth.

* Tooth grinding (bruxism). This can wear down teeth and cause cracks in them.

* A cavity or infection is beneath or around the gum of a tooth.

* Tooth abscess. This is swelling and/or infection in the bone and/or the tooth’s canals.

* Gum (periodontal) disease.

* Impacted teeth. Teeth may not fully erupt or can grow at odd angles.

* Temporary pain from recent dental work.

* TMJ.

* An injury to a tooth.

* A symptom of a sinus infection.

* A symptom of angina and a heart attack.

Treatment

Emergency care is needed for a heart attack. A dentist or doctor can diagnose and prescribe proper treatment for other problems.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Treat Tooth Pain Until You See the Dentist

* Gargle with warm salt water every hour. Hold an ice pack on the jaw. Don’t drink hot or cold liquids. Avoid sweets, soft drinks, and hot or spicy foods. It may be best not to eat at all until you see your dentist.

* Gently floss around the tooth to remove food particles that could be between the teeth.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Don’t place a crushed aspirin on the tooth, though. Aspirin burns the gums and destroys tooth enamel.

* For a cavity, pack it with a piece of sterile cotton soaked in oil of cloves. You can get this at a drug store.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Canker Sores

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Canker sores are small, round mouth sores in the lining of the mouth or on the tongue, gums, or lips. You can have one canker sore or a group of them.

Signs & Symptoms

* A burning or tingling feeling before the sore appears

* Red-rimmed, shallow sores in the mouth

* Discomfort when you eat and talk

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

Canker sores may be caused by any tear in the mouth’s lining, from an uneven tooth, rough tooth brushing, a burn from a hot drink, etc. Vitamin/mineral deficiencies, emotional stress, and family traits may also trigger canker sores.

Canker sores heal within 1 to 2 weeks. Self-care can help with symptoms and speed up healing. If needed, a mouthwash with tetracycline and/or an oral paste (amelxanox) can be prescribed.

Self-Care / Prevention

To Relieve Pain:

* Mix 1/2 cup salt in 1 cup of warm water. Rinse the mouth with an ounce of this mixture 4 times a day. Don’t swallow the water.

* Put ice on the canker sore or suck on a frozen popsicle.

* Avoid spicy foods and acidic drinks, like citrus juices.

* Use over-the-counter products, like Anbesol, Blistex, and aloe vera gel.

* Swish Mylanta or milk of magnesia around the mouth to coat the sore. Then spit the medicine out.

* Put the gel from a vitamin E capsule on the sore several times a day.

* Take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

Prevention

* Avoid things that irritate the mouth, such as hot drinks and sharp objects.

* Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate. Don’t brush too hard.

* Take a daily vitamin/mineral supplement as advised by your doctor.

Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* You have any of these problems with the canker sore:

– Fever and/or swollen glands

– Severe pain

– A sore on the roof of the mouth or white spots in the mouth that do not heal in 1 to 2 weeks

* A canker sore disturbs your sleep or does not allow you to eat.

* A canker sore appears only after you start a new medicine.

* A canker sore has not healed after 3 weeks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026