Category:

Dental Care

how to get rid of bruises with toothpaste

7 Surprising Uses for Toothpaste – Get More Out of Your Everyday Dental Staple!

by Healthlinear February 21, 2023

written by Healthlinear

At healthlinear, we're always looking for new ways to help our viewers take care of their teeth. However, we believe that toothpaste has much more to offer than just keeping your teeth clean and healthy. In this article, we'll show you how to use toothpaste in seven surprising ways that you probably never thought of before. Whether you need to remove scratches from your phone screen or soothe insect bites, toothpaste can help you solve all sorts of everyday problems. So, let's dive in and discover the versatility of this common household item!

graph LR A[Toothpaste] -- remove scratches --> B[Phone Screen] A -- clean jewelry --> C[Jewelry] A -- remove stains --> D[Clothing] A -- remove bad smells --> E[Hands] A -- clean shoes --> F[Shoes] A -- clean car headlights --> G[Car Headlights] A -- soothe insect bites --> H[Insect Bites]

1- Remove Scratches from Your Phone Screen

If you've ever dropped your phone, you know how annoying it can be to have scratches on your screen. Luckily, toothpaste can help you get rid of those pesky marks. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratch and rub it in with a soft cloth. The toothpaste will fill in the scratch and make it less noticeable. However, be careful not to use this trick on glass screens, as it could cause more harm than good.

2- Clean Your Jewelry

Do you have a pile of dirty jewelry that needs cleaning? Toothpaste is the perfect solution. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub your jewelry. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. Toothpaste works particularly well on silver and gold jewelry, but be sure to avoid using it on any pearls or other soft gemstones.

3- Remove Stains from Clothing

Got a stubborn stain on your favorite shirt? Toothpaste can come to the rescue! Apply toothpaste directly to the stain and rub it in gently with your fingers. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the clothing as usual. The stain should be gone in no time.

4- Remove Bad Smells from Your Hands

Are you dealing with a smell that just won't go away? Toothpaste can help neutralize the odor. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on your hands, and then rinse with water. The toothpaste will leave your hands smelling fresh and clean.

5- Clean Your Shoes

Have your shoes seen better days? Toothpaste can help you bring them back to life. Apply toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub your shoes. The toothpaste will remove dirt and scuff marks, leaving your shoes looking like new.

6- Clean Your Car Headlights

Over time, your car's headlights can become cloudy and dull. Toothpaste can help restore them to their former glory. Apply toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it onto your headlights in a circular motion. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.

7- Soothe Insect Bites

Did you get bitten by a pesky bug? Toothpaste can help you ease the itching and swelling. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the bite and let it sit for a few minutes. The toothpaste will help reduce inflammation and make the bite less itchy.

In conclusion, toothpaste is an incredibly versatile item that you can use for more than just brushing your teeth. From cleaning your jewelry to removing stains from your clothes, toothpaste is a powerful tool in your household arsenal

February 21, 2023 0 comment

How to Reverse Gingivitis: Tips and Strategies for Healthier Gums

by Healthlinear February 18, 2023

written by Healthlinear

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that affects many people worldwide. It is an early stage of gum disease that causes inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more severe gum disease and tooth loss. However, there are steps you can take to reverse gingivitis and restore your gum health. In this article, we will explore tips and strategies on how to reverse gingivitis and achieve healthier gums.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, especially along the gum line. When plaque is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar buildup can cause the gums to become inflamed, leading to gingivitis.

Plaque and tartar buildup are not the only causes of gingivitis. Other factors that can contribute to gingivitis include:

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make the gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
Diabetes can make people more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.
Medications, such as steroids, anti-seizure drugs, and some types of blood pressure medications, can affect oral health.
Smoking and tobacco use can make it harder for the gums to heal.
Illnesses that affect the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can make the gums more susceptible to infections.
Poor nutrition, can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight infections, including gum disease.
Poorly fitting dental restorations, such as bridges and dentures, can create areas where plaque and bacteria can accumulate and cause gum inflammation.

It is important to note that while these factors can contribute to the development of gingivitis, the primary cause is almost always poor oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing regularly, and getting regular dental checkups and cleanings, most cases of gingivitis can be prevented or reversed.

