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How to Spend Less Time in the Dentist’s Chair

Our sources: Where did we find this stuff? https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/patient-education/patient-materials/why-are-regular-dental-visits-important https://www.dental-research.com/index.php/idr     NEXT >> Rina - February 18, 2020

 

Many people don’t understand the impact that poor dental health has on their overall health. Not taking care of your mouth can lead to a variety of health problems and increase your risk for conditions such as heart disease and respiratory issues. Having good dental health can lead to improved overall health, not to mention beautiful teeth, both of which will give you more confidence and boost your self-esteem. How to spend less time in the Dentist’s chair. Tips for better oral health.

Start incorporating the tips below into your regular routine and they’ll soon become habits you do without even thinking about them. Tackle one at a time if that’s more manageable, only adding a new habit once you’ve successfully implemented the prior one. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need to see a dentist regularly.

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1. Tips for better oral health

Get regular dental cleanings, your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. See your dentist at least twice a year at a minimum. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.

Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist will help you keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy over the long run. Remember, preventive care and maintenance are just as important for a healthy mouth as good daytime and nighttime oral hygiene. While everyday habits are essential for getting back on track with good oral hygiene and maintaining your dental health. Find out how to spend less time in the Dentist’s chair. Tips for better oral health.

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2. Brush twice a day

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. When you brush your teeth, you help remove food and plaque, a sticky white film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. Brushing twice daily also improves the health of your gums so that you can avoid gum disease. The acid that causes tooth decay irritates sensitive soft tissues in your mouth. When you brush your teeth, you dilute the inflammatory acid and help rid your mouth of the bacteria that produce it.

Brushing your teeth before you go to sleep at night helps protect against plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you are particularly susceptible to cavities and gum disease, dentists recommend that you brush immediately after dinner, then again right before bedtime. Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night is critical for removing plaque build-up and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Just avoid brushing vigorously, as it can damage your gums and teeth.

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3. Is flossing important?

Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. “Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth,” says Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.”Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits. Floss daily – While brushing is critical, it doesn’t take care of everything. Flossing is a complement to brushing, as the floss is able to reach all the crevices that are too small for toothbrushes to get to.”

It’s never too late to start flossing. Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference. Tooth decay and gum problems will develop unless it’s removed. If you haven’t been flossing, your gums might bleed when you start. Even if you never have flossed before, start now!

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4. Use good form

According to dentists, the best way to clean your teeth is to brush back and forth gently in short strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces first, then the inner tooth surfaces, followed by the chewing surfaces. To clean the backs of your front teeth, use the tip of the brush and stroke gently up and down.
  • Aim the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
  • Use a gentle circular motion.
  • Repeat on the inside surfaces.
  • Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces.
  • Spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Be careful not to overbrush. Brushing regularly is considered vital for healthy teeth and gums, but dental experts warn that you can overdo a good thing. Vigorous brushing can wear down the enamel on the teeth as well as damage and push back the gums, exposing the sensitive root area.

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5. Brush your tongue

Tongues harbor bacteria and need to be cleaned too. Use your toothbrush to brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth or get a tongue scraper to do the job. Have you ever looked at your tongue, and noticed a white or greyish coating? This is actually a build-up of dead cells, food particles, toxins, and bacteria.

Cleaning the tongue properly and regularly is an incredibly important part of overall oral health and hygiene, and it’s very easy to do. Tongue scrapers are just as they sound: a small, slightly rounded tool, typically made from metal or plastic, that scrapes the surface of the tongue removing the daily build-up. This simple step can vastly improve the freshness of one’s breath, and also eliminate bacteria that may otherwise be contributing to tooth decay and gum disease.

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6. Seal off trouble

Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the back teeth that can help prevent decay and cavities. Ideally, dentists apply sealants before a tooth has decay or fillings. As the years go by, however, fewer of an adult’s teeth are likely to be in this pristine condition. This is especially true of the chewing surfaces of the grinding teeth. Sealants are an especially good idea for kids, who often have trouble reaching their back teeth while brushing. Sealants have shown to still work 9 years after placement.

Small amounts of BPA may leach from dental sealants immediately after the application of the sealants to the teeth. Human exposure to BPA from dental resins is minimal and poses no known health risk. Ask your dentist if sealants may be helpful in preventing enamel erosion and tooth decay.

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7. Switch to an electric toothbrush

The rotating and oscillating movement of the electric toothbrush head removes plaque from your teeth more efficiently than a regular toothbrush. Be sure to choose an electric toothbrush that’s comfortable to hold, easy to use, and has the rotating-oscillating head.

A 2014 review published in the Cochrane Library examined 51 randomized controlled trials involving adults and/or children brushing their teeth with electric or manual toothbrushes for at least four weeks. Overall, electric toothbrushes seemed to have an edge; when compared with manual toothbrushes, “there was an 11 percent reduction in plaque at one to three months of use, and a 21 percent reduction in plaque when assessed after three months of use,” the review’s authors concluded. “For gingivitis, there was a 6 percent reduction at one to three months of use and an 11 percent reduction when assessed after three months of use.”

