Sunday, September 29, 2013

South Whittier dental clinic gives free care for a day

Tall and strong looking in a red UNLV basketball jersey, Jerry Daniel stood near the front of a long line of people waiting early Wednesday morning outside California Dental, all hoping to get help for pain.

Daniel said he’s in near constant pain.

The 29-year-old Los Angeles man suffers from three tooth or gum infections, one the result of a root canal and was never completed years ago when he had dental insurance.“If I’m eating, I can’t tolerate cake or ice cream,” said Daniel, a field supervisor for Securitas. “I have to chew very quickly or swallow whole.

Water is the only drink that doesn’t hurt, he said.

Daniel was one of about 100 people waiting to get free dental treatments at California Dental’s clinic at 14322 Telegraph Road in South Whittier.

The dentists — Dr. Kamran Sahabi, president of California Dental, and his partner, Dr. Michael Tafti — conduct free dental clinics about twice a year at each of their seven clinics in Southern California.

The free service includes fillings, emergency root canals, extractions and gum cleanings. The free clinics were offered Wednesday in Whittier, North Hollywood, and Oxnard.

They will be offered Sunday at California Dental’s offices in Los Angeles, Upland, Glendale and Tustin.

Sahabi and Tafti fund the work themselves.

“We see an amazing number of people who need treatment and can’t afford it,” Sahabi said in an earlier interview. “So I decided that we needed to address this serious health issue.”

Luis Lopez, 21, of Whittier, was 22nd in line.

“I’m getting a wisdom tooth pulled,” he said. “It’s cheaper than paying the $200 at any other place, and that doesn’t count X-rays.

“I feel sorry for them (California Dental) because they’ve got all these other businesses hassling them about parking,” he said, noting the signs on parking spaces that said California Dental cars would be towed. “They’re just trying to do something good for the community.”

At the end of the line, Benita Garces of Huntington Park waited with her 11-year-old son, Anthony, and Aracely Reyes, a case manager for The Whole Child, who transported them to the event. Anthony chipped his tooth and it has become infected.

“Now, he’s really in bad pain,” said Garces. “I took him to the emergency room, but they couldn’t help.”

Reyes said the mother has attempted to get treatment for Anthony from several resources, but nobody could help.

“Mom can’t afford (dental care),” said Reyes. “So we found out about this, and we brought them here.”

Back at the front of the line, Daniel didn’t need much time to answer when asked what getting his teeth fixed would mean to him.

“What would it mean to me,” he said, “Pretty much the world.”


Source: Whittier Daily News

Thursday, September 26, 2013

New Study: Improving Oral Care for People with Chronic Conditions Can Reduce Costs for Employers

Better dental care for people with chronic medical conditions can reduce medical costs by more than $1,000 per person per year, even after the added expense of providing the dental care
Companies that integrate medical benefits with dental benefits can provide their employees with wellness support programs that improve health and reduce medical costs

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Improving the oral health of people with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease, can reduce health care costs, according to a new study by UnitedHealthcare.

The research showed that people with certain chronic conditions who received appropriate dental care, including preventive services and the treatment of gum disease, had net medical and dental claims that were on average $1,038 lower per year than claims for chronically ill people who did not receive that type of oral care. Among diabetics, the average annual net medical and dentals claims were $1,279 lower per person for individuals who received treatment for gum disease compared to people who did not. The savings for all of those groups were achieved even after accounting for the additional cost of the dental care.


The study's results underscore the important connection between oral health and overall health. Researchers have shown a potential link between gum disease and an array of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with chronic conditions account for more than 75 percent of health care costs, so employers and health plans are increasingly developing strategies to improve the health of these individuals.

"This study demonstrates that employers can benefit from looking at their population holistically, and analyzing their medical and dental benefits collectively," said Michael Weitzner, DMD, MS, vice president, UnitedHealthcare Dental. "By taking this approach, companies can take steps to engage employees around their dental health and improve health outcomes, potentially reducing health care costs and driving productivity with a healthier workforce."

Many employers are starting to embrace this integrated approach. Employers enrolled in UnitedHealthcare's Bridge2Health program provide their workers dental and medical benefits, combined with additional wellness support and resources, to provide patients and health care professionals with information that improves decisions and outcomes.

A total of 165 companies representing more than 850,000 plan participants have already selected this approach for dental and medical benefits.

Among the study's other findings:

Total average medical costs were lower across all chronic conditions for people who received periodontal treatment or cleanings compared to those who did not receive such services, even after accounting for the costs of additional dental treatments.

