Because of the changes they go through in life, women can experience acute dental problems. Women’s oral health problems, in many cases, can be related to surges in sex hormone levels, such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. You should consult your dentist if you notice any changes to your oral health.
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with TMJ problems (the temporomandibular joint is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of your ear), myofascial pain, eating disorders, and Sjogren’s Syndrome (dry mouth).
Mouth Rinses
The Therapeutic Guides Australia (TGA) classifies mouth rinses as either cosmetic or therapeutic, or a combination of both.
Cosmetic rinses are commercial over-the-counter products that help remove oral debris before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath, diminish bacteria in the mouth, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste.
Nutrition
Dentists believe that people can prevent two of the most common oral diseases today, tooth decay and periodontal disease, by simply improving their diet.
Decay results when the hard tissues are destroyed by acid products from bacteria. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients. Poor nutrition can suppress your entire immune system, increasing your vulnerability to many disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease.
What is Flossing?
Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord (dental floss) you insert and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth.
Emergency Care
Toothache
Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress, or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not apply heat or aspirin to the sore area.
Fractured teeth
If a tooth is fractured, rinse mouth with warm water and use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Use ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. Immediately contact your dentist.
Dexterity and Arthritis
Certain dental products are designed to make dental care less painful for arthritis sufferers. If you don’t have access to these products, try strapping or taping your toothbrush to a larger object, such as a ball, to make it more comfortable to handle. Electric toothbrushes are a great option since they do most of the work for you.
Denture Care
If you have dentures, you must take as much care of these as you would of natural teeth. See your dentist regularly to ensure that your gums stay healthy, and so that your dentist can check your dentures for good fit, function and comfort.
Clean your dentures daily to get rid of food scraps and prevent the occurrence of plaque, stains and tartar. These things can cause bad breath, gum irritation and mouth infections. They can also affect the appearance of your dentures.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating foods that produce acids. These foods include foods high in simple sugars like lollies and biscuits, as well as starchy foods like bread and cereal.
Tooth decay leads to cavities and occurs when plaque remains on your teeth for an extended period of time, allowing the bacteria to ‘eat away’ at the surfaces of your teeth. Ironically, the areas surrounding restored portions of teeth (where fillings have been placed) are particularly vulnerable to decay and are bacterial breeding grounds.
Children’s Teeth
Infants
Your baby’s first dental appointment should take place around their first birthday. This is generally when the first tooth comes in. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. Remember that children with healthy teeth can chew food more easily and speak more clearly.
Brushing
Brushing is the most effective method for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums. Regular cleaning stops the bacteria in the food you eat from producing harmful, cavity-causing acids.
Most dentists agree that people should brush three times a day, after every meal. If you use a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night, you don’t need to use toothpaste in the middle of the day. A simple brushing with plain water will do the job. If you don’t have a brush with you, rinsing your mouth with water for 30 seconds after eating is better than nothing.
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