DRY MOUTH Archives - Smile Brilliant

Oil pulling for improved oral health

Anu Isaac — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:31:33 +0000

Learn from a dentist how the ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling, or swishing high-quality edible oils in the mouth each day, contributes to oral health in surprising ways.

One of the most important aspects of personal hygiene is oral hygiene, which ensures good oral health. We all know the necessity of brushing our teeth twice daily, rinsing our mouths after every meal, and keeping our tongues clean. A few steps taken beyond these necessary actions go a long way in enhancing our oral health. One of the things that can help is oil Pulling. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil in the mouth for a set time every day. The effect of oil pulling on our teeth is quite good; it kills the microorganisms in our mouth.

Oil pulling is relatively easy, but it does require a certain level of technique and consistency to reap its full benefits. It’s best done on an empty stomach in the morning to flush out the plaque and microorganisms that accumulate overnight. You can use any edible oil, such as olive, coconut, or sunflower, but it’s recommended to use high-quality and cold-pressed oils for maximum benefit of oil pulling on oral health. Many prefer coconut oil for its additional antimicrobial properties and
better taste.

How to do oil pulling?

Measure the oil. Around 5ml or one teaspoon is enough.
Start swishing the oil around your mouth. Initially, do it for around 5 minutes, and increase the time once you get comfortable with the practice. Anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes is ideal.
While oil pulling for good oral health, swishing the oil thoroughly around the mouth and teeth is important. Allow the oil to pass between your teeth, ensuring it reaches all areas in the mouth, both front and back.
Avoid swallowing the oil since it contains all the bacteria and toxins we want to eliminate. The oil might get thinner on swishing when it mixes with saliva, so spit it out.
Brush and rinse post oil pulling.
Do it regularly and consistently for maximum benefits.
Also, remember that it is not a replacement for your regular oral care. Do not stop your routine practices for this. It’s an add-on!

Benefits of oil pulling on oral health

The effect of oil pulling on oral health is quite positive and productive. Regularly practicing oil pulling results in improved oral health and hygiene. Some of the benefits are:

Kills Harmful Bacteria: Tiny food deposits, plaque, and saliva contain hundreds of bacteria that can cause tooth decay, bad breath, cavities, etc. Oil pulling reduces the bacteria in the mouth and saliva. Many dentists say oil pulling is a safer alternative to commercial mouthwashes. However, it must be noted that oil pulling is not selective and can remove both good and bad bacteria. The mouth hosts a diverse microbiome with beneficial bacteria that help maintain oral health by preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Therefore, while oil pulling can reduce harmful bacteria associated with plaque and bad breath, it may also reduce the number of beneficial bacteria.
Reduces Foul Smell: Bacteria and germs accumulate on the tongue and between teeth gaps, leading to bad breath (called Halitosis). One of the effects of oil pulling on oral health is reducing foul smells and improving the quality of breath.
Prevents Cavities: Whenever there is a layer of bacteria or food particles on our teeth, it leads to decay. The bacteria break the food particles and produce an acid that damages the tooth enamel. Oil pulling reduces bacteria and prevents cavities from forming.
Prevent Gum Pockets:Gum pockets lead to inflammation or bleeding in the gums or, at times, loss of teeth. Natural gum pockets treatment such as oil pulling dilutes the bacteria and has healing properties to reduce inflammation. Additionally, regularly rinsing with saltwater can help to disinfect the mouth and reduce swelling. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports gum health and can aid in healing gum pockets. Gum pockets should not be taken lightly, as they are a sign of poor oral health.
Lower Inflammation: Another problem caused by bacteria in the mouth is Gingivitis, a condition causing redness, inflammation, and bleeding. Since coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, oil pulling with coconut oil helps lower inflammation.
Reduce Plaque And Gingivitis: Using sunflower oil for oil pulling reduces plaque and plaque-induced Gingivitis.
Detoxification: Oil works like a magnet for impurities and bacteria in the mouth, preventing them from multiplying or causing further damage. Thus, oil pulling for good oral health includes natural detoxification for the oral cavity. All toxins and microorganisms are removed.
Moisturizing Effect On Dry Mouth:Many experience dry mouth, primarily upon waking up or after meals. Oil pulling keeps the mouth hydrated and fresh; reduced bacteria means less dryness.
Strengthen Oral Muscles: Swishing automatically leads to jaw, tongue, and gums activity. Regular oil pulling strengthens the oral muscles and can give you a great jawline and smile naturally!

