The other day, I heard from my dentist that there is a connection between dental erosion and acid reflux. It hast has nothing to do directly with gum disease. But after I realized that everything is connected and when our teeth are not doing good, our gums will either I wanted to share this info with you. Especially because the issue develops in the stomach, in the same organ as the dampness that goes in the gums and can negatively affect gum disease.
We all have acid in the digestive juices in our stomach.You can be less or more acidic depending on your diiet. If you drink coffee, eat a lot of meat and dairy, and drink alcohol, then the change that your body is acidic is much higher.
The same as with the dampness in your stomach, if the acid stays in your stomach, the mouth and gums are lucky. But when the stomach is full with stomach acid and doesn't find another way to go, it may could go back in the mouth, the teeth, or the gums.
What is dental erosion?
Dental erosion could be described that the tooth enamel is becoming fragile and then wears down. Kind of sediment and
Monday, February 13, 2012
Acupuncture And Gum Disease
Perhaps you ask how acupuncture and gum disease are connected. If you would ask me two years ago, I would surely tell you that there is no connection. I thought acupuncture is something for pain but for gum disease, for sure not.
My periodontal gum disease started two years ago. At the same time I started acupuncture treatments. My friend Debbie, a doctor of Chinese medicine, diagnosed the dampness in my body that goes up to my gums and spleen deficiency. I tried like two or three treatments and then left because I didn't have the feeling it really helped me. After my Odyssey with braces and finally a soft gum tissue grafting, my gums still were my weakest part of my body and now totally irritated and burning.
I finally was so desperate that I called Debbie, my friend who is a doctor of Chinese medicine, and ask her to help me. I was sorry that I stopped the treatments two years ago and after the Western medicine couldn't help me, this I felt was my last opportunity. Also I started to change my diet to no spicy food, low
Since around six weeks I receive acupuncture treatments for my gums but also for my spleen deficiency that is totally connected. I also get herbs that help me to improve and stimulate my digestive system. Can you imagine that your digestion is directly connected with your mouth and your gums?
So far I understand is my spleen deficiency issue something that creates dampness in my stomach and then in my gums. I take a special mouth wash for the dampness in my gums and herbs for the dampness in my stomach.
But back to the acupuncture. Energy flow is very important for gum health. Dampness in the stomach and spleen deficiency prevent a healthy energy flow. Acupuncture helps to establish this and hold the energy flowing.
One time acupuncture doesn't help. It is not like a pain pill you take and then an hour later, you feel much better. It is an ongoing process and after these six weeks, I can see that the improvements are huge. I am not tired or exhausted, don't have migraines, and the best, my gums are really doing good.
It is still amazing to me how much the organs are connected and communicate with each other, in a positive and in a negative way. I can see now, if the body doesn't stay in balance, one ore more organs will suffer.
I am sure you can imagine how happy I am that I have my gum disease in control and try to strengthen my gum health.
My periodontal gum disease started two years ago. At the same time I started acupuncture treatments. My friend Debbie, a doctor of Chinese medicine, diagnosed the dampness in my body that goes up to my gums and spleen deficiency. I tried like two or three treatments and then left because I didn't have the feeling it really helped me. After my Odyssey with braces and finally a soft gum tissue grafting, my gums still were my weakest part of my body and now totally irritated and burning.
I finally was so desperate that I called Debbie, my friend who is a doctor of Chinese medicine, and ask her to help me. I was sorry that I stopped the treatments two years ago and after the Western medicine couldn't help me, this I felt was my last opportunity. Also I started to change my diet to no spicy food, low
Since around six weeks I receive acupuncture treatments for my gums but also for my spleen deficiency that is totally connected. I also get herbs that help me to improve and stimulate my digestive system. Can you imagine that your digestion is directly connected with your mouth and your gums?
So far I understand is my spleen deficiency issue something that creates dampness in my stomach and then in my gums. I take a special mouth wash for the dampness in my gums and herbs for the dampness in my stomach.
But back to the acupuncture. Energy flow is very important for gum health. Dampness in the stomach and spleen deficiency prevent a healthy energy flow. Acupuncture helps to establish this and hold the energy flowing.
One time acupuncture doesn't help. It is not like a pain pill you take and then an hour later, you feel much better. It is an ongoing process and after these six weeks, I can see that the improvements are huge. I am not tired or exhausted, don't have migraines, and the best, my gums are really doing good.
It is still amazing to me how much the organs are connected and communicate with each other, in a positive and in a negative way. I can see now, if the body doesn't stay in balance, one ore more organs will suffer.
I am sure you can imagine how happy I am that I have my gum disease in control and try to strengthen my gum health.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Liver Heat Foods For Affected Gums
These liver heat foods described below help my gum disease that is affected through liver heat so it can heal, swell up, and be less infected.
In short words, I mainly changed my normal diet significantly, meaning no spices, no cold food or beverages, no chocolate, no animal products, no cheap oils, no fried food.
The color and sensitivity of my own gums improved a lot since I started this diet around six weeks ago.
In the Chinese medicine, there are different liver heat diet recommendations. The one I really like are the Liver Heat Diet Guidelines from EastMountain.ca
I created the following liver heat diet for my own use only, avoid acidic foods, and mainly organically grown produce and fruits.
The Liver Heat Foods I and my gums like:
In short words, I mainly changed my normal diet significantly, meaning no spices, no cold food or beverages, no chocolate, no animal products, no cheap oils, no fried food.
The color and sensitivity of my own gums improved a lot since I started this diet around six weeks ago.
In the Chinese medicine, there are different liver heat diet recommendations. The one I really like are the Liver Heat Diet Guidelines from EastMountain.ca
I created the following liver heat diet for my own use only, avoid acidic foods, and mainly organically grown produce and fruits.
The Liver Heat Foods I and my gums like:
- Rice, millet, barley
- Celery, spinach, Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, dandelion leaves
- Cucumber, alfalfa sprouts, mung bean sprouts
- Apples
- Spirulina, kelp, other seaweeds
- Peppermint
The foods I can't eat and my gums don't like:
- Chilies
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Onions
- Wasabi
- Coffee
- Vinegar
- Mustard
- Horseradish
- Chocolate
- Fried Foods
Disclaimer:
The information provided above is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided above is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
How Liver Heat And Heart Heat Can Affect Gums
Since four months now, eight month after my soft gum tissue grafting, my donor gums are gotten reddish and look infected. First, I didn't pay attention to it but the first small skinny lines around my teeth got darker and bigger areas got red.
I went first to my dentist for periodontal disease to ask him for advice but he saw it as a non-dental but medical issue. My family doctor made some blood tests for my heart health, liver health, vitamin deficiency, cholesterol, and so on, but couldn't find anything. Everything looked like I am perfectly healthy and fine.
The gums didn't get better and started to burn, tongue and my whole mouth too. I was sitting on my desk and had the feeling that my mouth was under fire. My gums got dark red and I was pretty scared my gums would erode again. You can imagine how this feels after a pretty pricey operation (I am gratefully that so far, this didn't happen). I was pretty desperate (got much better) and did my own online search for my symptoms.
I found out that all my symptoms lead to "liver heat" and "heart heat" and how through foods to improve liver heat I can minimize how my gums are affected.
I went first to my dentist for periodontal disease to ask him for advice but he saw it as a non-dental but medical issue. My family doctor made some blood tests for my heart health, liver health, vitamin deficiency, cholesterol, and so on, but couldn't find anything. Everything looked like I am perfectly healthy and fine.
The gums didn't get better and started to burn, tongue and my whole mouth too. I was sitting on my desk and had the feeling that my mouth was under fire. My gums got dark red and I was pretty scared my gums would erode again. You can imagine how this feels after a pretty pricey operation (I am gratefully that so far, this didn't happen). I was pretty desperate (got much better) and did my own online search for my symptoms.
I found out that all my symptoms lead to "liver heat" and "heart heat" and how through foods to improve liver heat I can minimize how my gums are affected.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Importance Of Brushing Teeth VS Saving Money On Dentist Bills
Ever thought about that brushing your teeth today can save you money on dentist bills in the future?
My periodontist told me that brushing teeth in our childhood and teenager years can prevent bigger damages and high dentist bills in our adult years. Nothing new, right? We all know this. But when you, especially here in the USA, have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars for dentist bills then you really see "brushing your teeth" in a different light. For more than thirty years, I brushed my teeth in the wrong way and didn't realize it. Finally as I met my periodontist, he showed me how to brush my teeth in a circling movement so that none of the tartar or plaque can build up. Because we only have a 6 - 8 hour time frame to remove tartar and plaque, brushing teeth after every meal is essential to hold our dentist bills low. There are great tooth pastes on the market that help you to prevent cavities AND gum disease. I used some holistic tooth pastes that worked fine in the beginning. But after a while I had some allergic reactions to the cinnamon or citrus particles they used in the pastes. The best one I found so far is CloSys Complete Oral Health System. You can get it as tooth paste and mouth wash at Walgreens or CVS.
