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.
A lost sense of taste may refer to a partial or total loss of taste. Many possible causes may lead to a loss of taste, including new medications, dental problems, cold or flu, and COVID-19.
Taste, also known as gustationTrusted Source, is an important sensation that allows people to identifyTrusted Source nutritious food items and enjoy flavor. Taste is a complex sense involving many organs and tissues, such as the tongue, roof of the mouth, throat, and nose. This is why smell can affect taste. The medical term for a complete loss of taste is ageusia, while loss of smell is anosmia.
A loss or alteration in taste can occur due to many different conditions, such as those that affect the taste organs, nervous system, or infection. Some of these issues are harmless, while others may require a doctor’s diagnosis. The type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
This article discusses the possible reasons a person may experience a lost sense of taste and how doctors diagnose and treat the underlying issues.
Causes
The most common taste disorderTrusted Source is phantom taste perception. A person with this disorder will have a strong, lingering taste in their mouth, even when it is empty. The taste is often unpleasant and may overpower the taste of other foods while they eat. The taste may also occur alongside a persistent burning sensation in the person’s mouth.
There are three types of phantom taste perception:
Ageusia
A complete loss of the sense of taste is called ageusiaTrusted Source, which can make a person unable to detect any tastes. However, ageusia is rare. A 2016 study estimates that only 3% of people who experience a loss of the sense of taste have true ageusia.
Dysgeusia
Dysgeusia causes a persistent taste in the mouth that can mask other tastes and make all foods taste the same. People with dysgeusia often say that the taste has particular characteristics, describing it as:
foul
rancid
sour
salty
metallic
Hypogeusia
Hypogeusia is the term for a partial loss of one type of taste. A person with hypogeusia may be unable to detect one of the key tastes:
bitterness
sourness
saltiness
sweetness
umami, which is a pleasant, savory taste
Other causes
Possible causes of taste disorders and a loss of taste can includeTrusted Source:
upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
COVID-19
sinus infections
middle ear infections
poor oral hygiene and dental problems, such as gingivitis
exposure to some chemicals, such as insecticides
surgeries on the mouth, throat, nose, or ear
head injuries
radiation therapy for cancer in this area of the body
Causes of smell disorders may includeTrusted Source:
aging
smoking
growths in the nasal cavities
conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
Treatment
The underlying condition causing the lost sense of taste will determine the treatment options. In simple cases, such as those resulting from the common cold or flu, doctors will usually wait until the infection subsides. With most people, their sense of taste should return once the illness goes away. However, evidence suggests that smell and taste problems may persist following SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in cases of long COVID.
While research is still unclear, if a person experiences post-viral olfactory dysfunctionTrusted Source or smell and taste problems after a viral infection, a doctor may considerTrusted Source using olfactory training and topical corticosteroids.
For those with bacterial infections, such as sinus or middle ear infections, doctors may recommend antibiotics.
Treatment for more serious issues, such as nervous system disorders or head injuries, will require an individualized treatment plan.
Home remedies
In many cases, a person can take small steps at home to help improve their sense of taste, including:
quitting smoking
improving dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash daily
using over-the-counter antihistamines or vaporizers to reduce inflammation in the nose
Prevention
It may not always be possible to prevent a loss of taste, and some cases may be the result of underlying conditions that require medical treatment. However, people can try to reduce the risk of ageusia resulting from infections by trying the following tips:
eating a healthy diet and maintaining hydration
getting plenty of rest
practicing good hand washing technique
wearing a face covering in public
managing stress
Summary
Ageusia is the medical term for a complete loss of taste. A partial or full loss of the sense of taste can occur for many reasons, such as problems in the mouth or nose. In many cases, the cause is temporary, such as an infection that inflames the nasal passages.
Treating the underlying condition should make the symptoms go away. Some underlying causes, such as chemical exposure, Alzheimer’s disease, and aging, may cause a permanent loss of taste. It is essential for a person to work closely with a doctor to identify and treat the underlying issue.
The medical name for a pins and needles sensation is parasthesia. It can affect all parts of the body, including the tongue.
A tingling, numb, or pins and needles feeling is usually due to a loss of sensation from pressure or damage to the nerves.
