Children who mouth breath are much more prone to developing facial imbalances as well as orthodontic, muscular-skeletal and postural problems. They tend to have narrower and smaller jaws, longer faces, smaller airways, poor posture and muscle function. These make them more prone to sleep apnea and snoring as children, and also later in life. Mouth breathing is bad for airway health, leading to more colds, upper respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma. Success in the treatment of children with speech, feeding, sleep, attention, behaviour and learning issues can be completely dependent on the correction of mouth breathing.
In some cases, children can be trained to stop mouth breathing with breathing retraining and orofacial myofunctional exercises for the tongue, lips and nose. If these are practiced diligently breathing, posture, muscle function and general airway health improve enough to break the vicious cycles that maintain mouth breathing.
Sometimes however, resolution of mouth breathing is not easily achieved. In these cases the solution depends on identifying and treating causes. For example, it’s not uncommon to find that children with very large tonsils and adenoids are unable to stop mouth breathing until these shrink through treatment that improves the child’s gut and immune health or are removed surgically.
However, it’s important to realise that surgery that removes adenoids and tonsils is not the magic cure[1]. One also needs to optimise a child’s gut, immune and respiratory system function. Even when tonsils and adenoids are improved some children will continue to mouth breath so make sure you follow up with breathing retraining and other measures that improve respiratory health.
Some children with very narrow or compressed jaws need the help of a dentist to make more space for breathing. Dentists can help by giving the child fixed or removable appliances that stimulate the growth of the upper and lower jaws so that there is more space in the nasal and throat areas for breathing.
In some children mouth breathing begins because of tongue tie or ankyloglossia. In anklyoglossia the tongue sits low in the mouth and does not make adequate contact with the roof of the mouth during swallowing. This can contribute to a high narrow palate with reduced space for nasal breathing, and also to open mouth posture.
Tongue tie can be easily overlooked and the signs are not obvious unless you specifically look for them. Children with tongue tie may have a history of difficulty latching onto the breast, or the mother may have experienced pain during breast feeding. Some tongue tied children continue to have feeding issues or poor ability to form particular sounds. However feeding and speech difficulties in a mouth breathing child are by no means a definite indicator of tongue tie as these issues can have many causes.
The best way to identify tongue tie is through standardised assessment. Various assessments are used for different age groups. Babies are often assessed using the brief Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT). There are also a number of more comprehensive assessments, such as the Hazelbaker and MBGR protocols that can be used in older children and adults. Comprehensive assessments look at and systematically grade the appearance of the tongue, the appearance and attachment of the lingual frenulum (tissues under the tongue that anchor it to the floor of the mouth) and also consider the function of the tongue.
One useful functional test that can be used alongside other evaluations is called the tongue range of motion ratio (TRMR)[2]. This test looks at the ratio between the measure of maximal mouth opening and mouth opening with the tongue on the roof of the mouth. A below average measure i.e less than 50% of mouth opening with tongue on the roof of the mouth is an important functional indicator of tongue tie. When looking at the tongue during a functional test the practitioner should also look at strain and tension in the floor of the mouth, the neck and jaw and also evaluate the strength of the tongue.
The important message for parents is if you child is mouth breathing don’t give up, you can find a solution and there are people out there who are trained to help you. There are many health professionals now who are becoming aware of the importance of stopping mouth breathing and a growing number are becoming aware that tongue tie should be assessed as a possible cause. Your dentist, osteopath, ENT, orofacial myologist or pediatrician doctor may be able to help you. However it’s important to look at the whole child and improve the health of the whole system.
So also seek the help of an integrative health practitioner who understands how to improve gut, immune and respiratory health.
Epiglottitis is characterized by inflammation and swelling of your epiglottis. It’s a potentially life-threatening illness.
The epiglottis is at the base of your tongue. It’s made up of mostly cartilage. It works as a valve to prevent food and liquids from entering your windpipe when you eat and drink.
The tissue that makes up the epiglottis can become infected, swell, and block your airway. This requires immediate medical attention. If you think that you or someone else has epiglottitis, call 911 or seek local emergency medical help immediately.
