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Archive for the ‘Oral Health’ Category

Hepatitis, more particularly Hepatitis C, has been associated with the decline or worsening of the oral health condition of patients infected with the diseases. As such, these patients experience problems not just pertaining to the health of their teeth and mouth, but also with their quality of life as manifested by their reluctance to interact with other people in society due to their very poor oral health.

Before we further discuss the state of the oral health of people with hepatitis, let us first understand what hepatitis is especially hepatitis C.

Hepatitis is the overall term used to describe an inflammation or infection of the liver. The most common variation of this is the hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus (HCV or Hepatitis C Virus) that infects the liver.

A large number of people may not be aware that they are infected with the hepatitis C virus mainly perhaps because of the lack of symptoms and also due to a mild infection. The problem with this is that it may take years before the symptoms start to show in which case it means the liver is already heavily infected and perhaps even damaged.

There are various causes of hepatitis C, ways in which a person can get the infection. The following are the most common means:

1. Most hepatitis C infections are caused by infected needles. The ones with the most probability of infection are from needles used in administering illegal drugs and also needles used for tattooing.

2. Blood transfusion is also a probable cause but this has become rarer especially since 1992 when tests were finally developed to indicate hepatitis C infection in donor blood.

3. Other probable causes are through sexual intercourse and a pregnant mother with hepatitis C transferring the infection to her unborn child. These last two are less common than from blood transfusions and needles.

Now in relation between hepatitis C and oral health of infected patients, these people are more prone to having tooth decay and other tooth abnormalities. And in a society wherein the aesthetics of any body part is highly regarded, having an unattractive smile due to poor teeth has caused great loss of self-esteem to hepatitis C patients. They are generally uncomfortable with their appearance and thus they prefer not to interact with other people especially with strangers. The other related emotional impact can just be easily surmised.

The most common oral health complaints of these patients are toothache, chronic pain in the mouth especially with the gums and difficulty relaxing due to the pain.

Hepatitis C patients always have higher risks for poor oral health. They are more likely to develop tooth decay, periodontal diseases, sensitive teeth, soreness of the mouth and the gums and bleeding. They also will likely suffer from having what is referred to as salivary gland dysfunction which is a reduction in the volume of the saliva. With less saliva, patients can suffer from halitosis or bad breath and frequent dryness of the mouth. An estimated 80% of hepatitis C patients are expected to incur this salivary gland dysfunction.

Taking care of your teeth, mouth and the rest of your body is a full time job! Takes all the parts of you to keep you vigorous and healthy, after all with good care properly flossed, brushed and cared for teeth should outlast the maximum human life span.

Nine out of ten adults suffer from gum disease, Most of these problems could be avoided thro self care, keeping dental appointments, taking immune defining supplementation, gargling, cleaning, flossing and paying attention to your mouth, teeth and gums. Natures Answer has come up with new toothpaste especially for periodontal problems called Periobrite Toothpaste, which helps prepare your teeth and gums for healing with nothing artificial. Using natural dental health products, feeding and nourishing your immune system keeps bacteria at bay and are very effective ways to stop this onslaught. Jason Natural Cosmetics has a few very popular products like Powersmile, Sea Fresh and Healthy Mouth with all the ingredients like Perilla Oil Seed (which can block the sugar acids), Natural Bamboo (anti-inflammatory) and other tropical healers like Grapefruit Seed Extract grabbing that tartar on your teeth.

Most people develop gum disease at some point in their adult lives leading to tooth loss, bad oral hygiene. A diet high in sugary foods leads to infections and deep pockets between the gums and teeth. It could also include bone recession and loose teeth. Oral Health Tonic by Herb Pharm has nutrients of Spilanthes (anti-fungal), Thyme (antiseptic), Myrrh (bleeding gums) and Cloves (for pain). Source Naturals has Coral Calcium. Multi Trace Mineral Complex from the Coral helps with bone and all those Trace Minerals, the ones we are missing from our food. World Organics has Sea Food Liquid Nutrition From The Sea with 9 different Sea Veggies, also has Coral, Herbs and Silver. Sea Veggies have all the Minerals and Trace Minerals. Anybody here on Chemo or Radition? Did you know they take all the Minerals out of your body? They deplete the other nutrients too! And this is a main concern! Anyone here for Hip Replacement? Nutrient levels in our foods are at the lowest they have ever been. The Optimal levels we need cannot be relied upon to save us from degenerative diseases. Also supporting Bone & Teeth Formation is the stabilized form of Orthosilicic Acid, known as Jarrow’s Biosil, which has 2 1/2 times the bio-availability then regular nutrients and can also be combined with Jarrow’s Bone Up and Ultra Bone Up, both have Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (live bone food) working together to increase bone density.

