halitosis

Effects of Smoking on your oral health

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Most often while watching television programs or movies or on the tobacco products we get to see the warning messages concerning their health effects. They have been implemented in an effort to enhance the public’s awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. Warning like Smoking can kill, Smoking seriously harms you and others around you, Cigarettes causes lung cancer, Smoking can lead to blood circulation disorders and causes impotence, This product can cause mouth cancer etc. In general, warnings used in different countries try to emphasize the same messages. You have most likely heard several times again and again that smoking and chewing tobacco products can have a serious impact on your oral health. But what does smoking actually do to your mouth and oral health? Reasons why smoking is one of the most destructive habits when it comes to your oral health and the serious health risks that come with it.

Oral cancer– Tobacco products such as cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, and others are highly carcinogenic. The chemicals found in these products have been cited as a leading cause of many cancers affecting mouth, lip, tongue, gums and throat. There are numerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke, including several known to cause cancer. Oral cancer is especially dangerous in those who have it are unaware of it in the early stages since it does not produce painful side effects until it has spread. Oral cancer can take many forms including unexplained bumps, bleeding, swelling, numbness, pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Gum disease– Smoking causes decreased levels of oxygen in the blood leads to a weakened immune system and leaves your mouth vulnerable to infection. This means that bacteria found in your mouth can more easily build-up and infiltrate your gums. The bacteria can quickly destroy gum tissues, causing it to recede and become loose and unhealthy. The gums help to anchor teeth in place, so when the gum is compromised, it further also damages the bone causing the teeth to become loose and potentially fall out. When gum disease progresses it can affect the bones and surrounding tissues, causing them to break down, too. Smokers are two times more likely to contract gum disease than non smokers. Smoking is a cause of periodontitis, a common dental disease. Its symptoms may include infected gums, loss of the jawbone that supports the teeth and deep spaces forming around the teeth (periodontal pockets)

Cavities – Considering the increased plaque and gum problems caused by smoking, you’re also at higher risk for tooth decay. If you smoke, you’re putting your mouth at risk for three times as many cavities as those who don’t. Because the chemicals in tobacco products weaken the tooth’s protective enamel, teeth become more susceptible to bacteria, acids, and other destructive substances. With no protective layer, these substances cause decayed teeth and eventually it might spread down to the tooth root. This can be extremely painful and can cause teeth to become loose, requiring removal, and even falling out. This decay can also lead to infection with swelling and severe pain. Smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the blood, which your body needs in order to fight these infections.

Tooth sensitivities– Because smoking weakens or erodes tooth enamel, smoker’s teeth are often vulnerable and can become extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This can be quite painful and very restricting when it comes to food and drink.

Bad breath– It’s no surprise that smokers have bad breath and it’s not the kind you can get rid-off it, with a quick breath mint or chewing gum. Many chemicals pass through your oral cavity every time you smoke and many of them end up collecting on the surfaces inside your mouth. Smoking also contributes to bad breath by drying out your mouth, which can trigger gum infection and even irritate your sinuses.

Stains– Smoking is well known for the yellowing effect it has on teeth. This discoloration is actually stains left by the nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Over time, this discoloration can seep into tiny cracks in the tooth enamel. That means that after several years of smoking, the staining may well be permanent.

Delayed healing – After a tooth extraction or other oral surgery can be seen after several years of smoking as it also cause change in the immune response.

Taste and smell– Often use of tobacco products over a long period of time may result in altered taste and smell sensation.

Tobacco users especially should visit their dentist regularly to have their oral health monitored closely. It’s important to keep in mind that the only truly effective treatment in restoring the health of a smoker’s mouth is to stop smoking. It usually takes a few times before you successfully quit smoking. Consult with your dentist or physician about nicotine replacement therapy. If you’ve just had your dental cleaning it’s a great time to quit, because your mouth feels fresh and clean.

 

How to use- MOUTHWASH

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR

When we talk about good oral hygiene, three things come on our mind brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. These are often told by the dentists as well. Today we are going to talk about mouthwash. Mouthwash is a part of a good daily oral hygiene practice. Mouthwashes are beneficial, in removing food particles left in between and on the teeth even after brushing and flossing. Since, it’s a liquid; it can be reach where a tooth brush and floss cannot.

