What Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste Does

There are different types of fluoride toothpastes. These include sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride.  There are different benefits to each, and even if you don’t know the chemistry, they’re important to understand.

What Fluoride does 

Fluoride is basically what stops tooth decay, through the use of enamel strengthening, which we find in a lot of oral care items. It actually is considered a big part of toothpaste. If you want the ADA seal on your toothpastes, it must contain it.  There are different forms though, and stannous fluoride is one type of it. 

Fluoride also has the benefits of fighting tooth decay, and also cavities, and prevents the demineralization of tooth enamel that’s damaged, which is useful before cavities form, and it can also be good for other dental issues that are there.

What Stannous Fluoride Does 

Stannous fluoride is basically a very common type of ingredient that you find in different toothpastes, and it’s recognized by the ADA as a big part in reducing overall tooth decay. The difference between stannous and other types of fluoride are the different benefits, such : 

• It naturally fights cavities, simply by strengthening the dentin and the enamel, and it’s been shown that is’ resistant to a lot of different acids 

• It’s antimicrobial, so it’ll kill off the plaque that you see that creates gum disease, and also decay in the teeth too. 

• It helps with sensitivity, since this actually can help to reduce sensitivity that happens with foods and drinks that are there. It creates a layer over the other tubules, which are small channels of the dentin that lead to the pulp, which is the sensitive portion of this.

You might wonder the difference between sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride. Well, the big difference is sodium is used in water, and it's basically used with different toothpastes too. It’s great for strengthening the enamel and also fighting the cavities, but it doesn’t really address the sensitivity and also the antimicrobial sorts of benefits that stannous fluoride tends to offer. 

Other ways to fight tooth Decay. 

If you’re someone who is already using fluoride, then you might wonder if there are other ways to fight this. luckily, there sure are different ways to do this.

The first thing to look at is your diet. If you consume a lot of foods and drinks that are sugary, try to cut down a little bit on this.  When you have sugar, it causes the acids to be secreted, and this wears away at the enamel of the teeth.

You should also make sure that your oral hygiene is also up to snuff. Tht means, you want to brush your teeth two minutes twice daily, and also, you want to consume the fluoride supplements that you can. Using a fluoride toothpaste is a good way to help with this. On top of that, flossing is also good for gum disease, and other concerns.

Finally, your dental health relies on how well you take care of this, but sometimes, there are certain things that the dentist can only treat. Make sure to go to dental cleanings, so that the dentist can give this a deeper cleaning, get rid of any tartar that’s there, and also, you can get further guidance on how to have the ideal oral hygiene that you can, and also other ways to boost your oral hygiene overall, especially for your own personal needs too.

Take care of your teeth today, and make sure that in the care process, you don’t get rid of the one important thing to have: fluoride toothpaste.

Should you Get Gum Reshaping

If you’ve been thinking about gum reshaping, otherwise known as contouring, you may not be alone in this. Sometimes, people have issues with their gums, and it impacts the way that they look at their teeth. Some people may want to choose to get gum reshaping. Here, we’ll discuss what it is.

What gum reshaping Is 

Gum reshaping, or gum contouring, is basically changing your gum shape to make it look better. For uneven gums, or those that cover too little or even too much of the teeth that you have, you may want to get this. it’s not considered a medical necessity, but instead is used to make the gums and the teeth look better too. Usually, the person who does this is a periodontist, or a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry, as this usually depends on the state of your mouth and how it looks.

Gum Contouring for Gummy Smiles 

 A gummy smile, which is where you have too much gum and too little teeth, usually involves the professional using a scalpel or a laser to get rid of the tissue that’s in excess. They then will make a gum line that's new to show off more of your teeth. This usually takes a couple of hours. Usually, a local anesthetic is used, but you’ll feel some tenderness, and may be in pain due to the soreness after the procedure. 

Too Little Gums 

You can also get this for too little of gums, this is known in circles as gum recession. The teeth might look discolored, or elongated. This usually also exposes your teeth roots to the bacteria that’s harmful, along with plaque, and it can lead to decay, and even loss of bone and teeth. Gum recession may happen on a couple of the teeth, or it might impact your entire mouth.

This happens due to the following: 

• You brush your teeth too much 

• Gum disease 

• Genetics 

Usually, for those who have periodontitis, they get the treatment before they get the gum reshaping. Then, once you’ve cleared up the infection, they then do the procedure, which usually involves taking the tissue from one area of your mouth, and literally grafting this to the area that’s receded, shaping the gumline to look bigger, and also lengthening this as well.

Recovery 

If you’re looking to get this done, expect to feel pain for a couple of days, depending on the state of your mouth. The healing can take up to a few weeks. You do need to eat foods that are softer, and then, talk to the dentist about the care for this. if you notice infection, or more swelling and pain, see the dentist immediately.

