Teeth problems like Plaque

For the longest time, I thought I had the plague when my friends used to casually drop a clinical term every time I complained about this sticky substance coating my teeth. It wasn’t until I read up and discovered that I wasn’t in fact infected by a rodent disease and instead had a slightly discomforting oral problem called plaque, that I heaved a huge sigh of relief.

So since I was enlightened on this matter, it’s my turn to pass on the favour. Plaque is a sticky substance that is a by-product of leftover food particles and saliva which forms a layer covering the teeth. You have to be careful about removing plaque promptly because the longer you let it stay inside your mouth, you run the risk of it turning into tartar which is that hardened, grotesque thing that makes your teeth look yellow. It is also what emanates a strong stench that one can smell from a mile away. In fact, one of my friends very sweetly cared to point that out to me amidst my wedding ceremony which has made that day memorable for other reasons. However, with experience I have learned how to manage this issue better and I can declare with utmost confidence that you can do away with plaque rather easily.

Every solution starts with the fundamentals and this one does too. The road to respite from any dental problem begins with brushing, rinsing and flossing. I found that brushing with an electric toothbrush seemed more effective than a manual one. I also used fluoride toothpaste in my oral care regime which helped me considerably. Flossing helps remove food particles that are fiercely trapped in between teeth so make sure you get that done! I also started using Listerine, a powerful antiseptic mouthwash, which prevents plaque build-up because the mouthwash reaches out to parts that brushing usually misses out on. Someone also suggested increasing the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits as the juices help induce saliva which in turn keeps plaque away. Although I haven’t tried them myself, you do find discolouring solutions and tablets that stain your teeth to help identify spots that have plaque. This can probably make the whole cleaning process a lot easier!

On my part, I can say that just being careful and diligent and by following a strict regime drastically reduced my plaque problems and today, I’m reasonably plaque free! So, I’d just recommend you do the same and soon you’ll no longer be plagued by plaque!

Cavities Oral Problems

The Cavity Adversity

When the word ‘cavities’is mentioned, it sends a chill up the spine of most people. Even years after I endured those dreadful visits to the dentist where I lay writhing in pain on his chair, I still have horrible nightmares about those experiences. Who wouldn't forget them? It’s really quite inconvenient too. The pain and inability to eat makes it so.

Okay, let me get to the point of cavities. Considering my constant fear of landing up in a dental clinic yet again, I have taken some fairly manageable precautionary measures to avoid another visit.

To begin with, it’s important to know how cavities are formed. Germs and bacteria are the main culprits for absolutely anything that could go wrong with your teeth, they thrive on all the food remnants post your meals. The bacteria basically gangs up with plaque (that sticky layer that you feel on the inside of your teeth) to attack your tooth enamel. The enamel is like their main diet so they stay at it for a while, and before you know it your tongue will begin to feel the beginning of what is going to be a huge crater; one that sizes up to those found on the moon, or feels like that at least. Anyway, that’s how you get your first cavity and that is when you’ll mark your visit to the dentist on your calendar.

Now, to avoid this disaster in the first place, all you have to do is go back to your school lessons where they told you that brushing and flossing twice a day is going to keep all those nasty germs at bay!Brushing and flossing are the two most crucial steps towards fighting cavities. Choosing a toothpaste that contains fluoride will prove to be very beneficial against fighting cavities and other oral problems. However sometimes, just brushing and flossing is just not enough.Adding a mouthwash to your oral care routine will help in finding those hidden germs and kill them. I suggest using a powerful mouthwash specifically for cavities like the Listerine Cavity Fighter as it is quite an effective treatment. Rinsing after meals is essential so carrying it on the go will surely prove to be a ‘deadly solution’ for the germs in your mouth. Apart from these obvious measures you should avoid too much of snacking and sipping as that really encourages bacterial formation. If you want to avoid having to deal with the cavity issue altogether, you might want to get yourself a dental sealant which is basically a protective coat of plastic that protects the tooth although you’d have to pay your dentist a visit for that! I think sticking to your basics of rinsing, brushing and flossing are more than enough to keep you out of that dreaded dental clinic! 

Similarities between Finding Nemo & Oral Care

I was walking through a supermarket the other day, when I was asked to fill a survey about oral care. I knew It wouldn’t take me more than three minutes to answer a questionnaire based on good oral care, I mean, how much can anyone really ask about brushing your teeth, right?