A person may experience this sensation after sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time, or if they fall asleep resting on an arm. Less common is a tingling feeling in the tongue, which usually results from a specific procedure or experience, such as an allergic reaction.
There are some medical conditions associated with a loss of sensation in the tongue, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs for serious medical conditions, such as a stroke.
Causes of a tingling tongue
There are a range of things that can cause a tingling tongue, including:
Damage to a nerve during a dental procedure
The lingual nerve is responsible for the feeling in the front of the tongue. It is possible to injure this nerve during dental procedures or surgery.
Damage to the lingual nerve occurs most commonly when removing a wisdom tooth, also known as the third molar, in the lower jaw.
This can lead to a feeling of numbness, a prickling sensation, and sometimes a change in how food or drink tastes. It may only affect one side of the tongue, or extend to the lips and chin.
About 90 percentTrusted Source of these nerve injuries are temporary, so a person should get back to normal within 8 weeks.
If symptoms last longer than 6 months, the nerve injury is considered permanent and will need to be treated by a medical professional.
Allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to certain foods or drinks, particularly if they also have hay fever. This can cause an itching or tingling sensation on the tongue, mouth, or throat.
Oral allergy syndrome can occur after eating raw fruits or vegetables because the proteins in them are similar to those found in pollen.
The allergic reaction should go away on its own but taking an antihistamine and rinsing the mouth with water can speed up healing. Avoiding the trigger food can prevent it happening again. Antihistamines are available for purchase over the counter or online.
A person should consult a doctor if symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, get worse, or hives appear.
People should also be aware of the signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that needs urgent medical attention. Signs of anaphylaxis can include a red rash, swollen throat, trouble breathing, stomach cramps, and difficulty swallowing.
Canker sore
A canker sore is a small mouth ulcer than can appear on the lips, inside of the mouth, or the tongue. It can cause pain or numbness, and sometimes a tingling sensation around the immediate area.
Canker sores should get better within a week but using over-the-counter medication or a mouth rinse can relieve discomfort and speed up healing. A range of canker sore medications is available for purchase online.
Medication reaction
Certain medications may cause tingling tongue as a side effect, particularly if the medication is taken by mouth.
One example is acetazolamide (Diamox), which is used to treat glaucoma, seizure disorders, edema, and periodic paralysis. Parasthesia, or a tingling sensation, is a recognized side effect.
When people are prescribed medication, they should always review the expected side effects by carefully reading packaging, or asking a doctor or pharmacist.
If a tingling tongue is a known side effect, it should go away once the person stops taking the medication. If the side effect does not go away, or the reaction is particularly severe, a person should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Burn
Burning the tongue on hot food or drink can be painful and uncomfortable, and may result in a tingling sensation as the burn heals.
A person can lesson the discomfort by rinsing their mouth with cool water immediately after burning the tongue. Taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help if the tongue is very painful or swollen. Ibuprofen is available for purchase over the counter or online.
Stroke or TIA
Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off, resulting in damage to cells that can affect muscle function and memory.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to the brain stops briefly. It can be a warning sign that a stroke could happen in future.
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or body is a symptom of stroke, particularly if it affects only one side of the body. If the tongue tingles or feels numb and there are other signs of stroke present, it could be a serious warning.
Being aware of the symptoms of stroke and getting emergency medical treatment quickly is crucial. The easy way to remember the signs of stroke is with FAST:
Face — one side of the face droops
Arms — weakness in one arm
Speech — which may be slurred
Time is critical — call 911 if someone has these symptoms
Multiple sclerosis
Nerves that are inflamed or stop working properly is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). This can result in irritation, pain, or a burning, tingling sensation known as neurogenic pain.
Anemia
A sore, red tongue can be a symptom of anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. Other symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, feeling faint, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Anemia is a condition affecting red blood cells in the body, causing extreme tiredness and low energy levels.
It should be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to prevent long-term problems.
Migraine
Some people who suffer from migraines may experience visual or sensory symptoms, such as seeing flashes of light before or during a migraine. This is called a migraine with aura.
These types of migraines can also cause a numb or tingling feeling in the tongue, face, or body.
Hypoglycemia
One symptom of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a sudden numb or tingling feeling in the tongue or lips.
