Have you always looked for a super healthy way to get white healthy teeth?

Well you don't have to look further than your tooth let sink

In this post, you will learn one secret ingredient in your search for strong healthy white teeth you might have been ignoring all these years.

Most people feed on certain foods termed as "Junk food" 

These foods do real damage to your pearly whites not just because of cavity-causing bacteria starts feasting on the carbohydrates in these foods but because they lack a counter-measure nutrient that nutralizes these bacteria

This one NUTRIENT alone will double your teeth health and protect you from tooth decay.

What is this open secret?

The nutrient is the Super hero Nutrient called

FLUORIDE

So what does fluoride actually do?

When these fluoride compounds are in your mouth, they can actually make your teeth stronger and prevent cavities. They can even reverse early tooth decay. 

To begin, let’s look at what fluoride is working so hard to protect – your teeth.

Tooth enamel is the outer covering of your teeth. It’s stronger than bone and made from calcium and phosphate. Your spit, or saliva, is also loaded with calcium and phosphate and bathes the teeth to keep them strong. 

When you eat things like candy, crackers or noodles, cavity-causing bacteria starts feasting on the carbohydrates in these foods.

This produces acids that attack your enamel. It causes calcium and phosphate to be stripped from the tooth enamel, leaving you more vulnerable to decay and cavities.

However, saliva disrupts the attack as it coats your teeth and adds back calcium and phosphate to  replace what had been stripped away. 

Now, here’s where fluoride is the superhero. When your saliva has fluoride in it from sources like toothpaste or water, your teeth are able to take it in. Once in your enamel, fluoride teams up with calcium and phosphate there to create the most powerful defense system your teeth can have to prevent cavities from forming: fluoroapatite. It’s much stronger, more resistant to decay and fights to protect your teeth. 

How Can YOU Get Fluoride On Your Side?

There are many ways to get fluoride fighting for you. Fluoride is found in community water systems. (Find out if your water supply contains fluoride.) It is also found in some mouth rinses, and your dentist can apply it to your teeth in the dental office. 

On the home front, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that has the NAFDAC seal. This means that it has been tested and shown to contain the right amount of fluoride to protect your teeth.  And be sure to drink water with fluoride. Be aware that not all bottled waters, for example, contain fluoride.

Want to learn more? Send us an email and we will get right back to you

If you have ever experienced sharp pain in your mouth while eating or drinking hot drinks, especially if you're a teenager, you should read this...

In this precise article, you're going to learn how to :

1. Differentiate between the three major ulcer types and their causative agents

2. Prevention of these types of Ulcers

3. The one type of ulcer to aviod getting at all costs

My mouth burns! 

These were the words that came out from Tunde's mouth with a slurry voice you had to concentrate carefully in order to hear him

He repeated the same words again, with spit drooling from the corners of his mouth

After taking him inside the consultation cubicle, he writes what he feels and answers questions via the pen so he doesn't drool everywhere

See Tunde had a couple of lesions on his tongue and the sides of his mouth which made talking, eating, even drinking of hot water an annoying chore and experience.

These lesions (small injuries in the mouth) had appeared over night and were a torn in his flesh 

After the checkup, the solution was easy to come about as his wasn't as a result of a disease

So what are these lesions?

They are basically mouth ulcers.

Many people suffer from recurrent ulcers in the mouth.

These can be extremely painful. The most common form is called minor aphthous ulceration (MIAU). 

Teenagers are most frequently affected, though many experience their first lesions well outside this age range.

Usually one to five small ulcers appear (less than 1mm in diameter) on the inside of lips or cheeks, floor of the mouth or tongue. The ulcers tend to be concentrated towards the front of the mouth. Prior to the ulcers appearing, you may experience a burning or prickling sensation.

The ulcers are painful, particularly if the tongue is involved and may make speaking and eating difficult. 

The course of these ulcers varies from a few days to a little over two weeks, but most commonly they last for about 10 days.

Some minor trauma such as vigorous toothbrushing or an irregular filling can be precipitating factors.

Mouth ulcers can also be precipitated by stress, illness, hormonal changes, menstruation and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid. 