Tips for Reversing Gingivitis

Brushing your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth twice a day is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing gingivitis. Here are some ways that brushing your teeth can help prevent and reverse gingivitis:

Removes plaque and bacteria: Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and gums throughout the day and can cause inflammation and irritation in the gums. By removing plaque regularly, you can prevent it from hardening into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and can lead to gum disease.
Stimulates circulation in the gums: Brushing your teeth twice a day also helps to stimulate circulation in the gums, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation. When you brush your teeth, you are also gently massaging your gums, which can help to improve blood flow to the area and bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
Strengthens tooth enamel: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can also help to strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to protect teeth from decay and can also help to reverse early stages of tooth decay.
Freshens breath: Brushing your teeth twice a day can also help to freshen your breath and prevent bad breath. By removing food particles and bacteria from your mouth, you can eliminate the source of bad odors and leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
Helps to prevent other oral health problems: Regular brushing can also help to prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can protect your teeth and gums from a wide range of problems and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Overall, brushing your teeth twice a day is a simple and effective way to prevent and reverse gingivitis, as well as other oral health problems. By making brushing a part of your daily routine, you can enjoy the many benefits of good oral hygiene and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Floss Daily

The most effective way to reverse gingivitis is by practicing good oral hygiene. This means flossing your teeth at least once a day. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from teeth and gums, which is essential for preventing and reversing gingivitis.

Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse

Using a fluoride mouth rinse is another way to help prevent and reverse gingivitis. Here are some of the ways that a fluoride mouth rinse can benefit your oral health:

Helps to strengthen tooth enamel: Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay and erosion. Using a fluoride mouth rinse after brushing and flossing can help to provide an extra layer of protection for your teeth, reducing your risk of developing cavities and other oral health problems.
Reduces inflammation and irritation: Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the gums. Using a fluoride mouth rinse can help to reduce this inflammation and irritation, making it easier for the gums to heal and reducing your risk of developing more serious gum disease.
Kills bacteria: Fluoride mouth rinses also contain antibacterial agents that can help to kill the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease. By reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth, you can prevent plaque from building up and causing inflammation in the gums.
Freshens breath: Fluoride mouth rinses can also help to freshen your breath, reducing the number of bacteria that can cause bad odors in the mouth.

It's important to note that while fluoride mouth rinses can be beneficial for your oral health, they should be used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental checkups and cleanings. Fluoride mouth rinses should also be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, as overuse can lead to tooth staining and other oral health problems.

In summary, using a fluoride mouth rinse can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially if you are at risk of developing gingivitis or other oral health problems. By providing an extra layer of protection for your teeth and gums, fluoride mouth rinses can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill the bacteria in your mouth that causes gingivitis. Look for a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine, which is an effective antimicrobial agent. Use the mouthwash as directed, and make sure to swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Beverages

Avoiding sugary foods and beverages is another important step in preventing and reversing gingivitis. Here's why:

Sugar feeds bacteria: When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums. This can lead to the development of plaque and gingivitis, as well as other oral health problems.
Promotes plaque formation: Sugary foods and beverages can also promote the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and debris that forms on the teeth and gums. Plaque can irritate the gums and cause inflammation, which is a hallmark of gingivitis.
Increases risk of tooth decay: Consuming sugary foods and drinks can also increase your risk of developing tooth decay. The acids produced by bacteria can erode tooth enamel and create cavities, which can lead to more serious oral health problems if left untreated.
Reduces overall oral health: Consuming sugary foods and drinks can also reduce overall oral health, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and other health problems. This can lead to a wide range of oral health problems, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss.

To avoid sugary foods and beverages, try to choose healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When you do consume sugary foods and drinks, try to do so in moderation and follow up with a glass of water to help rinse away the sugar and acids.

By avoiding sugary foods and beverages, you can reduce your risk of developing gingivitis and other oral health problems, while also improving your overall health and well-being. So, the next time you're tempted by a sugary treat, think twice and choose a healthier option instead. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it!

A healthy diet can help to prevent and reverse gingivitis. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Instead, eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, which can help to strengthen your teeth and gums.

