Dr. Manju Dewan

Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?
When somebody in the household gets sick with the cold or flu, it won't be long before the entire family is feeling ill, as well. Germs pass from one person to another, more so between people who live together, because of unhygienic habits. Storing and cleaning the toothbrush is one of the most overlooked aspect of home life that potentially spreads diseases. A badly kept toothbrush can also cause oral infections and other chronic health illnesses.
Don't Share That Toothbrush
Toothbrush sharing is vile but also intimate. Some new couples validate their new romances by sharing toothbrushes. Don't do it! Sharing the same toothbrush is not like exchanging bodily fluids while kissing. Toothbrush bristles get into the crevices of the gums and teeth, pushing germs deep into the tissue. The body has many natural defenses against infections, but become vulnerable when there is a tear in the tissue, something that happens often in the mouth. You might have bitten your tongue or gum, flossed too forcefully between the teeth or scratch the gum with hard brush bristles.
Don't Cover Toothbrushes
People put plastic covers on the toothbrush head thinking it protects it from airborne germs. And it does, but the confined and moist environment toothbrush covers create also exponentially increases the amount of germs already on the toothbrush. Toothbrush covers help when packing for trips, because it keeps the bristles from collecting dust and other dirt on the bottom of your bag. Wrapping your toothbrush in paper is even better when travelling, because paper is disposable and absorbs extra moisture while protecting bristles from getting dirty. In the bathroom, keep the toothbrush out to dry in a cup holder, away from the toilet bowl. Don't crowd several toothbrushes in one holder to avoid cross contamination.
Rinse Under Running Water
After use, rinse your toothbrush under running water to remove as much debris as you can and dilute germs on the toothbrush head. Every now and then soak the entire toothbrush head for a few minutes in mouthwash or a solution of salt and warm water to disinfect. The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Replace children's toothbrushes even more frequently, as they wear out much faster. Since there are so many different kinds of toothbrushes, quality and durability differs. Change your brush when it looks too worn or dirty, rather than waiting for 3 to 4 months to pass.
Some people clean their brushes by heating it in the microwave or leaving it in a dishwasher. This can damage some toothbrushes but could work for others. These methods and the use of mouthwash and sanitizing solutions to clean toothbrushes, are not supported by the American Dental Association, because there is no clinical evidence to show that they actually suppress bacterial growth. But, if some rituals make you feel better, and they work for you, don't give them up if it helps you have consistent hygiene habits.

Dry mouth

Imagine the feeling of a thirst that is so strong it seems it will never be quenched, a constant burning sensation on the tongue, or lips that are constantly dry and cracked. Thirsty yet? Unfortunately, thousands of people, particularly the elderly, are affected by this condition called xerostomia or ?dry mouth.?

Dry mouth is not something to be taken lightly by any means. It can cause a lot of discomfort and have some extremely negative impacts on a person?s quality of life.

When a person has dry mouth, there is an increased risk of cavities and periodontal disease because there is less saliva to cleanse the teeth and gums. In addition, this condition is known to affect a person?s speech, taste sensation and ability to swallow.

When a patient?s salivary glands significantly decrease the production of saliva, or cease production altogether, there is a high risk of cavities or other oral diseases. Saliva is the mouth?s self-cleansing mechanism. It helps remove food debris and plaque from tooth surfaces.

A permanent feeling of dry mouth or decreased saliva flow can be caused by systemic-diseases such as: rheumatoid conditions, dysfunctional immune system, and hormonal and neurological disorders. Biological aging is a contributing factor to this condition, but does not cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth in others can be caused by radiation therapy directed at the head and neck region of the body, which can result in permanent damage to the salivary glands. In addition, there are over 400 drugs that can cause dry mouth as a side effect. The more common drugs are decongestants, diuretics, antihypertensives, antidepressants, and antihistamines.

Many patients that experience dry mouth complain of a sore or burning sensation on the tongue; dry, cracked lips, and at the corners of the mouth; and are often thirsty.

If patients exhibit these symptoms, they should immediately see an oral health professional. With a little extra care, dry mouth can be adequately controlled.

The WDA recommends those affected by dry mouth take the following precautions to keep the mouth wet and reduce the likelihood of cavities or periodontal disease:

Brush and floss teeth at least four times per day (after each meal and before bedtime)
Brush and rinse dentures after each meal
Keep water handy to wet the mouth at all times
Chew sugarless gum
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, sodas and foods high in sugar content
Use moisturizer on the lips to alleviate discomfort.