Other more serious causes of mouth ulcers include herpes infection, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and immune disorders. A more severe form of oral ulceration, called Major Aphthous Ulceration (MJAU) can affect any part of the oral mucosa, including the soft palate and the tonsillor area, and can extend into the oropharynx. The ulcers are larger than those seen in MIAU and last longer, up to periods of months in some cases.

There are other forms of oral ulceration, where, for example, the ulceration may be part of a syndrome involving ulceration of the eyes, genitalia, the nervous system and joints. Because the cause of these ulcers is not known prevention is difficult.

It is important to seek the advice of a dentist who may decide to refer the more severe cases to a specialist in oral medicine for more thorough investigation.

Maintenance of a high level of oral hygiene will reduce the likelihood of secondary infection when ulcers are present; this of course can prove difficult since patients may find toothbrushing too painful.

Covering agents, some containing choline salicylate, are also available though they can be difficult to apply. They also may be difficult to keep in place, for example inside the lips and on the tongue due to constant movement. 

Use of antiseptics, for example chlorhexdine mouthwash, are reported to be helpful by some patients.

Topical steroids can also provide relief. In some females there is complete remission from aphthous ulcers during pregnancy. Hence hormonal therapy has been tried with varied success. Local anaesthetic lozenges have been used as a last resort to give the patient some relief for example, when eating.

So if in doubt which of the above ulcers you suffer from, get in touch with your dentist immediately for assistance.

While you know that too much acidic foods and sugary sweets can ruin your Teeth, the tips are acidic to gum disease!

1). A Better Way to Add Flavor

Ginger root is considered a healing herb. With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger promotes healthy tissue in your mouth.

2). Keep More Than the Doctor Away

Eating an apple can take a while. And that’s a good thing for your mouth. The munching action spurs a cleansing action that shakes up the plaque that clings to gums and teeth. Stock up on apples, but be sure to rinse your mouth afterward. Even healthy foods like apples can expose your mouth to acids.

3). Got Milk in Your Diet?

Milk, and other dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt are not only packed with bone-fortifying calcium, but also with the protein casein. In addition, drinking milk can neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria.

No milk around? Eat a piece of cheese instead.

4). Load Up on Leafy Greens

It’s no secret that salad greens pack an all-around healthy punch, but they’re also especially successful at keeping mouths clean because they’re fiber-packed, meaning they require serious chewing to break down. The extra saliva produced by chewing neutralizes mouth bacteria. High-fiber, stringy foods like raw spinach, celery and even cooked beans offer this benefit.

5). Zap Bacteria, Layer by Layer

The raw onion is a potent bacteria-fighting food. Yes, bad breath is the enemy. But that's why sugarless gum and mouthwash were created. Onions have an antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria. Sliver them and toss the strips in your salad, on your sandwich and burger or in soups and stews.

Now go conquer! 

There is a silent monster that causes significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety...

It affects an estimated 25 percent of people and 1 in 4 persons globally...

Also known as halitosis, bad breath has a number of possible causes, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene

Potential causes of bad breath include:

Tobacco: Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor, they also increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath

Food: The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors. Foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath

Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, such as xerostomia, odors can build up

Dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor.

Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis. This is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma

Drugs: Certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath,  Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath

Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: Sometimes, small, bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat and produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause halitosis

Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity, especially in children

Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce

Oral hygiene is the key to most bad breath issues

Other lifestyle changes and home remedies for bad breath include:

Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal

Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth

Clean dentures: Anything that goes into your mouth, including dentures, a bridge, or a mouth guard, should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis. Cleaning prevents the bacteria from building up and being transferred back into the mouth

Changing toothbrush every 2 to 3 months is also important for similar reasons

Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful

Avoid dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva

Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue

If breath odor persists despite controlling these factors, it is recommended that an individual visits a doctor for further tests to rule out other conditions

Arrghh

Your face folds with the sharp pain you feel in your tooth

Taking another, thinking it was not going to happen again 

It does, that same sharp pain in your teeth

If you ever felt pain or discomfort after a bite of ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup

Then that could be a sign of tooth sensitivity although it sometimes can be a sign of cavity but most times not.