My periodontist told me that brushing teeth in our childhood and teenager years can prevent bigger damages and high dentist bills in our adult years. Nothing new, right? We all know this. But when you, especially here in the USA, have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars for dentist bills then you really see "brushing your teeth" in a different light. For more than thirty years, I brushed my teeth in the wrong way and didn't realize it. Finally as I met my periodontist, he showed me how to brush my teeth in a circling movement so that none of the tartar or plaque can build up. Because we only have a 6 - 8 hour time frame to remove tartar and plaque, brushing teeth after every meal is essential to hold our dentist bills low. There are great tooth pastes on the market that help you to prevent cavities AND gum disease. I used some holistic tooth pastes that worked fine in the beginning. But after a while I had some allergic reactions to the cinnamon or citrus particles they used in the pastes. The best one I found so far is CloSys Complete Oral Health System. You can get it as tooth paste and mouth wash at Walgreens or CVS.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Flossing Prevents Tooth Cavity And Gum Disease
Since I was a child I had bad teeth. Going to the dentist and hearing that I have cavities was nothing unusual. I already was scared weeks in advance. As I grow up the beginning of the early seventies in Germany, nobody told you to floss your teeth. You brushed your teeth fast in few minutes twice a day (sometimes only once :-) when you were tired in the evening or late in the morning). I know it sounds bad but that was nothing unusual.
Oral health was something they taught you once or twice a year in school. Then you had to brush your teeth and they gave you a tooth brush and tooth paste for home and that's it.
For years and years my dentist found cavities whenever I visited him. It was horrible. But he never really spoke about how I properly should brush my teeth. After I was around in my end twenties the cavities stopped. Then in the beginning of my thirties I could see the first little signs of gum disease but I really wasn't concerned. At the end of my thirties I moved to the United States of America and my dental hygienist recommended to start flossing my teeth. I did this successfully up to two years ago as my gum disease increased a lot. Within few weeks my gums developed from a gingivitis with very little signs to a horrible periodontal disease that became unstoppable and ended up in a soft gum tissue grafting operation.
After this operation I found out that flossing immense influences tooth cavity and gum disease. My periodontist educated me that when you start as a young child and get used to floss your teeth properly twice a day, you can prevent having cavities or gum disease. Because bacteria doesn't have the chance to build up and you have beautiful teeth and gums your whole life. And don't have to spend thousands of dollars for tooth and gum treatments.
One of my friends told me that her six year old daughter already has several cavities and her dentist recommended to floss her little baby teeth. My friend sees it as a waste of time, especially because the real teeth will still come in. Bacteria developed in baby teeth is no different than the bacteria developed in adult teeth. Flossing not only can prevent more cavities but future gum diseases.
There are several floss types available in the dental market. The ones I have the best experience with are the ones without wax (the wax ones glide too fast and could hurt the gums) and the thicker types (if the type is too thin it also can hurt the gums if your flesh is very sensitive and could start bleeding).
So flossing your and your kids teeth is not only a great prevention for cavities but also for gum diseases and heart diseases.
Oral health was something they taught you once or twice a year in school. Then you had to brush your teeth and they gave you a tooth brush and tooth paste for home and that's it.
For years and years my dentist found cavities whenever I visited him. It was horrible. But he never really spoke about how I properly should brush my teeth. After I was around in my end twenties the cavities stopped. Then in the beginning of my thirties I could see the first little signs of gum disease but I really wasn't concerned. At the end of my thirties I moved to the United States of America and my dental hygienist recommended to start flossing my teeth. I did this successfully up to two years ago as my gum disease increased a lot. Within few weeks my gums developed from a gingivitis with very little signs to a horrible periodontal disease that became unstoppable and ended up in a soft gum tissue grafting operation.
After this operation I found out that flossing immense influences tooth cavity and gum disease. My periodontist educated me that when you start as a young child and get used to floss your teeth properly twice a day, you can prevent having cavities or gum disease. Because bacteria doesn't have the chance to build up and you have beautiful teeth and gums your whole life. And don't have to spend thousands of dollars for tooth and gum treatments.
One of my friends told me that her six year old daughter already has several cavities and her dentist recommended to floss her little baby teeth. My friend sees it as a waste of time, especially because the real teeth will still come in. Bacteria developed in baby teeth is no different than the bacteria developed in adult teeth. Flossing not only can prevent more cavities but future gum diseases.
There are several floss types available in the dental market. The ones I have the best experience with are the ones without wax (the wax ones glide too fast and could hurt the gums) and the thicker types (if the type is too thin it also can hurt the gums if your flesh is very sensitive and could start bleeding).
So flossing your and your kids teeth is not only a great prevention for cavities but also for gum diseases and heart diseases.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Ever Used A Rubber Tip Gum Stimulator For Better Oral Health?
Did you ever heard about a rubber tip gum stimulator? Then you really missed out. It is a great tool to improve your oral health.
For years I used it before everything else, then flossed my teeth and brushed them. Then, as my gums started receding I was scared that the rubber tip gum stimulator heard them and would stimulate them negatively to recede faster.
After I found a local periodontist I realize now that my rubber tip gum stimular is the best tool to avoid more gum loss.
Against to my old belief that I have to floss first and then brush my teeth I learned that I have to clean my teeth with the brush first so the bigger food parts are washed out. Then I use the rubber tip to remove the sticky tartar and last but not least I use the dental floss for the "fine tuning" between the teeth.
I have to brush and clean my teeth after every meal so I try to eat only three times a day. At the beginning after having my "new gums" I brushed, flossed and used the rubber tip three times a day. Then I got a little bit lazy and only used the rubber tip once a day. This comes now back to me. If I don't clean the tartar three times a day, my gums start bleeding.
After my painful periodontal disease odyssey I can't risk anything anymore. So I can really only share my experience with you to use the gum stimulator after every meal, at least three times a day, to hold the periodontal disease in control.
For years I used it before everything else, then flossed my teeth and brushed them. Then, as my gums started receding I was scared that the rubber tip gum stimulator heard them and would stimulate them negatively to recede faster.
After I found a local periodontist I realize now that my rubber tip gum stimular is the best tool to avoid more gum loss.
Against to my old belief that I have to floss first and then brush my teeth I learned that I have to clean my teeth with the brush first so the bigger food parts are washed out. Then I use the rubber tip to remove the sticky tartar and last but not least I use the dental floss for the "fine tuning" between the teeth.
I have to brush and clean my teeth after every meal so I try to eat only three times a day. At the beginning after having my "new gums" I brushed, flossed and used the rubber tip three times a day. Then I got a little bit lazy and only used the rubber tip once a day. This comes now back to me. If I don't clean the tartar three times a day, my gums start bleeding.
After my painful periodontal disease odyssey I can't risk anything anymore. So I can really only share my experience with you to use the gum stimulator after every meal, at least three times a day, to hold the periodontal disease in control.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Periodontitis and Heart Disease
Did you know that periodontitis and heart disease are connected? I didn't know either. I heart about that the bacteria that effect and infect your gums is the same that is located in your heart and develops a heart disease.
But not only the Western Medicine talks about that. One time I went to an acupuncturist and she connected a "lazy spleen" to my gum problems.
It is hard to explain. Imagine that your blood can't clean itself properly and it carries the toxins into your gums with the hope to get rid of them (detox).
But your gums don't detox properly and get infected. Because you don't treat your "lazy spleen" the gums never get rid of their infection and stay red and swollen.
After a while the infected gums create pockets and then starting to "shrink".
I didn't have any clue at this time what was going on but today, I have a pretty good knowledge now what I can do to "spoil" my gums and help them stay healthy.
But not only the Western Medicine talks about that. One time I went to an acupuncturist and she connected a "lazy spleen" to my gum problems.
It is hard to explain. Imagine that your blood can't clean itself properly and it carries the toxins into your gums with the hope to get rid of them (detox).
But your gums don't detox properly and get infected. Because you don't treat your "lazy spleen" the gums never get rid of their infection and stay red and swollen.
After a while the infected gums create pockets and then starting to "shrink".
I didn't have any clue at this time what was going on but today, I have a pretty good knowledge now what I can do to "spoil" my gums and help them stay healthy.
Soft Gum Tissue Grafting
How did I find my soft gum tissue grafting professional? I went online and looked for the Florida Association of Periodontists. Only few doctors in our area had websites available. I found one that had a website with seventeen testimonials, all positive. Can you imagine that? I was really excited about that.
I went to this local periodontist and after two hours of x-rays, checking, taking pictures and examination the end result was that my periodontal gum disease and gum recession already was at a stage that I needed gum surgery. Secretly feared, now reality, I needed "new gums".
My soft gum tissue grafting was scheduled for two months later. I was pretty naive and not prepared for what would follow at all. I only knew I wanted to get rid of my receding gums. It was pretty scary to see the exposed roots and to fear my teeth could get loos and fell out.
Want to know what gum tissue grafting is?
Gum tissue grafts are normally used to build over and improve the weak and chronically infected and inflamed gum tissue that are the reason for the exposed roots. After the operation, all root surfaces should be covered. As gum tissue grafts can be used tissue from the own mouth or donor material.
Causes of gum recession in the first place can be bad oral health, gum disease, or stress to only name a few.
Gum Grafting Before and After
Before the gum grafting operation I only knew that I would have an operation and my roots should be covered and look like before. I really wasn't prepared what would come.
The operation took four hours and went pretty well. I didn't have any pain during the operation and after. I followed the periodontist's instructions, took holistic pills to prevent the gums from swelling and pain killers after the operation.
What I didn't realize was that I couldn't eat anything for at least a week, only drink smoothies and shakes. I could only open my mouth a little bit and not brush my teeth at all. I am sure you can imagine how hard this was. Especially if you have gum disease and already struggling with cleaning your teeth, your fear of decaying teeth grows.