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8. Use fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in the earth’s crust and is one of the 16 essential minerals. It is added to many foods, public water supplies, and oral care products. It’s even been referred to as “nature’s cavity fighter,” according to the American Dental Association (ADA). As bacteria and sugars form acids that slowly lead to decay, fluoride works to strengthen the enamel, the protective surface around all your teeth, so they don’t succumb to it. Before a baby’s primary teeth start to emerge, their enamel is strengthened by the fluoride consumed through foods and beverages.

When teeth break through the gums, these natural sources of fluoride help rebuild any weakened enamel as they grow in. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel, helping to prevent tooth decay. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain when applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth. Repair exposed root surfaces. Receding gums may be the cause of your sensitive teeth, in which case your dentist can apply a sealant over the exposed roots to reduce sensitivity. Root canal

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9. Drink water

Drinking water is one of the healthiest ways to maintain your oral health. Drink more water throughout the day if you have low saliva volume or dry mouth. Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health, including oral health. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

At a minimum, drink a tall glass of water following every meal and snack. This will help counteract some of the negative effects of foods and beverages in between brushing, especially sugary, sticky and acidic ones. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. Sipping water is also one of the best things you can do for your teeth.

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10. Avoid drinking fluoridated water

Fluoride continues to be one of the most widely used tooth treatments in the dental community, but it doesn’t come without risk. While fluoride is technically a natural element found in the earth, it differs greatly from the fluorosilicic acid, a synthetic industrial fluoride chemical, that is typically added to drinking water.

Research shows that this chemical is a dangerous neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor and can negatively impact the health of our bones and teeth, thyroid gland, pineal gland, and blood sugar levels, to name just a few of the health implications. Some of the side effects of regular fluoride consumption include:

  • skeletal fluorosis
  • neurological problems
  • acne and other skin problems
  • cardiovascular problems
  • acne and other skin problems
  • cardiovascular problems
  • damage, cardiac insufficiency, and heart failure
  • reproductive issues, such as lower fertility and early puberty in girls
  • thyroid dysfunction
  • conditions affecting the joints and bones, such as osteoarthritis, bone cancer, and TMJ
  • neurological problems, possibly leading to ADHD
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11. Rinse with tap water for extra protection

Whether you choose to ingest it or not, fluoride can be very beneficial to your oral hygiene when used as a topical treatment. If you live in an area with fluoridated water, tap water is a great resource for rinsing your mouth.

Mouthwash isn’t just for fresh breath, therapeutic mouth wash contains special ingredients that strengthen teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions. A toothbrush does the necessary job of vanquishing incredibly rude bacteria relentlessly working to mess up your oral health but rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash before bed will help keep your teeth free of plaque and cavities and your gums safe from gingivitis.

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12. Spit, don’t rinse

It’s a common practice to rinse after brushing but it actually means you’re missing an important benefit of toothpaste! Another interesting concept is not to rinse your mouth at all. If you rinse after you brush, you’ll be sending all that protective fluoride down the drain, rather than leaving it in your mouth.

Instead of rinsing, you just need to spit out the excess toothpaste when you’re done brushing your teeth. If you’re a dedicated rinser, this might come across as a bit of a shock, but we challenge you to try it for a week and see if you really notice the difference in anything other than the health of your pearly whites.

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13. Be aware of teeth grinding

If you experience worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, or torn cheek tissue, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Though dentists can’t stop you from doing it, they can make you a mouth guard that you can wear at night to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.

Teeth grinding can create numerous problems such as local muscular pain, headaches, loss of tooth structure, gum recession, loose teeth, shortening of teeth, tooth sensitivity, facial pain, headaches, earache, cracked and broken teeth, damage to the bone structure of the jaw joint with the temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and even facial changes. Children that grind due to a breathing airway problem can have developmental issues.

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14. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Jonathan Schwartz, DSS. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”

Crunchy foods are good for teeth, is that crunchy fruits, vegetables, and nuts can clean teeth, stimulate saliva production, and hydrate the mouth, which all lessen the growth of bacteria. As well as foods with fiber, fiber helps keep your teeth and gums clean, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also get saliva flowing. Next to good home dental care, this is your best natural defense against cavities and gum disease.

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15 Limit sugary and acidic foods

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful. Limit your sugar intake – Foods high in sugar and starch can lead to tooth decay because sugar reacts with the bacteria in your saliva, forming an acid that erodes your tooth enamel.

Cutting back on sugary foods will help keep your tooth enamel intact, protecting your teeth. While these hard candies seem harmless, eat too many and the constant exposure to sugar can be harmful to your teeth. Hard candies also put your teeth at risk because, in addition to being full of sugar, they can also trigger a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped tooth.

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16 Reasons to quit smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your oral health and your general health. Quitting will improve your sense of taste and smell, keep those teeth pearly white and reduce your risk of oral cancer and gum disease. We know quitting can be a challenge, but we can help you give up the cigarettes for good. We’ve gathered all our resources to help you quit smoking on QUIT HQ.

It creates plaque and tartar. Chemicals in tobacco products affect saliva flow in the mouth, making it easier for oral bacteria to stick to teeth and gums. Smokers are three to six times more likely to develop gum disease or periodontal disease, which can attack roots and cause teeth to fall out. Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair blood flow to the gums, which may affect wound healing.