People with diabetes are particularly at risk, so should check their blood glucose levels and seek immediate treatment if they experience this sudden tingling.
When to see a doctor
Tingling in the tongue usually goes away within days or weeks, particularly if it has been caused by an injury, such as a burn.
A person should seek medical advice if the feeling lasts for a long time, extends to the lips and jaw, or if there is no clear reason for a loss of sensation.
If someone has a tingling tongue and other signs of the conditions listed above, a persistent allergic reaction, or symptoms related to a dental procedure that last longer than 6 months, they should seek advice from their doctor or get urgent medical attention if needed.
Takeaway
The most common causes of a tingling tongue can usually be pinpointed to a specific experience, such as a dental procedure, allergic reaction, or burn.
If none of these apply, a person should consider other symptoms that could indicate an underlying condition.
People should know the warning signs for a stroke, particularly if they or their loved ones have an increased stroke risk.
When you go for your routine dental exam, your dentist checks for more than just cavities. That’s because your mouth can signal problems in the rest of your body. From your heart and lungs to your immune system, be aware of these 10 health conditions linked to tooth and gum disease.
1. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure raises your risk of developing gum disease, so if you have it, you may be more likely to have red and bleeding gums. Medications for high blood pressure can also affect your gums and cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. One type of blood pressure medication, called an ACE inhibitor, may help keep your mouth healthy as well as your blood pressure down, so talk with your doctor and dentist about treatment options if you have high blood pressure.
2. Heart Disease
Experts think there may be a link between oral health and heart disease, though the nature of it isn’t clear. However, if you have severe gum disease—periodontitis—you are twice as likely to have heart disease. The theory is that bacteria from your inflamed gums can travel through your body and reach your heart, causing cardiovascular problems. The healthier you keep your teeth and gums, the lower your risk of heart disease connected to oral health.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease. Your gums may start to pull away from your teeth, which can make them loose or even fall out. If you have diabetes, you can lower your risk of developing periodontitis by keeping your blood sugar under control. If you have gum disease and diabetes, you probably need to work with a specialist—a periodontist—who may recommend gum surgery. Tell your diabetes team about any gum disease, too, so they can help you keep it under control with good oral hygiene and a healthy diet.
4. Long-Term Kidney Disease
There's a two-way link between long-term kidney disease and severe gum problems. Chronic kidney disease can lead to poor bone health, heart disease, and high blood pressure, all of which have a connection to gum disease. In turn, chronic gum infection can cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, which can further hurt your kidneys. Everyone needs to take care of their teeth and gums, but if you have kidney disease, a minor infection in your mouth could develop into something more serious. Take the best care of your mouth that you can and see your dentist regularly.
5. Lung Disease
Lung diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), bronchitis, and pneumonia may be linked to gum disease, which increases the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria can travel to your lungs and could trigger lung disease. Work with your dentist to keep your gums healthy, and tell your doctor if you have gum disease and lung symptoms like cough or shortness of breath. Smoking makes these problems worse, so if you smoke, discuss a quit smoking plan with your dentist or doctor.
6. Obesity
If you are seriously overweight, you have an increased risk of developing periodontitis. Researchers are not sure that obesity causes periodontitis, but they think inflammation links the two problems. Fat cells produce proteins that trigger inflammation, and gum disease is an inflammatory condition. If you are overweight, work with your doctor to reach and maintain a healthy weight, which will reduce your chance of developing gum disease or other medical conditions associated with obesity.
7. Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis, which typically affects older women and men, your bones thin and become more fragile. Your dentist may suspect osteoporosis if you are older and have loose teeth or a loose denture, which are strong signs of weakened bones in the rest of your body. Dental X-rays may show that your jawbone has become less dense, which causes the loose teeth. You may need diet changes and medication to treat osteoporosis. Don’t wait until your annual physical. Talk with your doctor now if your dentist sees signs of the condition.
8. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is also linked to gum disease by inflammation. Many studies suggest that RA increases the chance you’ll develop gum disease, and having gum disease increases your risk of RA. Studies show the more teeth you lose, the more severe your RA is likely to be. The important message for people with RA, and for everyone, is to see your dentist regularly and take steps to prevent gum disease: brush and floss every day, and eat healthy, nutritious food that is low in sugar and acid.
