Oral Health - take care of your mouth

ORAL HEALTH - MOUTH HEALTH - WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

We've all heard that drinking milk builds strong teeth and healthy bones. For most of us, that pretty much sums up the link between diet, fitness, and oral health. But in fact, it's way more complicated than that. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of all systemic diseases show up orally.

Your dental health care providers may be the first to identify a potential problem. The links may sometimes seem precarious. What does your weight have to with your oral health? Well obesity - along with diabetes and cardiovascular disease - has reached epidemic proportions. It has a direct link not only to these diseases, but to poor oral health through poor nutrition.

Proper diet and exercise can go a long way to lessen the symptoms of these diseases. What does this mean for you and your family? If you eat healthy and exercise to maintain weight and fitness level, you will be well on the way to avoiding cavities, periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

This leads us to another very common problem that is easily corrected - Bruxism - more commonly know as teeth grinding.

Bruxism - Teeth Grinding

Has your dentist told you that you're bruxing or grinding your teeth? Well, you are not alone. Some studies estimate that 80 - 90% of the population grinds their teeth to varying degrees. Most dentists see evidence of this with practically every patient. Although there can be different reasons for the grinding to occur, it's usually a coping mechanism for stress. And, with todays fast paced, hectic lifestyles, there is plenty of stress t0 deal with. This grinding, over time will eventually become a habitual and can result in teeth wearing down and/or chipping. It can also lead to headaches and possible jaw joint problems. If you have been told that you are a grinder, here are some tips:

1) AVOID CHEWING GUM - While gum may seem like a way to dispel oral energy, it actually does the opposite, increasing your dependence on this mouth movement when you're anxious.

2) TAKE A HIKE - Stress can fill people with nervous energy, which can manifest itself in tooth grinding. Instead, try to channel your efforts into a full body workout. Take a break from the office and go for a walk around the block or find other stress relieving stratigies.

3) QUIT THE COFFEE - Caffeine is a stimulant that will only increase your levels of energy and anxiety, leading to more grinding.

Grinding your teeth can also cause other problems. Headaches, Sleep Deprivation and Chronic Jaw Pain, are three very common symptoms that can arise from Bruxism. A person that grinds their teeth may eventually face dental repair and a hefty dental bill. When a tooth grinder hears popping noises in the jaw while chewing food, that points to jaw joint problems that can result from bruxism or cause it. I can attest to the above statement: When I quit my intake of coffee and diet sodas, not only did I rid myself of headaches, neckaches and according to Bob I don't grind my teeth while I sleep. I don't clench my jaw, thus placing unnessary stress on my TMJ. I have been getting a better night's sleep, I am not so restless.

STRESS & ORAL HYGIENE

Stress happens....to everyone. We all participate in life. It's how we interpret and react to life events that contribute to how we feel. Often we become so used to the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, that we don't notice them or accept them as normal.

How does stress affect and compromise your oral health? You may be surprised! According to the Academy of General Dentistry, emotional stress can affect your oral health and cause oral health disorders that include:

Canker sores
Dry Mouth
Lichen Planus ( lacy white lines, red areas or mouth ulcers)
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Temporomandibular (jaw) joint disorders

Stress may also throw our regular routines out of balance... including the usual attention paid to nutrition and oral health care. When this happens, we are at risk for:

Dental caries (cavities), that can cause bad breath
Peridontal (gum) disease
Tooth clenching & Bruxism (grinding)*
Avoidance of necessary regular professional dental care
*Anxiety can bring it on too. Some people on antidepressants develop bruxism. A poor alignment of the upper and the lower jaws is another bruxism cause. Not sure whether you are a grinder? Book an appointment your dentist, as they can determine the best course of action to protect your teeth and joints from any undue wear and tear. Teeth grinding may be rectified by having your dentist make you a fitted mouth guard, this might stop any headaches you may be suffering from.

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Dentist's Tip: If you are experiencing stress, please keep up your oral care - and perhaps be even more vigilant than ever. Brush after every meal, floss daily, try to eat a nutritious, balanced diet, and ensure you attend your regular appointments! Your smile will thank you!

BACK TO THE BASICS - BRUSHING

Now that we have discussed oral health concerns, let's get back to the basics. The importance of brushing your teeth is not rocket science, but doing a really good job really counts. If food debris, sugars, and acids remain on your teeth, they can attack the tooth enamel and cause decay. When an invisible bacterial film called plaque builds up, it can harden and turn into tartar which can only be removed by the dentist or hygenist. This in turn can cause gum disease and tooth loss. An attactive healthy smile needs daily maintenance. That means brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

Toothbrush Tips:

Brush your teeth after every meal whenever possible.
If you can not brush your teeth after a meal, brush your teeth twice a day.
Choose the right toothbrush. It should be a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles and a shape and size that will allow you to reach all the way to your back teeth.
Change your toothbrush often...every three months - more often if you have been ill.
Floss everyday to remove the plaque and food debris in between your teeth.
Eat healthy foods, and choose wholesome snacks.

Step by Step:

Place the toothbrush in your mouth with the bristles at a 45 degree angle against your gumline.
It doesn't matter where you start brushing, just make your progression a routine that you can follow each time...that way you will not miss a spot.
On outer and inner surfaces, vibrate the brush softly in half-tooth-wide strokes towards the gumline. Don't scrub!
The chewing sufaces on your molars (back teeth) are cleaned with a back-and-forth motion.
On the inside surface behind you front teeth, hold your brush vertically, using gentle up and down strokes.
A thorough, complete brushing should take approximately 3 minutes.

Nahanni River Herbs

Oral Health - take care of your mouth

ORAL HEALTH - MOUTH HEALTH - WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

Bruxism - Teeth Grinding

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