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17. Keep it alkaline, eat more greens

One of the surest ways of developing tooth decay is to maintain a mouth pH that is too acidic. It is said that at a pH of 5.5 the teeth begin to demineralize, leaving them vulnerable to cavities. On the contrary, when the saliva has a pH of 7.5 or above, it means teeth can become stronger and actually remineralize, meaning stronger enamel and less decay.

One of the best ways to alkalinize the entire body, mouth included, is to eat plenty of mineral-rich green leafy vegetables and non-sweet green juices. By focusing on greens such as kale, collards, spinach, chard, and lettuces, we introduce a wealth of highly bioavailable trace minerals into the body which helps alkalinize the blood, strengthen our bones, and buffer acidity in the mouth. Keeping the body alkaline also has a side benefit of giving a boost to the entire immune system, as most diseases cannot thrive in an alkaline system.

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18. Try oil pulling

Oil pulling, or swishing with oil, may seem like a strange way to promote oral health, but it is actually an ancient practice with some incredible benefits. This Ayurvedic dental health technique helps to draw out toxins from the gums and the body as a whole. Simply take 1 tbs of high quality, organic, cold-pressed plant oil of choice (sesame and coconut work great) and swish for up to 20 minutes, “pulling” the oil between the teeth.

Aside from helping to aid in detox, oil pulling can also help brighten the teeth, and prevent plaque from building up throughout the day. Try infusing the oil with a few drops of therapeutic grade orange essential oil (brightening) or tea tree oil (cleansing and purifying) for additional tooth benefits.

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19. Take ionic mineral supplements

Minerals are absolutely critical for our bone health, and while many of us forget, our teeth are a very important part of our skeletal system. While calcium is important, our bones also require a host of other trace minerals too such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and silica. Since our soils are deficient in many key minerals, our food supply is as well, even mineral-rich foods such as greens don’t contain the minerals they once did.

A high quality liquid ionic mineral supplement is a great way to get bioavailable minerals into the body for healthy bones and nerves and to help balance the body’s pH. Vitamin C. When it comes to periodontal health, vitamin C which helps to support the body’s entire immune system, which includes protecting your gums and teeth. Iron is a great mineral for your overall oral health. As well as vitamin D and calcium.

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20 Brush and floss after meals

We all know we should, but it’s often easier said than done. However, if you’re serious about achieving better oral health, cleaning the teeth thoroughly after eating can do wonders. Removing any residual food particles from the teeth can prevent plaque from accumulating, harmful bacteria from multiplying, and pH from becoming too acidic.

If brushing and flossing isn’t an option, thoroughly swishing with water to loosen food particles and rinse the teeth of any residual sugars or acids is better than nothing. Some foods and drinks, particularly those high in carbohydrates and sugars, can stimulate the growth of oral bacteria that attack your tooth enamel. By brushing your teeth after you eat, you reduce this bacteria and help protect your enamel from damage.

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21. Use oral-specific probiotics

While it’s no news that probiotics play an absolutely critical role in our overall gut health and immunity, we often don’t think of the bacteria living in our mouth as part of that equation. It turns out, the two are intimately linked, which only makes sense since the mouth is, by definition, the beginning of our digestive system.

Beneficial oral microbes work along with the immune system to help prevent harmful bacteria, the ones associated with tooth decay and gum disease, from becoming too dominant. They keep the bad bugs in check within our mouth, just like they do in our gut. They also help facilitate important enzymatic activity and help balance the pH of the mouth. Bacteria love to hide out in the small gaps between your teeth and gums and using a daily tooth product that features beneficial microbes can do wonders in helping keep the bad guys from proliferating.

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22 Whiten with charcoal, not chemicals

It may seem counter-intuitive, but using charcoal, which is blacker than night, can actually whiten and brighten the teeth. Charcoal is a highly absorbent substance and can help to absorb toxins, bacteria, and also particles that are staining the teeth. Remineralizing tooth whitening powder (pictured above) addresses many issues such as staining, de-mineralization, and healthy microbial balance.

Using a blend of activated coconut charcoal, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), bamboo silica, and coconut oil powder, calcium from algae, organic essential oils, and oral-specific probiotics. This is a much safer alternative to chemical-based bleaching agents which can weaken and sensitize the teeth. Activated charcoal does have some great benefits. The packaging will tell you that activated charcoal can absorb harmful mouth bacteria, toxins, and remove stains from your teeth.

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23 Boost your toothpaste with essential oils

Essential oils are the highly concentrated oils found in many areas of the plant such as leaves, flowers, grasses, and roots, that contain many of the plant’s beneficial constituents. They are typically extracted via steam distillation, extraction with a solvent or CO2 gas, or resin tapping. Certain essential oils such as tea tree, wintergreen, peppermint, clove, rosemary, and thyme are excellent oils for purifying the mouth, freshening breath, and also help support healthy blood circulation in the gums and to the teeth.

Citrus oils such as orange and tangerine are also brightening and can help loosen and dissolve stains. To add essential oils to your dry brushing routine, simply choose oil and place a few drops right in your hand after diluting it with a carrier oil like almond, coconut, or jojoba oil. Then pass the bristles over your hand and make sure they absorb the oil. Once the oil has been absorbed, dry brush like normal.