After a week I went back to the periodontist who checked my gums and cleaned my teeth. Because of the stitches I couldn't open my mouse a lot so I had another week where I couldn't eat anything. Two weeks only drinking and not eating at all was pretty tough and made me a little frustrated and depressed.
But seeing my "new gums" after four weeks was amazing! The gum grafting was done very well and I am pretty happy I did it.
I went to this local periodontist and after two hours of x-rays, checking, taking pictures and examination the end result was that my periodontal gum disease and gum recession already was at a stage that I needed gum surgery. Secretly feared, now reality, I needed "new gums".
My soft gum tissue grafting was scheduled for two months later. I was pretty naive and not prepared for what would follow at all. I only knew I wanted to get rid of my receding gums. It was pretty scary to see the exposed roots and to fear my teeth could get loos and fell out.
Want to know what gum tissue grafting is?
Gum tissue grafts are normally used to build over and improve the weak and chronically infected and inflamed gum tissue that are the reason for the exposed roots. After the operation, all root surfaces should be covered. As gum tissue grafts can be used tissue from the own mouth or donor material.
Causes of gum recession in the first place can be bad oral health, gum disease, or stress to only name a few.
Gum Grafting Before and After
Before the gum grafting operation I only knew that I would have an operation and my roots should be covered and look like before. I really wasn't prepared what would come.
The operation took four hours and went pretty well. I didn't have any pain during the operation and after. I followed the periodontist's instructions, took holistic pills to prevent the gums from swelling and pain killers after the operation.
What I didn't realize was that I couldn't eat anything for at least a week, only drink smoothies and shakes. I could only open my mouth a little bit and not brush my teeth at all. I am sure you can imagine how hard this was. Especially if you have gum disease and already struggling with cleaning your teeth, your fear of decaying teeth grows.
After a week I went back to the periodontist who checked my gums and cleaned my teeth. Because of the stitches I couldn't open my mouse a lot so I had another week where I couldn't eat anything. Two weeks only drinking and not eating at all was pretty tough and made me a little frustrated and depressed.
But seeing my "new gums" after four weeks was amazing! The gum grafting was done very well and I am pretty happy I did it.
Sluggish Spleen
Sluggish Spleen? Try tapping. I went to my acupuncturist before I went to the dentist who recommended an oral appliance to treat my receding gums. She diagnosed a "sluggish spleen" that would effect the bad blood flow in my legs and my infected gums.
By working with heated up herbs and acupuncture needles, treating the blood flow from the legs up, she tried to increase my sluggish spleen. My acupuncturist also recommended to start tapping. Tapping is kind of an acupuncture treatment without needles, known as acupressure. You tap with your fingers from your forehead down to your chest to stimulate the acupressure points and to stimulate the "flow" for improving the spleen.
After few weeks with treatments, I got impatient. My infected gums receded more and more. I really got scared. So I finally agreed to try the oral appliance to stop my gum disease.
It became a pretty pricing dental treatment what didn't help at all at the end. But I shouldn't say that. Wearing an oral appliance evened out my bit and balanced my jaw so that I don't have migraines, back pain or neck pain anymore.
Unfortunately, it took 6 months to finish it and it didn't help at all with my receding gums either.
At no point so far any dentist I met recommended to go to a periodontist. I guess everybody wanted to treat my gum disease in their own way.
I finally decided to look for a local periodontist.
By working with heated up herbs and acupuncture needles, treating the blood flow from the legs up, she tried to increase my sluggish spleen. My acupuncturist also recommended to start tapping. Tapping is kind of an acupuncture treatment without needles, known as acupressure. You tap with your fingers from your forehead down to your chest to stimulate the acupressure points and to stimulate the "flow" for improving the spleen.
After few weeks with treatments, I got impatient. My infected gums receded more and more. I really got scared. So I finally agreed to try the oral appliance to stop my gum disease.
It became a pretty pricing dental treatment what didn't help at all at the end. But I shouldn't say that. Wearing an oral appliance evened out my bit and balanced my jaw so that I don't have migraines, back pain or neck pain anymore.
Unfortunately, it took 6 months to finish it and it didn't help at all with my receding gums either.
At no point so far any dentist I met recommended to go to a periodontist. I guess everybody wanted to treat my gum disease in their own way.
I finally decided to look for a local periodontist.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wheatgrass and Gum Disease
I am a raw food believer and already use wheatgrass juice in my raw food smoothies to improve my overall health. However, I never thought that wheatgrass also could help with my gum disease.
For years I had gingivitis but nobody told me or educated me. Then I made the mistake not to take care of my health as I was working long hours and deep in the night and morning time without brushing my teeth in and between. I didn't realize it wasn't enough to brush my teeth in the morning and evening when evening means in the early morning hours. Did you know that tartar changes to plaque that can't be easily removed after 8 hours? Now I know too. But back to my current situation: I developed a periodontal disease now and have to take special care of my gums and teeth to decrease the illness.
Because I am in such a deep desperation now I paid more attention to the food I am eating and the meaning for my body.
I found out that wheatgrass juice (I already drank it in my green smoothies) itself helps a lot to decrease gum infections.
How Wheatgrass Juice Helps To Improve Our Oral Health:
Wheatgrass has the ability to destroy harmful germs and neutralizes bacteria. As a natural immune booster, wheatgrass juice is perfect to use as a natural mouth wash in the morning and night time. This is a mouth wash that is healthy to swallow afterward too.
I started it few days ago and it calms down my infected gums (they don't seem so swollen anymore) and give them a more pink look (not so red like usual).
How A Raw Food Diet Can Help To Decrease Your Gum Inflammation
How sprouts can help to decrease your gum inflammation? Right, it sounds unbelievable.
If you are like me then you have your gum disease or gum infection since a long time, perhaps since you are a teenager.
An anti-inflammatory diet such as a raw food diet includes in general a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, sprouts, nuts and super foods.
However, especially fresh sprouts, eaten fresh or as part of a green juice (juiced with cucumber, green apples, and celery) especially helps to decrease gum inflammation.
Since my gum infection increased so much and now developed the gum disease periodontitis, I am very concerned about my overall health. Having periodontitis means that my immune system is weak and could affect my heart also.
Sprouts are now part of all my lunch and dinner meals, and I can already see and feel the improvement. I also drink green juice with juiced mung sprouts and quinoa sprouts in the morning.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Aqualizer Mouth Guards
I am wearing an Aqualizer™ dental splints and mouth guard since last Tuesday to help my jaw to stay balanced while I am waiting for my orthodontics appliances.
My upper and lower bite don't touch the tooth surface of each other. My teeth come down next to each other and irritate my gums. That is the main reason for my decaying gum and gum disease.
I didn't have any pain but my decaying gums made and make me crazy. First, I used the Aqualizer™ mouth guard only for few hours because I forgot it at home all the time. Today was the first day I am wearing the aqualizer dental splint since yesterday night and the whole day today. Now, I have jaw pain and to take it out. I can't handle it anymore.
I was diagnosed with TMD a month ago. For years, I couldn't find out why my infected and swollen gums never healed or "disappeared". Finally my holisitic dentist now told me few weeks ago that I have TMD and that this disorder makes my gum "shrink". I don't show the typical TMD symptoms and have no pain. After my dentist saw my x-rays and did some tests she said I am blessed because regarding the x-rays I should be in horrible pain.
TMD is a collection of symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and makes it possible for humans to close and open our mouth for example. A lot of people with this disease have TMJ pain and headaches, ear pain, neck pain, and often can't open their mouth right.
The Aqualizer™ can treat these TMJ problems. Right now, I am wearing this dental splint before I get my orthodontics appliances. Because I don't have the typical TMJ problems and pains, it is difficult to measure if this mouth guard helps me or not. For sure, my jaw feels more relax and I don't clench grind my teeth in the night (that's right, I have these TMJ symptoms). Except today, where I was wearing this mouth guard for too many hours. Now I feel pain. I had to take it out few minutes ago. It was like somebody pulled very strong on my right jaw.
But it was my fault. I didn't read the instructions. It says there that you shouldn't wear the Aqualizer™ for more than eight hours in any 24-hour period. If you wear this mouth guard longer (like I did today), the oral tissues get irritated (and they really did a lot!!!).
I like about this dental mouth guard the ease of use, perfect fit and flexible fluid layer. Through the equalized all bite forced layer, my muscles can respond instantly by repositioning the jaw into the best and most comfortable position.
Now I am curious if my orthodontics appliances will work in the same way as the Aqualizer™ to guard your mouth, bite and jaw.
My upper and lower bite don't touch the tooth surface of each other. My teeth come down next to each other and irritate my gums. That is the main reason for my decaying gum and gum disease.
I didn't have any pain but my decaying gums made and make me crazy. First, I used the Aqualizer™ mouth guard only for few hours because I forgot it at home all the time. Today was the first day I am wearing the aqualizer dental splint since yesterday night and the whole day today. Now, I have jaw pain and to take it out. I can't handle it anymore.
I was diagnosed with TMD a month ago. For years, I couldn't find out why my infected and swollen gums never healed or "disappeared". Finally my holisitic dentist now told me few weeks ago that I have TMD and that this disorder makes my gum "shrink". I don't show the typical TMD symptoms and have no pain. After my dentist saw my x-rays and did some tests she said I am blessed because regarding the x-rays I should be in horrible pain.