How to Know if it’s Right for you 

There are a few things that you should think about before you decide to get this.

First, is your oral health. Do you have tooth decay or gum disease? You may get more out of actually restoring those teeth before you get cosmetic dentistry 

There is also the cost that’s involved. This can cost up to $500 a tooth, depending on the work. Plus, due to the fact that it is usually for cosmetics, the insurance might not offer coverage for this.

Finally, your cosmetic needs. It just makes the teeth appear bigger or smaller. It will not change the color, shape, or where the tooth is. That’ll require further procedures to fix this.

Talk to the dentist before you get this, and they can tell you whether it’s right for you, or if you need something else.

All about Macroglossia

If you have a tongue that’s considered bigger than what it normally is, that’s called macroglossia. Here, we’ll go over the causes of this, the symptoms, diagnosis, and other treatment from his too. 

The causes 

Usually, macroglossia is not common and is congenital or it can be acquired. Some of the causes include: 

• Down syndrome 

• Beckwith Wideman syndrome, which causes weird growths on children’s bodies. 

• Mucopolysaccharidosis which cause a condition where the body is unable to break down molecules of sugar. 

• Hemangioma which is where there’s an abnormal blood vessel growth that creates a birthmark that’ll fade over time. Sometimes, it can make the areas larger, such as the tongue 

• Congenital hypothyroidism 

• Neurofibrosis which causes tumors to appear on nerve tissue 

• Amyloidosis which causes a problem with the buildup of this protein and reduces function of this 

• Acromegaly which is a problem with the pituitary gland that causes overgrowths of hands, face and feet 

• Pemphigus vulgaris which is a disease that cause s blistering and swelling of the tongue 

• Diphtheria which is an infection that is spread through coughing and sneezing 

• Tuberculosis 

• Sarcoidosis which causes abnormal growths in the eyes, lungs and tongue 

These are the main causes, and it can sometimes be seen through the size of the tongue. 

Symptoms of this 

If the tongue is way too big for the mouth, it does cause symptoms in the mouth, including but not limited to the following: 

• Teeth that are misaligned 

• Problems eating 

• Snoring 

• Protruding teeth 

• Problems speaking 

• Breathing which is high-pitched 

Diagnosis 

If you have macroglossia you usually get diagnosed through a physical exam. To fully figure out the underlying cause of such, they usually do medical testing, however, with the many different causes, the reasons will vary. The doctor usually can have a proper diagnosis after running these tests though, which is why some people will definitely like this for what it is. 

Treatment 

The treatment does vary based on how large the tongue is. If it’s treatable, they will use different therapies. For example, with hypothyroidism, treatment does help with this, and if you treat the underlying thyroid issue, it’ll help. But if the cause is not clear, you may not be able to get much help. In some cases, speech therapy may be recommended, and in more serious situations, the professional may offer surgery to help with this, and some of these can also help with problems involving chewing, feeding, and even speech issues. 

If you’re worried about your tongue, or may think that you have an enlarged tongue, it may be best to talk to a doctor to find out for sure. the best way to know however, is usually through different testing, where the professional will offer recommendations based on needs. The different circumstances with this condition do make treatment a variable thing, which is why in most cases, people will definitely take to a doctor to get help for this. 

Although it is a bit of a rare condition, for many people, this can be debilitating in some cases, and it might be due to how the person’s body is. In a lot of cases, even just a minor treatment of this especially for those with hypothyroidism will offer great benefits. It’s definitely something that you’ll want to look at, and something that, with the right tools and such, will offer a lot of benefits, and in turn, you’ll be able to take care of the problem in its tracks, and get the help you need.

Basketball and Wellness Retreat

When we think of basketball, we think of dribbling and shooting. However, do you ever think about the possible wellness aspects of basketball? While you can play basketball a lot, sometimes the best players are those who also focus on wellness and happiness, associated with basketball. In this, we’re going to discuss basketball, and the wellness aspects of this, and how they can improve one’s playstyle. 

Meditation 

Meditation is great, not just because it relaxes the body, but it also helps with overthinking and focusing too much on distracting thoughts. While on the court, these thoughts can bother you, wreaking havoc on the bodyand mind. However, when you use meditation, you learn to acknowledge and dismiss those thoughts. 

Players who utilize meditation tend to play better on the court and have a better understanding of mental aspects of oneself. With meditation and wellness, people can properly follow the plays and focus better, making them better players. 

Yoga 

Yoga is another great activity, and while it may not seem like it’s related to basketball, it sure is. Think about it, with yoga, you stretch and move the body, improving one’s ability to move about on the court better. Flexibility is a focal part of one’s ability to handle oneself on the court, and can attribute to better speed, along with ball control. 

Yoga also is very relaxing, and can reduce stress, which does befall many players that play. However, it can be a little hard to start with at first.  With basketball, you’ll notice though that movements are faster, and you’ll be more in tune with your body. An hour yoga session in between basketball workshops is a good way to help keep the body limber, build mindfulness, and overall wellness.

