Category: gum infection

All About Milk Teeth

The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called, are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.

Their developement is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a painful and difficult one, by errors in the management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the coming of the teeth, and during the process itself.

Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been stated; for it is rated as high as one sixth of all the children who undergo it. Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It therefore becomes a very important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished, or, if possible, altogether prevented. A few hints upon this subject, then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty; and, secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with difficulty.

Management of the infant when teething is without difficulty. ————————————————————

In the child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of the infant most simple and easy.

Symptoms:- The symptoms of natural dentition (which this may be fairly called) are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. It is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that what is called “breeding the teeth” is going on. In such cases, the symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.

Treatment:- The management of the infant in this case is very simple, and seldom calls for the interference of the medical attendant. The child ought to be much in the open air, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, at this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks.

From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain. For this purpose coral is usually employed, or a piece of orris-root, or scraped liquorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and better, for there is no danger of its being thrust into the eyes or nose. Gentle friction of the gums, also, by the finger of the nurse, is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In France, it is very much the practice to dip the liquorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in Germany, a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething. The constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients must do injury to the stomach, and renders their employment very objectionable.

12 Questions When Selecting A Dental Insurance Plan Online

Oftentimes many people will get ripped off online simply because they simply don’t plan well enough, do enough research or ask questions. If you are considering on signing up with an online dental company, consider the following tips to help you select the best coverage for you with the most qualified company.

1. Determine what your needs are: individual and family coverage, business and/or group coverage? You will want to know this before you visit any website, because you may have a set budget and will not want to go over it.

2. Do you have the freedom to choose from many discount dental plans? Some sites are only advertising one company and you may want to compare rates with other companies.

3. Are customer care representatives available through an online contact form or by phone 24 hours a day? In the event that you have questions, you will want to be able to get a hold of someone quickly without being ignored or playing phone tag.

4. Does the website have clear policies and are they easily accessible? Companies will not post all the details on the front page of the website, so be sure to click around the site to find out where the policies are and read them.

5. What is the website’s refund and cancellation policy? If you aren’t impressed with the service or found another site less expensive, know how to get out of the membership before you sign up.

6. Does the site have a privacy policy and will your personal information be made available to company partners? Too often we become members of sites that will share our information with other companies and later find our inboxes flooded with email.

7. What is the difference between a discount dental plan and dental insurance? Unlike dental insurance, discount dental plans have no annual limits, no health restrictions and no tedious paperwork hassles. Once you join a discount dental plan, you can start saving right away and some plans even offer savings on cosmetic dentistry, orthodontia and other dental specialties.

8. How soon will service be activated and when will you be able to begin service? Most service should be effective within one to three business days, if you find that it is taking longer contact the company.

9. How old must a member be to purchase an individual plan? There maybe some restrictions or benefits depending on the age.

10. Is there a membership fee? You don’t want any surprises so ask and find out if it will be taking out monthly.

11. Will you be covered if you should visit a dentist out of the network? Most companies will not cover you. If you know of a dentist that you would want to take care of your teeth, be sure he is in the network before you become a member.

12. What are the benefits and savings offered for cosmetic dentistry? Some plans will not cover this kind of work so find out before you schedule any appointments.

For more information, click on the link following this article.

Guide To Private Health And Dental Insurance In The UK

Private health insurance used to be something taken out by the rich and famous. Thankfully, the prices of health insurance have dropped to a more affordable level, meaning that all of us can enjoy the peace of mind that private health insurance offers, no matter what our budget.

Private health insurance goes by many names – private medical insurance (PMI), hospital plan, health plan, health insurance and cash plans and they are, in one form or another designed to assist with costs related to your health.

You can also get specific forms of private health insurance such as dental insurance.

Private health insurance should not be confused with permanent health insurance, which is something completely unrelated to medical costs and which pays out an income if you become permanently ill.

Here we take a look at the private medical insurance sector and discuss the different types of cover available.

Why do I need private health insurance?

With NHS waiting lists growing all the time and the patient having little choice over what hospital he is seen at and at what time of day, more and more people are opting for private health insurance.

This removes the long and often anxious wait for an appointment and means that, in most cases, you can choose which hospital you are seen at as well as having an appointment time, often within a few days.

It gives you the peace of mind knowing that you will be seen and treated quickly at the best hospitals should you ever become unwell.

What is the difference between private medical insurance (PMI) and cash plans?

A typical PMI policy pays for the cost of medical treatment. Subject to a limit on which hospitals can be used and, in some cases, the type of medical treatment required, a PMI policy will pay the costs of your treatments and your stay in hospital.

