If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

When choosing your addiction treatment program it is important that you ask a lot of questions of each center you visit. Here are some questions that you should ask of each drug treatment or alcohol treatment center you are considering:

1. What kind of licensing or accreditation does the addiction treatment program have? State licensing is not the same as national accreditation programs, but make sure that your program has is licensed or accredited.

2. Does your drug treatment program have studies to back up the effectiveness of their treatment methods? Studies add legitimacy to treatment methods.

3. Does the alcohol treatment support or allow medications if the medications are prescribed to treat medical problems? Some medical conditions like clinical depression can get in the way of a person achieving sobriety. It is important that medication for medical conditions be allowed.

4. Does the drug treatment program offer an “aftercare” program to support people as they transition back to “real” life? Aftercare involves regular counseling requires participation in addiction help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Rational Recovery. Aftercare is essential to ensure that sobriety “sticks” after a patient checks out of their addiction treatment program.

5. How does the treatment program deal with a patient who relapses? Sadly, relapses are common among people who seek sobriety. A quality drug treatment or alcohol treatment program will teach patients how to recognize signs of relapse and to deal with them. Some addiction treatment programs have measures in place to allow a patient to re-enter treatment if they relapse.

Congratulations on choosing to get sober! Are you ready to choose your treatment program? Here are some hints to help you choose a program and set off on the road to sobriety:

Each addiction treatment program is different. An alcohol rehab program is going to have different goals than a drug rehab program. A Drug rehab program will often be more intense than an alcohol rehab program. Obviously the success of an addition treatment program is up to the individual that goes through it.

When you are trying to choose a rehab program it is important that you prepare yourself for hard work. Many programs believe in the “cold turkey” route to rehab-you will check yourself in and from that moment on, no drugs or alcohol allowed. The detoxing part of rehab is often the hardest part to get through-it is during the detox process that many people give up on their quest to get sober.

If you are truly serious about getting sober, it is important that you commit to the methods put in place by the drug rehab program or alcohol rehab program that you have chosen. An addiction treatment program can only set the “get sober” tools in front of you, it is up to you to pick them up and put them to use.

Choosing to get sober is one of the hardest decisions you will make in your lifetime but there is no doubt that getting sober is the best thing you will ever do for yourself.

Unfortunately, when a person is in the throes of addiction, they don’t always see that they have a problem. Even if they do recognize their addiction, many people think that they can handle it without outside help. This is almost never actually the case and if you think that someone you care about can’t handle their addiction on their own, it might be time to have an intervention. Whatever the addiction, whether it is an alcohol intervention or planning Drug interventions, an intervention is never easy.

When you hold an intervention it is important to have an intervention counselor present. The counselor will act as the “outside voice of reason” and do his or her best to keep the situation under control.

Remember that you can only say and do so much. The person that you confront might not want to listen to you. It is up to them to make the final decision to look for help. For many people an intervention is what it takes to show them that help is needed. For others, it becomes an excuse for further avoidance.

An intervention is rarely a positive experience and it is important to prepare yourself for that. Often a person will feel “ganged up on” and can quickly become defensive. The most important part of an Alcohol intervention or drug interventions is to let the subject know that the intervention is motivated by your love for him (or her) and that all you want is for him (or her) to seek help.

Deciding on the right Drug rehabilitation program is almost as hard a decision as the decision to seek drug rehab in the first place. Each program is different. Some programs are meant for alcohol rehab, others are meant to take care of hard drug problems. Each program has its own methods and treatment to help you get back on your feet. Figuring out which program will be the best for you is going to take some work.

Here are some tips for finding the Drug rehab or alcohol rehab program:

1. What kind of motivation works best for you? While some people respond to gentle consolations, other people need strict programs with no-nonsense counselors. Be honest with yourself-what will be the most beneficial?

2. You will need to undergo counseling-what method makes you the most comfortable? Are you more likely to open up in one on one sessions or would you feel more comfortable in a group?

3. Are you strong enough to handle an “out patient” program? Many people think that they don’t need to immerse themselves in their drug rehabilitation, but “out patient” programs are harder to follow than the “sleep away” programs.