Epiglottitis is historically a condition more common in children, but it’s becoming more frequent in adults. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment in anyone, but especially in children, who are more vulnerable to breathing complications.
What causes epiglottitis?
A bacterial infection is the most common cause of epiglottitis. Bacteria can enter your body when you breathe it in. It can then infect your epiglottis.
The most common strain of bacteria that causes this condition is Haemophilus influenzae type b, also known as Hib. You can catch Hib by inhaling the germs spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or blows their nose.
Other bacterial strains that can cause epiglottitis include Streptococcus A, B, or C and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Streptococcus A is the type of bacteria that can also cause strep throat. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
Additionally, viruses such as those that cause shingles and chickenpox, along with those that cause respiratory infections, can also result in epiglottitis. Fungi, such as those that cause diaper rash or yeast infections, may also contribute to inflammation of the epiglottis.
Other causes of this condition include:
smoking crack cocaine
inhaling chemicals and chemical burns
swallowing a foreign object
burning your throat from steam or other sources of heat
experiencing throat injury from trauma, such as a stabbing or gunshot wound
Who is at risk for epiglottitis?
Anyone can develop epiglottitis. However, several factors can increase your risk of developing it.
Age
Children younger than 12 months of age are at a higher risk for developing epiglottitis. This is because these children haven’t yet completed the Hib vaccine series. Overall, the disease commonly occurs in children ages 2 to 6 years. For adults, being older than 85 years is a risk factor.
Additionally, children who live in countries not offering vaccines or where they’re hard to come by are at increased risk. Children whose parents choose not to vaccinate them with the Hib vaccine are also at increased risk for epiglottitis.
Sex
Males are more likely to develop epiglottitis than females. The reason for this is unclear.
Environment
If you live or work with a large number of people, you’re more likely to catch germs from others and develop an infection.
Likewise, heavily populated environments such as schools or child care centers may increase your or your child’s exposure to all types of respiratory infections. The risk of getting epiglottitis is increased in those environments.
Weak immune system
A weakened immune system can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections. Poor immune function makes it easier for epiglottitis to develop. Having diabetes has been shown to be a risk factor in adults.
What are the symptoms of epiglottitis?
The symptoms of epiglottitis are the same regardless of the cause. However, they may differ between children and adults. Children can develop epiglottitis within a matter of hours. In adults, it often develops more slowly, over the course of days.
The symptoms of epiglottitis that are common in children include:
a high fever
lessened symptoms when leaning forward or sitting upright
sore throat
a hoarse voice
drooling
difficulty swallowing
painful swallowing
restlessness
breathing through their mouth
Symptoms common in adults include:
fever
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
a raspy or muffled voice
harsh, noisy breathing
a severe sore throat
an inability to catch their breath
If epiglottitis is untreated, it can block your airway completely. This can lead to bluish discoloration of your skin due to lack of oxygen. This is a critical condition and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect epiglottitis, seek medical attention immediately.
What is the treatment for epiglottitis?
If your doctor thinks you have epiglottitis, the first treatments typically involve monitoring your oxygen levels with a pulse oximetry device and protecting your airway. If your blood oxygen levels become too low, you’ll likely get supplemental oxygen through a breathing tube or mask.
Your doctor may also give you one or all of the following treatments:
intravenous fluids for nutrition and hydration until you’re able to swallow again
antibiotics to treat a known or suspected bacterial infection
anti-inflammatory medication, such as corticosteroids, to reduce the swelling in your throat
In severe cases, you may need a tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy.
A tracheostomy is a minor surgical procedure where a small incision is made between the tracheal rings. Then a breathing tube is placed directly through your neck and into your windpipe, bypassing your epiglottis. This allows exchange of oxygen and prevents respiratory failure.
A last resort cricothyroidotomy is where an incision or a needle is inserted into your trachea just below the Adam’s apple.
If you seek immediate medical attention, you can expect a full recovery in most cases.
Are you experiencing tongue pain? If so, your tongue might be trying to tell you something surprising about your health.