So I started filling out a questionnaire which required no thinking at all, or at least that’s what I thought. The first question they asked me was, “Do you think brushing your teeth is important, for oral health or oral hygiene?” I obviously answer, like any other normal person would, in bold letters “Yes”. I don’t even know why someone would ask a question like that, doesn’t everyone know what oral health or oral hygiene means? Anyway the next few questions that followed were on the same lines- basic questions about flossing, mouthwash, visits to the dentist etc. The last question again was a no brainer; “What does complete oral health mean to you?” I promptly wrote “Brushing your teeth, twice a day”. I was extremely happy about my answers and frankly, I was secretly taunting the people who gave this survey.

I handed the survey back to the lady who’d asked me to fill it earlier.  I turned my back and started walking out of the supermarket, when suddenly my name was announced , but it wasn’t the sound of my name that irritated me, it was what they said after- “You got a five on ten in this survey”. That was humiliating to being with, especially for a perfectionist and ‘know-it-all’ like me. How could anyone get only fifty percent on questions that are based on good oral care? More importantly, how can someone as smart as I get only fifty percent. I walked right back and demanded an explanation.

Well, to be honest that was a great decision even though I didn’t admit it at the time. They explained to me, how brushing is not the only process involved in keeping your mouth healthy. In order to keep your mouth protected from diseases and healthy at all times, you need to follow a BFR routine. Which is Brushing, flossing and rinsing. Wow! To think that all these years I was oblivious to this fact seemed incredible. It also got me thinking about how many other people are ignorant about it, which is why I decided to share this event with everyone.  In the hope of highlighting how essential it is to keep your mouth healthy, in the right way. There is only one way to keep it really healthy, to clear your mouth of a virtually hundred percent of the germs.

I hope I’ve been able to express just how important it is to keep your mouth healthy, because a healthy mouth translates to a healthy body. Which is why as soon as they explained it to me, I walked to the “Oral Care Products” section of the supermarket and picked up my very first bottle of mouthwash; Listerine Original! Ever since that day I’ve been following the BFR routine and I’ve got to admit that my mouth feels cleaner and much healthier.

Related Topic : Bad Breath , Gum Problems

Bad Breath cure with help of mouthwash

First impressions are everything now a days. Whether it is turning up for a job interview, going out for a hot date or simply meeting friends, first impressions change the way you are judged by others. Bad breath is one of the main attributes to leaving to a bad impression, along with the body odor.
With bad breath being such a critical element, how do you even know if you have it and is there a cure? Last time I checked it almost impossible to check this in everyday life unless you subject a friend or colleague to testing out your uncertainties.Saying this though, there is one recommended way to check without the risk of losing those you ask to check.

Firstly turn a regular spoon upside down so that the concave section is towards the tongue. Then lightly scrape the spoon from the back of the tongue to the front. Once you have done this, simply smell the tip of the spoon, (at a distance first maybe to avoid what may await you.) I’m sure then I don’t need to tell you what constitutes as good or bad breath.So if you come to the conclusion that you have bad breath, what could have caused this? It does not only happen to those who have avoided regular brushing, in fact most people with bad breath will brush their teeth twice a day.

The simplest explanation for bad breath can be the foods that you have consumed during the day, with the worst being garlic and onion that can leave a pungent smell.Some other reasons for having bad breath involve having what they call dry mouth syndrome, where having a decreased flow of saliva can result in bad breath, and of course smoking or chewing tobacco will not give you that minty fresh taste and smell that most would strive for.Apart from these fairly trivial explanations, Bad breath can also be caused by some medical conditions such as bronchitis and throat infections, which although possible are harder to treat.So if you do fall into the first two categories of bad breath you are in luck, as these can be cured through a few simple steps in your daily routine.

To cure dry mouth the answer is pretty self-explanatory, drink more water! And for cigarettes I’m sorry to say it but you’re going to have to stub them out for good.
A final rule of thumb for maintaining that crisp minty breath you crave is by rinsing for 30 seconds after each meal to dislodge food particles and refresh your mouth. This is best done through using a mouthwash such as Listerine as it comes in a range of flavours and sizes than can be used on the go.

