An attractive smile is an asset
People are typically judged on their appearance and one of the first things that others notice is an even, white smile—or the lack of one. Poor dentition also has serious health implications, so pay attention to proper dental care.
The human mouth is a repository for an astonishing amount of bacteria—one tooth might be host to more than five million. It’s no wonder that even a small wound to the gums is soon swollen and sore. When you add viruses and fungi to the mix, you end up with bad breath, decaying teeth, canker sores, cold sores, thrush, abscesses, and gum disease. Regular visits to a dentist are critical for keeping the mouth healthy, especially as people age and their teeth begin to loosen or shift. The loss of even one tooth can have serious implications for the whole mouth.
An attractive smile is an asset
AT-HOME TOOTH CARE
Brushing twice a day is hammered into us since childhood. It still stands. If you miss the late shift, all those bacteria remain in your mouth overnight. In addition to brushing with a soft brush, you should gently floss between your teeth or use a water pik, and then rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. A tongue scraper removes even more bacteria to combat bad breath.
Brush regularly
Herbal Mouthwash: Cloves make a refreshing antibacterial mouthwash. Combine a cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of whole cloves in a glass canning jar, then strain when cooled. Use one teaspoon as a gargle twice a day. It will keep for up to a week. Cold rosemary tea also makes an antibacterial gargle.
CAVITIES
Tooth decay most often occurs when carbohydrates left on the teeth mix with bacteria, acids, and saliva, and form a sticky substance called plaque that eats into tooth enamel. The results are damaged, unstable teeth and pain when the decay enters the tender pulp. Although children are more cavity prone than adults, decay can occur at any time, especially if a tooth is cracked or if fillings are loose.
Keep Decay Away: Reducing sugar and sweets is one way to keep teeth sound. Chose a diet rich in nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, and one low in processed foods. Take echinacea, goldenseal, plaintain, and propolis to prevent decay and help strengthen teeth. For toothache pain, gargle with cayenne in warm water and apply oil of cloves.
Cloves
GUM DISEASE
Another cause of mouth pain is gum disease, an infection of the tissues caused by plaque; symptoms include bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, and bad breath. It can be caused by poor hygiene, lack of flossing, smoking, medications, and pregnancy.
Ease Your Gums: Oil of cloves is the go-to here—massage the oil directly into your gums for pain relief; or use two drops of tea tree or nutmeg oil in a carrier oil. Increase your intake of vitamin C, and add crushed garlic to salads and hot dishes.
Quick tips: For the occasional canker sore on your gums, swish chamomile or sage tea inside you mouth or eat fermented foods to restore beneficial mouth fauna. If you are prone to cold sores, soothe them with aloe vera gel or make a lemon balm tea compress; take a lysine supplement to prevent outbreaks.
WHO’S WHO?
There are a number of medical professionals who work on the teeth and mouth, and it helps to know what tasks each one performs. Dentists take care of the teeth and superficial gum issues; dental hygienists clean the teeth; endodontists work on the interiors of teeth, which includes root canal treatment; periodontists specialize in gum disease; and oral surgeons treat the hard and soft tissue of the mouth, face, and jaw, including the removal of teeth.