Dental Floss

Dental floss is a waxed or unwaxed thread made of either nylon filaments or plastic ribbon, and which is primarily used to remove any remaining food or dental plaque that may remain on the surface of the tooth or in the gaps between the teeth. It is used by gently inserting between the teeth and is passed/scraped between the teeth close to the gums.

The dental floss can be waxed or unwaxed, and flavored or non-flavored.

How was Dental floss introduced to the world?

A dentist from New Orleans, named Levi Spear Parmly is the person who for the first time use a traditional form of thread as a dental floss. It was a thread of silk which was used first as a floss. This was late back in 1815. Then there were a few companies after decades which came with some floss materials into the market, some of the companies include Codman and Shurtleft, Johnson & Johnson Corporation, Red Cross, Salter Sill Co. and Brunswick.
The usage of floss is still seen more in the western countries, and in America, 50% of people have the habit of flossing taking it as a measure of maintaining oral hygiene.

What to take care about dental floss?

It is advised that the dental floss should be used in a gentle manner as it can hurt the external of the tooth, and sometimes the gums. Generally you can floss once a day after brushing. The American Dental Association suggests that flossing should be done by curving the floss against the surface of side of the tooth, moving along the shape of “C”, then do the same vertically from the tip of gums to the tip of the tooth but this has to be done very gently as the gum can be damaged if done vigorously. Flossing should be done for a very less time.

Does floss clean all the tooth surfaces?

Dental floss cleans all the tooth parts except the areas below the contact point in the proximal surfaces as it can not reach there if the contact points are tight and do not allow the floss to go further down.

How is dental floss available?

It depends on the manufacturer, but generally a floss is available in the form of long threads of 10 to 50 meters length, and are rolled and placed in plastic containers and transported. The pack also has an attached blade to cut the floss whenever the needed and required amount of floss is pulled out. There are several manufacturers like one of those well noted ones is the toothpaste manufacturer

How to use a dental floss?

Required amount of floss is cut from the box and then it is wrapped around the middle fingers of both the hands so that a good hold can be put on it, and directly pressing with the fingers can reduce the friction and the floss can slip from between the fingers. The fingers can be rested over the other teeth when working on a particular tooth and its surfaces. And the thumb should be used as a press for the floss on the middle finger.

Alternatively, you can just tie the two ends by knots and make a round loop of the thread which can be used in wet conditions, and does not apply much pressure too. Then as given above, the floss should be run against the surface and along the proximal margins of the teeth to clean off the bacteria and the food particles.

There are materials which can hold the dental floss to use it in a proper way, they are -
Floss Wands
Floss Picks

These wands and picks are materials which have 2 prongs in an end from the handle which are in the shape of F and Y, and between the prongs, there is a floss attached. They help in holding the floss easily but are not efficient as the manual hand flossing is. Sometimes, the part underneath the gums where the plaque forms frequently, is not cleaned well when these wands and picks are used.
Article Source : http://www.drchetan.com

Bad Breath Causes

The food we eat can adversely affect our breath. Odors from garlic, onions, cabbage, and certain spices may result in halitosis when the suspected food is absorbed into the blood tream after digestion. When the blood has transferred to the lungs, the smell from the food is evident when you exhale.
With eating comes digestion, another cause of bad breath. Gasses produced during the digestive process may escape through your mouth, emanating the odor it produces. Poor digestion resulting in constipation and disorders of the bowel may contribute to bad breath again, from the gasses that are produced during this process.

Cause: Infrequent Brushing and Flossing

It may seem like an obvious factor, but when you examine how limited and neglected brushing and flossing habits contributes to bad breath, the cause hits you like a brick wall -- decaying food particles and bacteria trapped in your mouth.
When the food we eat is left behind either because it is trapped in hard to reach places such as the wisdom teeth, the tiny hair-like follicles on the tongue, or simply because brushing and flossing is neglected, it begins to decay in your mouth. The human mouth is 98.6 F, an ideal temperature for food to begin to decompose. When you exhale, the odor from the decomposing food, bacteria, and plaque causes the offensive odor.

Cause: Oral Diseases and Infections

Periodontal disease is directly related to improper or neglected brushing and flossing. One major sign of this potentially irreversible oral disease is halitosis. The accumulation of plaque, bacteria, and decomposing food particles contribute to bad breath as they destroy the delicate tissue that surrounds our teeth.
The same bacteria that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and abscessed teeth are also responsible for halitosis.

Cause: Dry Mouth

Xerostomia is a condition that causes a decrease in the production of saliva, resulting in a dry mouth. Several factors cause xerostomia, some of which may need to be treated by your doctor.
Saliva is necessary to provide lubrication the mouth to allow for proper chewing and swallowing. Saliva naturally cleanses the mouth and helps prevent cavities. If you are experiencing dry mouth, bad breath may occur because the food particles remain trapped in the mouth to rot and cause the unpleasant smell when you exhale.