People with chronic conditions who received regular cleanings (at least three times during the three years) had the lowest health care costs of any other dental treatment group (i.e. infrequent cleanings, no cleanings).
The savings were also significant for people who received regular dental care, but were not compliant with the recommended care for their chronic medical condition. Among the group receiving dental care, annual average medical costs were $2,320 lower than those not receiving dental care, with net savings of $1,829 after accounting for the cost of the dental care.

The study's results were based on three years (2008 to 2011) of dental claims data associated with more than 130,000 plan participants enrolled in both UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored dental and medical plans. The results were split by medical condition, as well as by whether or not people were compliant with managing their chronic condition, thereby minimizing compliance bias from the study.

The study was a joint effort between UnitedHealthcare, a leading health benefits company, and Optum, a leading information and technology-enabled health services business.



Source: Daily Finance

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

4 simple tips for inspiring more whitening procedures

Practice culture affects a team's ability to be passionate about dentistry and be motivational with patients. The right team, when excited about a practice's vision, has endless potential.

Synergy creates a productive, fun environment, and patients respond by accepting necessary and elective treatment. Clarity is the first step toward a successful practice culture. The thriving practices we work with have leaders who are clear about their values and vision for their practices and communicate this consistently to their teams.

Team members who are on the same page and enthusiastic about the services and products their practice offers are more effective at patient education. As they see the positive results from patients' experiences with recommended services and products, they gain confidence to further promote and support the doctor's advice regarding products or services.

If one of a practice's values is to create an environment in which patients ask for a beautiful smile, promoting the benefits of teeth whitening is a part of that culture. Try the following four simple tips to highlight the significance of a beautiful smile and promote whitening services and products in your practice:

Tip 1: Use smile quotations, poems, and statistics about the importance of smiles in your practice and as part of patient giveaways. Put them on statements, use them as screen savers, or have them run as part of a digital photo frame picture sequence in your operatory.

Life is like a mirror; we get the best results when we smile at it.

63% of people say they look best in photos when they show their teeth.

Tip 2: Office décor that is supportive of health, longevity, a beautiful smile, and a quality life subtly reinforces the message that a beautiful smile matters. Hang photos of fabulous smiles and families enjoying a healthy lifestyle in the reception area, the patient bathroom, and the operatory.

Tip 3: Inspire your patients to consider whitening with two easy steps:

1. As part of the cosmetic evaluation portion of the new patient experience, record a shade to have as a baseline. Use this evaluation to introduce the benefits of tooth whitening and the results you see in patients who have chosen this treatment.

Have shade guides in each operatory.
Match the shade as closely as possible.
Record the shade in a designated spot in your patient chart system.
Take an intraoral camera photo of the patient's smile with the shade guide.
Show the patient where he or she falls on the shade spectrum.
Educate the patient about changing tooth color due to nutrition and aging.

2. Annually, record his or her shade and compare to the baseline. To encourage the desire to whiten, discuss the shade and any changes with the patient.

Tip 4: Create tasteful displays of whitening products on shelves in the operatory, on retail display shelves in the reception area, and at the checkout counter. Present-type packaging is attractive and complete, easy to purchase, and no work for the gift giver. Use social media such as Facebook to promote gift certificates for teeth whitening. You might say something such as, "Teeth whitening is a great gift for a new grad." Include a picture of the beautifully wrapped package.

Get started now by brainstorming the benefits of teeth whitening at a team meeting. Discuss your personal philosophy on whitening and the services and products your practice offers. Review the tips presented in this article with your team.

What could you do in your practice to illustrate the importance of a beautiful smile? Bring in a sales rep to ensure the team is educated about the products and services you provide. Make sure your entire team has personally experienced the benefits of whitening, especially the doctor.

When time, money, and energy are spent on developing team members, they gain an understanding of the life-changing benefits dentistry can offer. When a team embraces its practice culture, productivity and profitability will soar.


Source: DentistryIQ

Friday, September 20, 2013

Dental hygiene helps protect pets’ overall health – just like in people

Eight-year-old Ruth gets her teeth brushed once a week, at the same time she has her nails trimmed.

It was her “stinky breath” that prompted Wanda Morstad, of Fordville, N.D., to start brushing her Australian kelpie’s teeth when the dog was about a year old, she said. That, and knowing what could happen if she didn’t.

In her work as a veterinarian technician for nearly 20 years with Golden Valley Veterinarian Service in Park River, N.D., Morstad said “seeing a lot of bad teeth and pulling them” raised her awareness.