You might not have realized it, but your tongue can be a very important indicator of what's going on in the rest of your body. From stress and vitamin deficiencies to a risk of oral cancer, tongue pain or a cracked tongue can be frustrating but shouldn't be ignored.
Find out what your tongue pain could mean with our handy guide to tongue health, which covers everything from canker sores to thrush.
1. A CRACKED TONGUE
It could mean: you need to step up your brushing.
A fissured tongue, or a cracked tongue, is rarely a cause for concern and is considered very normal.
The condition is thought to be genetic (over 80% of Down's Syndrome children have fissured tongues) and just as wrinkles deepen with age, so can the cracks on the tongue.
Problems only tend to arise with a fissured tongue if poor dental hygiene causes debris to collect in the cracks, which can lead to infection. Symptoms can include a sore or burning tongue.
How to treat it: If you have any concerns about your fissured tongue, it's a good idea to get your tongue checked out by a dentist, who can clean out the fissures and recommend the best oral hygiene practices.
2. CANKER SORES ON TONGUE
It could mean: You're feeling stressed.
Canker sores on tongues are punched-out, painful areas that occur on the tongue or cheeks. They are most uncomfortable for the first four to five days, then subside and eventually disappear within two weeks.
Canker sores on tongues are thought to be caused by a virus and typically occur when people are run down or stressed. Other causes can include excessive consumption of acidic or spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, hormones, stress or autoimmune disorders.
How to treat it: If you experience canker sores on your tongue accompanied by a fever, you have difficulty swallowing or the sores last for more than three weeks, visit your doctor for medical advice.
3. WHITE LUMPS ON TONGUE
It could mean: You have thrush.
Tongue pain caused by white lumps on tongues that are not your toothpaste could mean you're suffering from oral thrush.
Oral thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overproduction of candida which manifests as white lumps on tongues. The condition is often linked to antibiotics as these can kill off good bacteria and allow the yeast to take over.
Thrush, which can be painful and cause food to taste a bit strange, typically occurs in young children but can also affect people with autoimmune diseases, diabetes that isn't well-controlled, chemotherapy patients and the elderly.
How to treat it: If you suspect you might have thrush, see your doctor. Unlike other yeast infections, thrush can't be treated with over-the-counter products
4. BURNING TONGUE
It could mean: You're drinking too much, overusing mouthwash, or are menopausal.
A burning tongue sensation can also be caused by irritation or a vitamin deficiency.
Drinking too many irritating fizzy or alcoholic beverages, overbrushing your tongue or overusing your mouthwash can irritate the mouth tissues and cause a burning tongue. If you experience a burning sensation in your mouth, try to drink fewer or less acidic drinks.
Deficiencies in B vitamins and minerals including iron and zinc can also contribute to burning tongue syndrome by affecting the health of your oral tissues. Make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, nuts, seeds and healthy proteins.
A burning tongue is also one of the lesser-known symptoms of the perimenopause too. This effects around four in ten women who are menopausal.
How to treat it: Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, cut down on acidic drinks and visit your doctor for a blood test to find out if you should be taking additional vitamin supplements.
5. WHITE PATCHES ON TONGUE
It could mean: You are at risk of oral cancer.
Small, white patches on tongues can be caused by a condition called Leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is not a form of cancer but it does increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
Smoking is the most common cause of Leukoplakia, but other irritants can trigger it too, such as rough, uneven teeth, injury to the side of the cheek from biting, chewing tobacco and inflammatory conditions of the body.
Leukoplakia often goes away on it's own, but in 5-17% of cases it can develop into oral cancer, so it's always best to get it checked out by your dentist or doctor if you have concerns.
How to treat it: Small white patches on tongues can be removed by your doctor or dentist using a scalpel or laser. Larger leukoplakia patches will require oral surgery.
TONGUE CANCER SYMPTOMS—HOW TO TELL IF YOUR TONGUE PAIN COULD BE SOMETHING SERIOUS
Sometimes it's hard not to wonder if your symptoms can be symptomatic of something much worse, in this cause tongue cancer or oral cancer.
