A question asked by many adults and children is how the toothbrush got started. There are several schools of thought on it, but you need to look far into the past for the first signs of oral hygiene.

The Chinese were believed to create the first real toothbrush, but it wasn’t much like the ones we use today. Those first toothbrushes, crafted in the 1400s, didn’t use nylon for bristles, or plastic for the handles. Instead, the handles were crafted from bamboo, one of the most readily-available regional plants. Attached to the bamboo handle was a set of bristles, taken from the tough hair of the Siberian wild boar — specifically, from the back of his neck. This toothbrush is the ancestor of all the brands we use today.
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“It is absolutely amazing how many patients have no idea how to brush their teeth,” says Dr. Maryam Edalat, a Manhattan Periodontist and Cosmetic Dentist at Park Plaza Dental Specialties.

[USPRwire, Wed Dec 14 2005] “It is absolutely amazing how many patients have no idea how to brush their teeth,” says Dr. Maryam Edalat, a Manhattan Periodontist and Cosmetic Dentist at Park Plaza Dental Specialties. “I am always surprised by this huge number — as many as 75 percent — because improper brushing can result in as much damage to your teeth and gums as not brushing at all.”
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Most people think that bad breath is caused only by poor dental hygiene. However, chronic bad breath, a condition known as halitosis, can stem from various medical problems, dry mouth and even the Atkins diet.

If you have a consistent bad breath problem, it’s wise to visit your dentist in order to determine the cause. There are several possible reasons for bad breath, such as dental decay or gum disease. But the dentist can diagnose other problems including yeast infections of the mouth, dental caries, poorly fitting dental appliances and periodontal disease.
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Ever been kept at an arm’s length by a friend? If yes, then there’s a possibility that you’re suffering from chronic halitosis. Millions of us suffer from the same. Unfortunately, your suffering probably affects your nearest and dearest, too. And the worst part is many of us don’t even have a clue about it until a very close friend dares to tell us about it.

Embarrassing? Yes, it can really make you feel like an outcast in a group.
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Bad breath simply comes and goes for some people. Perhaps we only wake up with bad breath in the morning. Or eating certain foods, like onion or pizza. These are more obvious triggers for bad breath.

But the bacteria that release the volatile sulfur compounds of bad breath find a great breeding ground in tongues that are coated or lined with cracks. Mucous and phlegm also contain proteins, and these bacteria exist to break down proteins. So if you suffer from phlegmatic nasal conditions, there’s a good chance there is an associated increase in bad breath.

However, despite any existing conditions that are more difficult to change, like fissured tongues or excess phlegm, there are things we can avoid to minimize bad breath. Read more »