Taking care of your dog’s teeth goes a long way toward maintaining his health — not to mention keeping his breath from knocking you out.

Animals, like people, face serious health threats if they don’t receive proper dental care, veterinarians say.

To guard against such threats, pet owners are providing their pets with dental care to keep them healthy.

Health risks

The build-up of tartar and plaque can lead to periodontal disease and infections that could attack the heart, kidneys, liver and brain, said Dr. Jeanette Bjornstad, veterinarian with Golden Valley Veterinary Service.

“Any infections that are targeting major organs, that would be a concern,” she said.

Bacteria, a major component of tartar, can get into the bloodstream or respiratory system and lead to infection.

Periodontal disease, in general, is a threat, Bjornstad said. It can lead to endocarditis and other systemic problems. Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner layer of the heart.

It can affect the kidneys, which may lead to renal failure, or sepsis, a potentially fatal whole-body inflammation caused by severe infection, could result.

Checking the mouth for dental disease, oral lesions, cancer and inflammation is part of a regular wellness examination, Bjornstad said. Evidence of abscesses, caused by dental problems, can be seen in the face.

Start early

Bjornstad and other vets recommend that pet-owners start brushing their dogs’ teeth early.

“Even though younger dogs will lose all their first teeth by 6 months of age, it’s not a bad idea — if you really want to do this — to start brushing their teeth, to get them used to the whole idea of it,” she said. The goal “is getting the debris off (of) the teeth.”

The pet-care accessories market offers special toothbrushes, pastes and gels intended to make the job easier for owners and more palatable for pets.

“You can get paste with all kinds of flavorings (such as) meat, chicken, tuna” that appeal to pets, she said.

With a “finger-brush,” a two-inch thimble-like device, owners can clean their dog’s teeth by rubbing along the gum-line, Bjornstad said.

It is especially useful “if the dog is sensitive to objects or strange things coming toward its face, or if they’re skittish” about getting their teeth brushed, said Lynn Berry, groomer with Petco in Grand Forks. Their owner’s hands “are hands that they know.”

“You just massage the gums. It’s easier to maneuver.”

Brushing your dog’s teeth “is a great thing to do at home,” Berry said. “You can do it while sitting on the couch, watching TV.”

It’s best to start brushing when the pet is young, she said. “But it’s never too late to start.”

Bjornstad also recommends dental or oral rinses that are especially good for dogs that have tartar build-up.

“In some dogs, the tartar gets built up so much, you have to come in (to a vet) and have their teeth scraped and polished,” she said.

Dry foods

Bjornstad also suggests giving your pet dry dog food because moist foods permit tartar to build up more quickly, she said. “Chew toys will take particles off the teeth… and naturally break off tartar build-up.”

Such toys, “especially those with any kind of enzymatic action, could lessen tartar,” she said. Sprays that decrease the odor of a dog’s breath are also available.

“In the dental market, in general, there are a whole lot of products out there.”

Adult dogs have 42 teeth which replace their 28 baby teeth. Cats have 26 baby teeth and 30 adult teeth.

Sometimes, the dog’s baby teeth will fail to drop, as nature intends, resulting in overcrowding, a condition that encourages food particles to stick to the teeth which can promote gum disease.

In dogs that exhibit sensitivity, “there’s no limit on what can be done,” Bjornstad said. For example, “root canals are commonly done to save teeth.”

Pets that are suffering dental pain “are not really themselves,” she said. “They’re not playing as much, they’re lethargic.” They may rub their faces.

“It’s really a painful situation.”

They may show signs of sensitivity even to water, she said, and to hot and cold. They may go to their dishes and act as though they want to eat, but hesitate.

“But the owner doesn’t pick up on it; it can be pretty subtle.”

When full-mouth extraction is the only answer, she said, “after (the teeth) are removed, they’re like new dogs. It’s amazing how they will act.”

Not so unusual

At one time, the idea of brushing pets’ teeth may have seemed a bit over the top, but no more.

Today, people are more exposed to and interested in various preventive measures, in general, to improve or preserve their pets’ health, Bjornstad said.

“These pets are part of the family, every detail is kind of checked out on them.”

The notion of brushing Ruth’s teeth is purely practical, said Morstad. “It can’t hurt to brush them; we brush our teeth.”

“I just use my Sensodyne (toothpaste) and a regular toothbrush. I figure, it’s good enough for people, it’s OK for her.”