Nutritional Aspects 

What many players forgo, is nutrition. However, half of the power that one has is through nutrition and taking care of your body. With proper nutrition, you provide the body with the fuel necessary to give them everything that they need to work well. So if you want to really improve your game, look at what you eat. 

Giving players a crash course on nutrition is great.  This is valuable for many, because so many people don’t know the basics of nutrition. They eat whatever they want and then wonder why they aren’t getting results or don’t have any.  Teaching people the importance of proper nutrition is essential.  It helps with so many aspects and improves the lifestyles of players too. 

Massage Therapy 

Finally, we’ve got massage therapy. Players might not understand this, but massaging and massage therapy is a great way to improve one’s basketball abilities. 

It helps with blood circulation and getting it to the area. When you play basketball, you are using and wearing down muscles. with massages, it can help push blood to there, so that they can heal faster. It’s great for fighting off muscle fatigue and soreness, improving the abilities of such. 

So yes, there are tons of holistic activities that you can add to your repertoire, and you’ll be able to, with this, craft the best aspects that you can, offering the right types of help that you can. 

Put these in between workshops and camps, and you’ll know for a fact that this is good for the muscles and body. 

You can also do this after practice too as a supplementary activity that can really improve the overall aspects and generate great health and wellness that works with it too. 

It isn’t just the game, it’s also the other little aspects that’ll improve your body and mind too.

Single Tooth Implants

Implants are revolutionary, and a great way to replace one’s teeth.  With over 120 million Americans not having at least one tooth, and 36 million without any teeth, this is a huge deal. Implants have changed the means in which you treat lost teeth. Whether you have partial or full dentures, or just need one or two teeth replaced, implants are a great way to boost the feel, look, and the function of these teeth naturally. 

What Implants Are 

Implants are essentially a cylinder made of titanium screws that get placed on the jawbone, fused in, and help with the missing teeth. Once these are put in place, then the dentist can put mounts or crowns on this. In essence, it’s replacing the teeth to make it real. 

Who’s Eligible for This 

For some interest, they may wonder if they can get implants. After all, bridges, along with dentures aren’t very comfy, and because of that, it can be quite hard to take care of. 

Some people might not have bone or the tooth support, which contributes to issues with oral hygiene, gagging, and discomfort. 

Many times too, people look at implants because bridges need to have something to rely on, and that might not be possible for some.  Implants however, don’t need teeth next to them to hold this in place, and they usually are prepared beforehand. 

To get implants,. u need minimally the following: 

• Healthy gums 

• Enough bone to support this or be eligible for bone grafting to replace the bone. 

• Excellent habits and visits on a regular basis, which help with the long-term health and success of these implants. 

Costs 

Costs of this do vary, especially since they can be done by maxillofacial and oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and also periodontists. But some dentists may take extra training and learn to put this in. 

Implants are more expensive than dentures and bridges, and keep in mind that most carriers won’t cover more than 10% of the fees, so you’ll be paying out of pocket more than likely. 

Types of Implants 

There are different types of implants for you to use, and it can be good for you to look at the options. 

The first are endosteal implants, which are implants that are implanted onto the jawbone directly.  Once the gum tissues are healed, then another surgery is used to connect the implant and the post together. A crown or artificial tooth is attached there, and It can also be grouped on a denture or bridge. 

The second is subperiosteal implants, which are used when someone doesn’t have enough jawbone. Essentially, a frame is put underneath the jawbone below the gums. They heal, and the frame is within the jawbone. These posts get attached and protrude out in the gums, and the teeth are then mounted directly to the posts. 

Missing teeth isn’t good to have, and it can cause some problems with talking, smiling, and other health issues. Implants fix this issue. 

Single Tooth Implants 

Essentially, single tooth implants are for just one tooth. The dentist places the implant within the jawbone, and then, it gets fused to the bone directly. The implant is essentially the “root” for the teeth. Crowds are then attached to replace said teeth. 

In order to be a candidate for this, the jawbone does need to be strong enough, and the bone grafting will help with this. 

They also will look as well at medical history. If you have liver disease, a severe bleeding disorder, or diabetes, you might not be eligible to get these implants.

Breath-Friendly Foods for Freshness

 Mouth freshness is important. The last thing you want to do is go in and have some food that just makes your breath reek right before an interview, right? Having the right foods for your oral health and freshness is not only good for your breath, but also your body.

Our diet does impact our freshness. Not just in the short-term with onions and the pungent scent. If you have bad foods, it causes your breath to get stinky and smelly. The solution? Breath-friendly foods that will make your breath smell good, and bring you confidence.

The Foods for Bad Breath Fighting 

Fighting bad breath is not just through brushing and flossing frequently, but also eating foods that are good for preventing such.