Conclusion

Ayurvedic practices are time-tested and use readily available natural resources. Oil pulling has some surprising benefits that go beyond oral hygiene. It is known to improve digestion and immunity. It can definitely be given a shot to improve dental hygiene. Try it out with different oils and use one that is most comfortable and beneficial to you. Remember, consistency is the key.

Anu Isaac

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Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654187/

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Can mouthwash actually cause bad breath?

Esmy Ornelas — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:06:48 +0000

Mouthwash: freshens breath, but what else? It’s no substitute for brushing & flossing and which one you choose can actually affect your oral health – causing excessive dryness and even bad breath.

Brush, floss, rinse… right? Many of us think of mouthwash as a part of our normal oral care routine that freshens your breath, but is it doing the opposite? Let’s investigate.

Why do we use mouthwash in the first place?

People use mouthwash for a few different reasons. One is very simple, to freshen their breath in between teeth brushing. Another is to reach areas underneath their gums that their toothbrush cannot reach. People with xerostomia (dry mouth) may use mouth rinses to soothe their dry tissues. Finally, sometimes people will use mouthwash to reduce how often they need to brush and floss.

Are all these claims validated?

Mouth rinses can freshen breath, but they don’t clean teeth. So, while it’s convenient to use mouthwash after a meal or coffee to freshen breath, it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. However, be sure to avoid mouthwashes with alcohol. While many may enjoy the icy cool feeling of mouthwashes with mint and alcohol, it can dry out the mouth and this can lead to bad breath which is the opposite of what we’re going for here! Mouthwashes can reach areas underneath the gums toothbrushes cannot so they can help remove any plaque or food lodged underneath tissues or teeth. This can help prevent any gum irritation, especially if one has crowns or bridges which tend to be major food/ plaque traps. This is also a great option for someone with limited dexterity. As far as xerostomia (dry mouth) goes, mouthwashes can be soothing to dry tissues, but they must be alcohol free. If not, the alcohol in the mouthwash will exacerbate xerostomia, and this can be both uncomfortable for the patient as well as dangerous. Xerostomia significantly increases a patient’s risk for cavities as they have no salivary flow to cleanse the teeth throughout the day ^[1]

Does mouthwash actually “clean” your teeth?

This is the big question, and the answer is… no. While mouthwashes can freshen breath, refresh dry tissues, and help sweep away plaque or food debris, it does not actually clean the teeth ^[2]. Plaque is sticky, harbors plaque and bacteria, and when left undisturbed, can result in the formation of calculus or cavities. Swishing, no matter how vigorous, is not enough to disrupt this bacterium. The only way to accomplish this is brushing and using floss or another interdental aid. While mouthwashes are a great way to refresh the breath throughout the day, they do not clean the teeth. Also, if bad breath is due to an underlying issue like periodontal disease or a tooth infection, the mouthwash is a temporary solution and will only freshen breath momentarily. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol as they can be drying to the gums and remember mouthwash is an addition to brushing and flossing, not a substitute!

Esmy Ornelas

Esmy Ornelas is a registered Dental Hygienist, writer, educator, and consultant with 10 years of experience in dentistry. She is passionate about education, empowering hygienists to advance their careers in and out of the operatory, and about community. She has written for RDH Magazine, the RDH Graduate, and is a full-time professor of Dental Hygiene and Assisting at Rose State College in Oklahoma.

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Why you’re getting cavities even with excellent oral hygiene

Kari Carter-Cherelus — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:01:04 +0000

Beyond brushing, a healthy oral microbiome matters. Refined carbs, bad bacteria, dry mouth lead to cavities. Combat with diet and oral probiotics.

Although brushing and flossing is important to preserving good dental health, there are other risk factors that we battle in trying to stay cavity free.

Why a healthy microbiome Is important

A healthy oral microbiome is important for our overall health and wellness. We all know that sugary foods are a key contributor to tooth decay, however many don’t know the reason why they contribute to chat cavities. It can feel frustrating to feel as though we are doing our best to keep our mouths healthy only to still receive bad news at our dental visits.