TMD is a collection of symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and makes it possible for humans to close and open our mouth for example. A lot of people with this disease have TMJ pain and headaches, ear pain, neck pain, and often can't open their mouth right.
The Aqualizer™ can treat these TMJ problems. Right now, I am wearing this dental splint before I get my orthodontics appliances. Because I don't have the typical TMJ problems and pains, it is difficult to measure if this mouth guard helps me or not. For sure, my jaw feels more relax and I don't clench grind my teeth in the night (that's right, I have these TMJ symptoms). Except today, where I was wearing this mouth guard for too many hours. Now I feel pain. I had to take it out few minutes ago. It was like somebody pulled very strong on my right jaw.
But it was my fault. I didn't read the instructions. It says there that you shouldn't wear the Aqualizer™ for more than eight hours in any 24-hour period. If you wear this mouth guard longer (like I did today), the oral tissues get irritated (and they really did a lot!!!).
I like about this dental mouth guard the ease of use, perfect fit and flexible fluid layer. Through the equalized all bite forced layer, my muscles can respond instantly by repositioning the jaw into the best and most comfortable position.
Now I am curious if my orthodontics appliances will work in the same way as the Aqualizer™ to guard your mouth, bite and jaw.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Gum Disease And Spleen
What have gum disease and spleen in common? Blood! The first time I realized my gums shrank and decayed rapidly I couldn't believe it. I flossed and brushed my teeth twice a day and cleaned my gums with a rubber tip. What else should I do?
You know what happens when something bothers you horribly, you can't stop speaking about it. So I shared with everybody that my gums would shrink, and I don't understand why. At this time I already gave up asking traditional dentists; I never got a good answer from them.
One of our family friends just opened up an acupuncture office in our neighbor city. I gave her a call, and she asked me to come in. I guess I only wanted to hear that I am fine, and she wouldn't understand why. I felt totally healthy and that something not explainable happened to me.
She checked my eyes, tongue, mouth, ears, skin, pulse, and then told me that my spleen wouldn't work right. My blood couldn't be cleaned properly, and it would affect the gums. I couldn't believe that. I just did a blood test few months ago and everything was fine.
I wasn't digesting lately what I normally do but didn't waste a thought about it. My acupuncturist explained to me that the spleen is essential in digesting, assimilating, and transporting nutrients to the blood. If my spleen wouldn't work properly, it couldn't absorb vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. Often the blood becomes compromised.
She gave me herbs and showed me a tapping method I could use to help my spleen work better.
I tap points on my face, back of my head, and on my lower legs every day twice. Since I do this and receive gum disease treatments from my holistic dentist, my gums improved a lot.
Believing that the whole body works as a system together, different parts of the body, connected with each other, should be treated together to receive the best result.
It isn't the illness we want to cure; it is the reason for the illness we want to cure.
You know what happens when something bothers you horribly, you can't stop speaking about it. So I shared with everybody that my gums would shrink, and I don't understand why. At this time I already gave up asking traditional dentists; I never got a good answer from them.
One of our family friends just opened up an acupuncture office in our neighbor city. I gave her a call, and she asked me to come in. I guess I only wanted to hear that I am fine, and she wouldn't understand why. I felt totally healthy and that something not explainable happened to me.
She checked my eyes, tongue, mouth, ears, skin, pulse, and then told me that my spleen wouldn't work right. My blood couldn't be cleaned properly, and it would affect the gums. I couldn't believe that. I just did a blood test few months ago and everything was fine.
I wasn't digesting lately what I normally do but didn't waste a thought about it. My acupuncturist explained to me that the spleen is essential in digesting, assimilating, and transporting nutrients to the blood. If my spleen wouldn't work properly, it couldn't absorb vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. Often the blood becomes compromised.
She gave me herbs and showed me a tapping method I could use to help my spleen work better.
I tap points on my face, back of my head, and on my lower legs every day twice. Since I do this and receive gum disease treatments from my holistic dentist, my gums improved a lot.
Believing that the whole body works as a system together, different parts of the body, connected with each other, should be treated together to receive the best result.
It isn't the illness we want to cure; it is the reason for the illness we want to cure.
Tooth Whitening System
My holistic dentist recommended to use a tooth whitening system to whiten my teeth at home. She took molds from the teeth to prepare a custom tray.
I never whitened my teeth before. As a German teeth whitening isn't a natural process for me. If we should have white teeth by nature, they would be white. My teeth are yellow since I remember. It doesn't disturb me so much. Perhaps it doesn't look great, but it isn't a sign of unhealthiness. More than that, my gums and teeth are so sensitive that I didn't want to try it before.
It wasn't be a big deal in Germany but in the USA almost everybody has white teeth. My dentist suggested to whiten my teeth before I would get my braces that minimize my outlined bite and protect my gums so I would look prettier :-) So I brought home the 3M ESPE White & BriteTM tooth whitening system and the tooth paste 3M ESPE SootheRx therapy for sensitive teeth, a tooth paste for cleaning and brushing my teeth after the whitening process.
The first time I tried it, I did it for an hour, and it was OK. I applied a drop of the whitening gel in the face-side of each tooth space in the custom tray and waited. After an hour, I took off the custom tray and the teeth were whitened BETWEEN the teeth but not on the front. Too funny! I realized there is a science behind this too.
The second time I applied a drop higher on the face-side of each tooth in the custom tray and after 20 minutes, my gums started to burn. I didn't give up and waited for an hour. The gums relaxed and the teeth were a little bit whiter BETWEEN the teeth.
I read the instructions again and realized that it said "Apply a small amount of whitening gel in the face-side of each tooth space NOT in the face-side of each custom tray tooth space. How funny how silly you can be if you do things the first time :-)
I will try it again tonight and let you know!
Did you every try to whiten your teeth at home? How did it work for you?
I never whitened my teeth before. As a German teeth whitening isn't a natural process for me. If we should have white teeth by nature, they would be white. My teeth are yellow since I remember. It doesn't disturb me so much. Perhaps it doesn't look great, but it isn't a sign of unhealthiness. More than that, my gums and teeth are so sensitive that I didn't want to try it before.
It wasn't be a big deal in Germany but in the USA almost everybody has white teeth. My dentist suggested to whiten my teeth before I would get my braces that minimize my outlined bite and protect my gums so I would look prettier :-) So I brought home the 3M ESPE White & BriteTM tooth whitening system and the tooth paste 3M ESPE SootheRx therapy for sensitive teeth, a tooth paste for cleaning and brushing my teeth after the whitening process.
The first time I tried it, I did it for an hour, and it was OK. I applied a drop of the whitening gel in the face-side of each tooth space in the custom tray and waited. After an hour, I took off the custom tray and the teeth were whitened BETWEEN the teeth but not on the front. Too funny! I realized there is a science behind this too.
The second time I applied a drop higher on the face-side of each tooth in the custom tray and after 20 minutes, my gums started to burn. I didn't give up and waited for an hour. The gums relaxed and the teeth were a little bit whiter BETWEEN the teeth.
I read the instructions again and realized that it said "Apply a small amount of whitening gel in the face-side of each tooth space NOT in the face-side of each custom tray tooth space. How funny how silly you can be if you do things the first time :-)
I will try it again tonight and let you know!
Did you every try to whiten your teeth at home? How did it work for you?
HydroFloss Oral Irrigator
Since several months, I used a traditional oral irrigator to improve my dental health and after flossing my teeth to remove plaque.
My holistic dentist introduced me to the Hydrofloss oral irrigator. I told her that I already have an oral irrigator and really didn't want to spend money for another one, except she could tell me reasons why it would be better for my teeth and especially for my gums.
She said she would be happy to explain me why but first, I should watch a DVD explaining the benefits and how the HydroFloss oral irrigator would work.
I never heard about calculus before. It was the first time in the HydroFloss DVD I realized one of my main problems was exactly this, calculus.
I always had a lot of fluid in my mouth. All my dentists told me that this fluid was one of the reasons I built up plaque easily. Hardened plaque, mineralized or calcified plaque, is described as calculus. Calculus is very difficult to remove and forms in less than eight hours.
For my periodontal disease (second stage of gum disease, affects the ligaments and bones that hold the teeth), calculus was my biggest enemy.
The DVD explained how an oral irrigator can be effective to remove food debris, germs and bacteria that a tooth brush or floss can't.
What makes the HydroFloss oral irrigator special is that it does everything what a traditional oral irrigator does PLUS it removes deposits at AND slightly below the gum line. That sounded too perfect to be true.
However, I am desperate and want to do everything it takes to improve my gums. I bought it and took it home with me.
Through the special formed heads I can "point" it to my gum lines and see and feel that they are clean now. My infected pockets look much healthier and pink, not so red as before.
It takes time to floss, brush and oral irrigate my teeth and gums but it is worth the effort. After only six days, my gums look less infected, start becoming pink and swollen up.
My holistic dentist introduced me to the Hydrofloss oral irrigator. I told her that I already have an oral irrigator and really didn't want to spend money for another one, except she could tell me reasons why it would be better for my teeth and especially for my gums.
She said she would be happy to explain me why but first, I should watch a DVD explaining the benefits and how the HydroFloss oral irrigator would work.
I never heard about calculus before. It was the first time in the HydroFloss DVD I realized one of my main problems was exactly this, calculus.
I always had a lot of fluid in my mouth. All my dentists told me that this fluid was one of the reasons I built up plaque easily. Hardened plaque, mineralized or calcified plaque, is described as calculus. Calculus is very difficult to remove and forms in less than eight hours.