Cause: Cigarette Smoking

The effects of smoking on our overall health and wellness are frightening. Over 4,000 chemicals have been identified in cigarettes, 200 of which are poisonous. Lung cancer and COPD are obvious diseases that come to mind when you consider the health risk associated with the habit. But did you know smoking is also a major cause of periodontal disease? How does this relate to halitosis you ask? The smoke produced from a cigarette is inhaled into the lungs, and then exhaled through the nose and mouth. This causes an immediate effect on your breath because the chemicals and residue from the smoke remain in your mouth and airways. Continued use of cigarettes contribute to gum disease, a major cause of bad breath.

Cause: Medical Conditions

Unexplained or chronic bad breath may be an indication of an underlying medical condition or disease.

Ketoacidosis occurs in diabetics when there is insufficient glucose in the blood for the body to use as energy. An obvious sign of this is a fruity-smelling odor in the breath. People with eating disorders may experience halitosis, as well as frequent dieters. Breath that has a fishy smell or is reminiscent of urine or ammonia may be obvious in people with chronic kidney failure. After prolonged vomiting or if an obstruction is in the bowel, the breath may smell like feces. Sinusitis and lung infections also cause bad breath. Children with a foreign body trapped in their nose may experience halitosis. If suspected, see your doctor.

Treating and Preventing Bad Breath

In order to treat your bad breath, the root cause of halitosis needs to be identified. Visit your dentist if you experience chronic bad breath (in other words bad breath that never goes away).

Over-the-counter breath fresheners such as gum, mints, breath strips, breath sprays, and certain mouth rinses will only provide a temporary relief from bad breath. These general guidelines will assist you in managing, and hopefully eliminating, your experience with bad breath.

Preventing bad breath is easier that you think. We know some of the causes of bad breath, but have you ever asked yourself "How do I prevent bad breath for good?"
The following guidelines will help you eliminate or significantly reduce your halitosis. If you experience chronic bad breath, see your dentist or doctor as there may be a more serious cause for the embarrassing condition.

• Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day, especially after meals that contain food and spices known to cause bad breath. Remember to brush your tongue, or try using a tongue scraper, to remove any trapped food and plaque caught in the tiny hair-like fibers on the tongue. Finish off your brushing by rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash.

• Prevent bad breath by visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as indicated by your dentist) for a complete examination of your teeth and gums and thorough cleaning by the dental hygienist.

• Preventing bad breath is achievable when you have dental problems treated as they occur, such as tooth decay, gum abscesses, and abscessed teeth.

• An easy way to prevent bad breath is to chew parsley after a meal. Parsley contains chlorophyll, a known breath freshener.

• Place a few drops of tee tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue or use the oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste. Alternatively, select a toothpaste or mouth rinse that contains these natural oils known for their antibacterial properties to assist in the fight against halitosis causing bacteria.

• Preventing bad breath from smoking is easy when you take the necessary steps to quit smoking, as this is the only way to eliminate bad breath from the use of cigarettes, which is also responsible for periodontal disease.

• Avoid foods known to cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, cabbage, certain spices, and coffee.

• A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a major factor when it comes to bad breath. Sip water throughout the day and during meals. Chew sugar-free gum or dissolve a sugar-free candy slowly in your mouth to keep help produce more saliva.

• The use of sugarless gum, mints, breath strips, or breath spray may increase the flow of saliva in your mouth necessary to keep it cleansed throughout the day, plus add a crisp, minty aroma in place of your bad breath. Keep in mind that even though these products do freshen your breath, the effects are usually temporary and do not necessarily prevent bad breath. If you are using breath fresheners on a regular basis, consider choosing one that contains xylitol, a sweetener that some studies have shown to reduce cavities. Avoid products that contain sugar to prevent the accumulation of plaque.

• Occasionally use a mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water, as a mouth rinse. Hydrogen peroxide will help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

• The use of commercially marketed breath freshening kits and bad breath remedies may help prevent bad breath, although there is generally insufficient research that had narrowed down a cure for bad breath. Ask your dentist or pharmacist before you invest in these products.

Teenagers have enough to worry about without adding bad breath to the list. Unfortunately, bad breath is a very common dental problem that affects millions of people every day. Since teenagers are at a stage in their lives where they rely heavily on how they are perceived by others, bad breath can be an overwhelming obstacle for a teenager.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be caused by many factors including poor oral hygiene, particular foods, underlying dental or medical conditions, dry mouth and certain lifestyle changes and choices.

Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath. Bacteria from food particles that remain on or in between the teeth can become rotten and emit a foul smell. Flossing daily and brushing twice a day can prevent this from happening.
Strong and spicy foods can also cause bad breath. This is because the odor from these foods is expelled from our lungs after the foods are absorbed into the bloodstream.