However, you can get different levels of cover, so the more you pay, the more benefits you will get such as a wider choice of hospitals; more types of medical treatment will be covered etc.

Following referral by your GP, the insurance will pay consultants’ invoices for investigations, operations and necessary treatment. Normally, 100% of costs are met. The knock on effect means that as almost everything is covered, PMI can work out more expensive than basic health insurance such as cash plans.

Hospital cash plans – or just cash plans – are lower costs alternatives to PMI. Designed to complement the services provided by the NHS, they cover the costs of every day healthcare, such as dental and optical bills.

Additional features of some of the plans are payments towards the cost of consultations and treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment and even ‘alternative’ treatments such as acupuncture and reflexology.

Cash plans pay towards the costs of everyday treatments, so it is expected that you will make several claims a years – every time you visit the dentist, optician or physiotherapist for example.

Why are cash plans cheaper?

Individual cash plan claims are lower – they do not pay the cost of treating specific illnesses, rather, bills are reimbursed up to an agreed limit or there is a fixed daily amount if they are hospitalised – which makes cash plan premiums lower.

Can I have a PMI policy and a cash plan?

Yes, many people who subscribe to PMI themselves or have PMI provided by their employers, supplement their PMI cover with a cash plan. This means all their healthcare needs, whether it be a trip to the dentist, or major surgery, are met.

What is ‘self-pay’?

An alternative to both PMI and cash plans is self-pay. You pay the bill for an operation as and when you need it, so there are no monthly premiums over many years. However, you should consider this option carefully – what would happen if you had the bad luck to be struck by a very serious illness? Could you afford the cost?

I’ve heard about a health insurance plan that offers you cheaper premiums the healthier the lifestyle you lead – is this right?

Yes! A new policy in the PMI market place calculates your premiums based on how healthy you are, so it is an incentive to keep healthy! This particular health insurer recognises and rewards healthy living so not only can you make significant savings on your premiums by walking the dog that bit more often or making sure that you have your five fruit and veg a day, but they help you to stay healthy through discounts with their health and wellbeing partners.

What other plans are there?

There are many new types of cash plans coming onto the market that deal with specific treatments or situations such as dental insurance.

What does dental insurance cover?

There are a small number of providers of dental insurance on and individual as well as a family basis and typically the plans offer cover for costs associated with maintenance (such as regular check-ups, x-rays and hygienist visits), emergency care and for if your teeth are damaged in an accident, and treatments (eg fillings, bridges and crowns).

Plus, some offer a lump sum payment should you be diagnosed with oral cancer as well as extended worldwide cover.

Don't Be Afraid To Smile Anymore; Try These Teeth Whitening Tips

One of the most noticeable things about anyone's appearance is their smile. White teeth is one of the most desirable traits because it shows that you care about your health and practice good hygiene. Read this article for tips on how to whiten your teeth and have a beautiful smile.

A crucial step in preventing teeth discoloration is to not bite your nails. Biting your fingernails causes damage to the enamel of your teeth making them more vulnerable to discoloration.

Another great way to keep your teeth looking good is to start drinking all of your fluids through a straw. This minimizes contact with your teeth, which helps to minimize the discoloration of your teeth caused by drinking colored fluids. This is an easy way to avoid discoloration.

Talk with your dentist before beginning any teeth whitening program. If you currently have any sort of dental disease or issue, your dentist may recommend a specific method of teeth whitening. Most natural remedies do not have side effects, but if you are prone to gum problems or teeth sensitivity, some remedies may not be appropriate.

To get your teeth whiter at home, you can use an orange peel. The ingredients that make up an orange are good for removing discoloration from the enamel. To use this method, simply peel the orange and rub the peel on your teeth for at least 3 minutes. You can then spit it out.

Make appointments with your local dentist regularly to clean your teeth. There is nothing that can be as thorough as a dentist in cleaning your teeth and helping you keep a white smile. If you have the dentist clean your teeth once or even twice a year, you will see that you have to worry less about keeping your teeth white- the only exception is unless you are a smoker.

Eat more foods that are good for you. What you eat can have a huge impact on how white your teeth are. Try to avoid fast foods or foods that are overly processed. Instead, try to eat more raw and organic foods like more raw fruit or vegetables.

If you are looking to whiten your teeth then you may want to consider avoiding some bad habits which can cause tooth discoloration. The three big culprits are coffee, soda, and cigarettes. By avoiding these there things you will make it so much easier to whiten your teeth and keep them that way.