It's common amgost people who have a discomfort to either cold or hot food temperatures

Symptoms of sensitive teeth

People with sensitive teeth may experience pain or discomfort as a response to certain triggers. You may feel this pain at the roots of the affected teeth. The most common triggers include:

• hot foods and beverages
• cold foods and beverages
• cold air
• sweet foods and beverages
• acidic foods and beverages
• cold water, especially during routine dental cleanings
• brushing or flossing teeth
• alcohol-based mouth rinses

Tooth sensitivity may be temporary or a chronic problem, and it can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in a single individual. It can have a number of different causes, but most cases of sensitive teeth are easily treated with a change in your oral hygiene schedule.

Your symptoms may come and go over time for no obvious reason. They may range from mild to intense.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Some people naturally have more sensitive teeth than others due to having thinner enamel. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects it. In many cases, the tooth’s enamel can be worn down from:

• brushing your teeth too hard
• using a hard toothbrush
• grinding your teeth at night
• regularly eating or drinking acidic food's and beverages.

So how do you treat such a painful situation ?

Well...

If your tooth sensitivity is mild, you can try over-the-counter dental treatments.

Choose toothpaste that’s labeled as being specifically made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes won’t have any irritating ingredients, and may have desensitizing ingredients that help block the discomfort from traveling to the nerve of the tooth.

When it comes to mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free mouth rinse, as it will be less irritating to sensitive teeth.

Using softer toothbrushes and brushing more gently can also help. Soft toothbrushes will be labeled as such.

It typically takes several applications for these remedies to work. You should see an improvement within a week.

One misconception people generally have is that brushing your teeth alone is the only way to having sparkling white teeth

So they go about stuffing themselves with chocolates and other teeth staining foods because "they have a whitening toothpaste" in their toilets cupboards

Well that's far from the truth 

Infact, there is another way you can get and maintain healthy teeth, before and after you either brush or whiten your teeth at the dentist's clinic

How?

Keep up with me!

One day, a man sent a DM (direct message) to our clinic's Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/idealdentals/ and complained of having brown teeth 2 weeks after he visited a beauty clinic to whiten his teeth.

He was bitter about the incident and asked what we could do to remedy his issue

First question I asked was :

What is your diet like ?

2 minutes after typing, what he explained his daily diet was, gave him the answers he needed but didn't know until...

It was all explained to him

So what did he do different that made his teeth so bad even after going for whitening treatment?

You see..

Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens even young adults are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. 

When bacteria come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced that attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. Almost all foods, including milk and vegetables, contain some type of sugar; however; they are a necessary part of a healthy diet because many of them also contain important nutrients. 

To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Added sugars often are present in soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. This may contribute to periodontal disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not cause periodontal disease directly, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and can be more severe in people with nutrient-poor diets.

To maintain a balanced diet, eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups and limit the number of snacks you eat. If you do snack, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit. And remember that foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm because the saliva released helps wash foods from the mouth and lessen the effects of acids.

You see his choice of diet was limiting him, too much processed carbs and sugars

This was eaten daily in various forms which didn't do him any favours.

It's best to stick to healthier whole cooked meals and reduce or aviod teeth staining foods 1-2 weeks after going for a teeth whitening treatment.

As a rule of thumb, any food that can stain your white visibly should be avoided (oily foods especially red oil)

For drinks, using a straw will help massively in reducing contact with food stains and your white teeth.

If you will like to learn more about teeth whitening, contact us via https://www.idealdentalfoundation.org/contact

5 Stages of Teething In Children

Teething happens in 5 stages, lasts a significant amount of time, and can be very tough for both parents and infants to endure. Understanding what to expect during this difficult time, however, can help parents ease the discomfort of their baby as well as navigate their way successfully into toddlerhood.

The 5 stages of teething include:

Stage 1: (0-6 months) At birth, babies have a full set of 20 primary teeth in the jawbones beneath their gums. These are frequently referred to as “milk teeth,” because during this stage a baby’s diet usually consists of milk only.