For my periodontal disease (second stage of gum disease, affects the ligaments and bones that hold the teeth), calculus was my biggest enemy.
The DVD explained how an oral irrigator can be effective to remove food debris, germs and bacteria that a tooth brush or floss can't.
What makes the HydroFloss oral irrigator special is that it does everything what a traditional oral irrigator does PLUS it removes deposits at AND slightly below the gum line. That sounded too perfect to be true.
However, I am desperate and want to do everything it takes to improve my gums. I bought it and took it home with me.
Through the special formed heads I can "point" it to my gum lines and see and feel that they are clean now. My infected pockets look much healthier and pink, not so red as before.
It takes time to floss, brush and oral irrigate my teeth and gums but it is worth the effort. After only six days, my gums look less infected, start becoming pink and swollen up.
Tooth And Gums Paste And Tooth And Gums Tonic
Before I found my holistic dentist I never heard about a tooth and gums paste before, not speaking about a tooth and gums tonic.
I love raw food and visit the health food store or Whole Foods frequently but never really saw a paste for tooth AND gums.
For sure, I am blessed having a dentist who educates me and helps to improve my gums. She recommended a brand that I am using at the moment but I am sure there are several other good products on the market.
But I know that using a tooth AND gums paste is perfect when you have a gum infection.
The brand my dentist recommended is "Dental Herb Company". I bought the paste and also the tooth & gums tonic. The consistence of the paste is different from other natural tooth pastes I know. Made with green tea extract, pure essential oils of peppermint, red thyme, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus globulus, lavender, and other ingredients, this natural tooth paste has no sodium lauryl sulfate.
I use it now since a week and it feels that the tooth paste doesn't only clean my teeth but also my gum line where the plaque builds up the most and on my roots. With my tongue I can feel that there is no tartar anymore.
After brushing my teeth I use the tooth and gums tonic. The herbs in the tonic is perfect for my oral health. The tonic contains deionized water, vegetable glycerin, extracts of echinacea, gotu kola, pure essential oils of pepermint, red thyme, eucalyptus globulus and lavender, and plant saponins.
Tip 1: Shake the bottle good before you use it the first time if you want to take full advantage of the benefits of the tonic and that the ingredients come together. I forgot it and was surprised the second time as I did it by accident and had a totally another result.
Tip 2: Rinse for 30 seconds. It will burn a little for 1 - 2 seconds but this is a sign that it works!
This works great!!!
I love raw food and visit the health food store or Whole Foods frequently but never really saw a paste for tooth AND gums.
For sure, I am blessed having a dentist who educates me and helps to improve my gums. She recommended a brand that I am using at the moment but I am sure there are several other good products on the market.
But I know that using a tooth AND gums paste is perfect when you have a gum infection.
The brand my dentist recommended is "Dental Herb Company". I bought the paste and also the tooth & gums tonic. The consistence of the paste is different from other natural tooth pastes I know. Made with green tea extract, pure essential oils of peppermint, red thyme, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus globulus, lavender, and other ingredients, this natural tooth paste has no sodium lauryl sulfate.
I use it now since a week and it feels that the tooth paste doesn't only clean my teeth but also my gum line where the plaque builds up the most and on my roots. With my tongue I can feel that there is no tartar anymore.
After brushing my teeth I use the tooth and gums tonic. The herbs in the tonic is perfect for my oral health. The tonic contains deionized water, vegetable glycerin, extracts of echinacea, gotu kola, pure essential oils of pepermint, red thyme, eucalyptus globulus and lavender, and plant saponins.
Tip 1: Shake the bottle good before you use it the first time if you want to take full advantage of the benefits of the tonic and that the ingredients come together. I forgot it and was surprised the second time as I did it by accident and had a totally another result.
Tip 2: Rinse for 30 seconds. It will burn a little for 1 - 2 seconds but this is a sign that it works!
This works great!!!
Do You Have To Brush Your Teeth And Floss Your Teeth After Every Meal Too?
I know I didn't take good care of my teeth as I was young. And yes, I ate a lot of sugar, drunk soda, and so on. However, since I was teenager, I brush my teeth twice a day and started to floss my teeth
ten years ago. I like a lot the Glide floss because it is really strong and never breaks.
Living with gingivitis without knowing and now having periodontitis lets me feel desperate sometimes.
The biggest challenge and change in my life are that I have to floss and brush my teeth after anything I eat to prevent plaque and more decaying gums and teeth.
I now take my toothbrush and floss everywhere with me I go to make this possible. It is still annoying.
I went to a full day seminar at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach yesterday and yes, I took all my dental equipment with me. Before the seminar, I ate a little snack and drunk my green smoothie to have energy. Nobody was waiting to access the restroom. I opened the door and started flossing my teeth.
Somebody knocked on the door. I told them it would take few more minutes. A minute later, another knock. I already started brushing my teeth. I again responded that I would be done in few minutes. Even so, now, I rushed and tried to finish brushing my teeth fast. I wasn't happy about it because I am really concerned when you know what I mean.
I consciously didn't go to the restroom to brush and floss my teeth after our lunch break and meal to prevent that I would annoy other people again. So as the seminar started, I waited for another half an hour and then went to the restroom to take care of my teeth and gums. And for sure, after few minutes, somebody knocked on the door. I can't tell you how upset and embarrassed I felt. I don't really want to bother or annoy other people, but if I don't take care of my teeth properly now and prevent plaque, I can design a necklace with my fallen out teeth soon.
I now think about if I want or have to eat something because that means that I have to brush my teeth afterward. My desire for food is shrinking. I guess I am lazy in this way. I still do it but I feel like it takes life quality away from me. I know it isn't fair because so many people have worse things as this.
It is great that my boss has empathy and understands my concerns. The whole flossing and tooth brushing procedure takes at least 8 - 10 minutes and I am grateful for that I have a thoughtful boss.
Do you have to brush your teeth and floss your teeth after every meal too? Do you understand how annoying this is too?
ten years ago. I like a lot the Glide floss because it is really strong and never breaks.
Living with gingivitis without knowing and now having periodontitis lets me feel desperate sometimes.
The biggest challenge and change in my life are that I have to floss and brush my teeth after anything I eat to prevent plaque and more decaying gums and teeth.
I now take my toothbrush and floss everywhere with me I go to make this possible. It is still annoying.
I went to a full day seminar at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach yesterday and yes, I took all my dental equipment with me. Before the seminar, I ate a little snack and drunk my green smoothie to have energy. Nobody was waiting to access the restroom. I opened the door and started flossing my teeth.
Somebody knocked on the door. I told them it would take few more minutes. A minute later, another knock. I already started brushing my teeth. I again responded that I would be done in few minutes. Even so, now, I rushed and tried to finish brushing my teeth fast. I wasn't happy about it because I am really concerned when you know what I mean.
I consciously didn't go to the restroom to brush and floss my teeth after our lunch break and meal to prevent that I would annoy other people again. So as the seminar started, I waited for another half an hour and then went to the restroom to take care of my teeth and gums. And for sure, after few minutes, somebody knocked on the door. I can't tell you how upset and embarrassed I felt. I don't really want to bother or annoy other people, but if I don't take care of my teeth properly now and prevent plaque, I can design a necklace with my fallen out teeth soon.
I now think about if I want or have to eat something because that means that I have to brush my teeth afterward. My desire for food is shrinking. I guess I am lazy in this way. I still do it but I feel like it takes life quality away from me. I know it isn't fair because so many people have worse things as this.
It is great that my boss has empathy and understands my concerns. The whole flossing and tooth brushing procedure takes at least 8 - 10 minutes and I am grateful for that I have a thoughtful boss.
Do you have to brush your teeth and floss your teeth after every meal too? Do you understand how annoying this is too?
Professional Toothbrush
I got a periodontal disease treatment as a deep dental cleaning and root planing last Tuesday. My dental hygienist did a wonderful job! My decaying roots and gums felt so clean and everything looked great.
I was happy but also worried about how it would look after few days because my mouth develops a lot of fluid, and it builds up plaque very fast.
My dental hygienist recommended a professional toothbrush to clean my infected gums and decayed roots. She said that they were several good ones on the market and one of the best would be the Rotadent, a professional rotary toothbrush. This toothbrush cleans teeth and gums through its rotary action and more effectively with less pressure to teeth and gums. Ask your dentist. I heard that this toothbrush is sold through dentists only.
I am so desperate with my receding gums that I would be willing to try everything. So I bought it and took the toothbrush home with me the same day.
It was first funny to feel the brush on my teeth. My teeth are very sensitive and this rotating toothbrush let me feel a little pressure. I really wasn't sure it this would work for me. However, I didn't stop doing it. I wanted to give it a dry.
Because I have decaying teeth the roots are visible. As soon as I eat something the food ends up in the hole of my decaying gums and between my teeth. It is so annoying. Every time when I eat now, I have to brush my teeth.
Nevertheless, back to the toothbrush. Six days later now, my gums don't look so infected anymore. My teeth feel clean with no plaque on it. It is amazing! If you would tell me that a week ago I wouldn't believe you that a toothbrush makes such a different.
I brush my teeth first with the tooth & gums paste from the Dental Herb Company and then again with water. Why?
Tip: When you brush with toothpaste you can't really see if the professional toothbrush cleanses the gum line. When you brush with water only, you can see that the gum line changes its color from red to white for a second.
It makes me a little sad that I start using a professional toothbrush so late in my life. But, better late than never, right?!
I was happy but also worried about how it would look after few days because my mouth develops a lot of fluid, and it builds up plaque very fast.
My dental hygienist recommended a professional toothbrush to clean my infected gums and decayed roots. She said that they were several good ones on the market and one of the best would be the Rotadent, a professional rotary toothbrush. This toothbrush cleans teeth and gums through its rotary action and more effectively with less pressure to teeth and gums. Ask your dentist. I heard that this toothbrush is sold through dentists only.
I am so desperate with my receding gums that I would be willing to try everything. So I bought it and took the toothbrush home with me the same day.
It was first funny to feel the brush on my teeth. My teeth are very sensitive and this rotating toothbrush let me feel a little pressure. I really wasn't sure it this would work for me. However, I didn't stop doing it. I wanted to give it a dry.
Because I have decaying teeth the roots are visible. As soon as I eat something the food ends up in the hole of my decaying gums and between my teeth. It is so annoying. Every time when I eat now, I have to brush my teeth.
Nevertheless, back to the toothbrush. Six days later now, my gums don't look so infected anymore. My teeth feel clean with no plaque on it. It is amazing! If you would tell me that a week ago I wouldn't believe you that a toothbrush makes such a different.
I brush my teeth first with the tooth & gums paste from the Dental Herb Company and then again with water. Why?
Tip: When you brush with toothpaste you can't really see if the professional toothbrush cleanses the gum line. When you brush with water only, you can see that the gum line changes its color from red to white for a second.
It makes me a little sad that I start using a professional toothbrush so late in my life. But, better late than never, right?!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Periodontal Disease Treatment By A Holistic Dentistry In Brevard County, Florida
My periodontal disease treatment started today. I really underestimated what periodontitis means for my body and what could happen if it would be left untreated.
Like I figured out before and described in my former blogs, the reason for my periodontal disease isn't that I brushed my teeth too hard twenty years ago or don't clean my gum and teeth properly. The reason that 80 % of my gums are decaying is a "bad bite". My upper and lower teeth touch each other on two points only; all other teeth rub each other when I bite down and stress my gum.
But for sure, my periodontal disease also has to do something with bacteria built up on the exposed roots and heavy plaque built through my mouth fluid.
Back to the periodontal disease treatment today. My holistic dentist in Brevard County, Florida introduced me to her dental hygienist who performed an awesome root planning on my teeth. It took 1 1/2 hours, but now they feel so clean and look much better.
I will have a follow-up appointment and second regular cleaning in two weeks to check if my disease and gum infection improved or if other steps have to be taken. My periodontal disease treatment started today.
I really underestimated what periodontitis or its cases means for my body and what could happen if it would be left untreated like
My holistic dentist also checked the proper or improper functionality of my joints, jaw, bite, spin, ears, eyes, etc. The purpose of this exercise was to find the reason for my "bad bite". But not only that, the goal also was furthermore to know which other pain this "bad bite", or the reason for it, is developing in my body. I sometimes have migraines, starting with neck and back pains, blurring eye sight, tingling fingers, etc.
She will create proper braces for me to even out my upper and lower bite so that my teeth come together when I bite down.
My follow-up meeting in regard to the analysis of the exercises above will be in a week. I am curious about the result and how this will improve my decaying gums and the other pain in my body.
To help me improving my gum disease and periodontitis, my dental hygienist recommended a professional toothbrush, an oral irrigator, and other products like tooth paste, tonic, etc.:
All overall, I am happy I went through and did what I had to do, finally fighting my gum disease periodontitis with any weapons I have.
Like I figured out before and described in my former blogs, the reason for my periodontal disease isn't that I brushed my teeth too hard twenty years ago or don't clean my gum and teeth properly. The reason that 80 % of my gums are decaying is a "bad bite". My upper and lower teeth touch each other on two points only; all other teeth rub each other when I bite down and stress my gum.
But for sure, my periodontal disease also has to do something with bacteria built up on the exposed roots and heavy plaque built through my mouth fluid.
Back to the periodontal disease treatment today. My holistic dentist in Brevard County, Florida introduced me to her dental hygienist who performed an awesome root planning on my teeth. It took 1 1/2 hours, but now they feel so clean and look much better.
I will have a follow-up appointment and second regular cleaning in two weeks to check if my disease and gum infection improved or if other steps have to be taken. My periodontal disease treatment started today.
I really underestimated what periodontitis or its cases means for my body and what could happen if it would be left untreated like
- heart attacks
- disordered breathing
- snoring
- cardiovascular disease
- ear problems
- eye problems
- bruxing
- posture problems
- TMJ
- headaches
- migraines
- whiplash
- mouth breathing
- diabetes
- and other bad habits and pains
My holistic dentist also checked the proper or improper functionality of my joints, jaw, bite, spin, ears, eyes, etc. The purpose of this exercise was to find the reason for my "bad bite". But not only that, the goal also was furthermore to know which other pain this "bad bite", or the reason for it, is developing in my body. I sometimes have migraines, starting with neck and back pains, blurring eye sight, tingling fingers, etc.
She will create proper braces for me to even out my upper and lower bite so that my teeth come together when I bite down.
My follow-up meeting in regard to the analysis of the exercises above will be in a week. I am curious about the result and how this will improve my decaying gums and the other pain in my body.
To help me improving my gum disease and periodontitis, my dental hygienist recommended a professional toothbrush, an oral irrigator, and other products like tooth paste, tonic, etc.:
- Rotadent (a powered toothbrush, very effective by all gum diseases)
- HYDRO FLOSS (a new oral irrigator, clinically proven to help fight plaque & calculus)
- Tooth & gums paste and tonic from Dental Herb Company (made with green tea extract)
- Min-Chex from SP Standard Process (recommended by my holistic dentist to improve my breathing and jaw/joint/teeth movement while sleeping)
All overall, I am happy I went through and did what I had to do, finally fighting my gum disease periodontitis with any weapons I have.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Finally Official: After Twenty Years I have Developed Periodontitis
The result of the meeting with my holistic dentist last week: Middle periodontal disease. Some of my teeth have pockets of 4 - 6, several have decaying gum and exposed roots. From the first time I went to my holistic dentist three weeks ago to last week, I lost another two teeth and also have decaying gums and exposed roots on those now.
Perhaps you can imagine how desperate I am. Not only that it looks awful; it shows that something isn't right with my body and it is getting worse now. If I look back I always knew something wasn't right but I guess I didn't take the responsibility and educated myself. I counted on dentists telling me what I have and what I can do.
I know I repeat myself. Having swollen and infected gums for over twenty years and now decaying gums should teach me a lesson, you would think. Did it but only three weeks ago. I lived in a fairy tale before believing everything would be ok again and that the gums would grow back.
My holistic dentist took this fairy tale away from me. She told me last week that I need a deep dental cleaning to stop my periodontitis and decaying gums. It will also help to deep clean my exposed roots.
It was a shock for me. I always heard about it but never imagine I could have it. Funny. I didn't realize that I had gingivitis as I got my first deep cleaning. I always knew something wasn't right because my swollen, bleeding and infected gums would only improve a little but never go away totally. And now I have it in a written form: I have the periodontitis gum disease.
The next step will be to put caps on my upper teeth to even them out and improve my bite. At the moment my bite is totally out of balance. Only two teeth touch each other. When I close my teeth, all other teeth rub on each other and irritate and push my gums.
As soon as the new caps even out my bite my holistic dentist will prepare braces for my lower teeth for the daytime and other braces for the upper teeth for the nighttime. The braces will not be permanent so I can take them out what is great for my proper dental cleaning.
My first treatments will start tomorrow. I am excited and scared at the same time. I really want that this peridontitis gum disease stops but I am scared that whatever I try holistic will not help and I finally need an operation.
Perhaps you can imagine how desperate I am. Not only that it looks awful; it shows that something isn't right with my body and it is getting worse now. If I look back I always knew something wasn't right but I guess I didn't take the responsibility and educated myself. I counted on dentists telling me what I have and what I can do.
I know I repeat myself. Having swollen and infected gums for over twenty years and now decaying gums should teach me a lesson, you would think. Did it but only three weeks ago. I lived in a fairy tale before believing everything would be ok again and that the gums would grow back.
My holistic dentist took this fairy tale away from me. She told me last week that I need a deep dental cleaning to stop my periodontitis and decaying gums. It will also help to deep clean my exposed roots.
It was a shock for me. I always heard about it but never imagine I could have it. Funny. I didn't realize that I had gingivitis as I got my first deep cleaning. I always knew something wasn't right because my swollen, bleeding and infected gums would only improve a little but never go away totally. And now I have it in a written form: I have the periodontitis gum disease.
The next step will be to put caps on my upper teeth to even them out and improve my bite. At the moment my bite is totally out of balance. Only two teeth touch each other. When I close my teeth, all other teeth rub on each other and irritate and push my gums.
As soon as the new caps even out my bite my holistic dentist will prepare braces for my lower teeth for the daytime and other braces for the upper teeth for the nighttime. The braces will not be permanent so I can take them out what is great for my proper dental cleaning.
My first treatments will start tomorrow. I am excited and scared at the same time. I really want that this peridontitis gum disease stops but I am scared that whatever I try holistic will not help and I finally need an operation.