“She’s still ticking after eight years.”


Source: Grand Fork Sherald

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

3 Tips to Help you Improve Your Oral Health

Regular dental hygiene check-ups are necessary for proper oral health care. Many patients ask us why is it important to visit at least twice a year for dental hygiene check-ups? We always says because it is necessary to examine your teeth and tissue in the mouth. We are able to work with you to help prevent diseases such as gum disease and cavities. As you age your mouth may need dentures and it is important to have your mouth examined regularly to assess the proper fit of dentures as well.

Good nutrition is one of the best ways to help improve your smile. When you take care of your teeth by eating foods that support your oral health you will be healthier and you will naturally smile more.

Here are tips to help you improve your oral health.

1. Eat Healthy Snacks

Between-meal snacking can often contribute to tooth decay. If you reach for processed foods that are loaded with sugar, such as cookies, granola bars or even dried fruit, the sugar can stay on your teeth and cause bacteria build up. Choosing healthier more nutritious snacks that are low in sugar will help improve your health. Plus eating healthier snacks such as carrots or apples will help prevent tooth decay and bacteria build up.

2. Rinse Your Mouth With Water

Acid production from bacterial plaque will occur most dramatically within 20 minutes of eating foods; this will contribute to tooth decay. Dr. Derek Conklin suggests rinsing your mouth with water after eating foods.

3. Floss Everyday

Of course you know how necessary it is to brush your teeth and floss every day, but many people don’t actually do it. Flossing is the best way to prevent bacteria build up and cavities. Our compassionate dental hygienists can teach you how to use your toothbrush and floss properly if you need more assistance.

Using floss that you are comfortable with is important. You may want a flavored floss such as mint or winter mint, or you could prefer the floss picks. Find a style that works with your schedule and stick to it.  Fluoride is also an important tool in the fight against tooth decay so look for it in your tooth paste.


Source: Mountain Side Dentistry

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Eating Cheese May Have Oral Health Benefits

Dairy products in our diet have long been seen as a good product to maintain healthy strong bones. Drinking milk, eating cheese and butter may now be beneficial in protecting the teeth’s oral health.

A study has been carried out by the academy of general dentistry who found that research carried out seemed to prove that dairy products s could stop harmful cavities from forming.

Tooth erosion is increased if the pH balance falls lower than 5.5 as this starts to attach the tooth’s natural tooth enamel. If the pH balance goes above 5.5 this then lowers the chance of developing cavities. The higher the pH balance the lower the chance of developing erosion and cavities.

The research carried out looked at the pH balance of a group of people consuming milk, yoghurt and cheese. The people that had the milk and yoghurt had no change to the pH balance, but those that had cheese had a very fast increase in PH balance. This is due to the fact that there is more saliva produced to deal with the acidity within the mouth. Ingredients within the cheese can stop acid attacking the enamel and reduce acidity within the mouth.

Therefore, although dairy products are beneficial for healthy teeth and bones, it has been found that only cheese is able to heighten the pH in the mouth and stop enamel attacks and tooth cavities forming.


Source: Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Study Ties Poor Oral Health to Cancer-Causing Virus

People with swollen gums, missing teeth and other signs of poor dental health are more likely to be infected orally with the human papillomavirus, researchers reported on Wednesday.

HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, causes cancers of the cervix, mouth and throat. The new study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, is the first to document a link between the infection and poor oral health, but other experts noted that the research found only an association and relied mostly on self-reported data about oral health. It is too early to say with confidence that brushing and flossing regularly can prevent oral HPV infection, they said.

The finding is a “modest association,” said Aimée R. Kreimer, an epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute who was not involved in the study. “We don’t know if poor oral health causes HPV infection and would go on to cancer,” she said.

This finding suggests another potential downside to deficient hygiene “because of a possible association between poor to fair oral health and the presence of the human papillomavirus, which in itself is identified with several diseases,” said Dr. Sol Silverman, a professor of oral medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and a spokesman for the American Dental Association.

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reviewed data on both high-risk and low-risk oral HPV infection and oral health in 3,439 adults, ages 30 to 69, participating in the nationally representative 2009-10 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, known as NHANES. The study found that being male, smoking cigarettes, and having multiple oral sex partners increased the likelihood of oral HPV infection, findings similar to those in an earlier analysis of NHANES data.

But after controlling for smoking and the number of oral sex partners, the new study found that self-rated poor oral health was an independent risk for oral HPV infection. The odds of having an oral HPV infection were 55 percent higher among those reporting poor to fair oral health.