We've already covered above that white patches on the tongue can be a sign of Leukoplakia, which increases your risk of tongue cancer. But the symptoms of tongue cancer might include:
A red or white patch on the tongue that won't go away and isn't geographic tongue
A sore throat that doesn't go away
A sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn't go away
Pain when swallowing
Numbness in the mouth that won't go away
Unexplained bleeding from the tongue (that's not caused by biting your tongue or another injury)
Pain in the ear (this is a very rare symptom)
These symptoms can be signs of other conditions and might be due to something less serious. But if you have any concerns, always ask your doctor for advice.
Your lips help you communicate with the world. When you have white bumps on them, you may feel self-conscious. These bumps can have various causes. While most aren’t concerning, sometimes white bumps can indicate oral cancer. Seeking medical attention can ensure you stay as healthy as possible.
Causes
Numerous causes can lead to white bumps on the lips. These include:
Fordyce spots: These harmless, tiny (1 to 2 millimeter) white bumps inside the lips are visible sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands. These spots tend to get bigger as a person gets older. A person may have one small bump or as many as 100 bumps on the lips, typically on the inner portion.
Herpes simplex: Oral herpes can cause white bumps or canker sores on the lips. These may first appear as small sores, then become blistered and fluid-filled.
Milia: Common in babies, milia are small, white bumps that occur when dead skin cells become trapped in the skin. While milia most commonly occur on the face, they also can appear on the lips.
Oral cancer: A white bump with a flat or raised texture may appear on the face. The bump is usually painless at first, but may eventually start to bleed or ulcerate. Sun exposure, alcohol abuse, tobacco use (especially chewing tobacco), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) are all known oral cancer causes.
Oral thrush: Oral thrush is a fungal infection that causes white lesions on the lips, mouth, gums, or tonsils. The fungus Candida albicans is the most common fungal strain to cause oral thrush.
Sometimes white bumps on the lips are a harmless genetic variation. Just as some people have moles or birthmarks, others may have white bumps on the lips.
When to seek medical help
White bumps on the lips are rarely a reason to seek emergency medical attention. However, you may wish to make an appointment with your doctor if you have the following symptoms along with white bumps on the lips:
bumps that are painful
bumps that bleed
feeling as if something is caught in your throat
jaw or neck swelling
numbness of your tongue
trouble chewing or swallowing
fever or sore throat
If your white bumps don’t go away after two weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor.
How they’re diagnosed
Your doctor will take a full medical history and conduct a physical exam to view the white bumps on your lips. The doctor will feel your face and jaw for swelling and examine your lips and the insides of your lips. They will also examine your neck for lymph node swelling.
If necessary, your doctor may swab your lip. This is known as a culture. A laboratory can test the culture to determine if bacteria, viruses, or fungi may be causing the bumps. If your doctor suspects you may have oral cancer, a tissue sample may be collected to test for cancerous cells.
In many cases, a doctor may be able to diagnose the white bumps on your lips by a visual examination. Blood tests can also determine if the herpes virus is present.
Treatment options
Treatment for white bumps on the lips depends on the cause of your symptoms. Some conditions, such as Fordyce spots, do not require any treatment. However, if you don’t like the appearance of your Fordyce spots, removal is possible. Doctors can use techniques such as electrosurgery or laser treatments to remove them.
Thrush is often treated with anti-fungal medications, such as a liquid solution you swish in your mouth and swallow.
Antiviral medications can temporarily eliminate your oral herpes symptoms, but they won’t permanently cure the viral infection.
Oral cancers require different treatments based on the condition’s severity. Treatments can include surgical removal of the affected lesion, chemotherapy, or radiation to stop the cancer’s spread.
Maintaining proper dental and oral hygiene is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Conversely, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, alveolar bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Compromised oral health, especially for an extended period of time, has even been linked with an increased risk of developing other serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. With so much at stake, then, how can you protect yourself against the common pitfalls leading to such serious health issues? This article will help answer that question as we consider the most common causes of serious dental issues and how best to avoid them.