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24 Check for hidden sugars in what you eat and drink

It can be surprising how much sugar is added to packaged foods and drinks. Even products that boast claims of being healthy or natural can contain a lot of sugar. Frequent sugar consumption is a driving factor behind tooth decay. Common hidden sugars are: sucrose, dextrose, maltose, fructose, lactose, glucose, and honey. Pasta sauces, granola bars, yogurts, instant oatmeal, salad dressing, breakfast cereals, energy drinks, and many packaged foods are known to have hidden sugars in them.

You can find out how much sugar is in a packaged food or drink by looking at the ingredients list and nutrition information panel on the packet. When reading the nutrition information, look for 15grams of sugar or less per 100grams of the food. You can read more about finding out how much sugar is in food and drinks in our post Avoiding Hidden Sugar.

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25. Check up on diabetes

Diabetes and gum disease are linked, with poorly controlled diabetes leading to problems with bleeding gums and loss of bone that supports the teeth. It’s estimated that about 7.4 million people in the united states alone have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, so if you’re reading this and thinking “that’s not me”, it might be time to think again.

People with poorly controlled diabetes are at greater risk for dental problems. They’re more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold their teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. High blood sugar may also cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. This chronic, inflammatory disease can destroy your gums, all the tissues holding your teeth and even your bones.

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26 Chew your way to better dental health

Chewing sugar-free gum after eating or drinking can help protect your teeth and gums, especially after eating sugary foods. This can help reduce the effect of acids from food on your teeth “A stick a day may keep the dentist away” Sugarless gum with xylitol may be good for your teeth. Experts say xylitol works against cavity-causing bacteria, helping to prevent tooth decay.

However, be aware that chewing gum over along amount of time can have a negative impact. the bad bacteria in your mouth digest sugar before it gets to your stomach, and you chew gum over a prolonged period of time, so those windows of time increase the amount of plaque buildup on your teeth and cause tooth decay to occur over time.

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27 Get more sun

Specifically, get more Vitamin D – which you can get from supplements or exposure to the sun. Both Vitamin D and calcium help keep teeth and gums strong. Sunshine and vitamin D are needed for a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. Sensible exposure to the sun can greatly improve our oral health prospects.

Vitamin D is often referred to as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ because it is made naturally by our bodies when exposed to the sunshine. Vitamin D is very important for your oral health as it is what allows us to absorb calcium. Without it, your entire mouth would suffer from calcium deficiency, leading to underdeveloped teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay.

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The food we need to nourish our bodies can often do a number on our teeth. Sticky or sugary food particles help the bacteria in our mouths to produce acids, leading to tooth decay. That’s why it’s so important to keep our teeth clean between meals.

Calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese, fortified soy drinks and tofu, canned salmon, almonds and dark green leafy vegetables help promote strong teeth and bones.
Phosphorus, found in eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts, and beans is good for strong teeth. Here are five foods that can actually help with your oral hygiene, see below –

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29. Apples, carrots, and celery

Crunchy fruits and vegetables increase the flow of cleansing saliva, giving your mouth a fresh feeling. Carrots have been hailed a cavity-fighting vegetable, as munching on sticks of crunchy, raw carrot acts as a natural toothbrush. The chewing action massages your gums, and this bright vegetable is high in plaque-attacking keratin as well as Vitamin A, which is crucial for strengthening delicate tooth enamel.

Eating apples can help cleanse and clean teeth, and fight bad breath. The fibrous content of apples cleans teeth by acting as a toothbrush and scrubbing away plaque from teeth and removing other food debris. The acidity in an apple helps kill off bad bacteria that encourage bad breath. Celery gives your teeth a great workout. As you chew celery, it helps to clean your teeth and massages your gums in the process, while all that chewing will also produce plenty of saliva to neutralize bacteria.

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30. Cheese and milk

Acid from the foods we eat can eat away at our teeth. But many dairy products can actually reduce the acid in your mouth. And a glass of milk or a piece of cheese is filling. “It satisfies you as far as hunger goes, and sugar found in milk doesn’t contribute to tooth decay,” says Dr. Ron Smith, president of the Canadian Dental Association.

Milk and other dairy products are rich in calcium, which strengthens bones and teeth. Milk also contains a protein called casein – a substance that helps fight tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. The calcium and phosphorous in milk also strengthen and repair tooth enamel that has dissolved due to acid.

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31 Raw onion

Try a slice or two of fresh onion on your sandwich. Research at a Korean University showed that raw onions have powerful antibacterial properties. In an experiment, onions wiped out four strains of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Onions contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help prevent diseases not just in the body but in the mouth as well. Chewing a raw onion can strengthen the teeth and kill off harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Furthermore, onions contain fiber and folic acid, a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells. Onions are healthy whether they’re raw or cooked, though raw onions have higher levels of organic sulfur compounds that provide many benefits, Raw onion is incredibly healthy for you, and as an added bonus, the antibacterial sulfur compounds contained in onion will kill the harmful bacteria on your teeth. But you might want to chew gum afterward!