9.- HIV
Your mouth may show signs of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) before you have symptoms elsewhere in your body. A yeast infection in your mouth, called thrush, can be an early sign of HIV. It appears as a white rash on your tongue, inner cheeks, or elsewhere in your mouth. You may also develop gum disease, mouth sores, or herpes. Most dental problems associated with HIV are treatable, and though there is no cure for HIV, the disease can often be well controlled with the many medications that are now available.
10.- Anemia
If you’re anemic, meaning you lack red blood cells, your gums may show it by being pale and sore. There are many possible reasons for anemia, and treatment will depend on the cause. You may need to take iron or vitamins to supplement your diet, or you may have a more serious condition, such as internal bleeding. If your dentist notices you have pale gums, they can refer you to the appropriate doctor.
Toothaches can be surprisingly painful and can make it hard for you to concentrate on anything else. Your teeth are packed with nerves, which is why although your teeth are small, a toothache can pack a punch. They're usually caused by a tooth infection, resulting in soreness or pain in your mouth. Read on to learn what causes an infection, what its symptoms are, and how to treat it with the help of your dentist.
What Is a Tooth Infection?
According to Stat Pearls, dental infections happen when bacteria invade the pulp (the soft area within your tooth) and spread to surrounding tissues. This can be due to dental procedures, trauma, or dental caries. The infection will originate in the tooth or its supporting structures and then spread to the tissues surrounding it.
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Infections
One of the first signs of a tooth infection is a sore or throbbing tooth. If left untreated, you will notice swelling, difficulty chewing, pain that radiates to the jawbone, and even fever and swollen neck glands, indicating that the tooth infection is spreading to other parts of your body.
Some other oral symptoms of tooth infection:
Bitter taste in your mouth
Bad breath that doesn't go away by rinsing your mouth with water or a mouthwash
Red or swollen gums
Loosening of teeth
Open, draining sore on the gums that surround the tooth
Tooth sensitivity
Causes
The American Dental Association attributes the infection to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth. Any of these conditions can let bacteria enter the pulp, causing a build-up of pus at the root tip in the jawbone. This build-up of pus is called an abscess. An abscess that's left untreated can leave you with a severe infection that can affect your jawbone.
Treatment Options
Depending on the state of your infection, your dentist may consider one or multiple of the following treatment options:
Draining the abscess. Your dentist might make a small incision to allow the abscess to drain out. Typically after this, that area is washed with saline.
Performing a root canal. After drilling down into your tooth and removing the diseased pulp, your dentist will drain the abscess and fill and seal your tooth's pulp chamber and root canals. Your tooth may then be capped with a crown or another restoration.
Prescribing antibiotics. If your infection is in the process of spreading to nearby areas in your mouth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection.
It should be noted that if you've let your tooth infection go untreated and if you have a fever or swelling or have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek medical attention immediately. It's likely your infection has now spread to other parts of your body, like your jawbone and surrounding areas.
Prevention
Tooth infections can be both disruptive and painful. That's why prevention is as important as a cure when dealing with them. Good oral care habits can ensure that you don't get cavities or tooth decay. Brush twice a day and floss daily to get rid of any bacteria. Regular checkups at your dentist is also a must to prevent infection because your dentist will often notice issues you may not.
While you can't always account for accidents that cause tooth infections (like a broken tooth), good oral hygiene can still go a long way. And if you do happen to find yourself with a sore or throbbing tooth, don't let the infection go untreated. The quicker you consult your dentist, the quicker you'll be comfortable and pain-free again!
Nutrition starts in the mouth. If you have poor oral health or have mouth sores, ingesting food may be difficult. And if you can’t eat properly, you won’t be able to sustain your body’s nutritional needs.
While following the popular ‘regular exercise and healthy diet’ advice always helps, there are specific foods that may help enhance our body’s natural defences against certain health issues.
Case in point: If you find yourself constantly dealing with skin and mouth issues, or you feel like you’re susceptible to such problems, try adding more of these food items to your weekly meal plans:
Fatty Fish
You’ve probably seen countless skincare supplements that contain fish oil. That’s because fish oil contains Omega-3, which is especially abundant in fatty fish. The Omega-3 fatty acid is a healthy fat that helps to boost skin health in many ways.
It helps keep cell membranes healthy so they can hold more water, which in turn, balances hydration. It also regulates the skin’s oil production, which is what maintains its natural moisture.
Omega-3 is also known to help soothe irritation and inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for skin and mouth issues like ulcerations, dermatitis, and acne.
Try: Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel.
Nuts & Seeds
In general, nuts and seeds have almost the same macronutrient profile and only vary slightly in micronutrient content. The calcium and phosphorus you’ll find in most varieties of nuts are minerals that work together for bone, teeth, and gum health.
Both are also excellent sources of healthy fats, which, as you know by now, help keep skin’s natural moisture. They’re also rich in dietary fibre, which aids in flushing out harmful toxins that may also cause skin issues.
Nuts and seeds are also rich in zinc, which not only hastens the body’s healing process but also helps to protect the skin against UV damage from the sun. They’re also high in vitamin E, a popular antioxidant that you’ll often see in skincare products and supplements.
Try: Almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular nutrient in citrus fruits, and one of the most commonly known skin vitamins. Aside from strengthening the immune system, so there’ll be no health issues in the first place, vitamin C is also the key to collagen absorption.
A study also shows that an increase in vitamin C intake may help stop gum bleeding, which is no surprise as it’s long been associated with good gum health.
However, because the acid in citrus fruits may also damage tooth enamel, it may be best to consume citrus fruits in fresh juice form, and with a straw to minimise the direct contact between the acid and the teeth.
Citrus fruits are also rich in some B vitamins, which assist in the production of new and healthy skin cells.
Both vitamins B and C, along with zinc, are beneficial in the treatment and management of mouth sores or ulcers, as shown in a medical publication in AFP Journal. You may visit Luminance Red to find more information about managing skin and mouth sores.
Try: Orange, lemon, kiwi, and grapefruit.
Leafy Greens
Vitamin K is the lesser-known vitamin that supports bone health and protects against risks of excessive bleeding. Among its best sources are leafy green vegetables, which are also rich in potassium and magnesium, two minerals that play a role in regulating nerve function, which is important in skin integrity.
Leafy greens also contain lots of dietary fibre, phosphorus, calcium, and a few B vitamins.
Try: Kale, spinach, collard, parsley, and broccoli.
Berries
Berries are known for their antioxidants, which protect cells against free radicals that speed up skin ageing and collagen breakdown.
They also have high levels of Vitamins C and K, manganese, and dietary fibre, which are all beneficial not just for skin and oral health, but also for overall health.
Try: Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries.
Orange And Yellow Fruits And Veggies
Vitamin A, which you’ll find aplenty in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, is also used in skincare products. It comes in two forms: retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids, also known as the pre-formed vitamin A, mostly come from animal sources like fish and dairy products. Carotenoids are from plants, which are the same plant chemicals that give them a bright yellow or orange colour.
Carotenoids come in several forms, but most of them can be converted into retinoids once they’re inside the body.
Although vitamin A is more popular in eye health, it’s also beneficial in wound healing and contributes to a healthier immune system. It particularly helps to maintain the normal cellular process and keeps mucous membrane linings healthy.
Try: Carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, papaya, and cantaloupe.
The Best Nutrients For Healthier Skin And Mouth
The mouth, or the oral mucosa, is made up of mucous membranes that transition to the outer skin through the lips. While there are few structural differences intrinsically, both the mouth and skin are nourished by mostly the same nutrients.
In summary, here are the best nutrients you should have more in your diet if you want better skin and good oral health:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Calcium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Omega-3 fatty acids
Antioxidants
Dietary fibre
What you always put in your mouth will show on your skin eventually, in one way or another. So, if you want young- and fresh-looking skin for as long as possible, don’t just rely on skincare products.
Constantly nourishing your skin through a healthy diet is the best regimen you can invest in for skincare. Don’t forget to also take lots of water, which is the best, and fortunately, also the cheapest drink you can get for healthy skin.
Conclusion
Nutrients are best taken pre-formed from natural sources. However, if you prefer to take supplements, always check the upper limits to avoid potential toxicity. More importantly, make sure to consult with your doctor first especially if you have health issues or are taking medications.
Do you have a missing tooth? Are you wondering if a missing tooth can be a matter of concern for your overall health? Gum disease or because of an accident or any other reason; missing tooth should be replaced with utmost urgency. In most of the cases, patients avoid going to the dentist after losing one. This practice can lead to oral health problems. There are numerous dental treatments available out there such as dental crowns and dental implants. The cost of each vary basis the severity of the problem.
1. Dumping of Adjacent Tooth
The adjacent tooth overtime tend to dump into the space of the missing tooth due to routine functions. Absence of a tooth also results in the opposing tooth to over-erupt. All these changes results in risking the long-term health of the teeth around the missing tooth.
2. Bone Deterioration
Teeth help you speak and chew. Once you lose a tooth, the bone supporting the tooth tend to lose its purpose over-time.
3. Trouble Speaking and Eating
Bone resorption due to tooth loss begins by affecting the toothless area but eventually spreads to other areas of the jawbone also. This can cause difficulties with eating and digestion of food as the process of digestion starts in the oral cavity. With a missing tooth your digestive system works harder to process what you eat every time. Speech is also affected if the front teeth are missing.
4. Change in Face Contour
Losing teeth combined with the weathering of the jaw can lead to sunken-in cheeks and subtle changes in the shape of the lips and chin overtime. After 15 or 20 years, bone loss progresses at a more rapid rate, leading to lost definition of the jaw, decreased re-support to the lips and cheeks, resulting in a much older looking face. To avoid this acceleration in aging, it’s critical to have some sort of prosthetic tooth procedure as soon as possible.
5. Decreased Self-Esteem
Perhaps the least evident consequences of tooth loss is increased self-consciousness and lack of confidence. More often than not, a missing tooth leads you to smile, talk, and eat less in front of other people, which can have a negative impact on your life.If you’re older and you have a missing tooth, it might not be a big deal for you. But, if you’re young, it does become a matter of concern for your self-esteem and increased self-consciousness. Fortunately, with some sort of prosthetic tooth in place, you can regain your long lost confidence and smiling ability. It may cost you a sum to undergo a dental implant or get a bridge done but nothing compares to the costs of treating infections and jaw resorption. Your prosthetic tooth will calm you in every which way.
Options for Tooth Replacement
If you’re missing one or multiple teeth, there are two options to restore your smile and keep your jaw in shape:
Bridges
Dental bridges literally “bridge” the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth by seeking support from the adjacent natural tooth in your mouth. Dental bridges prevent teeth from moving out of position, improve chewing and your overall speech along with jaw resorption. With proper oral health habits and a few adjustments made by the dentist – a dental bridge can last for 10 to 15 years.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are effectively “Third Dentition” and are a near-perfect solution for avoiding the consequences of a missing tooth or teeth. God gave us Primary First Dentition and Permanent Second Dentition and if you loose both, the most viable solution is to replace it with a Dental Implant. They are permanent and require much less maintenance. While dental bridges need periodic replacement, dental implants are good for the rest of your life. All you have to do is to keep your daily hygiene including brushing and flossing in place.
Dental implant is a long process, but it lasts for a lifetime. First, your implantologist will perform a bone graft if there is deficient bone. A titanium implant is placed in this area and fixed to the jawbone, and allowed to merge with the surrounding bone for a few months. Later, an abutment, or the piece that attaches the crown to the implant, is installed, Finally, a crown is placed on the abutment and your smile is back to normal. These days in certain ideal cases immediate loading of implant can also be done, in which all of the above-mentioned procedures are completed in a week and you can use your new tooth right away.
Dental implants are the best thing that you can do to a missing tooth or teeth. Because they are rooted deeply into the jawbone, they’ll keep your jaw healthy and sturdy for years and years.
When it comes to maintaining dental hygiene, proper teeth cleaning is one of the important things that you’ve been hearing from childhood. Indeed, teeth cleaning is necessarily an important aspect that maintains dental health nicely. Proper teeth cleaning at least twice in a day keeps your teeth away from bacteria, plaque development. You can prevent it from cavity development on the teeth. However, many people take teeth cleaning lightly where they make various mistakes. These mistakes while teeth cleaning lead to various problems like cavities, plaques, bacteria, etc. So, you must avoid certain mistakes about teeth cleaning to get better dental health.