Tooth Decay – The ‘Silent’ Epidemic
The CDC notes dental cavities are the most common chronic disease among youth ages 6 to 19 and NBC reports an alarming 91% of American adults between 20 and 64 are affected by tooth decay. Sadly, too many people never even see it coming until it is nearly too late, even when their teeth had been trying to warn them for months. Tooth decay is the softening and eventual breakdown of your tooth enamel — the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth — and refers to the damage of the structure of the tooth caused by acids. This loss of tooth structure is known as acid erosion and occurs when plaque bacteria break down and digest carbohydrates (sugars) in your mouth. If this loss of minerals from the enamel is left untreated, a cavity (small hole in the tooth) can eventually occur. Without professional treatment, these holes tend to grow larger over time and eventually may end up destroying the entire tooth and surrounding tissue.
Main Causes of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Poor Oral Hygiene:  Not brushing your teeth regularly between meals allows a sticky film of bacteria known as plaque to form and build up on your teeth. When left untreated, irreparable damage may be caused to the enamel, and in time may ultimately lead to the permanent loss of gum tissue, bone, and teeth. That is why it is so important to brush your teeth regularly after every meal and floss at least once a day, in order to thoroughly remove all food particles and lingering sugars.
Plaque Formation:  When not removed on a regular basis, the plaque adheres to your teeth and continues to build up and harden over time, often turning into a more resistant substance called tartar. Also known as dental calculus, tartar is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on the teeth and cause discoloration. It creates a strong bond that can only be removed by a dental professional. Since sugar attracts harmful bacteria and lowers your mouth’s pH, it is therefore a major contributing factor to tooth decay and strongly recommended that one limits their intake of sugary snacks and drinks.
Plaque Bacteria and Acids:  While most of us don’t like to think about or admit it, bacteria naturally live in our mouth and like to hide in our teeth and gums. When harmful bacteria digest the carbohydrates that linger inside the mouth, acid forms to remove essential minerals from the tooth enamel. This destructive process is called demineralization and leaves the tooth exposed to further damage such as a cavity or dental abscess.
Chronic Dry Mouth:  Thankfully our mouth has a natural line of defense for demineralization. Saliva helps to constantly reverse this damage by means of a natural process called mineralization. The minerals in your saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, in addition to fluoride from toothpaste and drinking water, help the enamel repair itself by replacing minerals lost during an “acid attack.” If you are prone to or experience dry mouth frequently, click HERE to read about the various remedies proven to alleviate this condition.
Poor Diet:  Frequent snacking on foods high in sugar increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the dissolving effects of various acids, which make them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Because of their high nutritional value and added teeth-cleaning benefits, some of the best foods to snack on are fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as calcium-rich foods to promote strong teeth and bones. Chewing on crunchy vegetables, such as carrots and celery, helps get the salivary juices flowing, which in turn helps wash away plaque-causing bacteria and food particles.
Smoking & Tobacco Use: Tobacco use in any form — cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless (chewing) tobacco — raises your risk for gum disease, including severe gum disease called periodontitis. In fact, smokers have twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker. Smoking weakens your body’s immune system, thus making it considerably less effective in fighting off infections such as gum and tooth infections. Once you have gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal.
Medical Problems:  Some types of cancer treatment that expose the head and neck to radiation can promote a tooth cavity by changing the makeup of the saliva to promote increased bacterial growth.
Now that we’ve thoroughly covered the main causes of dental problems and how best to avoid them, we can better appreciate that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a very essential, lifelong commitment. The earlier you learn proper oral hygiene habits — such as brushing, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake — the easier it will be to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues in the future.
Do you experience bad breath? Don’t worry, you’re not alone—according to the American Dental Association, over 50% of adults have had bad breath at some point in their lives. But what if your breath smells like mothballs, or what if you have a mothball taste in your mouth? Does it indicate anything about your overall health? Luckily, there are many ways to reduce this odor, and talking with your doctor or dentist can help you identify the specific cause. Here, we’ll walk through possible causes and how to efficiently manage symptoms, so you can work towards having fresher breath.
