For those who seek "alternative" options in healthcare, take note: I found several web sites that sing the praises of supplements and homemade recipes for a healthy mouth. Interested in learning how green tea and peppermint may help prevent gingivitis? How about learning the virtues of Folic Acid to reduce gum inflammation? Then check out what MSNBC has to say.
If you're pregnant, take extra care with your teeth. Many women suffer from what's known as Pregnancy Gingivitis, making gums swollen and sore. If you take proper daily care of your teeth during and after your pregnancy, this hormone-related gingivitis should go away without incident. The danger though is that some dental treatments are better left undone during pregnancy - and of course pain medication is a no-no - so not taking care of your teeth while pregnant could leave you with a big pain in the tooth!
Given the vital role our mouths plays in our daily lives, and given that most of us have an aversion to pain, it seems that we should have motivation enough to take good care of our dear teeth. Alas, statistics clearly indicate that most of us woefully under-care for those all-important choppers. But perhaps we can be stimulated into action by appealing to that ego-driven element in all of us…VANITY! So picture, if you will, running your tongue along those smooth, pearly whites, and as your tongue darts in and out of a hole where three of your bottom teeth used to be, you remember that you left your teeth in a glass by the sink! Or how about leaning in for that goodnight kiss to hear "What died in your mouth?" Is that motivation enough for you?
Good. Now get flossing.
What do you think?
»Paul from Tampa adds
"I was introduced to a Water Pik some five years ago by a former girlfriend. I had the usual bad breath, sometimes smelling it myself on occasion and all the flossing and brushing never did any good. I never thought much more about the Water Pik she let me try other than to go buy one and store it under the sink. Then, one day I thought, let me try this thing again. Come to find out, it reminded me of when I was young and would take a hose and let the water hit my teeth and gums. It felt good afterward. Well, the Water Pik does the same thing and it only takes about five minutes twice a week to keep your gums in great shape. I, too, had the pockets, I came to find out later by my dentist. He scared me to death about the surgery I was close to having. Now when I go in for a checkup he gives me a 100% grade on my gum health. Funny, the dentists won't recommend the Water Pik as it would take away from their business. They are about $29 at your favorite Wal-Mart.