Get Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing and reversing gingivitis. A dental professional can remove plaque and tartar buildup that you may have missed with your daily oral hygiene routine. It is recommended to get a dental cleaning every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Try a Gum Paste or Spray

There are several gum pastes and sprays on the market that claim to help reverse gingivitis. Look for products that contain ingredients like fluoride, triclosan, or hydrogen peroxide, which can help to kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Follow the directions on the product label, and be sure to use the product as directed.

Strategies for Reversing Gingivitis

Massage Your Gums

Massaging your gums can help to improve blood flow to your gums and reduce inflammation. Use your fingertips to gently massage your gums in a circular motion for about one minute.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your gums and can help to prevent further irritation. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can make gingivitis worse and make it harder to reverse. Quitting smoking can help to improve your overall oral health and reduce your risk of gum disease.

Manage Stress

Stress can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infections, including gingivitis. Find ways to manage your stress, such as meditation, yoga, or exercise.

Conclusion

Gingivitis is a common and treatable gum disease that can lead to more severe gum disease and tooth loss if left untreated. Practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing and reversing gingivitis. Additionally, using an antibacterial mouthwash, trying a gum paste or spray, massaging your gums, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, quitting smoking, and managing stress can also help to reverse gingivitis and improve your overall oral health.

By following these tips and strategies, you can reverse gingivitis and achieve healthier gums. If you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, it is essential to see a dental professional as soon as possible. They can provide you with a comprehensive oral health evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan to reverse your gingivitis.

References:

"Gingivitis - Symptoms and Causes." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 23 June 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453.

"Gingivitis - Diagnosis and Treatment." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 23 June 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354459.

"Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment." Colgate Oral Care Center, Colgate-Palmolive Company, 2019, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/gingivitis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment.

"Gingivitis Treatment and Prevention." American Dental Association, American Dental Association, 22 Feb. 2018, www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/gingivitis-treatment-and-prevention.

"Oral Health Topics A-Z." American Dental Association, American Dental Association, 2022, www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics.

February 18, 2023 0 comment

1- What to eat after wisdom teeth removal

Dental Care

Extraction Wisdom: A 5 Day Guide to What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

by Sadaf Shamsi January 22, 2022

written by Sadaf Shamsi

"What to eat after wisdom teeth removal" is a frequently asked question by our readers. So we decide to cover this topic in a professional way.

Wisdom teeth don’t cause trouble for everyone. However, wisdom teeth can often cause tremendous amounts of pain and added dental complications. Roughly 85 percent of adults have had at least one of their wisdom teeth removed at one point or another in their lifetime.

Usually, dentists will recommend extraction if you are feeling discomfort or as a precautionary measure if your mouth has no room left for more teeth to come in causing potential alignment issues. If your wisdom tooth or any other impacted teeth are surgically removed, you should follow the post-operative care instructions given to you by your dentist.

Oral surgery is not something you should take lightly as it is a rather serious issue. You should ask your orthodontist for specific guidelines about how you should care for the incision site. You should get clear instructions on things you should and should not do.

Failure to follow these instructions can complicate and exacerbate the issue, like causing a painful infection. One of the aspects you need to be careful about after extraction is what you eat.

For Dental Health Care, We Recommend

DENTITOX PRO

Dentitox Pro is a Well-known Product by a Herbalist Marc Hall. With some great ingredients like Xylitol, Licorice, Elderberry, etc., this product is getting very positive results. We strongly recommend using it once.

Read More About it

In this article, we will share some wisdom about what and how to eat after you get your third molars (technical term for wisdom teeth) extracted when you can start eating solid or spicy food, and after how long you can eat normally.

Common Questions About What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur Ward

Once you have had your wisdom teeth extracted, your primary focus is to aid healing and maximize your recovery. What you eat is really integral to the healing process. Right after the surgery, you should stick to a liquid or soft diet. By limiting foods that may irritate the wound, get stuck or trapped in the recovering area, and avoiding hard to chew foods that could strain your jaw muscles, you provide the best opportunity for healing to the extraction site. Here are a few commonly asked questions you may have about your diet post-surgery.

Why Can’t I Eat Solid Food After Oral Surgery?

There are two major reasons why you are recommended to avoid solid food after Oral Surgery.