What Causes Bad Breath?
As it turns out, there are a lot of common causes of bad breath—some you may have heard of (certain foods, smoking, and tobacco), and some may seem a little less familiar (dry mouth, gum disease, and medical conditions).
While any one of those conditions could be a cause of your mothball breath, a significant cause of all bad breath comes down to bacteria in the mouth. Hundreds of types of harmful breath-causing bacteria live in your mouth, which is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Bacteria that live in the mouth can make compounds with sulfur, giving off rotten eggs or onion scent.
When it comes to other sources of bad breath, the causes are varied. If you have dry mouth, your breath odor may result from not producing enough saliva or certain medications. Bad breath from gum disease is traceable to cavity-causing plaque. Finally, your breath’s odor could also be because of a different medical condition, such as a sinus, throat or lung infection, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease.
Breath That Smells of Mothballs
Now that you know the common causes of bad breath, you might be asking yourself: but why does my breath smell like mothballs? While the reasons mentioned above may be causing your breath’s mothball odor, another cause could arise from oral malodor, which, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Care, is the most common form of halitosis (a term for chronic bad breath). Oral malodor is typically associated with the presence of oral-bacteria-causing sulfur compounds (which again can be stinky). These compounds could come from not brushing and flossing enough or conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, dental cavities, and tongue coatings. As you can see, bacteria play a crucial role in the odor of your breath and could potentially be the cause of why your breath smells like mothballs.
Beyond your oral hygiene, your breath could also indicate that there are issues from other parts of your body. That’s because your breath has gassy compounds that move from your organs through the bloodstream into your lungs. If you think your breath could be linked to something internally, or linked to body odor, talk to your doctor to arrange a physical examination.
How to Prevent Bad Breath
While bad breath or a mothball smell can be embarrassing, don’t worry—there are easy fixes to reduce the odor.
Brushing & Flossing
Make sure you’re flossing or cleaning between your teeth daily to get the bacteria-causing food particles out of your mouth and brushing twice per day.
Mouthwash
While a temporary fix, over-the-counter therapeutic or antibacterial mouthwashes can kill bacteria and neutralize the smell of breath odor.
Work on your Saliva Production
We discussed how dry mouth could be a cause of bad breath—so eating healthy foods that take a while to chew (like carrots or apples) can get more saliva circulating in your mouth. Sugar-free chewing gum can also help.
Visit your Dentist or Doctor
Being concerned about the scent of your breath is normal—and talking to your dentist is the first step to identifying the root cause, whether it’s your diet, saliva, or an internal issue. Schedule an appointment, and your dentist may recommend dietary solutions or medications. If you’re concerned, your breath might signify an internal problem, set up a physical exam with your doctor, and express your concerns. Like your dentist, your doctor may also discuss dietary solutions or medications.
Bad breath can be outright embarrassing, but you’re not alone! Not only is bad breath (and mothball-scented breath) common, it’s also treatable. The first step is to ensure your oral hygiene is in check, followed by opening up a discussion with your dentist. From there, you’re on your way to fresher, healthier breath.
Your mouth is teeming with bacteria. Many of these bacteria are good and essential not just to your oral health but your systemic health. There are bad bacteria, as well. If bad bacteria are left undisturbed, they can organize into colonies known as biofilm. These communities are complex and effective, and they can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and a wide range of other oral health issues.
The formation of biofilm is not instant. This is a process that takes about 24 hours, which is why the American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day, and the American Academy of Periodontology advises flossing whenever you brush, which you should do twice a day. During this 24-hour formation, the bacteria goes through three distinct phases:
Planktonic—This is the period in which individual bacteria are attracted to an oral surface.
Biofilm—This is the phase where oral bacteria on the same surface form communities.
Dispersion—At this point, the biofilm is fully realized and spreading to infect elsewhere.
Why Is Dental Biofilm Bad?
Dental biofilm is not inherently bad. There are good bacteria, after all. But biofilm can contain harmful bacteria like Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Streptococcus. Some biofilm will become plaque and then calculus, which both directly cause gum disease. Be mindful, however, that there is no need to worry about the specific bacteria as long as you maintain a clean mouth.