Joint Vibration Analysis
My holistic dentist assumed that my "shrinking gums" and exposed teeth roots from decay would come from my bite and jaw, combined with infected and swollen gums.
She asked me to do a joint vibration analysis to find out if my jaw is working properly and the jaw function itself. Symptoms that your jaw doesn't work properly could be
I didn't have anything of these but with the years my snoring and teeth grinding got worse. These could be signs too that our jaw isn't working properly. A lot of people snore as a sign of a bad bite or not functional jaw movement.
To measure the jaw movement I got kind of headset that were sitting tight over my jaw muscles. I then had to follow the dental assistant with imitating her jaw opening and closing movements. Next I did the same but followed instructions on the computer.
In our follow-up meeting last week, my holistic dentist showed me the result of the joint vibration analysis. It was interesting to see that the result of closing and opening my jaw was ok but the pictures showed that my jaw itself didn't look right what is a sign that it is not formed properly.
She asked me to do a joint vibration analysis to find out if my jaw is working properly and the jaw function itself. Symptoms that your jaw doesn't work properly could be
- Headaches
- Limited mouth opening
- Clicking or joint sounds
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Dizziness
- Earaches or ringing
- Neck, shoulder pain
- Locking jaw
- Worn or cracked teeth
- Sore facial muscles
- Sensitive teeth
I didn't have anything of these but with the years my snoring and teeth grinding got worse. These could be signs too that our jaw isn't working properly. A lot of people snore as a sign of a bad bite or not functional jaw movement.
To measure the jaw movement I got kind of headset that were sitting tight over my jaw muscles. I then had to follow the dental assistant with imitating her jaw opening and closing movements. Next I did the same but followed instructions on the computer.
In our follow-up meeting last week, my holistic dentist showed me the result of the joint vibration analysis. It was interesting to see that the result of closing and opening my jaw was ok but the pictures showed that my jaw itself didn't look right what is a sign that it is not formed properly.
Holistic Dentist
I decided to try the holistic dentist in my neighborhood. Three weeks ago I went to her office and she educated me in an awesome way.
We all know that all parts of the body are connected to each other but I never thought that teeth would have such a big influence. My holistic dentist explained to me that the whole body works as a system together. Wisdom teeth taken out twenty years ago leave kind of a whole and could bring an unbalance to the body itself. The first visit was more about to understand the holistic approach of dentistry and why you should always try to maintain and support versus pulling out teeth or operate.
She then took x-rays and pictures of my teeth. Molds were also taken. The most interesting treatment was a joint vibration analysis.
My holistic doctor assumed that my infected, swollen and shrinking gums would have something to do with my bite that was totally out of alignment.
Exercises like holding up my arms by letting her try to push them down, showed how powerful the right bite can be. First I hold up my arms and she could push them down easily. Second I had kind of a dental stick in my mouth and it wasn't so easy for her to push my arms down. Third and last, she put kind of a flexible piece of plastic in my mouth that got hard and then repeated the exercise. Surprisingly I could hold up my arms against her pressure easily. How amazing!
I was very excited to see what the result of all these checks, treatments, and exercises would be. My meeting with my holistic doctor to speak about the next steps was last week and the result surprising.
We all know that all parts of the body are connected to each other but I never thought that teeth would have such a big influence. My holistic dentist explained to me that the whole body works as a system together. Wisdom teeth taken out twenty years ago leave kind of a whole and could bring an unbalance to the body itself. The first visit was more about to understand the holistic approach of dentistry and why you should always try to maintain and support versus pulling out teeth or operate.
She then took x-rays and pictures of my teeth. Molds were also taken. The most interesting treatment was a joint vibration analysis.
My holistic doctor assumed that my infected, swollen and shrinking gums would have something to do with my bite that was totally out of alignment.
Exercises like holding up my arms by letting her try to push them down, showed how powerful the right bite can be. First I hold up my arms and she could push them down easily. Second I had kind of a dental stick in my mouth and it wasn't so easy for her to push my arms down. Third and last, she put kind of a flexible piece of plastic in my mouth that got hard and then repeated the exercise. Surprisingly I could hold up my arms against her pressure easily. How amazing!
I was very excited to see what the result of all these checks, treatments, and exercises would be. My meeting with my holistic doctor to speak about the next steps was last week and the result surprising.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Dental Cleaning
I wasn't sure what to do after I didn't want to go back to my old dentist. The dental cleaning was awesome
(my dental hygienist recommended the butler g-u-m gum stimulator that worked great and really stimulated my gums) but he didn't care about my gum infection at all. I thought I had the situation with my swollen and bleeding gums under control. As the three months were over, and I normally would go back to my dental hygienist in March 2010, I didn't.
My gums were ok, still swollen and infected, but ok. So I thought I would have the time to find another dentist who really cares about my gums and my overall dental health. How wrong I was!
With the current economy and the money challenge, I pushed the dentist search to April and then to May 2010. I saw an ad of an holistic dentist an hour far away from my home who advertised that she would specialize in gum health. The ad looked great. I wanted to check her out but didn't make a final decision. Visiting a healthy living expo in my neighbor city, I participated in a seminar, led by specific holistic dentist. She was straight forward and let us visitor look in mirrors to "see our gums and teeth" and go through exercises to check out our problem areas.
By this time, my gums started to "shrink". All my back teeth lost gum and bone tissue within two months. It felt like it happened over night. I looked in the mirror and was shocked. Where have I been? What happened with my mouth, teeth and gums? I became scarred. Only being in my forties, I am too young to lose my teeth (I guess you are still too young with seventy for that).
Finally, I went to a local dentist in my neighborhood. I asked him about my shrinking gums, why I have them, and what I could do. No answer. I am so tired that no dentist really cares about helping me with my gums. He only said that my bite would be off and perhaps later I would need a crown. A crown again!!! No word about that I would have gingivitis or periodontitis (what I know now). I couldn't hear it anymore. However, I didn't want to give up and went back to get a dental cleaning with this dentist.
The dental cleaning was horrible. The dental hygienist complained about my teeth and gum loss and assumed that 1. I wouldn't clean my teeth, 2. I wouldn't clean my teeth right, 3. I didn't clean my teeth as I was young (what is right), etc. No word about Gingivitis or Periodontitis either. Then she started for thirty minutes to clean my teeth manual, again complaining about my plaque, and that it was so difficult. In the meantime, my teeth starting hurting from getting pulled back and forth. Finally, she used electrical equipment for few minutes and told me then I was done. While she was treating me she asked if I ever went to a periodontist.
I am sure you know how your teeth feel when you come from your dental cleaning. They look so good and feel so clean. That wasn't the way they felt in this case.
I know I had to do something and finally find a dentist who cares about my gum problem or going to a periodontist who eventually would place dental implants in my mouth.
Remembering the holistic dentist, I thought I give it a try. It was my best decision in regard to my long gum infection problem ever.
(my dental hygienist recommended the butler g-u-m gum stimulator that worked great and really stimulated my gums) but he didn't care about my gum infection at all. I thought I had the situation with my swollen and bleeding gums under control. As the three months were over, and I normally would go back to my dental hygienist in March 2010, I didn't.
My gums were ok, still swollen and infected, but ok. So I thought I would have the time to find another dentist who really cares about my gums and my overall dental health. How wrong I was!
With the current economy and the money challenge, I pushed the dentist search to April and then to May 2010. I saw an ad of an holistic dentist an hour far away from my home who advertised that she would specialize in gum health. The ad looked great. I wanted to check her out but didn't make a final decision. Visiting a healthy living expo in my neighbor city, I participated in a seminar, led by specific holistic dentist. She was straight forward and let us visitor look in mirrors to "see our gums and teeth" and go through exercises to check out our problem areas.
By this time, my gums started to "shrink". All my back teeth lost gum and bone tissue within two months. It felt like it happened over night. I looked in the mirror and was shocked. Where have I been? What happened with my mouth, teeth and gums? I became scarred. Only being in my forties, I am too young to lose my teeth (I guess you are still too young with seventy for that).
Finally, I went to a local dentist in my neighborhood. I asked him about my shrinking gums, why I have them, and what I could do. No answer. I am so tired that no dentist really cares about helping me with my gums. He only said that my bite would be off and perhaps later I would need a crown. A crown again!!! No word about that I would have gingivitis or periodontitis (what I know now). I couldn't hear it anymore. However, I didn't want to give up and went back to get a dental cleaning with this dentist.
The dental cleaning was horrible. The dental hygienist complained about my teeth and gum loss and assumed that 1. I wouldn't clean my teeth, 2. I wouldn't clean my teeth right, 3. I didn't clean my teeth as I was young (what is right), etc. No word about Gingivitis or Periodontitis either. Then she started for thirty minutes to clean my teeth manual, again complaining about my plaque, and that it was so difficult. In the meantime, my teeth starting hurting from getting pulled back and forth. Finally, she used electrical equipment for few minutes and told me then I was done. While she was treating me she asked if I ever went to a periodontist.
I am sure you know how your teeth feel when you come from your dental cleaning. They look so good and feel so clean. That wasn't the way they felt in this case.
I know I had to do something and finally find a dentist who cares about my gum problem or going to a periodontist who eventually would place dental implants in my mouth.
Remembering the holistic dentist, I thought I give it a try. It was my best decision in regard to my long gum infection problem ever.