Stage 2: (6-8 months) During this stage, the first teeth emerge. The lower and upper front teeth, the incisors, begin to erupt around 6 months, but signs and symptoms of pain or discomfort may become evident before 6 months. Prior to eruption, the uneven edges of the teeth may push against the gums, and the baby will typically start chewing on toys, hands, or other solid objects. Putting pressure on the gums alleviates pain and provides a distraction for babies, so make sure to give them appropriate chew items to ease their discomfort. There will likely be an obvious increase in drool during this times period, so keeping a small bib on the baby can make it easier to keep his/her chin dry. This will help keep a rash from forming around the baby’s mouth and chin, which can add to the discomfort.

Stage 3: (10-14 months) During this stage, the primary molars begin erupting. These teeth come in the back of the mouth in the lower and upper jaws. This stage is much like stage 2, but parents will notice an even more evident increase in drool, crankiness, and the need to chew on solid objects. During this time period, it is also common for babies to experience a bit of a loss of appetite, fever, and diarrhea. During stage 3, a baby’s sleep schedule may become more sporadic or get “off.” Unfortunately, it is typical for both babies and parents to lose sleep at night during this period of teething. If a baby’s pain seems to become overly severe or the baby seems to experience inordinate discomfort, consult the pediatrician for advised over-the-counter pain remedies.

Stage 4: (16-22 months) During this stage, the canine teeth (between the top and bottom molars and incisors) will surface. The same recommendations for stage 2 and 3 can be implemented during this period to keep the baby as comfortable as possible.

Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective. Try different methods to soothe the toddler until something helps. Many parents find it beneficial to give the toddler a hard vegetable to chew on, and this is also healthy. If implementing this method, make sure to keep a close eye on the child at all times to make sure he/she does not choke!

Helpful Hints For Soothing A Teething Baby

Some helpful hints for soothing a baby’s sensitive and sore gums include:

• Massaging a baby’s gums with a clean finger, damp washcloth, or clean dampened gauze pad. Providing this pressure to the gums can alleviate the baby’s pain.
• Providing a teething ring made of hard rubber. The liquid filled kind can break as the baby chews.
• Filling a bottle with water and allowing the baby to suck. Do not fill a bottle with milk or juice specifically to sooth teething. Extended contact with sugary liquids leads to tooth decay.
• Chilling a washcloth or teething ring for a baby to then chew on can also be very soothing. Do not freeze these items, however. Contact with objects that are too cold can cause harm to the gums and teeth.
• Giving the baby hard foods that are safe to chew on, if the baby is old enough to eat solid foods as part of his/her diet. Solid vegetables like a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot can be helpful, but watch the baby closely, as pieces may break off and potentially become choking hazards.
• Drying the drool to keep the skin from becoming too irritated or a rash from forming. Keeping a clean dry bib or cloth under the baby’s chin can be helpful.
• Giving the baby over-the-counter remedies may alleviate pain as well. Before giving the baby any medicines, however, ask the pediatrician what is safe and appropriate for the child.

Imagine going to a family & friends event

Walking around you meet your Big Aunt who invited you

Greetings and more greetings flowed

You ask to be an usher because you dresssd well for the event

But before you continue talking,

You noitce your aunt looking disgusted by you 

What happened? You wonder

Trying to ask again, she starts moving backwards facing you still with that look

You move on to another relative

The same look

And another relative

The same look

Now an old friend

Same look of disgust

What's going on you ask yourself?

Well it has to do with your stinky breath and decaying teeth  your younger sister whispers in your left ear

Such situations shouldn't be in the first place and we will show you one method how to 

"Brush effectively so you don't get gum disease and stinky breath"

Ready?

Come along for the ride...

During our recent outreach to 1st Graders in International Community School Abuja, we taught them on Dental Education with a focus on the primary activity with affects our dental health

"Brushing Your Teeth"

One might think that knowing how to brush should be for children alone but that's far from the truth.

Many cases we have recorded would have been prevented if the basics of brushing was learned early and stuck to.