These are some mistakes while a tooth cleaning that causes various dental problems:
1. After brushing, rinsing the mouth
One common mistake that many people do is rinsing the mouth after brushing. When you rinse after brushing the teeth, you wash all the enamel-protecting ingredients and fluoride from the teeth which are there on the toothpaste. Both of them are essential to protect from bacteria and plaque development on the teeth. This might seem difficult for people who are not used to it, still, you must do it to get better dental health.
2. Brushing for a shorter duration
People nowadays are having a very busy lifestyle where they compromise on brushing. These people brush for a shorter duration which is of very less benefit for the teeth. Ideally, you must brush your teeth for at least 5 minutes duration from all the areas of the teeth. It can help to remove bacteria and plaque. It will give a nice refreshment on top of it.
3. Using improper toothpaste.
Amidst many of the brands providing a variety of toothpaste, it becomes difficult to make choices for proper toothpaste. There is no single best toothpaste that can be reliable.
However, you must surely check the fluoride contained in the toothpaste. Fluoride is very beneficial for controlling bacteria & plaque development. It also helps to whiten the teeth, along with giving better refreshment in the mouth.
4. Irregular time of brushing.
Some people have improper timing of brushing the teeth that leads to bad dental health. Ideally, most experts recommend brushing the teeth at least twice a day, you can even brush three or four times a day. Usually, three or four times must be done when you have food that is acidic in nature. Brushing at night before going to sleep is considered to be the most important time of brushing where you remove the bacteria and other germs from the teeth.
5. Brushing very hard.
Hard brushing does not remove the bacteria and germs at one go. It will only cause damage to the gums and wearing of the teeth. You must brush the teeth gently with a little pressure. Also, make a proper angle for the brush to reach each tooth and every part of the teeth.
6. Improper toothbrush use
Make sure that while brushing the teeth you use a proper toothbrush. Some toothbrushes will give poor results that are with large bristles, hard bristles, the plain surface of the brush, etc. So, you must have a toothbrush that has small bristles, soft bristles, a zig-zag surface to reach between gaps, etc. They can give better dental health results
7. Hanging toothbrush after a few months
Do not use the toothbrush for more than four months. As the toothbrush gets older, the shape of its bristles changes making it difficult to brush properly. Also, it becomes duller to brush in the proper way. So, get a new toothbrush for getting better dental health.
So, these are some of the mistakes that some people make while brushing their teeth that lead to bad dental health. If you are brushing regularly make sure that you do not make these mistakes to achieve nice dental health.
Mouth ulcers or canker sores can be extremely painful and they usually appear as a crater sore (a sore that appears to have a hole in the centre). While generally these ulcers don’t require any treatment to resolve they can be extremely painful and could indicate something about your mouth as a habitat for bacteria.
What causes mouth ulcers?
There are many factors that can contribute to the creation of ulcers. Usually it will begin by you accidentally biting part of your cheek, tongue or somehow getting an abrasion on your gums. If an ulcer then begins it can indicate a number of things including:
You’ve been eating acidic or spicy foods (and possibly too much)
You may have traumatised the gum with something sharp or abrasive, such as the corner of a piece of toast
A vitamin deficiency (such as B-12, zinc, folate or iron)
Hormone imbalances
You’re stressed
You may have an autoimmune disorder although this is much rarer
Braces also put you at a higher risk of cutting your mouth which can mean you get more mouth sores than other people. The best way to prevent this is to rub orthodontic wax on the sharp parts of your braces whilst your mouth gets used to them.
Problems due to Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can make general dental hygiene duties painful, which can then increase your risk of a bacterial infection in the area. Even if it’s painful to brush and floss it’s important that you still do this thoroughly to reduce the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth. This will also improve your overall dental health.
Gum disease is a risk
Chronic mouth ulcers can also be a symptom of gum disease if this symptom is also met with sensitive gums and possibly bleeding gums. This is an extremely serious condition which your dentist will need to diagnose and manage as soon as possible.
If you suffer from chronic ulcers or other dental pain consult a professional.