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32. Try cashews

Cashew nut shell oil has been shown to have microbe-fighting properties against bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Not only can these nuts help keep your teeth clean, and they may also clear your skin – research shows cashew nut shell oil helps to fight one of the bacteria that cause acne. Cashews help to maintain healthy gums and teeth. The extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria that causes cavities. Additionally, chomping on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth.

Munching on nuts has benefits for your teeth, also, because most nuts contain vitamin D and calcium. The crunch of nuts in your mouth stimulates saliva production and cleans your teeth. Nuts such as walnuts contain folic acid, magnesium, iron, and potassium, nutrients that can contribute to better oral health.

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33. Eat wasabi

Are you a sucker for sushi? Now you have another excuse to snack on it. The wasabi that’s usually served on the side may have oral health benefits. Research in Japan has found that this spicy green cousin to horseradish can stop bacteria from sticking to your teet. Wasabi, the pungent green horseradish served with Japanese sushi, has been found to afford yet another health benefit: it could prevent tooth decay.

The isothiocyanates in wasabi are already known to have a variety of beneficial health effects. Eating wasabi strips the harmful bacteria from the mouth and restores the alkalinity in the mouth. It helps in preventing tooth decay and cavities by inhibiting the development of bacteria. Which increases the acids of the saliva thus attacking the tooth enamel.

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34. See a dentist when everything is fine

Most people don’t bother with a dentist appointment until something goes wrong: A tooth falls out, a sudden pain makes it hard to chew, or an injury causes a chip or crack. However, most problems can be prevented if their underlying cause is found early. A regular check-up more than pays for itself by preventing costly dental procedures down the road.

Pain is a poor guide when it comes to teeth. In the case of most dental problems, there won’t be any pain until the situation has become extreme. For example, if one of your teeth has a hairline fracture, you won’t feel anything until the fracture has split, like a piece of firewood, all the way down to the root. Never skip a dentist appointment because you don’t feel any pain, the pain just might not have arrived yet.

 

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35. Practice the basics.

Even if you follow these healthy tips, they will do little if you are not already practicing the basics, brushing, and flossing twice daily. You also want to avoid bad habits that can cause damage to your teeth over time.

More than one-third of Americans don’t visit the dentist regularly. Rest assured that your dentist has seen it all, and he or she is here to help, not judge. Taking care of your teeth and taking the first step towards a healthy smile is as simple as making an appointment with your dentist. If nothing looks wrong, there could still be a problem.

Our sources: Where did we find this stuff?

https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/patient-education/patient-materials/why-are-regular-dental-visits-important
https://www.dental-research.com/index.php/idr

 

 

Health

The Truth About Male Fertility 

Some men surely know how to boost their male fertility rate! But, it isn’t something to think about too much. You will realize if your fertility… Trista - February 16, 2020

Some men surely know how to boost their male fertility rate! But, it isn’t something to think about too much. You will realize if your fertility rate is excellent or not when you plan to make a baby together. Semen quality matters a lot to determine male fertility.

If the count isn’t enough or the quality of your semen is not up to the mark, the chances are high that you will fall under the infertility category. Even if this happens to you, there’s nothing to worry about as the doctors are coming up with various treatments. Just catch up with these experts and get your problems solved from the core.

Not many men know that they’re infertile. Credit: Pixabay

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Signs of Infertility in Men

Before you get to infertility treatment, you might want to know more about the symptoms of infertility in men. These signs are perfect if you’re going to get the procedure started way before the matter gets worse and out of your hand. The first sign is the change in sexual desire. The fertility of man is linked with hormone health. So, any shift in potency can be proficiently targeted by hormones, which might cause some infertility issues. Another sign is if you start facing pain or swelling in the testicles. Multiple conditions are leading to this pain, which can gradually result in infertility in men.

Are you facing some issues with ejaculation? If so, then you shouldn’t wait any longer and visit a doctor now. The testicles are known to house a man’s healthy semen. So, its health is of prime importance. Firmer or smaller testicles mean potential issues, which must get covered by a health professional. Going through these points is enough to know if you have been an unwanted victim of male infertility. If you face any of these issues, be sure to get along with health personnel right away. After running down some necessary tests, these doctors will present you with the ultimate solution for getting that healthy semen flow back and working.

The blame usually falls on the women when a couple can’t get pregnant. Credit: Pixabay

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Differences Between Male and Female Fertility

You must know that a woman is born with all her eggs intact, known as ovarian reserve. With passing age, they have fewer eggs within their reserve. Then you have some eggs whose natural DNA was damaged over time, and that might prevent them from fertilizing and getting pregnant when the right time comes. This section is called the reduction of egg quality. As the egg’s count and quality decline with passing time, it can be stated that with passing age, female infertility starts to get stronger.

Well, it becomes a tad bit different for the men then. Contrary to limited and even non-renewable eggs in women at birth, the male testicles will create around 100 to 200 million new sperm daily. So, it is clear to state that men never have this issue of running out of sperm with growing age as that won’t happen with women and their eggs. But, there are some factors like age for sure, which can work with the ejaculation process and even sperm production in men. So, that results in a decline in male fertility in an individual.