When it comes to Alcohol rehab and drug rehab it is important to take your time and research a few facilities before committing to one program. Each program is different and because you truly want to overcome your addiction, you need to choose the program that is best suited to your personality.

Brushing your teeth may be more important than you think. Gingivitis, an early phase of gum disease, is inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria above the gumline. If left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis**, a more serious and damaging stage of infection and resulting gum inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated there is an association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death in both men and women. More research is needed and is underway to better understand the exact nature of this association and the potential impact serious gum disease may be having on these systemic conditions.

Only Colgate Total is both FDA-approved and accepted by the ADA to help prevent gingivitis. It contains an ingredient that fights both gum inflammation and bacteria. A unique, innovative technology ensures that this ingredient fights germs for a full 12 hours.

Fighting oral bacteria and gum inflammation associated with gingivitis by brushing with Colgate Total is a simple step that people can incorporate into their daily routines to help keep their mouths healthy, and this may have a positive effect on their overall health.

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

• Crown: the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth’s function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
• Gumline: where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Root: the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
• Enamel: the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body—yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
• Dentin: the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin—where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
• Pulp: the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.

if your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth?

Every tooth has a specific job or function (Use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):

• Incisors: the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
• Canines: sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (or cusps) and are used for tearing food.
• Premolars: these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
• Molars: used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.

Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, or erupt, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. This can lead to wisdom teeth that are impacted, teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. If teeth are impacted, swelling and tenderness may occur.

Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.

How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Your dentist or a dental specialist, called an oral surgeon, will recommend either “going to sleep” using general anesthesia, or numbing this area in your mouth with a local anesthesia such as Novocain^®.

After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.

Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future.

What Is It?

Bad breath (also known as halitosis) is breath containing an unpleasant odor. This odor can strike periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause. In many patients, the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth (particularly on the back of the tongue) are the primary culprits of bad breath. The mouth’s warm, moist conditions make an ideal environment for these bacteria to grow. About 80 percent of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Some types of bad breath, such as “morning mouth,” are considered to be fairly normal, and they are usually not health concerns. The “morning mouth” type of bad breath occurs because the saliva that regularly washes away decaying food and odors during the daytime diminishes at night while you sleep. Your mouth becomes dry, and dead cells adhere to your tongue and to the inside of your cheeks. Bacteria use these cells for food and expel compounds that have a foul odor.

In addition, bad breath can be caused by the following:

• Poor dental hygiene - Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing can leave food particles to decay inside the mouth
• Infections in the mouth - Periodontal (gum) disease
• Respiratory-tract infections - Throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
• External agents - Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) - This can be caused by salivary gland problems, medications or by “mouth breathing”
• Systemic illnesses - Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
• Psychiatric illness - Some people may perceive that they have bad breath, but it is not noticed by oral-health-care professionals or others. This is referred to as “pseudohalitosis.”

Symptoms

A person may not always know that they have bad breath. This phenomenon is based on the fact that odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually become accustomed to the constant flow of bad smells from the mouth. Others may notice and react by recoiling as you speak.

Other associated symptoms depend on the underlying cause of bad breath:

• Poor dental hygiene - Teeth are coated with film or plaque, food debris trapped between teeth, pale or swollen gums
• Infections in the mouth - Gums may be red, swollen and bleed easily, especially after brushing or flossing; pus may drain from between teeth; a pocket of pus (abscess) at the base of a tooth; loose teeth or a change in “fit” of a denture; painful, open sores on the tongue or gums
• Respiratory-tract infections - Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (”swollen glands”) in the neck, fever, stuffy nose, a greenish or yellowish nasal discharge, a mucus-producing cough
• External agents - Cigarette stains on fingers and teeth, a uniform yellow “coffee stain” on teeth
• Dry mouth - Difficulty swallowing dry foods, difficulty speaking for a prolonged period because of mouth dryness, a burning sensation in the mouth, an unusually high number of dental caries, dry eyes (in Sjogren’s syndrome)
• Systemic illnesses - Symptoms of diabetes, lung disease, kidney failure or liver disease

Diagnosis

A dentist or physician may notice the patient’s bad breath while the patient is discussing his or her medical history and symptoms. In some cases, depending on the smell of the patient’s breath, the dentist or physician may suspect a likely cause for the problem. For example, “fruity” breath may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. A urine-like smell, especially in a person who is at high risk for kidney disease, can sometimes indicate kidney failure.