It’s your diet

Even if you are brushing and flossing correctly a diet that is rich in refined carbohydrates could be a potential culprit. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, pizza dough, pastries, and sugary beverages such as juices or energy drinks, break down into simple sugars. That sugar turns to harmful acids that decrease the oral pH in your mouth.^[3]

Good bacteria versus bad bacteria

Our mouths are full of different types of bacteria that live on all of the surfaces within our mouths. Some bacteria are considered good bacteria that are helpful and some are considered to be bad bacteria that can destroy our teeth. When the ph in our mouth lowers it makes the mouth more susceptible to cavities because the bad bacteria grows quickly in this environment. When the sugar we consume is exposed to the bad bacteria, it gives the bad bacteria the energy it needs to grow to form a sticky substance called plaque. The bad bacteria overload will cause the enamel of your teeth to break down. This constant battle between good and bad bacteria contributes to the process which creates those pesky cavities! ^[1] ^[4]

Your mouth is dry

Dry mouth is the condition when your mouth lacks adequate saliva to keep the teeth, tongue, and oral environment moist. Saliva helps to naturally rinse foods and plaque from sticking to your teeth. When one has chronic dry mouth they have a higher risk of developing decay. If you are taking certain medications, for example and are undergoing cancer treatment and taking chemotherapy drugs and/or radiation treatment. Certain medical conditions such as Sjogen’s syndrome causes your mouth to become unusually dry. You should contact your doctor to determine the root cause of your dry mouth. To help alleviate dry mouth you should drink water frequently, use alcohol free mouthwashes, and use sugar free lozenges that help keep the mouth moist.^[2]

We can combat these risk factors by introducing good bacteria into our mouth to fight against that bad bacteria that contributes to cavities. Introducing substances into our saliva such as using dental oral probiotics can help prevent cavities by fighting against plaque buildup. Oral probiotics counteract the harmful acids that the bacteria produces by introducing specific strains of good bacteria that are known to support a healthy oral biome, and improve oral health. Oral probiotics encourage the growth of good bacteria and help to suppress the bad bacteria that contributes to decay and other issues. They can help improve bad breath caused by harmful bacteria and help buildup the body’s immune defense. Changing out dietary habits as well as incorporating oral probiotics could hopefully set us up for better dental visits in the future.^[5]

Kari Carter-Cherelus

Kari Carter-Cherelus RDH, DA is a registered Dental Hygienist, writer, consultant, coach, international keynote speaker, with 23 years of experience in dentistry. She is passionate about helping others recover from burnout, improving organization’s work culture, and helping her clients to improve their mindset. She authored the book The Ultimate Guide For Dental Hygienist Burnout, and has written for RDH Graduate, RDH Magazine, and Inside Dental Hygiene.

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How does dry mouth cause bad breath?

Rachel Stroble — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:58:55 +0000

Uncover how dry mouth triggers bad breath. Combat it with hydration, avoiding alcohol-based products, and using xylitol lozenges. Get expert guidance for a healthier mouth.

If you have been fighting bad breath, you may have noticed that your mouth often feels dry. This is not a coincidence! Keep reading to find out how dry mouth may be contributing to your oral woes, as well as what you can do about it.

Do you have dry mouth?

Have you ever stopped to consider whether or not you have xerostomia (dry mouth)? While dry mouth is quite uncomfortable for some people, others may not realize they have it. Some common symptoms are feeling like your tongue or cheeks are sticking to your teeth (especially when speaking), a burning sensation, a change in your ability to taste foods, and a bad taste in your mouth. If you are unsure, have a discussion with your dentist or dental hygienist! They can assess your salivary flow and can help you determine if your mouth is unusually dry.

What causes dry mouth?

There are many causes of dry mouth. Do you find yourself breathing through your mouth? Mouth breathing dries out your oral environment. If you breathe through your mouth because your nose is often congested, you may talk with your doctor about treatment options. However, even if it is caused by a different problem, there may be ways your doctor can help. Additionally, consuming alcoholic beverages and using alcohol-containing products such as certain mouth rinses can dry out your mouth, further complicating the issue.
Certain serious health conditions can also cause dry mouth. In fact, it is one of the hallmark symptoms of diabetes ^[1]. If you frequently experience dry mouth, excessive thirst, and excessive urination, you should talk with your doctor about getting tested for diabetes ^[3]. Furthermore, some autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause dry mouth. Lastly, dry mouth is one of the most common effects of prescription and over-the-counter prescriptions. However, you should take your medications as prescribed by your doctor to protect your health. Keep reading for tips on how to manage your dry mouth, whatever the cause!

How does dry mouth affect your oral tissues?

Saliva is part of your mouth’s natural cleansing mechanism. When it is in short supply, food debris and bacteria collect at higher rates. Bacteria can overgrow, causing an acidic shift in oral pH ^[2]. The more acidic your mouth is, the more the bad bacteria grow, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease ^[4]. Also, severe dry mouth causes a painful burning sensation in the oral tissues. Burning mouth can impact quality of life.

Is your dry mouth causing bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by sinus infections or drainage, poor oral home care, oral disease, dry mouth, or an overgrowth of bad bacteria (4). If you suffer from dry mouth, you may also experience bad breath. An unpleasant taste in your mouth is a clue that you have bad breath, or someone may have mentioned your breath odor to you.

What can you do about it?

Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, increasing your water intake can help combat dry mouth. If you are dehydrated, your saliva flow may also decrease. People with dry mouth should avoid too many alcoholic beverages as well as dental products containing alcohol, such as certain mouth rinses. Sugar-free mints and gum can help to stimulate saliva flow. Additionally, lozenges containing xylitol help to fight dry mouth as well as the bacterial overgrowth that may accompany it. If you feel that you are experiencing dry mouth, speak with your dental professional for further guidance on how to protect your oral health!

Rachel Stroble

Rachel Stroble is a researcher, professor of dental hygiene at Rose State College in Oklahoma, and registered dental hygienist with 10 years of experience in dentistry. She supports education in the classroom with her own students, in the professional community through the development and presentation of continuing education courses, and you may have seen her articles in RDH Magazine, Today’s RDH, and the Oklahoma Dental Association Journal.

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Carramolino‐Cuéllar, E., Lauritano, D., Silvestre, F., Carinci, F., Lucchese, A., & Silvestre‐Rangil, J. (2018). Salivary flow and xerostomia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 47(5), 526–530
https://doi.org/10.1111/jop.12712
Kulshrestha, S., Khan, S., Hasan, S., Khan, M. E., Misba, L., & Khan, A. U. (2015). Calcium fluoride nanoparticles induced suppression of Streptococcus mutans biofilm: An in vitro and in vivo approach. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 100(4), 1901–1914.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-015-7154-4
Little, J. W., Miller, C. S., Rhodus, N. L., & Little, J. W. (2018). Little and Falace’s dental management of the medically compromised patient (Ninth edition.). Elsevier.
Mizutani, S., Ekuni, D., Tomofuji, T., Azuma, T., Kataoka, K., Yamane, M., Iwasaki, Y., & Morita, M. (2015). Relationship between xerostomia and gingival condition in young adults. Journal of Periodontal Research, 50(1), 74–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/jre.12183

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Can I cure my cavities by oil pulling?

Kari Carter-Cherelus — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:06:19 +0000

Oil pulling is thought to be a cheap home remedy, and effective alternative to traditional treatment, for a variety of oral ailments including cavities, pain, inflammation, and chronic dry mouth. Find out why oil is thought to soothe so many oral health problems & how effective it really is from a dental hygienist.

There has been a renewed interest in home remedies over the years to improve one’s health without using traditional pharmaceutical means or medical interventions. This rise of interest in home remedies to fix oral issues is often attributed to social media trends that often go viral.^[5] However, according to the report Dental Dangers: Home remedies To Avoid While Waiting For Care, many are turning to at-home options due to their lack of access to professional oral healthcare services.^[6] Some individuals either are not willingly seeking professional oral care or have barriers that create access to care issues. These individuals often seek DIY options to help alleviate or cure bleeding gums, chronic dry mouth, broken teeth, toothaches, and cracked teeth.^[5] One method that some have considered is using oil pulling to cure their cavities. Some individuals have even become convinced from various internet sites that oil pulling can help cure cavities by reversing them, resulting in not needing fillings or other dental work. Can you cure your cavities by oil pulling? Is that really possible?

What is a cavity?

First, let’s discuss what a cavity actually is. Cavities or tooth decay is when the hard surface of your teeth (enamel) becomes damaged with tiny openings or holes.^[4] These openings are filled with harmful bacteria acids that will continue to burrow through the tooth breaking down the different layers of tooth structure and causing more damage.

You might not initially know you have a cavity when it first starts, however as it progresses you might experience a toothache, see holes or pits in your tooth, or see some brown, black, or white staining on your tooth.^[4] Delaying the proper treatment–having a dentist provide restorative treatment–can lead to a severe toothache, infection, nerve damage, or even tooth loss.^[4] Think of an apple that has a rotten piece on the fruit, if you cut the rotten piece out the apple is still salvageable. However if you don’t remove the rotten piece then it continues to infect the whole fruit and eventually becomes inedible.

To get rid of a cavity a dentist has to mechanically remove the decay from your tooth with special instruments and place a restoration on the tooth to strengthen it. Once the cavity has penetrated the hard enamel, restorative treatment is necessary because the decay cannot be reversed by any type of medicament.

What is oil pulling?

I know you’ve probably seen popular influencers or celebrities touting the healing benefits of oil pulling…but what is it? Oil pulling involves swishing with a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for twenty minutes every day and then to spitting the oil out.^[2] Many users prefer to use coconut oil for its antibacterial properties, however the original Ayurvedic method calls for the user to use sesame oil.^[2] Oil pulling has been done for centuries by enthusiastic users who claim it helps prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, throat dryness, and cracked lips.^[2]

Although oil pulling might not be the cure all that some claim it to be, according to research it can prove beneficial when used in conjunction with brushing and cleaning interdentally.^[3] Studies suggest that there are benefits to oil pulling such as reducing inflammation by decreasing the bacteria and it can prevent plaque formation.^[3] Certain oils such as coconut are known to have antibacterial properties and is a favorite amongst many who oil pull for its health benefits. You can not, despite the false claims online, cure your cavities by oil pulling.

How to oil pull:

Swish with one teaspoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for twenty minutes.^[3]
After swishing for twenty minutes, spit the oil in the trash can. Spitting the oil down your drains could damage your plumbing.^[3]
Rinse your mouth out with water.^[3]

The average individual can oil pull if they like as an adjunct to what they are already doing in their oral home care routine. If you are brushing at least twice a day for two minutes as well as cleaning in between your teeth with floss or another oral health aid ,then by all means have at it! (3) These are the basics and are the foundation of having a good oral routine that helps to reduce oral disease.^[3] If you are, however, not doing the basics will you realistically be able to incorporate oil pulling for twenty minutes a day daily into your routine?

It is important to make sure you have a realistic oral homecare routine that you can be consistent with. Make sure you visit a dental office regularly. Going to your dental office regularly to see dental professionals is important so as to alert you to any changes that are occurring in your mouth. Incorporating any adjunctive home remedy should be discussed with your dental professionals so they can give you the best tips and base suggestions on your specific needs. Seek out local resources that can help you with any access to care issues as there may be help available that you are unaware of.

Kari Carter-Cherelus

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How to get rid of cavities: Do Home Remedies Work? (2022, December 29).https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-cavities/
Cleveland Clinic. The benefits of oil pulling for Dental Health. (2022, September 14). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-oil-pulling-your-best-choice-for-dental-health/
Oil Pulling for maintains oral hygiene. (2017, January 7). Shanghai, Vanish Kumar L. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
Mayo Clinic. Cavities/tooth decay https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-2035289
Dangerous at-home care: Who’s most at risk? Leaver, Elizabeth S. (2023, June 2). https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/article/14294701/dangerous-athome-oral-care-whos-most-at-risk
CareQuest. Institute for Oral Health. Dental Danger: Home Remedies to avoid while waiting for dental care. Boston, MA (2023, April) https://www.carequest.org/system/files/CareQuest_Institute_Dental-Danger_5.19.23.pdf

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Myth or fact: chewing gum can get rid of a double chin

Esmy Ornelas — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:35:19 +0000

Chewing gum with xylitol can positively affect oral health in several ways as well as strengthen masticatory muscles, but getting rid of a double chin is more complex.

Chewing gum can help with a dry mouth and in some cases, the prevention of cavities, but is it true that chewing gum can also reduce the appearance of a double chin or tighten the skin? Let’s investigate what the science says.

Is it true that chewing gum strengthens our jaw muscles?

There are published studies that conclude gum chewing does in fact improve chewing performance ^[1], but these studies showed the most improvement was seen in those with a certain facial profile and bone structure. The reason for this is that individuals with a longer face are subject to a lower level of bite force leading to a chewing deficiency ^[1]. Chewing is a response to a functional need so for these individuals, chewing gum can strengthen muscles that will combat their chewing deficiency. However, this applies to a slim percentage of the population. For most, the masticatory response is sufficient, and chewing gum won’t have much of an impact on their jaw muscles or bite.

Can chewing gum result in the appearance of a double chin? Or tighten the skin?

If you tighten your muscles by working them out, can you slim down a double chin by working out your jaw muscles? Not exactly. The most common cause of a double chin is excess fat and spot reduction, or working out a specific muscle to tone it, has been debunked in many studies ^[2]. If you want to lose fat in a specific area, you must decrease your overall body fat. Therefore, weight loss will be the most effective way to reduce the appearance of a double chin. Something else to consider is that with the increased usage of electronic devices today, many find they have a “tech neck” from looking down at a screen all day. Neck exercises help with posture, and this may lessen the look of a double chin as well.

Can chewing gum be a bad thing?

While chewing gum may not reduce chin fat or give you stronger jaw muscles, it can help increase salivary flow for those with a dry mouth and if it has xylitol, it can help prevent cavities ^[3]. However, gum should not be chewed excessively because overworking the jaw muscles can lead to muscle fatigue, jaw joint pain, and inflammation. Additionally, if people clench and grind their teeth at night, their jaw pain can be exacerbated by chewing gum as the muscles are then working overtime day and night. If you do decide to chew gum during the day, be sure it’s sugar-free. If you’re chewing on sugary gum all day, not only will it be stressful on your jaw, but it could also lead to cavities.

In summation, chewing gum will not tighten your jaw muscles or reduce the appearance of a double chin. However, if you chew gum with beneficial ingredients like xylitol, you can increase salivary flow and prevent cavities.

Esmy Ornelas

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Nayak, P. A., Nayak, U. A., & Khandelwal, V. (2014). The effect of xylitol on dental caries and oral flora. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 6, 89–94. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S55761
Ramírez-Campillo, R., Andrade, D. C., Campos-Jara, C., Henríquez-Olguín, C., Alvarez-Lepín, C., & Izquierdo, M. (2013). Regional fat changes induced by localized muscle endurance resistance training. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 27(8), 2219–2224. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31827e8681
Shirai, M., Kawai, N., Hichijo, N., Watanabe, M., Mori, H., Mitsui, S. N., Yasue, A., & Tanaka, E. (2018). Effects of gum chewing exercise on maximum bite force according to facial morphology. Clinical and experimental dental research, 4(2), 48–51. https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.102

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How your diet can soothe dry mouth and reduce cavities

Esmy Ornelas — Mon, 15 May 2023 12:43:02 +0000

1 in 4 people have dry mouth which causes discomfort & tooth decay. A healthy diet can actually support salivary flow, lessening the risk of cavities – find out more.

Xerostomia aka dry mouth affects 1 in 4 people ^[1]. Xerostomia can be caused by a wide range of things like medications, oral cancer, diabetes, and other systemic conditions ^[2]. While there is no cure for Xerostomia, there are things one can do to make it less uncomfortable, starting with the foods they eat.

Why is saliva important?

Dry mouth is a condition caused by decreased salivary flow. While the average person probably doesn’t spend too much time thinking about their saliva, they produce about 0.5 and 1.5 liters of saliva per day ^[3]. Saliva serves many purposes. It lubricates the oral cavity and tissues, consistently cleans bacteria off the teeth, contains buffers that neutralize an acidic Ph, and contains enzymes that are crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption ^[4].

How does dry mouth affect the oral cavity?

When salivary flow is decreased, the oral cavity is impacted significantly. For one, there is an increased susceptibility to cavities because plaque is not removed from the teeth. This is especially problematic in areas that are neglected during brushing like the gum line and the backside of the molars. Plaque is sticky and acts as a food trap. If someone consumes a lot of simple, white carbohydrates and drinks acidic beverages like energy drinks or soda, the pH of the oral cavity becomes acidic. This combination of plaque and acid creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth leading to cavities. A decrease in saliva also affects speech and swallowing as there is no lubrication of the mouth or tongue.

What foods support saliva production?

There is no cure for xerostomia but a few tweaks to the diet can make it more tolerable and decrease the susceptibility to cavities. For starters… less sugar and acidic foods. The truth is no one needs sugary foods or acidic beverages in their diet, but this is especially true for those with dry mouths. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots stimulate saliva flow and the mechanical action of chewing these crispy foods also helps clean teeth, especially the chewing surfaces which are common food traps. Foods with less sodium are also good choices as salt can irritate dry tissues. Hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon are soothing to a dry mouth and plain, unsweetened yogurt can help balance an acidic oral pH. In between meals, a sugar-free mint or gum can help stimulate salivary flow. Mints or gum with xylitol is a great option. Xylitol is a plant derivative that inhibits cavity-causing bacteria and promotes the remineralization of tooth enamel ^[5]. It tastes sweet but has no sugar making it a great option for those with a sweet tooth.

There are small changes one can incorporate to make their dry mouth more tolerable. Most of these are simple and require little effort but make a world of difference.