Throat cancer caused by HPV is increasing, particularly along middle-aged white men. About 25,000 cases a year are diagnosed in the United States. Many experts believe oral infection with the virus has increased along with the frequency of oral sex.

“What we think might be happening is if you have poor oral health — ulcers, gum inflammation, sores or lesions, any openings in the mouth — that might provide entry for HPV,” said Christine Markham, the second author on the paper and an associate professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. “We don’t have sufficiently strong evidence to demonstrate that conclusively in the study, but that’s our thinking.”

Yet the increase in risk is modest, said Dr. Kreimer, “less than the two- to threefold elevations in risk that cause concern.” And three of the four measures used to assess the participants’ oral health, including the presence of gum disease, were self-reported, a limitation of the study. One measure — number of teeth lost — was reported by dental hygienists.

“It’s the first paper linking self-reported measures of poor oral hygiene and an oral HPV infection,” Dr. Maura L. Gillison, a professor of medicine at Ohio State University, who was not involved in the study. “It’s a strong paper because it’s a first, but does it have public health significance? Should people change their behavior? I would say no.”

Oral cancers caused by HPV are typically found near the tonsils or at the base of the tongue, she added, and it’s hard to see how those regions could be directly affected by periodontal inflammation.

Experts including Dr. Gillison nonetheless called the study an important first step. “Further study — even though it would be expensive and time-consuming — should be considered,” said Dr. Silverman.

Source: The New York Times

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

HAVE DIABETES? TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH

Diabetes can put you at greater risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. Here’s how to help keep your smile healthy and bright.

Taking charge of your diabetes means being vigilant about the health of every part of your body—and that includes your mouth.

Elevated blood sugar levels increase your risk of tooth decay, early gum disease (gingivitis) and advanced gum disease (periodontitis.) But if you’re careful, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy—and your smile bright.

Tooth care basics for people with diabetes

“Good diabetes control is key,” says Todd Coy, DMD, of the Cleveland Clinic. “If you have diabetes, your body’s ability to fight bacteria is reduced, so you don’t deal as well with issues like gum disease. But people who are diligent with their diabetes can reduce the risk of tooth decay and other oral problems to near-normal levels.”

Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

Tell your dentist that you have diabetes, Coy says. Remind him when you go for checkups, and make sure he has the phone number of your endocrinologist.

If you have tooth pain, don’t ignore it, says Ira B. Lamster, DDC, M M.Sc, professor of health policy and management at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. “The whole idea of prevention is very important,” he says. “If you think something is developing, do not delay. See your dentist.” If you get an infection in your mouth, it can be more severe than in someone without diabetes, which is all the more reason to contact your dentist right away.

Brush after meals and floss at least once a day, advises Coy. Individuals with diabetes tend to get more cavities at the root line of the teeth, Lamster says, and, as Coy points out, “As the gums recede, the vulnerable root surface is exposed.” Also try to avoid refined carbs and sugary foods. “If you are taking in a lot of these, this further increases your risk of tooth decay.”

Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can make the job much easier. Be sure to avoid vigorous scrubbing as this can irritate your gums.

Tooth Troubleshooting

It’s not uncommon for individuals with diabetes to have a reduction in saliva, which can increase your risk of cavities. Check out one of the many saliva substitutes available (brands include Numoisyn and Aquoral) to see if one will work for you. If you have this symptom, tell your dentist and your physician, Lamster recommends.

Watch out for warning signs of gum disease, which include gum bleeding, swelling and redness.

If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your dentist right away. Also tell him if you feel any loose teeth. The earlier treatment for periodontal disease begins, the better it is for your oral health.

Finally, if you smoke, quit. You’re at an increased risk for gum disease if you smoke, so find out about all the options to help you break the habit once and for all.


Friday, September 6, 2013

What your children eat can help make their teeth healthy

Some foods are more harmful to teeth than others. Here’s some help in choosing the right ones.

When my boys recently had their teeth checked, their dentist warned them that summer is the worst time for
cavities. Parental rules relax, allowing more candy and soda into the mix at the same time brushing slackens.

As much as I hate to admit it, I can see this happening in our household. Does anyone else have a tween boy who thinks brushing and showering are a sprint? He has mastered speed, but effectiveness ... not so much. I’m not sure those teeth are being cleaned as they should.

Tooth decay begins with bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. These bacteria burn sugar in order to thrive and during this process convert sugar into acid. The acid then eats away at a tooth’s enamel, which begins the decay and cavity process.