The first step to cure bad breath is through maintaining regular good oral hygiene. This can be done through brushing your teeth, gums and tongue at least twice a day, flossing twice a day and using a good approved brand of mouthwash, Listerine I find works best as it also helps prevent plaque buildup and gum problems.

Through using these techniques stated above, you can conquer bad breath, excel in good oral hygiene and maybe secure that job/hot date that you previously scared away.

Important Tips for Oral Care during Pregnancy

Body: Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and important phases in a woman’s life. In order to maintain good health, one has to consider oral heath as an extremely important task. There are a lot of hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy that reacts with oral activities. The mouth is no exception, maintaining oral hygiene during pregnancy is as imperative as maintaining the health of your body.

What is gingivitis?

Several hormonal changes take place in your body during pregnancy which may increase the risk of gum diseases. This could result in gingivitis, one of the most common dental problems which in turn might affect the health of your baby as well as you. Oral care should be given high priority by any woman who is going to give birth to a baby.

Necessary tips for Oral care during Pregnancy that every woman should follow:

Regular Dentist Check up: 

You must visit a dentist every week so as to ensure that your mouth is in a healthy state with no gum diseases. Acquiring this habit will give you confidence about your good health and you can feel assured about the safety of your oral organs.

Brush twice a day: 

It is very important for you to brush at least twice a day to remove plaque. Apart from using a toothpaste and toothbrush, I would like to add mouthwash into your regular habit of using oral care products. Along with making you feel fresh, Mouthwash keeps you free from so many diseases. I would like to recommend Listerine mouthwash as it’s one of the best. It is very effective for pregnant ladies if used on a regular basis.

Floss Daily: 

You need to floss your mouth daily; it will remove the debris that is hidden between the teeth. Daily flossing works efficiently at the point where tooth brush cannot do anything. You need to clean your tongue as well for 100% oral health.

Have calcium rich diet: 

Calcium is a very effective nutrient that strengthens your bones. It will help your baby get strong bones and teeth. You should try to avoid sweet food along with starchy snacks. You can eat milk, soybean, cheese and green vegetables. A nutritious diet can control any kind of minor germ attacks and hormonal changes that are related to oral health pregnancy.

So, at the end I would like to advice all pregnant ladies to pay special attention to oral care habits during pregnancy because it is a top priority for all mothers-to-be.

A hurting tooth could be an abscess

Taking just a few minutes to take care of your mouth each day can help you establish healthy habits for an entire lifetime. What’s more? A healthy oral hygiene regimen can impact your overall health as well! That’s because any food that enters your body, needs to go through your mouth first. In fact, scientists suggest a direct connection between good oral health and overall health. That’s why a 100% health mouth = a healthy body! 

How do you keep your mouth healthy?

Let’s start with the basics, your teeth! Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important factors of oral health. They say that your teeth equals 25% of your whole mouth, so brushing is crucial in your journey to achieve a 100% healthy mouth. Ignoring your teeth can lead to problems like toothache, bad breath and bleeding gums! So pick up that toothbrush and make sure you use it at least twice a day.

Now that we’ve covered 25% of your mouth; what about the remaining 75%? For a 100% health mouth, you need to actually reach 100% of your mouth. For that, you need to complete your oral care routine by rinsing with a mouthwash. Wondering what product to use? Why don’t you try Listerine mouthwash? It’s tried & tested and personally, I think it’s a pretty fine product. Adding a 30 second rinse with Listerine to your oral hygiene regimen can help give you up to 24 hours of protection against germs, plaque, cavities and gum problems! To summarise, Listerine forms a protective shield against germs in your mouth, giving you a 100% healthy mouth

Listerine is packed with oral care benefits that attract potential users towards it every day! This product is available in market in various sizes; 80ml, 250ml & 500 ml. Try out which flavour you like the most by purchasing an 80ml pack first, when you’ve chosen the flavour that suits you best, go for a bigger size.

Different variants of Listerine Mouthwash available in the market:

                  Listerine provides 4 variants: LISTERINE COOL MINT, FRESHBURST LISTERINE, ORIGINAL LISTERINE & LISTERINE CAVITY FIGHTER. All these variants are available in standard sizes at an extremely reasonable price.

                  Now that you know why a mouthwash is important, there’s no doubt in saying Listerine is one of the best mouthwash products available in the market. To get your 100% healthy mouth, start using Listerine with your daily brushing routine & don’t forget to visit your dentist once every 6 months.