While mouthwash is not a substitute for proper brushing, it can help with a number of oral health issues like cavity protection, bad breath management and in therauptic uses. There are various types of mouthwash available. Broadly, mouthwashes containing fluoride can help in preventing the formation of tooth decay. Alternatively, antiseptic mouthwashes can help reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease and decay. Other mouthwashes may help reduce teeth sensitivity.

There are few myths regarding the use and effects of mouthwash. Let’s discuss it.

Firstly it’s a very common one, mouthwashes cures bad breath. Yes, mouthwash may temporarily cure stinky breath, but it’s not a permanent solution. There can be multiple reasons for bad breath like the food you consume, or if you have any respiratory infection or some systemic disease like diabetes etc or you have lot of plaque and tartar build up all over your mouth. So, freshening your mouth with mouthwash won’t help for long. Better see your dentist to know the exact cause of bad breath and then target the real problem.

Secondly, all mouthwashes are the same. Not really, as discussed before, there are different mouthwashes for different needs. In general, mouthwash can be classified as, regular or therapeutic uses. Rinsing with a regular mouthwash will loosen bits of food from your teeth, lessen bacteria in your mouth, temporarily reduce bad breath and leave a refreshing taste in your mouth. On the other hand, therapeutic rinses contain additional active ingredients such as essential oils, chlorhexidine, fluoride, betadine etc which has been proven to reduce plaque, fight cavities, reduce teeth sensitivity or help in gingival healing by keeping the bacterial count minimum.

You must have heard people saying, anyone can use the mouthwash and mouthwash is harmless. Well that’s not true. Many mouthwashes contain a high amount of alcohol. This can cause dry mouth, which is a cause of bad breath, and irritate oral tissues. In some people, the alcohol can cause sensitivity to the root surfaces of the teeth. There have also been studies suggesting a link between alcohol-containing mouthwash and oral cancer on long term use. Also, Long-term use of alcohol containing mouthwashes can kill ‘good’ bacteria and should never be given to children. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are also available. But other ingredients can cause side effects, too. Many can stain your teeth or cause a burning sensation, and therefore it isn’t recommended for long-term use. Mouthwash is not meant to be ingested, so it may cause problems if accidentally swallowed. It’s not usually recommended for young children before the age of six. This is because most children would swallow the mouthwash instead of spitting it out. Most mouthwashes contain fluoride and few contain alcohol both of these are not advisable to swallow even in trace amounts. Yet there are few mouthwashes available that are specifically made for children because they contain no alcohol and are fluoridated in right amounts. This results in protection against cavities with safety.

Mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing. Yes, it cuts back the level of bacteria in your mouth. But not for the whole day if brushing and flossing is not done. Plaque must be removed by a physical action and that’s exactly the role of flossing and brushing. Regular flossing and brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush will do a much more effective job of removing plaque and debris than mouthwash alone. Research shows that adding a rinse with mouthwash to your oral care routine can in fact improve the overall cleanliness of your mouth and help keep gum inflammation at bay. But mouthwash is usually considered an add-on, not a replacement for brushing and flossing.

The best way to use mouthwash is to gargle or rinse just for a few quick seconds and then spit. Most mouthwashes are at their most effective when in contact with your mouth tissues for 30 seconds per use. Keeping the mouthwash for too long in mouth can cause loss of taste sensation for few days and may irritate the gums and soft tissues all over. If you are using the mouthwash on regular basis you may dilute the mouthwash with water in 1:1 ratio if recommended or needed.

Ask your dentist for advice about the best mouthwash for you. Read and follow the instructions on the label, looking for how much to use and for how long to rinse with the mouthwash. Always remember mouthwash isn’t a short-cut.

Soft DRINKS and their effect on ORAL HEALTH

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Commonly it is called “soda” or “soft drink”, different words are used to identify a carbonated/aerated, sugary cold drink or soft drink which is available in various flavors and different brand names. The advert says drinking it is fun, happiness, fact of life, winning mantra, living mantra, the way you should be etc, etc and what not. But these carbonated/aerated soft drinks can lead to not only oral but also general health issues.