Esmy Ornelas

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Agostini, B. A., Cericato, G. O., Silveira, E. R. D., Nascimento, G. G., Costa, F. D. S., Thomson, W. M., & Demarco, F. F. (2018). How Common is Dry Mouth? Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Prevalence Estimates. Brazilian dental journal, 29(6), 606–618. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440201802302
Lorgulescu G. (2009). Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. Journal of medicine and life, 2(3), 303–307. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC50 52503/
Nayak, P. A., Nayak, U. A., & Khandelwal, V. (2014). The effect of xylitol on dental caries and oral flora. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 6, 89–94. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S55761
Tiwari M. (2011). Science behind human saliva. Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, 2(1), 53–58. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.82322
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth

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Sleep Apnea: Causes, symptoms and treatments

Kari Carter-Cherelus — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 06:37:32 +0000

Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, but it often goes undiagnosed. Aside from creating ongoing disruptions to restful sleep resulting in chronic fatigue, if left untreated, apnea can have a long term effect on overall health.

“It’s raining, it’s pouring. The old man is snoring. And he couldn’t get up in the morning.”- Mother Goose

That nursery rhyme may seem innocent enough, however it sounds as if the poor old man may have possibly suffered from sleep apnea. This disorder affects as many as 22 million Americans alone.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, often undiagnosed sleep-related disorder that occurs when you have abnormal reductions in your breathing while you are sleeping.^[1] This is a serious disorder as it may cause you to stop breathing for 20 to 30 seconds numerous times throughout the night, on average 5 times per hour.^[1]^[2] These disruptions can not only reduce the quality of your restful phases of sleep, but can also lead to potentially serious health conditions if left untreated.^[3]

Sleep & obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked or constricted while the individual is sleeping, preventing air from passing through normally and contributing to a buildup of carbon dioxide.^[1]^[5]^[6] The person suffering from this disorder awakens due to the blocked airway, gasps for air or takes deep breaths and is often heard snorting or choking.^[1] If this disorder is left untreated it increases the individuals risk to diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, headache syndromes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and can cause heart rhythm problems.^[3]^[5] Obstructive sleep apnea may also be the cause for job impairment, work-related accidents, motor vehicle crashes, as well as poor school performance in children and adolescents. ^[5]

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Loud snoring that is often accompanied with grasping, snorting, or choking sounds.^[1]^[2]
Restless sleep that has you kicking, thrashing, jerking often accompanied with periods of insomnia throughout the night.^[1]^[2]
Irritability, frustration, or difficulty focusing. (1).^[1]
Dry mouth or a sore throat upon awakening.^[1]^[5]
Excessive tiredness, daytime sleepiness, or fatigue.^[1]^[2]^[5]
Headaches.^[5]
Sexual dysfunction or decreased libido.^[6]
Bad breath that won’t go away.^[4]
High blood pressure.^[6]

Risk Factors

Age: Sleep apnea can occur at any age even amongst infants and children, however the risk increases with age throughout adulthood especially amongst people over the age of forty. ^[1]^[5]
Body weight: Research has shown a correlation between individuals who have a higher body mass index, are overweight, or are obese.^[1]^[3]
Sleeping position: People who sleep on their back are more prone to the disorder due to how the sleeping position affects the airways shape and positioning of the tissue supporting the airway.^[1]
Medications: Chronic prolonged use of opioid drugs and some prescription medications increase one’s risk.
Structural Abnormalities: Individuals who have large necks, enlarged tonsils, small jaw with an overbite, or nasal obstruction have and increased risk.^[5]
Smoking.^[6]
A family history of sleep apnea.^[6]
Asthma.^[6]

Treatment:

One of the most common ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea is to sleep with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and mask.(1) The machine keeps the airway open and delivers constant steady pressure to help you breathe while you sleep.^[1]

Your dentist might discuss with you the option of getting a custom-fitted oral appliance therapy made. Dental appliances help prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and can advance the lower jaw forward, thus helping to keep the airway open while sleeping.^[5]

Surgery might be suggested that removes excess tissue in the throat and expands the airway.^[1] This might prove helpful to individuals who have tissue that is obstructing their airway. Another option it to have a surgical treatment that implants a device that stimulated a nerve to help control your breathing.^[1]^[5] Other surgery options are to repair abnormalities that cause obstructions when you breath, removal of adenoids and tonsils, or repairing the defects in facial structures.^[3]

Many have found that making lifestyle changes such as: losing weight, exercising regularly, alternating sleep positions, and reducing alcohol consumption has helped them to manage their symptoms.^[5]