The site of the wisdom tooth extraction is basically an exposed vulnerable space in the gums. It is easy for solid food to get caught in this area and prevent the wound from closing. This is one of the primary causes of infection.
Secondly, there is swelling and strain on the gums and muscles as they are healing. Opening your mouth wide or applying pressure to chew will add stress to the wound. By limiting your diet to soft food, you are minimizing the additional strain put on the muscles, allowing t hem to heal quicker.

Can I Have Spicy Food After Tooth Extraction?

Ideally, you should avoid spicy food after wisdom teeth removal for a minimum of 72 hours to about 2 weeks. It is important to abstain from cayenne pepper, paprika, other spicy peppers or spicy food because the spices can get into your extraction site and cause irritation. Irritated wounds will take substantially longer to heal.

Can I have Hot food or Beverages After Tooth Extraction?

While you can safely consume food that is at a comfortable temperature, you should avoid really hot food or beverages for a couple of days after the extraction. Since heat increases blood flow, it can dislodge the clot on your wound and might cause infection.

What Can I Eat After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

You have plenty of safe and yummy food options in terms of diet that will optimize healing time. Ice cream and other cold items are popular choices to relieve any discomfort you may have. Additionally, you can have good soups and breakfast smoothies that are nutrient-rich to facilitate healing. You should begin with softer foods and incorporate semi-solid foods as your healing progresses. Some popular food choices after a wisdom tooth extraction include:

apple sauce
mashed potatoes
eggs
yogurt
cheese
smoothies
protein shakes
good soups
Puddings
Ice cream
Soft Rice
Oatmeal

What Beverages Can I Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

While the intake of nutritious food is important, you must remember that hydration is also an essential contributor to the healing process. You must stay hydrated when recovering from wisdom teeth removal. Fluid intake is vital to support your healing process. You should drink lots of water and drinks that contain added electrolytes like Gatorade in the first 24-48 hours after your dental surgery to stay properly hydrated.

When Can I Have Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Alcoholic beverages should be avoided for nearly 2 weeks after your surgery as alcohol interacts negatively with certain pain medication and can delay healing. This includes abstinence from not just beer, wine, and hard liquor, but also from using mouthwash with high alcohol contents. Alcohol has the tendency to dry out and irritate gums and surrounding tissues. So unless you want to prolong your healing time and want to risk a difficult recovery, it is advisable to avoid alcohol.

Can I Use a Straw to Consume Allowed Beverages?

You should avoid using straws for the first 2 weeks after wisdom teeth surgery. As discussed earlier, staying hydrated is very important for your healing. However, you must keep in mind that even the beverages that are okay for consumption in the early days should be had directly from the cup and not through a straw. Actually sucking through straws creates suction pressure in the mouth which could dislodge the blood clot on the incision site and delay healing.

What Other Precautions Do I Need To Take In Terms Of Food?

In addition to the precautionary measures mentioned above, you should also be careful of the following food items as they may slow down healing or promote irritation

Very hot Caffeinated Beverages
Carbonated or Fizzy Drinks
Grains or Lentils that could potentially get stuck in the wound
Hard Candy or Chewy Candy
Smoking Cigarettes or other Tobacco Products

After How Long Can I Eat Normal Food After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

How long you have to watch your food intake and consume wisdom teeth recovery food depends on your healing. The time frame taken for healing wisdom teeth extraction wounds can vary from person to person, and case to case. However, barring complications, most people can return to their normal diet of regular everyday foods between days 7 to 14 after surgery. Trust your body. Start introducing more complex foods as you start to feel better. It is prudent, however, to plan for sufficient healing time.

When can I smoke after tooth extraction?

For avid smokers, it is quite tough to go without a cigarette for any amount of time. However, if you have had a major tooth extraction, you may want to hold off for a little bit, since smoking immediately after tooth extraction can exacerbate the damage and increase your healing process time manifold.

The chemical toxins in cigarettes delay your healing. Smoking right after tooth extraction can cause certain complications which can cause inflammation in your gums, irritate the extraction site, and cause pain and swelling. Smoking too soon after tooth extraction can also cause a dry socket, which may make it difficult to open your mouth fully.