Dental Biofilm and Oral Health Issues
Biofilm formation can lead to three core oral health issues: tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Certain biofilms feed on sugars and starches and produce acid as a byproduct. That acid erodes tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Other biofilms form below the gumline and inflame the gums, which are often red and tender and may bleed. If that gingivitis is left untreated, it will eventually progress to periodontitis, which actually undermines the bone surrounding your teeth. Such bone loss is permanent and can lead to tooth loss as well as a slate of other oral health complications.
Preventing Dental Biofilm Formation
The key to prevention is to disrupt formation and clear away accumulation on a consistent basis. You need to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time in order to remove most of the biofilm. You must also use floss or an interdental brush to clear the buildup between the teeth and just below the gumline.
It is important to note that biofilm accumulation is not limited to your teeth and gums. It accumulates on your tongue, for instance, which is why you should brush or scrape your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. Biofilm can also build up on dentures, implants, oral appliances, and so forth, which is why you must adhere to whatever cleaning guidelines your dentist provided you. A professional cleaning every six months will clear your teeth and gums of any plaque or calculus you may have missed.
Keep Your Mouth Free of Bad Bacteria
Managing bacterial growth in the mouth and avoiding biofilm formation starts at home through hydration, a well-balanced diet, and daily brushing and flossing.
White tongue is usually harmless and can generally be remedied by brushing your tongue, using a tongue scraper, and drinking water.
A healthy tongue is pink and covered in small papillae, the bumps on the top and side of your tongue. A white tongue can be a result of overgrowth and swelling of these papillae. Dead cells, debris, and bacteria can become stuck in between and cause the papillae to be inflamed and enlarged.
Causes of White Tongue
Poor oral hygiene is the primary suspect, although alcohol and tobacco use can also cause a white tongue. Sometimes it is caused by dry mouth or breathing through the mouth or fever.
If your tongue hurts and is also white in color, it could be a sign of a more serious issue and you should call a doctor or dentist to follow up.
How to Get Rid of White Tongue
If your tongue whiteness is not the result of a serious issue, the remedy for discoloration is simple. Regular brushing with a small bit of toothpaste can help dislodge debris and dead cells that cause inflammation.
A tongue scraper can also help remove bacteria. Antiseptic mouthwash or salt water solution can help eliminate bacteria in hard to reach areas, as well. Drinking water can also help keep the tongue properly moisturized and prevent dry mouth which may be a factor in causing white discoloration. Finally, tobacco and alcohol use should be limited.
The title of this article may surprise you, but it isn’t the first time surprising relationships between different body parts have been discovered. This article will explain how and why you should take care of your intestine if you suffer from throat issues like tonsillitis, pharyngitis, aphonia, etc.
Old remedies for throat issues
People have had knowledge of medicine for a really long time, and always found simple remedies with what they had available to deal with everyday problems.
With throats issues, especially when children had them over and over again, they didn’t hesitate to use an enema.
Enemas used to be a common solution since they knew that a poorly functioning intestine could lead to many health problems.
And so, as a result, an enema would almost immediately help the situation.
Enemas used to be performed with the help of a rubber bulb, which can still be bought at pharmacies since they are the fastest and most comfortable way to perform one.
You should fill the bulb with warm water, but not tap water, rather use clean water. Put lubricant or oil on the edge and insert it into the anus while lying on your left side.
After inserting as much water as you can handle, remove the bulb.
You can perform a couple of enemas a day while you have a sore throat.
Check your intestine
If you frequently have throat problems for no apparent reason or one that may be difficult to treat, pay attention to your intestine so you can rule out some common conditions:
Irritable bowel syndrome: a chronic condition that causes pain, diarrhea and/or bouts of constipation. It can be related to nerves or emotions.
Constipation: it is one of the biggest issues throughout the day, which is mainly from poor nutrition, too many refined foods, and not getting enough physical activity.