Farman you are having problem in your teeth see dental surgeon near your home for check up and treatment get scaling and polishing of teeth . maintain good oral hygiene listerine mouthwash regularly

This may be a case of rct failure due to imoroper sealing of canal or due to unobturated canal. Visit your dentist and get radiograph done. If required go for rerct.

How many mg Ecosprin are u taking ? Upto 75 is ok but more than that, sometimes it becomes difficult. I strongly recommend you to get your INR (Blood Investigation) done before getting any teeth removed.

avoid aggressive brushing.. and have sensodyne rapid relief toothpaste apply and leave for 3 minutes then brush and rinse..

There could be deep gum pocket in your canine area which bleeds so you should get scaling (cleaning done by dentist ) done and maintain hygiene afterwards and you would be ok.

Foods like peanuts, whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, carrots, hot dogs, meat sticks, or hard candies should be kept away from toddlers as they may have problem in chewing them. Give them mashed, cut and easily chew-able food.

visit a dentist soon as this is gum infection. you need to get your teeth professionally cleaned by dentist. gum infection develop due to deposition of plaque and calculus around teeth which causes gum bleeding also. professional cleaning will remove these layers and infection will subside soon. use soft bristle brush for a month or two.

If the pain in your chest, shoulder or jaw is brought on by activity, such as walking, and then goes away with rest, it is important to report this to your doctor. Any pain that is brought on by activity and goes away with rest should be investigated as possible cardiac symptoms.

Post surgical pain lasts for about 4-5 days. Don't worry take your medications on time and you will be fine.

U need to grt the 3rd molar removed and rct to your 2nd molar and you need to stop cholesterol tablet and atorva 2days before the treatment and one day after the treatment.

Bleeding gums while brushing teeth is due to gum disease. Don't rely on commercially available toothpaste, visit you Dentist !

Kindly consult a dentist in person for further suggestion. We need more investigations to decide upon treatment. You may need deep cleaning along with whitening (bleaching or laser) procedures and / or artificial enamel filling. Advance procedures can be done with laser. You may consult me in person. Dental tips: - visit a dentist every six months. Gargle your mouth thoroughly after every meal. Scrub gently to clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner. Floss all your teeth inter dentally & brush twice daily, morning & night, up & down short vertical strokes, with ultra-soft bristles, indicator brush.

Braces can even become your next fashion accessory as they are available in a wide variety of vibrant colors.

•Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eating strongly flavoured or spicy food. •Cut down on sugary food and drink, as it can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth. •Reduce your alcohol consumption. •Stop smoking. •Cut down on coffee. •Drink plenty of water to help prevent your mouth becoming dry. •Chew sugar-free gum after eating, to stimulate the flow of saliva. This will help clean away any remaining food particles. •Don't use toothpaste to clean your dentures, as it can scratch the surface and cause stains. •Clean your dentures thoroughly using soap and lukewarm water, denture cream or a denture-cleaning tablet. •Use a separate toothbrush to clean your dentures. •Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Having regular dental check-ups will ensure that any plaque is removed from your teeth, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. •Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and point out areas you might be missing. They can also identify any signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment. •Gastritis, lung & sinus infection may also be the cause of bad smell in the mouth. 90% of bad breath is due to a dirty tongue. •If your bad breath is caused by a gastrointestinal problem, such as an H. Pylori infection or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), you may be referred to a gastroenterologist. •Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. •You may need deep cleaning & fill tooth cavities with artificial enamel filling. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with a mouth wash until then. Advance procedures can be done with laser too.

Get scaling polishing done by a dentist you may use the power brush but don't b over jealous in brushing soft brush is the best.

While brushing hold the bristles of yr brush at 45degree angulation to the gum line. Both the gum line and tooth surface should come in contact with the brisles. Brush gently to avoid gum bleeding. Brush twice to prevent acid build up from bacterial colonied. Rinse thoroughly after meals.

Get scaling polishing done by a dentist than brush twice daily especially at night avoid coloured foodstuffs.

hi Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or are at risk for gum disease. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to serious medical conditions such as leukemia and bleeding and platelet disorders. The main cause of bleeding gum is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called�gingivitis, or inflamed gums. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as�periodontitis. Other causes of bleeding gums include: Any bleeding disorder Brushing too hard Hormonal changes during pregnancy Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances Improper flossing Infection, which can be either tooth- or gum-related Leukemia Scurvy Use of blood thinners Vitamin K�deficiency Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions. You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day. It is best if you can brush after every meal. Your dentist may tell you to rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can make the problem worse. Flossing teeth twice a day can prevent plaque from building up. It can help to follow a balanced, healthy diet. Try to avoid snacking between meals and cut down on the carbohydrates you eat.