It is important to discuss any symptoms you have with your medical doctor or your dentists so that you can avoid the risk of major health problems.^[3] They will probably recommend a sleep study that will determine your breathing patterns and help the doctor develop a customized treatment plan for you to treat and manage your condition.^[3]

Kari Carter-Cherelus

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References

Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea
John Hopkins Medicine. 4 Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/4-signs-you-might-have-sleep-apnea
John Hopkins Medicine. Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/obstructive-sleep-apnea
Mayo Clinic. CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems. 2021, October 27. ://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/in-depth/cpap/art-20044164
Cleveland Clinic. Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21129-oral-appliance-therapy-for-sleep-apnea
Mayo Clinic. 2021, October 27. Sleep Apnea. ://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090

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8 Easy Ways to Stop Bad Breath

Tess Tryfonopoulos — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:02:40 +0000

How to eliminate bad breath when brushing and mouthwash alone don’t work.

Do you notice bad breath even though you’ve been regularly brushing your teeth? Have you tried every mouthwash, mint & paste on the market with no success? You’re not alone – an estimated 1 out of 4 people globally suffer from chronic bad breath^[3]. This can be an ongoing struggle for many people if the root cause is not addressed ^[2].

The #1 Cause of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is most commonly caused by the breakdown of leftover food not removed by routine brushing and flossing^[5]. Plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth & bacteria grows, producing an unpleasant odor. In most cases, brushing & flossing removes the food and the plaque, eliminating bad breath^[1].

Other Common Causes of Bad Breath

Tobacco use – associated with increased gum disease leading to bad breath^[5].
Dry mouth – which can occur naturally through dehydration (ie, morning breath), due to some medications, or due to open-mouth sleeping. The consequence is lack of saliva, which is responsible for cleaning debris from the mouth, which produces odor^[2].
Dentures – can harbor bacteria & food waste if not cleaned regularly & thoroughly^[1].
Illness – Respiratory infections found in your mouth, nose, and lungs, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or even post nasal drip from the common cold, can have a direct effect on breath. Other types of illness like Diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver/kidney diseases can also contribute^[4].

Oral Microbiome & Bad Breath

For those suffering from a more chronic issue, the cause may be due to imbalance of the bacterial microbiome. Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria, the composition of which is specific to you & closely associated with primary childhood caregivers & influenced in adulthood by a variety of lifestyle factors including diet. Based on this combination of factors, some people are more prone to bad breath.

If we suffer from chronic bad breath, our inclination may be to wipe out all the bacteria & their byproducts. But recent studies in microbiology suggest that antiseptic mouthwashes & products disrupt the important bacterial composition & dry the mouth, creating a vicious cycle of bad breath and other issues^[3].

New research encourages preservation of the microbiome & looks for solutions to tweak the balance in targeted ways, such as mouthwashes that simply neutralize the stinky sulfur compounds produced by bad bacteria, or to dental probiotics which deter the growth of harmful bacteria in favor of a more healthy composition ^[3].

How to Stop Bad Breath

Brush at least twice per day.
Floss to remove debris between teeth.
Visit the dentist for regular cleaning exams.
Clean dentures & dental restorations daily to prevent bacterial growth & transfer to the mouth.
Change the toothbrush or toothbrush head every 2-3 months.
Stay hydrated & chew sugarless gum to promote saliva production^[4].
Maintain a healthy diet that provides a wide range of nutrients & is free of excess sugar^[5].
Daily dental (oral) probiotic to shift the natural balance of good bacteria, reducing unpleasant gasses production long term^[3].

Tess Tryfonopoulos

Tess is a student at the University of Missouri – Columbia studying French and Journalism with an emphasis in Strategic Communications and a minor in Political Science. She is a former copywriter for Relevant Youth Marketing and is now an account manager for the company; she also works part-time as a writing tutor for undergraduate students. Tess will graduate in May of 2024 and hopes to work in advertising as an account manager or copywriter.

References

Bad Breath Causes – American Dental Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath
Bad breath – Symptoms and causes.(2018, March 10). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922
Franklin, D. (2013, May 1). To Beat Bad Breath, Keep the Bacteria in Your Mouth Happy. Scientific American. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/beat-bad-breath-keep-mouth-bacteria-happy/?error=cookies_not_supported&code=61ea386d-70a6-4296-b388-7648469a78c4
Halitosis (Bad Breath). (2020, February 28). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
Newman, T. (2018, January 10). Everything you need to know about bad breath. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166636

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