There are many medical causes for a man’s infertility. Credit: Pixabay

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Medical Issues Behind Fertility Decline

Multiple reasons can interfere with the current sperm function or production and can further block the sperm passage out of your body. There are some medical reasons behind this cause as well, which you better be aware of. Some illnesses, such as epididymitis, orchitis, and sexually transmitted ones, can cause infertility in men. Sometimes, anti-sperm antibodies can mistake sperm to be harmful and start to eliminate them. Similarly, tumors or cancer can also affect the glands relating to reproduction. Other than these points, any testicle injury or hormonal imbalances might ruin your fertility rate.

There are some anatomical problems as well, which can cause fertility issues in men. Varicocele, for example, is a swelling of veins in the testicles, which might easily interfere with sperm count. Any problems related to sperm ejaculation like the congenital absence of the vas deferens or inability to release sperm while ejaculating can also be stated as other causes leading to male infertility. Other than that, some men suffer from chromosomal defects, which will force the male reproductive organs to be in their abnormal form. Again, some issues with ejaculation or sexual intercourse like retrograde ejaculation, painful sex, and erectile dysfunctions can result in male infertility easily.

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The radiation from microwaves can lead to a man being infertile. Credit: Wikimedia

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Environmental and Lifestyle Factors to Consider

Other than medical conditions, there are some environmental factors, which can even lead to a male fertility issue. Using some medicines like cancer medicines, testosterone replacement medical needs, and ulcer or antifungal drugs can impair sperm production, leading to the decline of male fertility. Sometimes, prior surgeries might block the sperm path, including testicular operations, hernia repairs, vasectomies, and more. Later, some environmental factors like exposure to industrial chemicals or radiation can damage the fertility count. Therefore, taking a quick note of these aspects can quickly help you take care of your fertility issue before it gets out of your hand.

Some lifestyle changes can impact the rate of male fertility decline. If you are going for illicit drug use like cocaine, marijuana, or anabolic steroids, that will affect your lifestyle as well. Even alcohol use can lower the level of testosterone and might cause erectile dysfunction. Moreover, if you are into smoking, that might contribute to the lower count of the sperm. On the other hand, if you are way too obese, then that extra body weight might impact the sperm count. These factors can decline the current male fertility rate as well.

As a man gets older, the quality of sperm may decline. Credit: Pixabay

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Fertility and Age

When it comes to age-related decline rates, women are not the only ones related to it. Male fertility depends on age as well but proves to be less significant and less dramatic. Some studies demonstrate that even after trying to control the age of partners, increasing age in men is related to the decline of male fertility. One study showed that in over 8000 pregnancies, conception in just a year is around 30% less likely for men over the age group of 40 when compared to those less than 30 years.

Another survey firmly states that in nearly 2000 women, a stronger age effect can be seen. Research indicates that the average pregnancy time for men within 45 years of age and more was around five times greater than the average time to pregnancy for men under the age bracket of 25 years. Another study consists of 901 cycles of intrauterine insemination, stating that men over the age group of 35 had a rate of pregnancy of around 25% when compared to the 52% rate of men less than 35 years. So, multiple studies are indicating that age-related male fertility is something to consider right now.

Men should make regular trips to the doctor to get their sperm tested. Credit: Wikimedia

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Get Tested for Fertility

Most of the time, men plan to keep infertility tests at bay because of embarrassment. What they fail to realize is that the faster the problems get treated, the easier it will be. It can further spare them from unnecessary expense and discomfort, which will grow if you cannot get the treatment right at its initial stages. Furthermore, testing out the patients beforehand will help the doctors to narrow down the potential issue, and start working on the solutions accordingly. To get tested for infertility, a visit to the doctor is a must, mainly a urologist. After running down any physical exam, the doctor will turn towards semen analysis.

The main aim is to check the quantity and quality of sperm in an individual. You must take the test quickly, so the doctors would recommend you get the sample ready on your next visit or get it done from any nearby semen count center. A simple semen test is all that you need to get rid of discomfort for months and get the treatment started from its initial stages. In case the semen test comes out healthy, the doctor might opt for a second test to confirm. Two tests are usually taken to identify significant infertility-based issues. If anything looks irregular, doctors will ask for further tests to get to the bottom of this.

Doctors will look at the sperm under a microscope to determine what the problem is. Credit: Wikimedia

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Semen Analysis

There are so many issues, which a simple semen analysis can detect. It is a straightforward test to determine Azoospermia. It means no sperm gets produced, or the sperm count doesn’t appear in semen. The same test is used for detecting Oligospermia, where few sperms get produced. If you are suffering from sperm motility, a sperm analysis will help in determining the same. It means the sperm fails to move in its designated path and is less capable of fertilizing an egg. You can furthermore determine the problem with sperm morphology through a semen analysis, where the structure and form will be assessed for its leading infertility cause.

Even though these issues are some of the significant reasons behind male fertility decline and your partner not conceiving, each one of these issues might have one underlying medical condition to it. For investigating the matter a bit further, the doctor might recommend you head for urine and blood tests, or similar procedures to determine the leading cause. Once the object has been detected, finding the right solution can prove easy and effective. The doctors have been in this practice for years and can determine the root of the problem by checking out the causes now.