So sugary foods such as candy, soda, sports drinks and ice cream provide fuel for the bacteria, but there is actually a trifecta of criteria that make foods bad for teeth: anything that has sugar or acid or is sticky.

Here are the food-based causes of tooth decay:

• Sugary foods fuel bacteria.

• Many children consume their sweet or gummy vitamins after they brush their teeth, so the sugar remains on their teeth all morning.

• Sticky foods such as Skittles, Starburst candies, gummies and dried fruits linger on the teeth, giving the bacteria extra occasion to execute damage.

• Long-lasting fare, such as lollipops, Jolly Ranchers and cough drops, allows the sugar to dawdle in the mouth for a prolonged period.

• Starchy foods such as French fries, white bread and pretzels that easily lodge between teeth are quickly converted to sugar by the pre-digestive saliva.

• Acidic foods and drinks such as soda, citrus and tomatoes eat away the enamel of teeth.

• Chewing on ice can cause tiny fractures in the teeth that over time collect extra bacteria and cause additional breakage.

My childhood dentist regularly told me that if I was in a pinch, chewing parsley was a “natural” way to brush my teeth. I didn’t buy it back then, but there is truth to his advice, according to the American Dental Association.

Here are some other ways food can help dental health:

• Saliva neutralizes acids, helping to prevent tooth decay. High-fiber vegetables such as celery and parsley take longer to chew, so they stimulate saliva production.

• Some foods neutralize acids. Those include pears, apples, yogurt and other dairy.

• Foods that provide calcium and phosphates such as raw nuts and yogurt can strengthen the tooth’s surface.

• Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and cucumbers have high water content, which helps dilute the sugar and wash away food particles.

• Drinking water throughout the day will wash teeth and flush bacteria.

• You can minimize acid in foods such as citrus and tomatoes by eating them with other foods.

• Sip sugary drinks through a straw to limit the amount of contact the sugar has with the teeth.

The foods that damage teeth have been shown to damage overall health, and the foods that are favorable to teeth tend to be favorable to health. No surprise. Just one more reminder of why we should eat well and avoid sugar. Not that any of our kids wanted one more reminder.

Casey Seidenberg is co-founder of Nourish Schools, a Washington, D.C. -based nutrition education company.


Source: Seattle Times

Thursday, September 5, 2013

7 home remedies for Toothache

Occasionally we have toothaches and knowing a fast remedy to help that pain would be great. Here are some relief that can be found in your kitchen.

1. Clove oil

Clove oil acts as an antiseptic that most dentists use on their patients. Clove oil also can reduce the spread of infection and help relieve pain. You should use this if you want to cut down on pain and decrease infection in the cavity. Works perfectly for me. Although, avoid drinking it because the taste is bitter and not enjoyable. By the way, clove is also great to keep bad breath at bay.

2. Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is not only great for making fabulous desserts, it can also help get rid of pain instantly. You might think it's sweet and has some sort of sugar, but it's actually a bit plain-tasting. You can add it to your tooth with a dropper or drink a little and swish it around.

3. Asafoetida and lemon juice

Mixing asafoetida and lemon juice, can provide relief from a toothache. Heat them together in a microwave or stove top. Once you do this, you need to take a cotton swab and dip it into the mix. Add it to your hurting tooth and feel instant relief. It works for a few hours and helps ease the pain.

4. Onions

The natural juices in onion relieve toothache. It reduces the pain for a few hours. Cut a piece off and place it under the aching tooth or drain the juice into a bowl. Use a dropper to place it on the tooth that hurts.

5. Lime juice

Lime juice contains a strong citrus acid that kills many germs. You can use it to clean or cleanse your body. If you crush the juice into a cup and place it in the dropper, you can use the juice as a pain reliever for your tooth. It will clean your tooth and get rid of all the unwanted germs that could cause infection. Although, you might want to avoid this if you have cold sores or even open wounds in your mouth. Mixing lime juice and baking soda can also help whiten teeth.

6. Garlic and rock salt

Garlic is not only great for treating acne but has always been a good remedy for relieving tooth pain and with a little bit of rock salt mixed, you can help get rid of the pain altogether. Crushing the garlic clove and adding rock salt, will make a perfect remedy.

7. Whiskey

You may be one who don't drink, but it's effective to clean the tooth and numb the mouth. You can swish it around and spit the drink out after use if you want. This helps reduce the pain and cleans it as well.



Source: http://allwomenstalk.com