Soft drinks and packed juices are very common and easily available dietary source today, which is consumed by most of us anytime in a day or many times in a day, once consumed acids & acidic sugar products and by-products in it softens the enamel (outer most layer of the tooth) which is also supposed to be hardest and most highly mineralized substance in human body contributing to the formation of cavities on the tooth surface and also erosion of the enamel layer leading to tooth sensitivity. In certain cases, this affected enamel caused by soft drinks when combines with inefficient and improper brushing and poor oral hygiene may lead to the gum disease and tooth loss. Because of the high sugar, sodium and caffeine content in soda, it dehydrates the body and over a long period of time can cause chronic dehydration. However, the sugar-free drinks are also not very safe as the acidic potential can still cause problems like dehydration and enamel loss, but they are less harmful in comparison. It appears that increased soft drink consumption is a major factor that contributes to obesity, kidney damage, osteoporosis, elevated blood pressure (on regular use). Soft drinks also have long been suspected of leading to lower calcium levels and higher phosphate levels in the blood. When phosphate levels are high and calcium levels are low, calcium is pulled out of the bones, which causes weakening of the bones.

Soft drink consumption has increased dramatically across the world, especially among children and teenagers. Everyone in spite of their age and gender can be benefitted from reducing the number of soft drinks they consume. Beverages containing less sugar and acid such as water, milk and 100 percent pure fruit juice, fresh juice is even better. Drink them yourself and encourage everyone including kids to do the same. Never drink soft drinks empty stomach as they may harm the gastric mucosa (inner layer of the stomach). Ask your dentist about fluoride application in the form of a foam, gel or rinse, which can be done for all age groups. Make sure that after consuming a soft drink, you flush your mouth with water to remove acids and save tooth from getting exposed to acids for too long. Since, fluoride reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel, so brush with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Also rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash also can help. Your dentist can recommend a higher fluoride containing toothpaste depending on the severity of the problem.

Are your gums bleeding?

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Most of us once in a while or often must have noticed spitting a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, it may not seem like a big deal, and in fact you may not even notice it anymore. But the truth is that bleeding gums are never something to ignore. More often than not, bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease which should be addressed immediately. The common reasons for bleeding gums:

Inefficient oral hygiene practices
The most common reason for red, swollen, puffy, or bleeding gums is inefficient and inadequate oral hygiene. This means that the basic routine of brushing and flossing twice daily is not being done. It takes very little time for plaque and tartar to build up on teeth and along the gum line, in fact almost immediately after brushing it begins to rebuild. This buildup of plaque is what irritates gums and may cause irreversible damage in the gums and bones if left untreated for long.
Remedy: Be sure to follow your cleaning routine so that your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues are properly brushed in the morning and in the evening, being sure to also floss at least once every day. You may find it more effective to brush with an electric toothbrush which can be beneficial for gums as the rotating head massages gums and promotes blood flow to the tissues, which helps to fight off infection. Additionally, try using an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing to give cleaning routine a boost.

Your regular diet
Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and foods high in vitamin C are essential building blocks of a diet that keeps your mouth happy. Foods that are high in sugar, starch, and acid on the other hand are not good for your oral and general health. Sugars from sweet food items stick to teeth and along the gum line, if not removed soon after consumption, start to damage teeth and gum tissues. If you indulge in these types of foods throughout the day and don’t brush your teeth between meals, you are essentially adding more destructive bacteria to your mouth with each bite.
Remedy: Vegetables and fruits are great for your oral health as they scrape against teeth and dislodge destructive food and bacteria while being very low in sugar. Dairy products such as cheese contribute to healthy teeth and gums as well and, for swollen gums, foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as fish oil are great to add to your diet. Substituting a meal with a big salad filled with healthy proteins and vegetables can do wonders for your oral and overall health.

During Pregnancy
Most women experience gingivitis during pregnancy, which can lead to gum disease. Hormones released during pregnancy make mothers-to-be much more vulnerable to gum disease even if they brush and floss twice each day as the gum tissues are in general more irritable and less able to fight off infection.
REMEDY: Visiting your dentist as soon as you know that you are pregnant is essential so that you can get professional advice and set up regular appointments for cleanings and checkups throughout your pregnancy. Brushing and flossing at least twice every day is the most important thing to do to keep your oral hygiene in check. You may want to use a non-alcoholic antibacterial mouthwash after each time you brush and floss your teeth to ensure each corner of your mouth has been cleaned.

Hereditary Gum disease
For those who know that gum disease runs in their family, they must be even more cautious in their oral hygiene. Knowing your family oral history may help to manage your own oral health.
Remedy: If gum disease does run in your family, tell your dentist. They can offer expert council about how best to care for your teeth daily to prevent issues from showing up. Brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash daily is essential in fighting against the bacteria that irritates gum tissues and cause destruction.