Sexually transmitted diseases and preventable illnesses such as German Measles can make a man infertile. Credit: Pixabay

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Male Fertility Issues

Several reasons can eventually lead to male fertility problems. Some are associated with physical challenges, and then you have other issues, which will affect the production and quality of sperm. Some sexually transmitted diseases can often lead to infertility in men. Even some genital infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause infertility in men as well. Treat the virus to treat impotence. Similarly, congenital disabilities, blockages, and physical damage can further lead to male fertility issues. Sometimes, men are born with a blockage in testicle parts or some other abnormalities, which might prevent sperm from entering the semen. Surgery is a one-way solution for that.

Some men are suffering from retrograde ejaculation. Here, ejaculation does not lead to semen from the penis, but it enters the bladder. Some medications, diabetes, and even bladder surgery might be the reasons for such an issue, leading to infertility later. Even some genetic diseases might cause fertility problems in men, much like autoimmune or hormonal issues. Some hormonal imbalances in thyroid or pituitary glands can cause infertility among men. For that, some prescribed medications can help you big time. No matter what the issue might be, there are solutions to treat them as well. But for that, the doctors have to examine you first and your present health condition before making the right decision.

Please don’t be ashamed if you’re infertile. Credit: Pixabay

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Men Can Be Infertile

So many people around the world face infertility issues. However, the harsh truth is that men suffer from the same problem as women. Most of the time, men usually do not suspect having any fertility issues and always blame women for taking care of themselves if they find it hard to get pregnant. Recent studies have indicated that when a couple faces infertility issues, around 30% of that lies on the woman’s shoulder. Other cases will either have both partners having fertility issues or only the men suffering from it.

The unfortunate truth is that men are not accessing the current healthcare system for their annual physicals and might not have any symptoms, which will help them to know they are suffering from fertility issues. So, when they get to learn about it, that causes some serious problems. But, some myths about male fertility need to be treated as soon as possible to get proficient results. There are some myths and little-known facts regarding the subject of male infertility that you might have to consider here, at first.

There is more involved with ejaculation than some men realize. Credit: Pixabay

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All About Ejaculation

Men always think that if they can ejaculate appropriately, then they don’t have any infertility issues at all, which is nothing but another myth to get to the bottom of. A sperm happens to be microscopic, and most of the ejaculated fluid that comes out of your body might not be sperm. The only way to know if you are fertile or not is by running down a sperm analysis, as mentioned before. This method involves having the semen adequately analyzed by well-trained technicians before getting the final result here.

Now, when it comes to semen analysis, there are some ways in which you need to perform this task. For example, the report mostly takes place when you are planning to visit the urologist for the second time. The first appointment is more like an initial procedure, which will help you to have a direct chat with the doctor and tell him about your issues. After listening to your problems, the doctors would either suggest you perform the sperm analysis while visiting the center next time, or might ask you to do it from a nearby sperm analytic lab and get the report. The trained technicians will do it for you.

Testosterone increases libido, not fertility. Credit: Wikimedia

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Myths About Supplements

One noted myth among men is to take supplemented testosterone, which will enhance the fertility rate of a man. But the truth is the opposite! Taking any of these testosterone supplements, no matter which brand, will often reduce the male fertility rate. Taking in supplemental testosterone might be a good reason for improving the libido of a man and his energy level, but that’s not all. The negative effect of these supplements is hard to ignore once you come to learn more about them. The supplements are designed to suppress natural testosterone production in your body.

So, if you are planning to continue the use of these testosterone supplements, the chances are high that your entire sperm production might take a complete break. Everything depends on sperm production. So, if that fails to provide you with any positive results, it might lead to disastrous notes then. The sperm count will get lower with the passing of time, once you enter the realm of testosterone supplements. This lower sperm count will come to a dead-end shortly if you prepare to continue the use of these supplements. Even occasional use can harm the fertility count excellently surely.

Although marijuana is legal in some states, that’s not a reason to start using it. Credit: Pixabay

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Marijuana Affects Male Fertility

It isn’t hard to state that smoking marijuana is detrimental to the fertility rate in a male. At least, that’s what you have known for such a long time. However, recent research suggests some other notes. In a journal published in December 2017, a lot has been targeted on marijuana use and its fecundability, which is also stated as a probability to get pregnant during one menstrual cycle. Some researchers have studied around 1125 couples and procured information like the frequency of the use of marijuana during the previous two months.

Women did their parts of completing the follow-up questions every eight weeks to around 12 months, or until they are lucky enough to get pregnant or deal with their fertility treatment. This study found that marijuana has a very minimalistic effect on male or even female fertility. The leading cause behind the lack of sperm count in men is because of alcohol and smoking intake, but not weed. So, next time you are making plans to keep marijuana at bay because of infertility issues, make sure to go through the research first. The more you research, the better points you will come up with.

Underwear doesn’t make a difference in male fertility. Credit: Pixabay

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Boxers, Not Briefs

Some people have this weird belief that the choices of a man’s underwear will determine the fertility rate. This is nothing but an utterly absurd myth. Some people prefer wearing briefs over boxers and vice versa, especially if they are trying to conceive. Your apparel won’t have anything to do with your fertility count. Even if you have infertility, a chance in underwear won’t provide you with a solution. Rather than that, visiting a urologist as soon as possible might work better and with proven results. It does not matter the kind of underwear men wear.