Intestinal parasites: parasites are common, but not very well understood. The best known is candidiasis, but there is a wide range with many symptoms. These can make it difficult to identify the problem. It can make you tired, nervous, have appetite problems, poor digestion, an itchy nose or anus, etc.
Diverticulitis: this consists of the thickening of spots of the colon wall.
Gut flora
If you really want to take care of your throat, you should care for your intestines and treat any issues that arise. A good place to start is the gut flora, which is easily affected by intestinal problems, poor nutrition, and taking medicine.
You can care for it in two ways:
Eat foods that promote it, mainly foods like chucrut, yogurt, and kefir, but should be prepared at home to make sure that it hasn’t been artificially modified and that it has the nutrients you need.
Take a specific supplement to build up the gut flora, especially if you have been taking medication.
Food intolerance
There is an important question you should consider if you have intestinal problems.
You need to assess the likelihood of any sort of food intolerance which could be causing a prolonged and progressive damage.
You can quickly identify when you have an allergy because the reaction is instant. However, it’s not this straightforward with a food intolerance. This has slow and gradual effects that make it slightly more difficult to detect.
You can have an intolerance to any food and many lab tests can determine whether or not you have one. The most common ones that you should keep in mind are gluten and lactose. You can also suffer a food intolerance to certain fruits, nuts, or food additives.
Hot foot baths
Even though this remedy doesn’t always help with throat issues, a foot bath can provide immediate relief for a swollen throat. This is because exposing the feet to a high temperature will quickly lower the temperature in the upper body.
Put your feet in hot water for at least 20 minutes. If the water gets cold, add more hot water. Afterward you should cover your feet.
Calcium is a key ingredient for strong teeth and bones. It is also essential for overall mouth functioning, reducing blood pressure and keeping your heart beating at a steady rate. Therefore, if you’re showing signs of calcium deficiency, it is about time that you did something about it. By this, it means that your calcium levels in the blood are low. This can not only cause dental concerns but also causes your bones to become brittle.
If you’re feeling concerned about the amount of calcium you’re consuming as part of your lifestyle, seeking advice from the dentist is a great first step.
The recommended daily dose is 1000mg. If there isn’t enough free deficiency, this can decalcify your bones, increasing the risk of bone deformation or bone loss.
If you’re showing one or more of the following signs of calcium deficiency, it is time to increase your intake.
#Sign 1 – Regular Fatigue
If calcium isn’t released to the muscle cells, your muscles become weaker and you begin to feel fatigued. Those that drink regular caffeine are likely to experience high levels of energy. Although, it is important that the natural calcium-rich minerals are consumed. From the food you consume, it releases the vital energy you need throughout the day.
#Sign 2 – Oral Health Problems
Low calcium can also lead to tooth decay and cavities forming on teeth, particularly for children. When teeth decay, this can lead to enamel breaking down, creating damage to the surface of the teeth and causing acid reflux. When this happens, you may eventually experience tooth loss.
#Sign 3 – Abnormal Heartbeat
With low calcium levels, the heart muscles are unable to contract appropriately for a rhythmic heartbeat. It can cause an abnormal heartbeat or something known as cardiac arrhythmias. This means your heart will beat irregularly and faster than normal.
#Sign 4 – Blood Clots
A high deficiency can also form blood clots which reduce blood flow. When you sustain a minor injury, blood will form easily, and the blood clot forms slowly. This risks the chance of more blood flow release. Calcium has a strong link to blood clotting.
#Sign 5 – Loss of Bone Density
Bone density naturally weakens as we age because calcium is lost naturally faster than we store it. As we get older, calcium will be an essential mineral for your teeth and bones. Therefore, ensure you top up on your calcium levels.
Final Thoughts…
To ensure that you hit your daily intake, eat the following foods as part of your diet and lifestyle: Milk, cheese, dairy products, green vegetables such as broccoli and kale, soya products such as tofu and milk, and dry nuts. You may also find calcium supplements to help support your intake should you not gain access through natural foods. Either way, ensure your intake is high, and ensure you pay attention to it immediately if its not currently part of a balanced diet.