Healing after a tooth extraction begins after blood starts clotting around the wound. Smoking can loosen the clot and delay healing. Dentists suggest you refrain from smoking for a minimum of three days to allow blood clots to form properly.

Can you get braces with missing teeth?

One of the concerns people may have after an extraction is whether or not they will be able to get braces to straighten the rest of their teeth. The good news is that you can not only get braces with missing teeth, but braces are a great option for people missing a tooth or two since braces can close unsightly gaps, or widen them if needed to create the perfect space you may need to get an implant or replacement. However, unless the teeth surrounding the implant are themselves targeted for orthodontic treatment, then your orthodontist might recommend getting an implant before you get braces.

When Can I Brush my Teeth Normally?

To prevent having food from getting caught around the surgical site, you should keep your mouth clean in the aftermath of wisdom tooth removal. You can start brushing your teeth, albeit very gently starting day two. While most kinds of toothpaste and brushes should be okay to use, if even gentle brushing causes discomfort, you should refrain. You should also avoid using any mouthwash unless recommended by your dentist. Instead, you could use warm salt water to cleanse your mouth, but be careful not to swish as swishing may dislodge the blood clot. See this video for complete guidance.

In case you have doubts about your healing progress and are unsure whether your healing is sufficient to transition back to using straws or eating spicy, hot, chewy foods, the best idea is always to visit your dentist or orthodontist for a follow-up. To help make your choices easier, take a look at this 5-day guide for eating after a wisdom tooth extraction.

A 5 Days guide for Eating After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

What to Eat on DAY 1

If your surgeon sedated you for the surgery, you would have been required to fast the day before the surgery. Fasting on top of the physical taxation of dental surgery means that your body will need adequate nutritional replenishment. However, since you are likely to be on a fair amount of pain medication and antibiotics, you may not feel like eating. You should limit your diet to soft food that has high nutritional value. Here are some tips for Day 1:

Avoid solid foods completely
Consume liquids like broth, ice-cream, yogurt,
Stay hydrated with juice, Gatorade, water
Eating will help you avoid nausea from medications.
Ice your wound site several times.

What to Eat on DAY 2

On the second day, you may add some soft food to your diet in addition to fluids. Do not attempt tough, crispy or chewy foods. However, you may have foods that are a bit more substantial like scrambled or poached eggs, cheeses, applesauce etc. Here are some tips for Day 2:

Don’t let the food you eat sit on the extraction site.
Chew slowly and carefully as you are likely to still have sensitivity and swelling.

What to Eat on DAY 3

On the third day, you should also eat mostly soft foods. If you feel like your healing has progressed remarkably, you may include semi-solids like mashed peas, mashed potatoes and soft rice. However, you should be particularly cautious and avoid getting any bits of food stuck in the incision sites.

What to Eat on DAY 4

By day 4, many people give up on cautious eating. However, this is not advisable as while you may feel better, your incision is still a bit raw. You should continue to eat soft and semi-solid foods with plenty of liquids.

What to Eat on DAY 5

Day five is when you can add some softer solid food to your meals like soft pasta, minced meats, bread and eggs etc. Just remember to be mindful and not be over-ambitious with your eating practices.

What to Eat After 2 Weeks

After 2 weeks of having your wisdom teeth removed, you can generally eat whatever you are comfortable eating as about 85% of your healing should be complete provided you took the necessary precautions. There may be some tenderness on the healing sites but that is normal and will return to normal in another month or so. If any food causes you discomfort, pain or soreness when you eat it, avoid eating until you have healed some more.

Post Extraction Complications Caused by Eating

Severe complications from wisdom teeth extractions barely happen, but mild complications and infections can be commonly witnessed. More often than not, these complications usually occur from everyday eating before your wound was completely healed. Some of the common complications include:

Dry sockets or alveolar osteitis.
Infections caused by food particles or bacteria becoming trapped in incision

Timeline for Recovery

Most of the healing after wisdom tooth extraction surgery will take place within the first-week post-operation. You might have some tenderness for up to 2 more weeks. You should be patient and allow yourself time to heal.

Healthlinear Writers and Editorial Staff try to help people with any kind of health-related needs. So please read the article and let us know if this helps you in any way. Also, do not forget to write about experiences here. Cheers!