Gum Disease Treatment
Moving from Miami to a small town on the East Coast of Florida, it again took me six months to visit a dentist. In Germany I had dental insurance (everybody who is employed in Germany is fully covered him or herself and also their families through the health insurance system that includes dental insurance. You pay a small amount for a regular check-up or dental cleaning when you go to the dentist.)
Still without dental insurance in the USA I had to go to the cheapest dentist who only gave me a "regular" dental cleaning what is like no dental cleaning at all.
As I could finally afford a good dentist after a year, I needed another deep dental cleaning. But this time, I met a wonderful dental hygienist who spoiled me with positive attention and really caring about my teeth and gums.
It is funny that many dentists mainly see your teeth. They always want to put crowns, caps or fillings in your mouth but don't really care about swollen and bleeding gums.
My dental hygienist gave me after this deep dental cleaning the medial oral care rinse Gel-Kam as a gum disease treatment (you need a prescription). I had to take it for several weeks but it really helped healing my gums a lot. This oral care rinse is really great if you need a gum disease treatment to
It worked very well and improved my swollen and infected gums. I could see that the gums changed colors from dark red to light pink and the fine red line in the gums between the teeth (a signal that they are infected) totally disappeared. The plaque had fewer chances to build up.
For two years, I went to her every three months for a regular dental cleaning. It wasn't cheap but it helped to hold my developed Gingivitis in place. My gums were less infected and swollen and the bleeding improved too. It was a huge improvement to my situation before.
So much I liked the dental hygienist, whenever the annual x-rays and dental check came up the dentist always wanted to sell me crowns and didn't listen to my gum concerns at all. He did it so aggressive that I didn't want to go back to my hygienist after the last cleaning in December 2009.
And with this decision, my painful odyssey begun. It was a huge mistake to stop the dental cleaning. Now I know that everybody who has Gingivitis needs a dental cleaning every three months or less. I didn't realize this before.
Learning through experience can be very eye-opening!
Still without dental insurance in the USA I had to go to the cheapest dentist who only gave me a "regular" dental cleaning what is like no dental cleaning at all.
As I could finally afford a good dentist after a year, I needed another deep dental cleaning. But this time, I met a wonderful dental hygienist who spoiled me with positive attention and really caring about my teeth and gums.
It is funny that many dentists mainly see your teeth. They always want to put crowns, caps or fillings in your mouth but don't really care about swollen and bleeding gums.
My dental hygienist gave me after this deep dental cleaning the medial oral care rinse Gel-Kam as a gum disease treatment (you need a prescription). I had to take it for several weeks but it really helped healing my gums a lot. This oral care rinse is really great if you need a gum disease treatment to
- prevent decay
- minimize plaque on our teeth
- take care of exposed roots
- heal Gingivitis
- help with tooth sensitivity
It worked very well and improved my swollen and infected gums. I could see that the gums changed colors from dark red to light pink and the fine red line in the gums between the teeth (a signal that they are infected) totally disappeared. The plaque had fewer chances to build up.
For two years, I went to her every three months for a regular dental cleaning. It wasn't cheap but it helped to hold my developed Gingivitis in place. My gums were less infected and swollen and the bleeding improved too. It was a huge improvement to my situation before.
So much I liked the dental hygienist, whenever the annual x-rays and dental check came up the dentist always wanted to sell me crowns and didn't listen to my gum concerns at all. He did it so aggressive that I didn't want to go back to my hygienist after the last cleaning in December 2009.
And with this decision, my painful odyssey begun. It was a huge mistake to stop the dental cleaning. Now I know that everybody who has Gingivitis needs a dental cleaning every three months or less. I didn't realize this before.
Learning through experience can be very eye-opening!
Gingivitis
After having swollen and infected gums for so many years, my gums developed gingivitis. It was so painful and sad looking in the mirror and seeing my infected, swollen and bleeding gums.
As I still lived in Germany, I went to my dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning. He always spoke about my Amalgam fillings, and that I would have to remove them soon but never really paid attention to my gums. He said it would go away when I would clean my teeth better.
I moved from Germany to the USA in April 2005. With no dental insurance, I wanted to wait and see how long I could make it without dental cleaning. This was my first big mistake. But I didn't learn from it. Read more in my future postings.
As I visited a local dentist in Miami in May 2006, he told me that I needed a deep dental cleaning. He never spoke about that I have Gingivitis, so I had no clue what happened and why I needed a deep cleaning. I knew that my gums were infected but not why. I asked him and his answer was again that I didn't brush my teeth properly. I got so tired of this answer. Seeing the result of cleaning my teeth and gums wrong but not really knowing what was the reason for it made me crazy.
I went to two deep dental cleaning treatments, and he charged me a huge amount of money but without educating me how I could take care of the Gingivitis (now I know what it was) in the future.
Underestimating what it meant I brushed and flossed my teeth how I was used to and how the dentist showed me but the swollen and bleeding gums still didn't improve.
I got used to it and thought I could live with it.
As I still lived in Germany, I went to my dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning. He always spoke about my Amalgam fillings, and that I would have to remove them soon but never really paid attention to my gums. He said it would go away when I would clean my teeth better.
I moved from Germany to the USA in April 2005. With no dental insurance, I wanted to wait and see how long I could make it without dental cleaning. This was my first big mistake. But I didn't learn from it. Read more in my future postings.
As I visited a local dentist in Miami in May 2006, he told me that I needed a deep dental cleaning. He never spoke about that I have Gingivitis, so I had no clue what happened and why I needed a deep cleaning. I knew that my gums were infected but not why. I asked him and his answer was again that I didn't brush my teeth properly. I got so tired of this answer. Seeing the result of cleaning my teeth and gums wrong but not really knowing what was the reason for it made me crazy.
I went to two deep dental cleaning treatments, and he charged me a huge amount of money but without educating me how I could take care of the Gingivitis (now I know what it was) in the future.
Underestimating what it meant I brushed and flossed my teeth how I was used to and how the dentist showed me but the swollen and bleeding gums still didn't improve.
I got used to it and thought I could live with it.
Gum Infection
Over the years, my gums became more and more infected. Several teeth started bleeding. The gums got swollen and red. There was never a time the infection went totally away.
I guess it is also in my family. My parents and my middle sister have the same problems. The last twenty years, I tried everything what is available on the "traditional" dental hygiene market, from special formed tooth brushes and dental floss over water picker to a gum tip that massages your gums.
For a long time, I didn't want to show my teeth when pictures were taken. I felt embarrassed about my appearance, and that I didn't take care of my teeth as I was a child.
Changing the dental hygiene behavior was easy for me, but it doesn't change the damage that already was done.
If I would know as a child what I know now I never ever would not be brushing or cleaning my teeth. But, it is too late for that now.
I guess it is also in my family. My parents and my middle sister have the same problems. The last twenty years, I tried everything what is available on the "traditional" dental hygiene market, from special formed tooth brushes and dental floss over water picker to a gum tip that massages your gums.
For a long time, I didn't want to show my teeth when pictures were taken. I felt embarrassed about my appearance, and that I didn't take care of my teeth as I was a child.
Changing the dental hygiene behavior was easy for me, but it doesn't change the damage that already was done.
If I would know as a child what I know now I never ever would not be brushing or cleaning my teeth. But, it is too late for that now.
Swollen Gums
Hi, I am Daggi. I wanted to share my odyssey from swollen gums and having a gum infection over gingivitis to periodontitis.
I am German and live in the USA since 2005. I have swollen and infected gums since I was a teenager.
As I was a child I hated brushing and cleaning my teeth. I felt it was a waste of my time, and often I went to bed without or only with a kind of a minute brush. My dental hygiene wasn't great, not to say horrible.
Being a teenager, everything else was more important. It really didn't bother me so much then. Furthermore, I never saw that it was bad for my teeth. As I was a child my mom brought my sister and me to a dentist who put filings as "prevention" in my healthy teeth.
I had a lot of cavities back then, no wonder with all the chocolate, sugar and sweets I ate.
Since I am a young adult I brush and floss my teeth twice a day. However, the bleeding and swollen gums didn't stop since then. I still have them twenty years later. It always bothered me.
I often feel desperate and that I am the only one who is fighting with it. It looks like everybody else has these wonderful teeth, especially here in the United States.
This is my odyssey of having a "little" gum problem to being one step away from losing my teeth.
Perhaps my blog helps you, and you don't have to go through the same hell as I do now.
Happy teeth and gums!
I am German and live in the USA since 2005. I have swollen and infected gums since I was a teenager.
As I was a child I hated brushing and cleaning my teeth. I felt it was a waste of my time, and often I went to bed without or only with a kind of a minute brush. My dental hygiene wasn't great, not to say horrible.
Being a teenager, everything else was more important. It really didn't bother me so much then. Furthermore, I never saw that it was bad for my teeth. As I was a child my mom brought my sister and me to a dentist who put filings as "prevention" in my healthy teeth.
I had a lot of cavities back then, no wonder with all the chocolate, sugar and sweets I ate.
Since I am a young adult I brush and floss my teeth twice a day. However, the bleeding and swollen gums didn't stop since then. I still have them twenty years later. It always bothered me.
I often feel desperate and that I am the only one who is fighting with it. It looks like everybody else has these wonderful teeth, especially here in the United States.
This is my odyssey of having a "little" gum problem to being one step away from losing my teeth.
Perhaps my blog helps you, and you don't have to go through the same hell as I do now.
Happy teeth and gums!
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