According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath (also known as halitosis) have a dental condition that is to blame. These conditions could be one or more of the following:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Oral cancer
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Bacteria on the tongue

It is important to rule out any medical or dental problems for chronic bad breath. If bad breath is the cause of a dental condition, mouthwash will only mask the odor and not cure it.

Lifestyle changes and choices are also contributing factors for bad breath, especially with teens. Tobacco use, eating disorders and braces are some examples of these changes and choices.

The Battle Against Bad Breath

Once dental or medical problems have been ruled out, the following steps can help teenagers get rid of bad breath for good:
1. Don’t use tobacco products
2. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
3. Visit the dentist for regular check ups
4. Floss at least once a day
5. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day

Teenagers who wear braces should take extra care in practicing good oral hygiene because food particles can become easily trapped in the braces.

Bad Breath and Oral Hygiene

It is essential for teenagers to learn the benefits of good oral hygiene early in life. Good oral hygiene is often the key to preventing and eliminating bad breath, along with many other dental problems.

Gum Diseases

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up. Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:
•Tobacco use
•Clenching or grinding your teeth
•Certain medications
•Genetics
Types of Gum Disease Include:
•Gingivitis - The beginning stage of gum disease and is often undetected. This stage of the disease is reversible.
•Periodontitis - Untreated gingivitis may lead to this next stage of gum disease.

With many levels of periodontitis, the common outcome is chronic inflammatory response, a condition when the body breaks down the bone and tissue in the infected area of the mouth, ultimately resulting in tooth and bone loss.

Signs of Gum Disease Include:

• Red, bleeding, and/or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Mobility of the teeth
• Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
• Abscessed teeth
• Tooth loss

Recent studies suggest gum disease may contribute to or be warning signs of potentially life threatening conditions such as:

• Heart Disease and Stroke - Studies suggest gingivitis may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke because of the high levels of bacteria found in infected areas of the mouth. As the level of periodontal disease increases, the risk of cardiovascular disease may increase with it. Other studies have suggested that the inflammation in the gums may create a chronic inflammation response in other parts of the body which has also been implicated in increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes - People with diabetes often have some form of gum disease, likely caused by high blood glucose, according to the CDC. People with diabetes need to take extra care to ensure proper brushing and flossing techniques are used to prevent the advancement of the gum disease. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your dental hygienist should be followed.

• Chronic Kidney Disease - A study, conducted by Case Western Reserve University, suggests that people without any natural teeth, known as edentulous, are more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CDK), than people with natural teeth. CDK affects blood pressure potentially causing heart disease, contributed to kidney failure, and affects bone health.

• Preterm Birth - Babies that are born premature -- before 37 weeks of gestation -- may face numerous health complications. Research indicates that women with periodontal disease are three to five times more likely to have a baby born preterm compared to women without any form of gum disease. Women are more susceptible to gingivitis when pregnant and should follow their regular brushing habits, and continue with dental cleanings and examinations.

Treatments for Gum Disease

Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options are:

• Removal of plaque and calculus by way of scaling done by your dental hygienist or dentist.

• Medications such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist or hygienist to help kill the bacteria in your mouth, along with frequent cleanings.

• Surgery may be necessary in certain cases to stop, halt, or minimize the progression of periodontal disease. Surgery is also used to replace bone that was lost in advanced stages of the disease.

What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease?

Proper brushing and flossing is the easiest way to reduce and prevent gum disease, but regular cleanings with your dental hygienist or dentist are necessary to remove calculus and treat advanced gum disease. If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, contact your dentist.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages. It is important to notify your dentist if you have any of these following warning signs of gum disease:

1. Your gums bleed easily.
2. Your gums are very red, tender and / or swollen.
3. You can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed.
4. Your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth.
5. You have chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
6. You notice a change in your bite or in the way your teeth fit together.
7. Your teeth are loose or they are separating.
8. The fit of your partials or dentures have changed.

Gum disease is caused by plaque remaining around the gumlines of the teeth. The bacteria in plaque produces acids and other toxins that can destroy bone and gum tissue over a period of time.

Brushing twice a day is not enough to remove plaque from in between the teeth, so it is very important to floss your teeth daily. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into a thick deposit called tartar. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth and below the gumline, it can lead to chronic infection and inflammation. The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth professionally cleaned at your dental office.

How To How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum Disease can affect more than just our oral health. The American Dental Association states, “There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth which are associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages and stroke.”

The following tips can help you to prevent gum disease:

Here's How:

1. Brush your teeth properly twice a day. Brushing your teeth thoroughly removes plaque from the surface before it hardens into calculus.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Using a toothpaste with fluoride helps to prevent decay.
3. Floss your teeth daily. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
4. Use a mouth rinse. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can provide extra help in controlling plaque. Listerine is a good choice and has been approved by the American Dental Association.
5. Visit your dentist for regular check ups. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.