Oral Care 2

Have you ever found yourself staying at a friend’s house one night and borrowed the toothbrush? You probably won’t do that anymore once you review this:

Recurring dental infections are commonly caused by infected toothbrushes. In addition to dental problems, a toothbrush may also result in the formation of a bacteremia (bacterial infection in the bloodstream) which, if left untreated, can lead to endocarditis (infection of the heart). A typical toothbrush may be infested with various viruses and bacteria, which can then be transmitted to a new user.

For example, if the toothbrush owner has the herpes simplex virus, 50% of the virus can remain on the toothbrush for up to a week. If you suffer from gum inflammation (gingivitis), you may be able to find relief by using a new toothbrush every two weeks. Wondering if it’s still okay to share a toothbrush with someone you trust?

What about sharing that appetizer? Maybe a little smooching on the couch? Bacteria can be passed between people not just through toothbrushes or other dental implements, but also from shared silverware or any other mouth-to-mouth contact. Did you know that the bacteria that cause juvenile periodontitis can be transferred from the infected site to an uninfected site within the same mouth? Even between a husband and wife, there can be bacterial transfer. Parents and children are not immune either, and bacteria can be passed between them. The family pet may even serve as the source of a bacterial infection.

We now understand that oral infections are not restricted to the mouth but can move through the body and be transmitted that way to other people. You don’t need to become obsessive about your toothbrush, and you can still share a sample at your favorite restaurant, but for your own well-being and that of your family, you should develop a good dental health program.

You can remove 100% of the bacteria on your toothbrush by soaking in an essential oils mouth rinse for 20 minutes. Another good way to clean your toothbrush is ultraviolet light. You may have seen a toothpaste that contains triclosan, a common disinfectant, that claims to clean your toothbrush; however, recent studies* show that this toothpaste is not very effective at removing bacteria.

What are the best ways to eliminate the bacteria that are on your toothbrush? Place them under ultraviolet light, soak them in a mouth rinse with essential oils, or, perhaps easiest of all, replace your old toothbrush with a fresh new one at your next routine examination with us at Coral Ridge Smile. There’s not much you can do about the kissing since most people won’t want to give that up… 🙂 just keep an eye on the health of your mate’s mouth!

Canker Soars

Apthous ulcers, more commonly known as canker sores, can be mistaken for cold sores or fever blisters. They are not the same, though. Canker sores can only occur in the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks, on the tongue or gums, or under the tongue. Canker sores are not contagious in any way.

Cold sores occur on the outer part of the mouth, typically around the lips. But they can also show up on the outside of the cheeks, in the nostrils, or on the chin. They are initially a red bump, but they break open and develop a scab. This process lasts from 7 to 14 days. The virus behind cold sores is called the Herpes Simplex Virus, and they can be spread to other people. For the majority of the time, this virus is not active, and is in nearly everyone. Fever blisters show up a lot in teenagers and young people, and they typically go away after a person turns 35. Cold sores can occur for a variety of reasons, but are especially related to anxiety, colds, sunburn, or an elevated temperature.

To minimize outbreaks, do not kiss when a sore can be seen, do not mess with the blister, do not touch other people without first washing your hands, and apply UV sunscreen to your lips if you are going to be out in the sun.

Some remedies for cold sores are not eating spicy foods, which can cause a flare, using non-prescription creams that contain phenol, and taking anti-viral medications that can reduce the time the blister is visible. These medications however will not keep them from occurring.

Canker sores start out as red bumps that typically break open fairly soon after they occur. They then turn white with red swelling. They will remain for up to 10 days. They might hurt a lot when touched because they are open wounds. Approximately 20% of all people suffer from canker sores. There is no known cause as of yet, but they seem to occur when the sufferer is under a lot of pressure, gets a cut in the mucous membrane, or eats certain food items like tomatoes or citrus fruits. Sometimes, canker sores will be seen in small kids, but most often, they do not show up until between ages 10 to 20. Some people get canker sores a few times each year, but as a person gets older, they seem happen less often or not at all.

If someone has a canker sore, it is suggested he or she not eat spicy or crunchy foods, which will bother them. Do not make contact with the sores with any instrument put in your mouth. Use a medicated cream that includes a numbing agent or other element that is designed to eliminate the pain. If you are interested in getting more suggestions, give us a call at 9549906543.