Lemon juice is known to help whiten your teeth. It is also known to remove tarter and plaque, which can make teeth appear yellow. You should mix equal amounts of hot water and lemon juice. Use this to rinse your mouth out before brushing your teeth.

As stated in the introduction of this article, people really notice white teeth. If you want to improve the look of your teeth, there are several easy things you can do to brighten your smile. Even if you are a coffee drinker or smoker, there are ways to whiten teeth and have the smile you've always wanted.

Smile With Confidence With These Teeth Whitening Tips

People are under the assumption that getting white teeth is difficult. The only way this is true is if you are not willing to learn new information about teeth whitening. In this article, you are going to be provided with information that will assist you in the getting the kind of teeth you thought only existed in the movies!

Coffee is notorious for causing stains on teeth. Whenever drinking coffee, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterwards to prevent the coffee from settling on the surface of teeth. If you can, avoid drinking coffee all together. Avoid drinking cola and wine, as they also have the same effect as coffee.

Use an orange peel to help you whiten your teeth. Take the inside of the peel and rub it on your teeth. Alternatively, you can use dried orange peel to make a paste; combine it with bay leaves and coat it on your teeth. Wash your mouth out after you have allowed the paste or the peel to sit on your teeth for a few minutes.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It might seem like an obvious thing to do, but most people neglect to brush their teeth as well or as often as they should. If you don't bother to brush your teeth properly, they are unlikely to remain as white as you would like.

Many people do not realize that strawberries are very good for your dental health. Do not just rely on eating them. Daily use them to rub your teeth, and you will notice a great whitening effect produced by the strawberries rubbing your teeth. Try it, and you will not be disappointed.

If you are in dire need of whiter teeth you can try going to your dentist and getting an in office bleaching. While this may be a little more expensive, this technique is proven to whiten your teeth right away. Get the smile you have always wanted with in office bleaching.

When trying to whiten your teeth, use toothpaste specifically made for teeth whitening. These toothpastes use peroxides that act as a bleaching agent for your teeth. Be sure to look at the amount of peroxide in the toothpaste, typically the concentration is between ten and twenty percent. Choose a product in the middle, and if your teeth tolerate the toothpaste (and you want more effective whitening), move up to a toothpaste with 20% peroxide.

In order to have whiter teeth using an at home remedy, try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and peroxide. Both of these are items you should have around your house. They are both known to leave your teeth whiter when you use them together as a toothpaste.

As was stated in the beginning of the article, if you put your mind to it, you can make your teeth whiter than you ever knew was possible. The tips that were provided to you in this article are meant to help you take the first step in the direction of getting the teeth of your dream

What You Can Do To Get Whiter Teeth

Teeth whitening is something that a lot of people don't consider as a necessity. However, even for those who aren't that conscious of or bothered by their stained teeth, they'll be amazed at how liberating it feels once they get their teeth whitened. This article will show you the best way to get your teeth whitened.

Eating a diet with plenty of whole and raw foods is great for your teeth. Vegetables are great for helping clean your teeth. They also do not contain harsh processed ingredients that may stick to your teeth and cause unwanted tooth decay and discolorations.

If using hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening agent, you must remember to keep it in your mouth for a significant amount of time. Make sure not to swallow the peroxide, as this will cause you to vomit. You need to do this at least one to two times a week.

Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide before you brush your teeth. This is a natural remedy that is cheap and works well. It will help whiten your teeth and it isn't as harsh as other whitening methods. Be careful not to swallow it because it will make you sick and possibly vomit.

Apple cider vinegar has been known to have many beneficial uses, one of them being teeth whitenining. If you brush your teeth every night with this vinegar you will notice within a week how white and bright your teeth start to look. This is a very harmless ingredient and works very effectively. Some people have stated that the vinegar is too irritating to their gums and causes bleeding. If you notice this happening, please discontinue use of it. Every ingredient is going to work differently for different people.

It is very easy to become “addicted” to whitening your teeth. Overuse of whitening products, especially those with bleach, can have an adverse effect on your teeth and gums. Once you have reached your white level, continue with touch-ups once a month. Multiple bleaching treatments should only be done once or twice a year.

To help whiten your teeth you should use baking soda. Whitening teeth with baking soda is one of the oldest methods available and has proven to be successful. Baking soda does work and if used on a consistent basis will give you nice looking white teeth. Just make a paste with a little bit of baking soda and water and brush as you normally would.

Quit smoking if you want whiter teeth. Smoking destroys the enamel on your teeth. What is left behind is brown or yellow teeth. Even if you pay for an expensive dental whitening, your smile won't gleam for long if you smoke. Quit smoking for your health, but also for your appearance. You'll be happy that you did.

Not only does whitening your teeth make you look better, but it can also boost your self-confidence. Implement some of the advice presented in the tips above, and you can have whiter teeth in the near future.

Get A Brighter Smile With These Tips

There are many ways to whiten teeth, some of which are done by dental professionals, and other done at home by over the counter products or natural methods. Most people would like to restore the natural white color of their teeth, and they would like to do this as naturally and as cost-effectively as possible. Read on to discover a few good ideas on how you can make it happen. You may not need to go down the expensive route.

Use the peel of an orange or lemon to brighten your smile naturally. Simply rub the white, inner side of a piece of peel gently against all of your teeth. You can even add a small amount of table salt to the rinds to increase the effect. Do this regularly and see the difference in the whiteness of your teeth.

One important teeth whitening tip is to try a natural method such as rubbing the insides of an orange peel on your teeth in a back and forth motion. This is a great natural and cheap way to whiten your teeth as opposed to using harsh chemicals that may permanently damage their integrity.

Floss your teeth at least once a day. This will help eliminate staining between your teeth. Stains between your teeth can make all your teeth look yellow. Along with flossing you should be sure to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, preferably in the morning and after meals.

One important teeth whitening tip is that if you are pregnant, you will want to postpone any sort of chemical means of whitening your teeth until after you have your baby. This is because you may cause harm your baby by introducing chemicals to your body that your baby might not be able to process.

When whitening your teeth, you'll find that you get the best results if your teeth are yellowing. You'll get medium grade results if your teeth are brown. If your teeth are grey, you'll get the least results. Keep this in mind when you're shelling out money to whiten your teeth.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can be very abrasive and acidic, which helps keep plaque buildup and discoloration away from your teeth. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and you will not only be helping your teeth but your overall health as well. Some great ideas are apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, and celery.

If you are a coffee drinker, make sure to always brush your teeth after you finish your morning cup. Coffee has harmful staining agents that can permanently yellow your teeth. By brushing afterward, you lower the risk of these agents staining your teeth and it can be a major helpful tactic in keeping your teeth white.

Whatever approach you decide to take, you must also keep these factors in mind. Teeth naturally have slightly different shades of white, so if your teeth are naturally off-white, do not try to go beyond that. You should never exceed the recommended doses and intervals of application. Finally, give it time! Aim for a very gradual improvement.

Avoid Being Overwhelmed With This Advice On Health Insurance

Making the investment in health insurance can mean the difference between being able to provide medical care for your loved one or sinking into debt and losing everything over a serious illness or accident. This article can help demonstrate the importance of insurance and how easy it can be to get.

Look for a policy that has limitations to your out of pocket expenses, in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury. Catastrophic illnesses are the most costly and your out of pocket expenses can add up quickly. If your policy places a limit on your out of pocket expenses, it can have a positive effect on your financial situation.

Find out which plan is the best plan for you. Do you need an HMO, which is usually least expensive, or do you need the freedom of a PPO, which is considerably more costly? Look at the details of each plan and make sure that you choose a plan you can live with.

Even if you don't personally qualify for Medicaid, apply for all of your family members in case one of them does. This can remove them from your insurance policy and reduce your premiums significantly. Remember to reapply for Medicaid yearly as your financial situation may change or the rules for Medicaid itself may be altered.

Providing your family with dental insurance, not only helps to promote the health of their teeth and gums, but their bodies, as well. Research has linked periodontal disease with strokes and heart disease. In fact, a staggering number of systemic diseases cause oral complications, such as ulcers and inflamed gums, so early detection of these problems by a qualified dentist, could alert you that the underlying cause is a serious disease, such as diabetes, cancer or leukemia. Left unchecked, oral infections could also spread throughout the body, causing inflammation of organs or heart valves and resulting in complications of the digestive system. Nearly 50% of Americans do not have dental insurance and as a result, many of them do not receive adequate dental care. Don't let your family be a part of this statistic.

Get copies of your medical records so that you can better check to see what is in them. You are going to want to learn if there are any medical conditions in it that might be red flagged by the insurance company. This may cost you a bit of money but it will be worth every cent in the end.

When renewing your health insurance, investigate prescription coverage. Health insurance companies drop drugs from their coverage every year, so you may now have to pay for pills that you could claim for last year. Many companies have also changed their prescription coverage to include only generic drugs, so if you prefer to use branded medication, consider switching insurance companies.

It has been stated above that just one catastrophic illness or tragic accident can put your family on the road to financial ruin. If you study the above article on heath insurance and take the advice you, will see the wisdom on investing in your family's health and financial security by getting health insurance.

How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?

How do you prevent gum disease? In order to be free from any gum diseases, you must first understand gum diseases and the cause of the problem. Gum disease or also known as “Periodontal disease” is a type of disease that involves the inflammation of the gums or “gingiva” which may lead to the loss of the bones around the teeth. Periodontal disease is different from “gingivitis” because gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva but with no bone loss.
So how do you prevent gum disease? Or better yet, how do you know that you have a gum disease? There are many symptoms that indicate if an individual has a gum disease. The main factor is halitosis or bad breath. If an individual has frequent bad breath, it is one indication of gum disease. Another indication is occasional redness or the gums bleed when you brush your teeth, or when flossing the teeth or when eating hard foods or persisting gum swellings. Recession of the gums due to evident lengthening of the teeth is another indication, although this symptom can also be caused by brushing the teeth hard or using toothbrush with hard bristles. The separation of the gums from the teeth or the pockets between the gum and the teeth are also another indication of gum disease. Pockets are spots where the jaw bone has eventually been damaged or by persistent swellings. Loose or shaky teeth may occur in the later stages of the gum disease.
It is important to know that gingival inflammation and bone destruction is by large, painless. Many people take for granted the painless bleeding of the gums after cleaning or brushing of the teeth. This can, and sometimes is an important indication of progressing periodontitis. Gum diseases do not just affect the oral health of an individual; it may also lead to heart diseases.
So how do you prevent gum disease? Preventing gum disease is very simple. The main idea on how do you prevent gum disease is by taking daily oral hygiene measures. Listed below are some of the ways on how do you prevent gum disease:
* Brushing your teeth at least two times a day is important. Brushing the teeth fully removes the plaques that form on the surface before the plaque hardens into calculus.
* Daily flossing of the teeth. Flossing your teeth daily is the only means to get rid of the plaques that are in between your teeth that can not be reached by brushing.
* Use an antiseptic mouth wash. An antimicrobial mouth wash can give additional help in controlling plaque. Take note that some alcohol based mouth wash may worsen the condition.
* Visit the dentist regularly. A regular dental checkup is one sure way of making your teeth and gums healthy.

Just remember, maintaining a daily oral hygiene keeps you from having gum diseases.

Tooth whitening customers demand more

Tooth whitening is safe, effective and fast, very fast. Tooth whitening is currently one of the safest and most conservative dental cosmetic procedures. The treatment is safe, and no other method produces better results for removing the stains from the enamel. Tooth Whitening is the process used to improve the brightness of the teeth, which is achieved by removing as much staining as possible. Tooth whitening is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or undergoing a medical condition. Laser tooth whitening is the latest and most advanced laser tooth whitening. Laser tooth whitening is perfect for whoever is looking for the best result.
The most obvious advantage of laser tooth whitening is the speed at which the whitening process occurs which is normally around one hour.

Tooth whitening process
Tooth whitening technology has developed from a filtered blue light to accelerate the teeth whitening process in which the laser tooth whitening process is usually accomplished in a single visit, reducing the need for repeated uses of the whitening gel.
The most obvious advantage of plasma tooth whitening is the speed at which the teeth whitening process occurs. Sometimes, the colour doesn't lighten enough, and the process needs to be repeated but in most cases teeth can be lightened by 4-6 shades. In the main laser tooth whitening is safe and will not soften enamel or existing fillings.

Tooth whitening clinics
The laser tooth whitening is completed in just one visit over an hour or so. With the latest technology, laser tooth whitening is now available whereby anyone is able to go beyond your natural tooth-colour. Tooth whitening is usually the first solution to try due to its lower cost compared to having veneers.

Additional benefits
Tooth whitening is a successful and simple method of lightening the colour of your teeth. Laser or Zoom teeth whitening can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. Tooth Whitening is a popular procedure for many beauty and health salons that can have an additional income by providing Professional Cosmetic Teeth Whitening to their clients. Tooth whitening is safe, effective and long lasting.

Painless new smile
The enamel layer of a tooth is naturally an opaque white or slightly contact with on a daily basis can “stain” or reduce the “whiteness” of one's teeth. A new smile not only can enhance your appearance, it also can change your life. Professional tooth whitening is a quick way to dramatically improve your smile to your teeth with no injection, filling or drilling to worry about the teeth white procedure is painless and will not damage your tooth enamel.