Apples are a great one, and they are good as well for a lot of antibacterial reasons.

Parsley is another. Chew a sprig, and you’ll be able to keep the bad breath away.

Yogurt is another. Because it is strong in calcium and other nutrients, it’s good for fighting even the worst of the bad breath that’s out there, making it even better for you as well.

Finally, green tea. It’s good for natural detoxification, and also is good as well for clearing out impurities. Just be mindful that if you do have this, there is a risk that it might stain teeth, so make sure to have some water on hand. 

Probiotics for Bacteria 

If you’re having all of these and would like to make your breath even stronger, consider a probiotic.

This is a healthy culture of bacteria, and when you consume this bacteria, it helps to create a stronger gut. It ousts out the bad bacteria, leaving the good bacteria in its wake. Overall, it’s a great addition for your own healthcare. While it doesn’t totally prevent this bacteria, having some probiotic foods, including yogurt and such, will really make this good for you to have.

Foods to Avoid 

Now, let’s go over foods to avoid. These are the foods that are healthy to have, but will make your breath reek.

Some of these are short-term. Others may consistently happen if you’re eating them a lot.

First, is garlic. Due to the allicin in it, it will create a pungent scent, especially in your mouth. It’s a scent that’s hard to get rid of. Now, garlic is great as an antibacterial, but it’s almost too good at its job, so it should be avoided if short-term breath is what you want to keep fresh.

Then there are onions. Onions again, are good for you, but they contain a sulfur compound that releases gases when they are mashed or cut together. When the gases mix with bacteria, it creates further gases, exacerbating bad breath.   It can linger for hours, and sometimes last overnight.

To get rid of it, lemon water works, or you can rinse with baking soda.  

Finally, there’s sugary snacks. Again, these are tasty, but they are basically food for the teeth, so if they continue to consume this, it releases more bacteria, and causes it to smell. Either way, it’s not good, and you should avoid this.   try to, if you have sugars, afterwards have something healthy or drink some water or milk to flush it out.

Diet is not only important for the here and now, but also for long-term results. Having the freshest breath that you can is important. Fresh breath isn’t always an indication, but there’s a lot of great benefits to making your breath smell good, so make sure that you take care of your oral health today!

Oral Health Tips for Pet Owners

Pet owners need to take care of their pets whenever there are problems. Did you know that if your pet’s teeth are a mess, chances are yours will be too.  a lot of times, people don’t realize that their pet’s health can actually affect your health, which is quite surprising. 

Here, we’ll go over the common issues with a pet’s teeth, and how, as a pet owner, you can prevent these risks for your pet’s health, and your oral health. 

Oral Health Problems and Zoonotic Diseases

Your pet’s oral health can actually be shared with a human in some cases. These are called zoonotic diseases, which can transmit to humans. 

One example is plaque. The plaque of a dog can be a form of resistance to microbes, and can be shared with a human if there is close contact. So if your dog licks your face, it has a chance to share those microbes.   Children who have dogs tend to notice these genes in their plaque more than a child who grew up not around dogs.

Another is periodontal pathogens. Dogs and cats can get periodontitis just like how we do, but it can also be transmitted to different species in some cases. This is actually very common for animals in households that may share a water bowl for example.   If they are sharing various receptacles, it does increase the risk with however many dogs are within the household too. 

Dental Health and Pets 

Pets can have the same issues that humans have with their teeth. Gum disease, plaque, and even gingivitis can happen in animals. Just like with humans, these can fall out, resulting in needing to use different means to consume the foods they have. This does impact nutrition as well. 

Using oral products is a good way to prevent this from getting worse.   Brushing the teeth daily helps prevent dental disease and bad breath. Brushing on the regular does remove the bacteria that’s there, stimulate your gums, and also fights bacteria under the gumline area. 

There are plenty of different dental care items as well you can get for animals.   Some are good for them even if they’re made for humans. However, not all toothbrushes are good for animals, as some of the human ones may damage the gums, cause stress to the animal, and just be bad at cleaning.

Try to get them checkups for cleaning on the regular. While some animals like cats may not need cleanings until they’re older, dogs benefit from this, and once a year they should get in for a cleaning so that they’re able to have healthy teeth for the long run.

It’s also a great thing to do especially to find out if there are any problems with your pets. Oral health issues do pop up randomly, so keeping in mind that there is a problem with oral health is good. by properly taking initiative, you too can care for your pet. 

Overall, oral health is important, and the connection between this and a human’s oral health is unfortunately more common than you’d think. As a pet owner, you owe it to yourself to have the proper initiatives in place for your pet, and this of course, includes oral health. Taking care of this now will prevent some major issues from happening down the line, and can ultimately save your pet’s teeth if you’re not careful. 

Taking care of it now will also make things better for pet owners who want to keep their pet around for the long haul too.