A large black hole on a front tooth of an elderly man’s mouth was what the dentist saw, and it was the most unusual looking tooth decay ever seen. It turns out the man gagged on his heart medicine when he stuck the nitroglycerine tablets under his tongue where they’re supposed to go so instead he stuck them under his top lip. And they ate the hole in his tooth.

Tooth decay and gum diseases are formed from the intake of medicines that the common American takes, say oral medicine experts. The oral experts state that it’s possible that doctors are ignorant of the side effects or they know about them but don’t tell the patients.

A dentist and pharmacologist advises patients to know more about the medicines and the general health conditions of their patients. As you look through each medicine, think about how they can affect the patient’s dental health, he tells dentists.

Teachers at this week’s ADA meeting, oral medicine specialists reveal what are said to be the top problems. Calcium channel blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, has gum swelling as a side effect, which affects 20% of the patients who take them. Because of inflammation, the gums have openings for bacteria to cause swelling and gum disease. Many of these medicines are widely sold all over the country.

Drugs for epilepsy and drugs for child hyperactivity may also cause similar swellings. Cyclosporin is a drug used to prevent organ rejection and this can cause massive gum overgrowth. Its appearance also can resemble the gum inflammation caused by leukemia, he warned.

A lot of drugs are responsible for causing dry mouth, which is also caused by radiation treatment. Dental problems result from lack of saliva, and those who don’t have enough may need topical fluoride treatment. The dentist would often contact the doctor of the patient and request that calcium channel blockers be replaced with another heart medicine because of the gravity of the problem.

There has to be strict plaque control and frequent trips to the dentist otherwise. Another dentist said the gum side effects could be avoided provided the mouth is kept clean. There will be no problem if there is no plaque, he said.

The only visible part of the front teeth of the Dilantin patient in the photo he showed was the tips because of swollen gums. He stated that a patient who is taking Dilantin is recommended to consult the dentist in 10 days so that the gum pockets where bacteria lurks could be treated. Dentists don’t just point to prescription drugs as a problem. Sugar is an ingredient found in lozenges and cough drops, as well as antacids.

He mentioned a woman who always showed up with new cavities. She said she brushed regularly and avoided sweets, leaving the dentists so perplexed. Later on, it was discovered by the receptionist that the woman was popping three packs of antacids into her mouth every day.

Our teeth may be affected by varying teeth diseases. There are various factors that cause these diseases. If the problems are detected in time, they can be cured.

We use teeth when feeding to break down and chew food, making it easy to swallow and digest. Teeth are made of multiple tissues. Their roots are covered by gum. There are various diseases that affect teeth making the victim to suffer greatly.

Plague is a bacteria that lives on the surface of teeth when food is left on them. It is sticky, soft and colorless. If unchecked, it multiplies and may break down the enamel. This causes sensitivity and tooth decay.

Gingivitis is commonly known as gum disease. It is caused by plague multiplication its damage progresses slowly. As a result, the gum swells and bleeds easily. All teeth may be affected if it is untreated and they gradually fall off.

When plague is left for long, it develops into a thick coating called tartar. Tartar creates acids on the teeth which later damage their surface and produces cavities.

Cavities are usually caused by sugar bacterial acids that dissolve the enamel. They damage the tooth’s structure. If not treated quickly they can cause a lot of pain. Cavities lead to tooth decay and even teeth loss.

Halitosis is caused by bacteria formed when food is caught between teeth. If teeth are not well cleaned, the food degrades and causes bad breath. A person’s personal and social life can be affected by it. This may lead to low self esteem.

Periodontal is loss of bone around the teeth. It is a result of advanced gingivitis. It leads to loosening of teeth and eventual teeth loss if not treated.

Some things we eat stain our teeth. Smoking, coffee and sodas can cause staining of teeth. A dentist can determine what caused the stains and recommend the necessary treatment.

Teeth grinding is the grinding and clenching of teeth unconsciously when sleeping. It may be caused by improper teeth alignment or stress. It can damage the enamel, break teeth or cause muscle and jaw problems.

Most of these teeth diseases can be prevented by brushing teeth after breakfast and before going to bed. Use of toothpaste, dental floss and mouth wash can help to prevent these problems. Most of these diseases can be treated. Visiting a dentist regularly is also a good idea.

Most of the time, halitosis is caused by poor dental hygiene. However, there may be other factors involved such as gum disease, tooth decay, heavy metal buildup, infection of the respiratory tract, improper diet, constipation, smoking, fever, diabetes, foreign bacteria in the mouth, indigestion, inadequate protein digestion, liver or kidney malfunction, postnasal drip, stress, and too much unfriendly bacteria in the colon.

Additionally, halitosis can be caused by a buildup of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, salivary gland disorder, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, or diabetes. It is also true that dieting, alcohol abuse, or fasting can also cause bad breath. “Morning breath” is the product of dehydration and the reduction in the amount of saliva. This saliva is necessary for washing away bacteria in the mouth.

Dieters and people who are fasting may often experience bad breath. This is because the lack of food causes the body to break down stored fat and protein for fuel. The metabolic wastes that are a result of this process have an unpleasant odor as they are exhaled from the lungs.

The following nutrients are beneficial for dealing with and preventing bad breath. One tablespoon of chlorophyll can be taken in juice twice daily, as green drinks are one of the best ways to combat bad breath. 2,000 to 6,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids should be taken daily. Vitamin C is important in healing mouth and gum disease and preventing bleeding gums. This nutrient also rids the body of excess mucus and toxins that cause bad breath. Acidophilus should be taken as directed on the label. It is needed to replenish the friendly bacteria in the colon. Insufficient friendly bacteria and an overabundance of harmful bacteria can often cause bad breath.

Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic by destroying foreign bacteria in both the mouth and the colon. It is recommended that you take 2 capsules of the odorless form 4 times daily, with meals and at bedtime. 30 mg of zinc should be taken three times daily as it has an antibacterial effect and neutralizes sulfur compounds. These sulfur compounds are a common cause of mouth odor. Bee propolis should be taken as directed on the label. It is helpful in healing the gums, aiding control of infection in the body, and also has an antibacterial effect. 15,000 IU of vitamin A should be taken daily; it is needed for control of infection and also in healing of the mouth. Additionally, 100 mg of vitamin B complex is needed for proper digestion.

The following herbs are also beneficial for dealing with halitosis. Alfalfa supplies chlorophyll, which cleanses the bloodstream and colon, where bad breath often begins. Gum disease, which is a major factor of bad breath, can be treated with goldenseal extract. This extract can heal the infected parts. Myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, and sage should be used to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. Chewing a sprig of parsley after meals is an excellent treatment for bad breath. This nutrient is rich in chlorophyll, which happens to be a popular ingredient in breath mints. Other herbs that can be beneficial include anise, cloves, and fennel.

Whether you want to take it into your own hands to heal your gums from disease, a gum disease can be a sign of a more significant health problem that should be looked at by our health care provider. In either case, vitamins and herbs can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural Toothpaste is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.