Hence why you as an Adult need this open secret you haven't learnt 

Dr. Zara made the children understand this and Dr. Judith gave a live example of how this is done with the kids 

This same secret is what you're going to learn today.

So how do you brush your mouth effectively to avoid gum disease, stinky breath and family running away from you?

The proper brushing technique is to:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

Following these four simple steps will get you on your way to a shiny health teeth, however for a healthy mouth and smile, we recommends you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

• Make sure to use a NAFDAC approved fluoride toothpaste.

If you have any questions and enquires, contact our foundation via this link below 

=> https://www.idealdentalfoundation.org/contact

If you have tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, black or white staining on your teeth

You are going to have a tooth cavity or already even have it...

But you don't know yet.

Even if you you brush your teeth regularly

If you schuffle read till the end of this fast article, you will learn

•  How to treat early stage detected cavity using one simple open secret everyone is talking about
• You will also learn different methods you can apply to get your cavities fixed ASAP!
• Finally you will learn prevention tips to block the rut and fill up the whole dental expenses that are digging deep in your wallet.

Now imagine paying for more vacations and outings just because you learnt these three little things

I bet your imagination is going wild right now

We'll hold your horses...

Let's get into the teeth of things lol

You may never know you have a cavity even as you're reading this article right now

This is because many cavities don’t cause pain in the beginning, it can be hard to realize that a problem exists. 

Just Imagine that!

So what's a cavity?

A cavity, also called tooth decay, is a hole that forms in your tooth. Cavities start small and gradually become bigger when they’re left untreated

Anyone with teeth can develop cavities, including babies.

Finding out that you have a cavity might come as a surprise. This is especially true if you think you have a good oral hygiene routine. 

However, even if your dentist delivers this news, there are ways to treat a cavity and prevent new ones from forming.

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. After eating or drinking foods with sugar, bacteria in your mouth turn sugar into acid. 

Plaque starts forming on your teeth soon after eating or drinking anything sugary.

Tooth cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky substance that binds to teeth. Plaque is a combination of:

• bacteria
• saliva
• acid
• food particles

So what do you do when your dentist or you discovers a cavity on time or during a routine check up?

Simple!

Use a fluoride treatment which may help restore your tooth enamel and prevent further decay.

There are different treatments and these depend on severity of the case

You can have dental treatments such as: 

Tooth fillings

Your dentist uses a drill and removes decayed material from a tooth. Your dentist then fills your tooth with a substance, such as silver, gold, or composite resin.

Crowns

For more severe decay, your dentist may place a custom-fit cap over your tooth to replace its natural crown. Your dentist will remove decayed tooth material before starting this procedure.

Root canal

When tooth decay causes the death of your nerves, your dentist will perform a root canal to save your tooth. They remove the nerve tissue, blood vessel tissues, and any decayed areas of your tooth. Your dentist then checks for infections and applies medication to the roots as needed. Finally, they fill the tooth, and they might even place a crown on it.

Dealing with pain

Cavities and tooth decay can be the cause of a lot of pain and discomfort. You may want to find ways to soot the irritation temporarily while you wait for your dentist appointment

• Keep up your oral hygiene routine : Continue to brush and clean all parts of your mouth, including any sensitive areas.
• Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers : Check with your doctor if you can use OTC anesthetics.
• Watch what you eat : Stay away from extremely hot or cold foods when eating or drinking.

You may cause damage to your tooth that can’t be reversed if you put off seeing a dentist. At this point, the only way to fix the cavity is for your dentist to remove the tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge.

Preventing tooth cavities

Tooth cavities are a common dental problem, but you can reduce your risk by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth at least twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once daily.
• Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods, like sweets, candy, juice, soda, and refined carbohydrates.
• Limit snacking between meals.
• Consider getting dental sealants on your teeth.

The following foods can help fight tooth decay:

• fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• calcium-rich foods
• xylitol sugarless chewing gum
• unsweetened black or green tea
• water with fluoride

Also, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice per year for regular teeth cleanings. This allows you to get treatment for any problems your dentist finds, and it will help prevent future dental problems.