Tooth and gum problems can be painful, inconvenient, and sometimes costly to treat. Awareness of these issues and their causes is an essential step in preventing them. Here is a list of the most common dental problems and how they can be avoided:
Bad Breath
Bad breath (or halitosis) is a condition in which a person’s breath has an unpleasant smell. It is caused by several factors, but the most prevalent are the following: odour-causing foods, poor dental hygiene, oral infections, or dryness of the mouth. Bad breath can often be resolved by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove bacteria. Brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper is also helpful.
In some cases, an underlying illness can be associated with bad breath:
A fishy odour might be a sign of kidney disease.
A fruity smell can be associated with diabetes.
A rotten egg-like odour can be a sign of liver disease.
Here are some ways to prevent bad breath:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Clean all corners of your mouth, including hard-to-reach areas like the back of the tongue.
Floss at least once a day to remove tiny food particles stuck between teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental problems worldwide. According to the Canadian Dental Association, about 60 to 90 percent of school-aged children and close to 100 percent of adults have tooth decay. This condition occurs when plaque forms on teeth and produces acids that eat away at the enamel. If not removed, plaque can result in the formation of cavities (dental caries) in the teeth.
Tooth decay is mainly caused by:
Failure to brush regularly
Excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages
Smoking
Dry mouth
Lack of fluoride
With regular basic oral hygiene, tooth decay can be prevented. Use a toothpaste or mouth rinse containing fluoride, as this mineral helps build teeth’s resistance to decay by hardening the enamel. When a tooth has already been damaged by plaque, a dental filling may be required to stop the decay from affecting other teeth. Other treatment options include fitting a crown to replace the damaged part of the tooth or root canal to remove the infected pulp.
Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can be mild (e.g. irritation after biting one’s cheek) or more serious (when caused by an underlying illness). Common mouth sores include canker and cold sores, which can appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or lips.
Non-contagious canker sores may result from a number of factors, including:
Hormonal changes
Stress
Weakening of the immune system
Lack of vitamins (like iron or B12)
Preventive measures to keep mouth sores at bay depend on the type of sore. To avoid those that result from biting the inner cheek, chew food carefully and slowly. Exercise care when eating hot foods to lessen the likelihood of burn-related sores.
Cold sores are contagious, but over-the-counter creams and gels are helpful in treating pain or discomfort; prescription medications may be necessary to aid in staving off an outbreak. For canker sores, try dabbing the affected area with a paste of baking soda and water. (Always consult your doctor for appropriate treatment if a mouth sore is accompanied by fever, or if you experience drooling or difficulty chewing or swallowing.)
Tooth Sensitivity
The nerves of teeth are covered by a microscopic layer called dentin, which can become exposed due to a number of factors: gum disease, receding gums, age, brushing too hard, and teeth-whitening products. This exposure can cause irritation and pain when eating food and beverages that are hot, cold, acidic, or sugary. Teeth exposed to cold air can also lead to sensitivity. Some people with sensitive teeth may feel discomfort when brushing and flossing.
Brushing properly using a soft-bristled brush, flossing at least once a day, and cutting back on acidic food and drinks are some steps to avoid tooth sensitivity. For people who are already experiencing this problem, a dental checkup is advised to determine the cause of the sensitivity and the appropriate treatment.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease occurs when gums are infected by plaque. Two types of gum disease are:
Gingivitis – Milder and reversible, gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
Periodontitis – A more advanced stage of gum disease, periodontitis is caused by plaque that spreads beyond the gum line. Gums can deteriorate and bones supporting the teeth may get brittle. If left untreated, tooth loss can occur.
Proper oral care like regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria is crucial in the prevention of gum disease. Patients diagnosed with certain health conditions (like diabetes) are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and should talk to their dentist for proper preventive care.
Toothache
Inflammation of the tissues within the tooth (called the pulp), emerging wisdom teeth, or gum infections can lead to a toothache. Biting your nails or chewing food that is too hard (like popcorn kernels or candy) may cause cracks in the teeth (or break a tooth entirely), causing discomfort. Never use your teeth to hold objects or open a bottle; these behaviours could result in small cracks that can eventually lead to bigger, more painful ones. If you experience a cracked tooth, see your dentist. He or she will determine the proper treatment, depending on how severe the damage is and which tooth is affected.
