Archive for the ‘Medicare News’ Category
Many people suffer with bad breath and although food can be a direct reason why some may have bad breath for the day what about chronic bad breath. Some reasons for chronic bad breath are:
Dry Mouth
Smoking
Routine illnesses: such as colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections
Poor Dental Hygiene
Gum Disease
Tooth Decay
Chronic Diseases or Conditions
Medications
If you feel your bad breath is more then just the foods you eat then talk to your doctor and dentist for help in control bad breath odor.
Generally speaking the cost to have a root canal and a crown can run as high $2000. In most cases the dentist is going to want his money at the time of service are render. So what are some options if you do not have that kind of money for dental care? You may want to look into visiting local university that has a school of dentistry. Many dental schools offer reduced-cost services to patients in need, based on income. There is still a cost to restorative dental work but it can help reduce costs significantly.
A new ingredient in toothpaste, developed by dentists, called Novamin, can dramatically reduce teeth sensitivity. Teeth become sensitive when gum tissue recedes,or tooth enamel wear down exposing a tooth’s roots. Roots contain small holes or tubules that lead to nerves. Novamin plugs up the holes cutting off contact with nerves and eliminating pain.
Warning signs that you may have gum disease would be bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or bad breath. Both of these conditions are indicators of gum disease and should be check by your dentist. Studies show that gum disease can provoke heart disease, stroke, diabetes and may worsen osteoporosis. Do not ignore the warning signs and see a dentist because there is more to lose then just your teeth.
In the US more then 1 million adults are affected by burning mouth syndrome. BMS effects mostly women in their postmenopausal years, BMW is poorly understood and difficult to diagnose condition. Burning Mouth Syndrome is a chronic disorder that is characterized by pain and burning sensation in the lips, palate and tongue. BMS is sometimes accompanied by dry mouth, thirst, altered taste perception, and changes in eating habits.
One of the more common postoperative complication for a tooth extraction is dry Socket. Dry socket can delay the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. This blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process. Dry socket can be very painful and you should see a dentist right away if you feel you may have dry socket after a tooth extraction
According to a report in the May/June 2004 issue of General Dentistry, dentist may be able to spots the early signs of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones. Osteoporosis affects around 10 million people. In addition, more than one-third of females over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease. Some of these early signs and symptoms of this disease are tooth loss and gum disease which a dentist would be able to check for.
For women their oral health depends on their different stages of life. Studies show that for many women life stages such as, puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause can effect oral health. In order to avoid dental problems, your dentist may request to see you more frequently during stages of your life when hormone levels are changing.
According to recent studies men go to the dentist less often then their women counterparts. There are many factors for this. Many men do not see a reason to go to the dentist unless they are having larger dental issues that need to be address. Other men feel they do not have the time for regular dental visits. Cost is also associated with lack of dental care. With dental health having a direct effect on overall health care it is important to see the dentist regardless of the excuses not to.
According to an online poll of 289 general dentist and consumers confirms that men are less likely to visit the dentist then women. That nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men do not see a need to go to the dentist. About 30 percent polled reported that men may be afraid or embarrassed to go to the dentist. Around 18 percent revealed that men just do not have the time for a dental visit, and about 5 percent felt that men don’t even have a regular dentist.
1) Carbohydrates: Chips, bread, pasta, or crackers can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.
2) Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away
3) Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
4) Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.
5) Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.
6) Fruit or vegetable juices: These beverages tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.
With moderation and proper dental care you reduce the harmful effects this types of foods can have on your teeth
By now many studies are showing that poor oral health care can effect your over all health. However studies are showing that poor nutrition and affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for gum disease (periodontal disease). Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Food and drinks such as soft drink, fruit juices, fresh fruit and yogurt as well as pickles and lemons can lead to irreversible dental erosion if not consumed in moderation. According to the Academy of General Dentistry’s dental erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth’s structure and shape while protecting it from decay.
With health concerns about fat and cholesterol many people are having more of a vegetarian life style. However there can sometimes be nutritional deficiencies that may reveal themselves during a dental exam. Many adults vegetarians are very knowledgeable about their nutrition and are able to maintain their diets in a proper fashion. However, children and teenagers who put themselves on vegetarian diets without knowing enough about their nutritional needs, have a higher risk of potential for deficiencies.
Teeth grinding or bruxism can be a bad habit that both kids and adults may have. Stopping such a habit right away is important in protecting your teeth. Grinding your teeth can wear your teeth down over time. Teeth grinding can also cause your teeth to crack and brake. Most often teeth grinding can be caused by stress and sleeping habits. If your child is grinding their teeth in their sleep it can be harder to control. However there are dental night guard that can prevent grinding while sleeping. Talk to your dentist if you or your child grind your teeth.
As trendy as having your tongue pierced may be, they are not always kind to your teeth. Accidentally biting down on the metal stud can crack or even brake your tooth. Lip piercing can also damage your teeth and gums when the metal rubs against your gums it can cause gum damage which can lead to tooth loss.
Tongue piercing also raises the risk of infections and sores. Know the dental risks before having these types of piercing and if you have them make sure you see a dentist regularly to keep good dental health and to help lower the risk of damage to your teeth and gums.
Regard of the type of contact sport your child may be in it is important that they wear a mouth guard in order to protect their teeth from accidental damage. A mouth guard is a piece of molded plastic that protect the upper and row of teeth. If your child plays a sport such as football, hockey, baseball, etc, they are at risk of mouth injury. Wearing a mouth guard helps to reduce the risk of teeth getting chipped, cracked or even knocked out while playing.