If you’re a smoker
The toxins found in cigarettes are extremely destructive and weaken the gum tissues which can cause discoloration, swelling, and bleeding in gums. In addition, once gums are exposed to such harmful toxins, bacteria found in the mouth are more able to enter the gums and into the bloodstream. This can cause further irritation, bleeding, swelling, and infection.
Remedy: Quitting smoking is the only way to completely rid you of cigarette toxins and allow your gum tissues to rebuild and become healthy again. In addition to this, brushing and flossing twice daily is important to keep harmful bacteria from attacking weakened gum tissues. Speak to both your health care and dental professionals about smoking cessation programs that can help you kick cigarettes for good and for your overall health.

Conclusion
Finally, regular professional cleanings from your dental professional are essential even if your oral hygiene techniques are good. Professional cleanings offer a deep clean and can eradicate plaque and difficult tartar that you may not be able to reach or were unaware was there. It’s important to keep in mind that gum disease is not the end of your oral health. Most of the time it can be reversed if treated at the right time and, with proper oral hygiene and dental professional care it can be eradicated. Call your dentist today to set up an appointment to discuss your oral health concerns and to have a check up.

Tooth brushing Mistakes

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Tooth brushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it. But as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

1: Not Using the Right Toothbrush
Consider the size of your mouth when picking a toothbrush. If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big. The handle has to be comfortable. It should feel comfortable as you are holding and the toothbrush head should be small so that it reaches the very last tooth as well. The more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly.

2: Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough
Softly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended. ”Three times a day is best.” With too much time between brushings bacterial plaque will build up, boosting the risk of gum inflammation and other problems.
Brushing should last at least two minutes, three minutes is even better. Most people fall short of both time lines. It is often recommended to divide the mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds a quadrant. Some electric toothbrushes include built-in timers.

3: Not Picking the Right Bristles
Some toothbrushes have angled bristles, others straight. So is one type better? NO…..”It’s more related to technique than the way the bristles come out. What is important when buying a toothbrush? Bristles that are too stiff can aggravate the gums. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush. Bristles should be sturdy enough to remove plaque but not hard enough to damage the teeth when used properly.

4: Not Brushing Correctly
Long horizontal strokes along the gum line can lead to abrasions. Aim your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle and do short strokes or vibrations. Softly brush up and down your teeth, not across your teeth. The strokes should be vertical or circular, not horizontal.
Be sure to brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, the chewing surfaces, and your tongue.

5: Brushing Too Often or Too Hard
While brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal, but brushing twice is must. Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation, and that could in turn irritate the gums. Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel. The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.

6: Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces
Most people forget to brush the inner surfaces of teeth — the surface that your tongue presses against.
The plaque you can’t see is just as important to remove as the plaque you can see.
The most commonly skipped area, dentists say, is the inner surface of the lower front teeth.

7: Starting in the Same Place Each Time
Many people start brushing the same part of their mouth over and over. Start in a different place so that
You don’t get lazy in the same area of your mouth.

8: Not Following Up With a Rinse
Bacteria can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, you may actually put old bacteria back in your mouth. Rinsing the toothbrush after you brush will help remove any leftover toothpaste, too.

9: Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry
If you have a toothbrush that’s perpetually moist, it will cultivate more bacteria.
If the bristles stay soggy, you can shape-out them as you use the brush. Or it might be a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s a good idea to shake out the moisture, and then recap it with a cap that allows air in.

10: Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough
It is recommended to get a new brush every three months or even sooner if the bristles look frayed. Once the bristles lose their normal flexibility and start to break apart, change your toothbrush. Some brushes have colored indicators that alert you when they need replacing.

Which is the better toothbrush: Electric or manual?

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

From the time we’re young, we’re taught that using a toothbrush regularly is one of the best ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy. But which toothbrush is best?

The earliest toothbrushes were actually small twigs people rubbed against their teeth to get rid of food bits and other pieces of debris. Over hundreds of years it evolved, beginning to feature bristles made from boar’s hair. In the late 1930s, when toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented, consumers choosing a toothbrush didn’t have many options. Now, the story’s completely different. Most stores that sell oral hygiene products now have an extensive collection of different types of toothbrushes on their shelves, including manual (disposable) and powered (electric) varieties.

Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of the two and find out.