Ever heard of Osteoporosis of the Mouth? In fact that’s where it starts! Those with the most diseased gums had 1.12 millimeters of build up in the arteries, and with periodontal infection , could lead to arteriosclerotic heart disease. Even tooth decay with older fillings and old cavities allow bacteria to leak inside and cause infections (ouch) leading to gum & other chronic diseases, such as heart and strokes, blockages everywhere. High Absorption Coq10/Bioperine by Drs Best, a 400 mg cap is a very effective way to get Co Q10 into the cells for those with damaged gums and teeth, as we all know CoQ10 is very beneficial for Heart problems too, especially in this mg. Doctor’s Best also has Camu Camu – 30 times more vitamin C in a 4 to 1 extract (caps) which compliments full absorption. It is excellent for bleeding gums. The bark of the Maritime Tree discovered in the 1500’s – a combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoid, powerful Anti oxidants for collagen and elastin and nitric oxide (circulation) called Pycnogenol is available with both Source Naturals and Now Foods. Most of us still have mercury fillings. Helping to detox so the mercury does not travel to other body parts, be sure to start re-planting the good bacteria to counteract this attack. Natren and Sedona Labs, both have good versions of this helpful bacteria. Source Naturals has Colostrums, swish it around on your gums, then swallow for your Intestinal tract, has all your anti-bodies (your immune helpers). Dry Mouth, (usually resulting from medications or alzheimers), high blood pressure etc are all a risk for good Oral Health. Thayers has Dry Mouth Lozenges And Sprays, just for that purpose. The most dangerous enemy of the teeth is wide variety of living bacteria that live in your mouth and gums (at least 200 to 300 types of germs are there!). Dr Kens-The Natural Choice has Breath Strips in Wild Flavors with anti-bacterials, naturally unlike the drugstore kind. Dr Kens has all the Important Flosses and Cool Mouthwashes in Funky Flavors- keeps your mouth refreshed. A Teeth & Gum Formula by King Bio-Natural Medicine is a 2 fluid ozs of tincture for hurting teeth and sore gums, all Homeopathic. Medical researches are beginning to discover systemic diseases have a negative effect on Oral Health. Natures Answer with Perio Cleanse Oral Irrigator Concentrate combines all your antibiotic Herbs, Black Walnut, Prickly Ash Bark (gum enhancer) Essential Oils- 2 pumps into your reservoir-a protective factor day and night. To make your own anti-microbial rinse, mix a few drops of Echinacea, Goldenseal, Bloodroot (Herb Pharm) Grapefruit Seed and Myrrh and White Oak Bark (astringent that will even help save a loose tooth).

A Mouthful of Glossary

The vast majority of people with Diabetes have Gum Disease

Breathing problems worsen when bacteria migrate from mouth to lungs

The first sign of Osteoporosis and HIV infections is often detected in Dental Routine Exams

Halitosis-Bad Breath is caused by underlying medical conditions such as Kidney or Gastrointestinal Disorders

Click here for more products for Oral Health Support

Pregnancy can have different effects in the woman’s overall health condition. Most pregnant women can notice some changes in the gums throughout pregnancy, including redness and bleeding of the gums when brushing the teeth. In addition, some women can experience severe bleeding and swelling. These changes are known pregnancy gingivitis that usually starts on the second month of the pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis tends to increase around eight month and may decrease after giving birth.

This condition is usual in the front area of the mouth. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are the same with the common gingivitis but may have different causes. Progesterone level in the body during pregnancy can reach up to ten percent higher than the normal level, which can improve certain bacterial growth that results to gingivitis. In addition, during pregnancy, the immune system works differently, which can change the body’s reaction to bacteria.

To be able to reduce pregnancy gingivitis effects, it is best to have a good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes is recommended. Make sure to floss every day as well. Antimicrobial mouthwash is advisable to prevent gum infection. Some doctors suggest that rinses that have no alcohol content are better though there is no proof that alcohol-based mouthwash may have bad effects on pregnancy.

During pregnancy, it is important to visit your dentist to check your oral health especially the condition of your gums. Pregnancy gingivitis can be treated using professional cleaning, which can be performed anytime in your pregnancy especially on the second trimester. However, advanced and aggressive treatments including periodontal surgery are not recommended until after giving birth.

Another effect of pregnancy in oral health is pregnancy granuloma or pyogenic granuloma, also known as pregnancy tumor. Two to ten percent of pregnant women may suffer from this condition, which is a growth in the gums. Though it is also called pregnancy tumor, it is not cancerous and dangerous. Pregnancy granuloma usually develops in the second trimester or pregnancy where red nodules that are commonly found in the upper gum line. However, red nodules can be found anywhere in the mouth as well. These nodules can easily bleed, which can form a crust or ulcer.

Pregnancy granuloma causes are still unknown but poor oral hygiene is usually a main factor. Blood vessel malformations, trauma, viruses and hormones can also be factors of the condition.

Tooth loss is also a common condition for pregnant women due to sever morning sickness or frequent vomiting, which can affect the enamel of the front teeth. It is necessary to contact your dentist if you are experiencing frequent vomiting to know different medications to prevent tooth erosion.

Dry mouth is also an effect of pregnancy. You can prevent dry mouth through drinking water and having hard cadies that are free from sugar or sugarless gum to help in the stimulation of the saliva.

On the other hand, excessive saliva can also be an effect or pregnancy though it is less common, which happens in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive saliva may be connected to nausea.

Women who are planning to get pregnant should visit a dentist for oral checkup and treatment. Gums and teeth needs special attention during pregnancy, so right nutrition and regular brushing is important.