It is always advisable for them to wear anything that makes them comfortable. This choice is entirely personal and will vary from one man to another. The only thing to consider is the scrotal temperature, which needs to be taken care of. The testicles might be a little bit cooler than the rest of the body temperature. It helps in producing proper sperm count. However, wearing any sung underwear does not make any difference, to be completely honest. But, one thing to consider is the material of fabric used for manufacturing underwear. Going for cotton is a clear winner because of its breathable characteristic. You can wear such underwear for hours without feeling even a slight bit of discomfort.

Testicles need to remain at a cooler temperature than the rest of the body to promote sperm production. Credit: Pixabay

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What About Hot Tubs?

Some people believe that spending hours in a hot tub might change the production count, but that won’t stop a man from helping a woman to conceive. A hot tub does not have the power to impair a man’s sperm production. However, some studies have indicated that spending time in an environment with elevated temperatures can reduce sperm production, like sitting in a hot tub or steam sauna for a long time. For maximized sperm production, the man’s testicles should be at a temperature, which is 2 degrees cooler than the rest of the body temperature. So, most of the time, doctors will recommend men to stay away from such hot tubs or even keep laptops over their genitals for avoiding unnecessary heat exposure.

Even though heat exposure might be inadequate for producing good sperm, that won’t harm the fecundability too much. The connection between a man’s genitals being in a hot temperature with a woman being not pregnant is pretty scant. But, if you have any plan to maximize the present count and production of your sperm, it is always a healthy choice to avoid hot tubs. You will receive no more than one to two percent of the benefit of avoiding hot tub bath, but in the long run, that small percentage will prove to be of ultimate help.

Sugary drinks don’t cause infertility, but it can lead to obesity, which does. Credit: Pixabay

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Sugary Drinks Might Make a Difference

Consuming around one or more sugar-based drinks daily might impede the fertility of a man, as found in one study in May 2018. Some other researchers have evaluated the present consumption of sugar-based beverages by women planning to get pregnant and their male partners. For both genders, consuming any sugar-based drink was related to reducing the probability of conceiving while running down through a singular form of the menstrual cycle. Researchers have concluded by stating that drinking fruit juice or diet soda will have very little association when it comes to the infertility rate among men and women.

However, obesity is one of the significant causes of male infertility as it has been proven millions of times. So, drinking way too many sweetened and artificially flavored drinks can easily lead to fat accumulation in your body. This pure fat can turn into obesity trouble in no time, leading to male infertility to some extent. So, even though these drinks don’t have a direct connection to sexual impotence, indirectly, they might have some. That’s because of its association with obesity. So, curbing down the drinking ratio can help you maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Cutting back on alcohol can increase sperm production. Credit: Pixabay

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Drinking Alcohol and Sperm Production

Some research shows that a mild form of alcohol consumption might lead to male infertility. There was a journal published in 2014, where researchers analyzed the drinking habits of around 1200 male military recruits between the ages of 18 and 28. They further procured blood and sperm samples. Per the average count, men were studied to have consumed 11 drinks in the previous weeks. Half of these recruits told the researchers that the number of bottles that had the last week was their regular schedule. The more these recruits start to drink, the lower their sperm count turns out to be. It further lowers the sperm’s proportion which was previously normal in size and shape.

When it comes to male fertility issues, it has been found that drinking too much alcohol is related to obesity and poor health. These two are significant prognostic factors when it comes to assessing the infertility rate in a man. So, whenever a couple is planning to conceive, it is always recommended to limit the intake count of alcohol to help give them the best chance. As mentioned already, sperm remains active for the initial two to three days. So, trying to limit the use of alcohol two to three days prior to intercourse might improve the chances of fertility.

Not enough sleep affects all normal functions of the body, including the sexual organs. Credit: PxFuel

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Poor Sleep and Male Infertility

Some of the research studies have indicated that a lack of proper sleep can always affect the fertility rate of a man. Some studies were on fecundability and sleep duration, as published in March 2018. This study analyzed the relationship between productive strength and sleep duration among 1000+ couples trying to conceive. Men sleeping less than six hours every night on average will have more trouble getting their partners pregnant.

The standard form of per-cycle probability of men with less sleep, trying to get their wife pregnant, was around 40% less than those who had a good sleep at night for a minimum of 8 hours. So, getting proper sleep at night is a must if you want to get your wife pregnant. However, the natural way of getting good sleep is always recommended, as taking slowly induced sleeping pills might have adverse effects on your body, leading to male infertility as well.

Taking care of your body is essential to ensure that everything is working correctly, but there’s no shame in making an appointment with the doctor. PxFuel.

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The Bottom Line

Taking good care of your health and introducing a healthy diet plan is all that you need to improve the fertility rate. When a couple fails to conceive, it is not always the woman’s fault. Visiting a doctor by keeping embarrassment at bay is one way to get rid of infertility issues right from the core. Always remember that the faster you can diagnose the problem, the easier it will be to find a solution and remove the stigma from your life. So, if you are making plans to conceive a human being with your partner, you better get yourself treated first!

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