Manual Toothbrush
Pros

  • Thoroughly clean teeth with proper brushing technique. Brushing only takes 2 minutes and you can most definitely keep your teeth at a grade A+ level with a manual toothbrush.
  • Multiple toothbrush styles, bristles, heads and colors to choose from. You have the ability to choose soft bristles if you have sensitive gums, and a smaller head if you have a smaller mouth. Some brands even make special prints on toothbrushes for children. Nevertheless, you’ll never be short of options with manual toothbrushes.
  • Easy to travel with. All you need is a toothbrush case and you’re all set to go for your trip. No need to worry about batteries or charging outlets.
  • No batteries or charging.
  • Inexpensive and often free whenever you make a trip to your dentist. Keep in mind that you should ditch your toothbrush after about 3 months of use.

Cons

  • More work.
  • No timing. Manual toothbrushes require you to guess how long your brushing session will last (unless you set a two-minute timer).

Electric Toothbrush
Pros

  • Easy to use. With a powered toothbrush, all you need to do is place the toothbrush at a 45° angle and let the toothbrush do all the work.
  • Less work for better results. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your mouth and removing plaque and debris.
  • More fun to use for children. Children like to take the easy way out on chores. If a child never brushes their teeth because they don’t want to, try having them use an electric toothbrush. It’s less work, it tickles their teeth, and the timer will let them know they’re all done! It’s a lot easier (and more fun).
  • Built in timer. Electric toothbrushes use a built in timer that stops the toothbrush once two minutes are up; no more guessing!

Cons

  • Charging. You’ll either have to charge your toothbrush or replace its batteries.
  • Cost. Electric toothbrushes cost significantly more than a manual toothbrush. There are several types of powered toothbrushes but be prepared to pay more than you usually do.
  • Not as easy to travel with. Traveling with an electric toothbrush can be a hassle. They are bulky and bringing a charger along doesn’t help with room constraints.
  • Easy to break. Dropping your toothbrush can be fatal. You have to be more careful whenever using an electric toothbrush.

One last thing to point out: there have been a few studies that prove electric toothbrushes remove statistically significant more plaque compared to manual toothbrushes and are better at fighting gum disease. Despite the studies, your oral health will remain healthy (despite which type of toothbrush you use) as long as you consistently take care of your teeth. If you are on the fence of buying a powered toothbrush, talk to your dentists the next time you go for a checkup.

SMILE IS INFECTIOUS

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

When you look at someone’s beautiful dazzling smile, it spreads like an infection and paints a ray of
sunshine all over your face. Smile is so universal that even a new born knows it by heart & when the
captivating smile is shared it melts the wall. But it is only possible when you have healthy and white
teeth.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY: A branch of dentistry dealing with the appearance of your teeth. It
handles the modification of your smile and anything having to do with how your teeth and gums look in
terms of the length, shape, color, alignment and proportion. But as a dentist for me it is obtaining the
most beautiful and long-lasting improvement in the appearance of someone’s smile with the minimal
amount of treatment. The primary aim of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the aesthetics of a person’s
teeth, gums or bite. There are a variety of cosmetic procedures available that are appealing to many
people. The most popular procedure is tooth whitening in which teeth are bleached to remove stains
and appear brighter. Other cosmetic dental procedures available to help you achieve your perfect smile
are:-

  • Dental implants provide custom, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth
  • Crowns /caps and dental bridges give you that whiter, brighter smile and later one also closes
    the missing space
  • Dental veneers hide many flaws
  • Tooth-colored restoration replace metal fillings for a natural appearance
  • Dental bonding uses a material that looks and feels like tooth enamel to repair damage and
    flaws
  • Inlays and onlays (or indirect fillings) remedy tooth decay or similar structural damage

A smile makeover typically involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers,
dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth whitening to give you the look you’ve always wanted
Full mouth reconstruction offers natural-looking and clinically sound treatments to correct functional
problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure.

First impression is the last impression and everyone is becoming more self conscious of their teeth when
they have chipped, discolored, deformed, crooked or missing teeth. They may feel the need to cover
their mouth every time they laugh and tend not to smile with their teeth in photos. Apart from affecting
a person's self confidence, it can also affect a person's oral health particularly if chipped or missing teeth
are left untreated. Good thing is that most of these issues can be resolved and treated or at least
worked out to get better than what it was before. Also, as a dentist, I believe there are always one or
more treatment options available for any dental issues at an affordable cost.

Depending on the complexity and severity of the problem, referral to dental specialists may be
necessary. Ask your dentist or oral health professional for further details. Always remember to get
dental health check up and oral prophylaxis (scaling) of your teeth every six months to keep your teeth
and oral health in good shape and also to check the condition of the treatment already taken.