Your dentist will review your medical history for medical conditions that can cause bad breath and for medications that can cause dry mouth. Your dentist also will ask you about your diet, personal habits (smoking, chewing tobacco) and any associated symptoms described above, including when the bad breath was noticed and by whom.

Your dentist will perform a physical examination, which will include an examination of your teeth, gums, oral tissues and salivary glands. He or she also will feel your head and neck and will evaluate your breath when you exhale from your nose and from your mouth. Once the physical examination is finished, your dentist may refer you to your family physician if systemic problems are the most likely cause. In severe cases of gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you be seen by a periodontist (dentist who specializes in gum problems).

There may be a need for diagnostic tests if the doctor suspects a lung infection, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or Sjogren’s syndrome. Depending on the suspected illness, these tests may include blood tests, urine tests, X-rays of the chest or sinuses, or other specialized testing.

Expected Duration

The duration of bad breath depends on its cause. For example, when the problem results from poor dental hygiene, proper dental care will begin to freshen the mouth immediately, with even more impressive results after a few days of regular brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease and tooth abscess also respond quickly to proper dental treatment. Bad breath resulting from chronic sinusitis may be a recurring problem, especially if a structural abnormality of the sinuses is the underlying cause.

Bad breath the results from a systemic illness may be a long-term problem that can often be controlled with proper medical care.

Prevention

Bad breath caused by dental problems can be easily prevented. Daily maintenance calls for brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwashes approved by the American Dental Association. Regular visits to the dentist (twice a year) should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.

Bad breath can also be combated by drinking plenty of water every day to encourage saliva production. An occasional swish of the mouth with water can loosen food particles. Other products that keep breath fresh and prevent plaque from forming include sugar-free gum, sugarless lozenges, raw carrots and celery.

Treatment

The treatment of bad breath depends on its cause.

When To Call A Professional

Call your dentist promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. Also, call your doctor if your bad breath occurs together with a fever, sore throat, a postnasal drip, a discolored nasal discharge or a mucus-producing cough. Even if you have none of these associated symptoms, call your dentist or physician if your bad breath persists despite a good diet and proper dental hygiene.

If you are a diabetic, have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or have chronic liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor how bad breath can be a sign that your underlying medical condition needs immediate medical attention.

Prognosis

Once halitosis has been diagnosed, the prognosis for fresh breath is usually excellent as long as you adhere to your dentist’s or physician’s treatment plan.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain due to a wearing away of the tooth’s surface or gum tissue. The most common cause of sensitive teeth in adults is exposed tooth roots due to receding gums. Because these roots are not covered by enamel, thousands of tiny channels leading to the tooth’s nerve center (pulp) are exposed. When heat, cold or pressure touches these channels, you feel pain.

Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems. This is especially true if the pain causes you to brush poorly, making you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

How Do I Know if I Have Sensitive Teeth?

If you’ve ever felt a painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food and beverages, you’ve experienced tooth sensitivity. And you’re not alone. It’s a condition that affects one out of four adults, often coming and going over time.

How Do I Treat Sensitive Teeth?

First and foremost, tell your dentist or hygienist.

Sensitive teeth can usually be treated successfully. Your dentist may prescribe a brush-on fluoride gel or a fluoride rinse. You can also try low-abrasion toothpastes with formulations made especially for sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist which anti-sensitivity products are right for you.

Be careful to brush properly or you can cause your teeth to wear away, making them sensitive. Overzealous brushing, the clasp of a partial denture, and braces can also lead to abrasion (loss of tooth surface).

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.

How Do I Know if I Have Plaque?

Everyone develops plaque bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths. These bacteria use ingredients found in our diet and saliva to grow. Plaque causes cavities when the acids from plaque attack teeth after eating. With repeated acid attacks, the tooth enamel can break down and a cavity may form. Plaque that is not removed can also irritate the gums around your teeth, leading to gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums), periodontal disease and tooth loss.

How Can I Prevent Plaque Buildup?

It’s easy to prevent plaque buildup with proper care. Make sure to:

• Brush thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth
• Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline, where your toothbrush may not reach
• Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks
• Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations