Five STDs that Are Easily Transmitted During Oral Sex

You probably think you’re pretty well-educated about sexual health. You know you need to protect your wellbeing against STDs by using a condom during sex, but what about the risks of oral sex? Let’s take a look at which STDs threaten your wellness during oral sex, and what you can do to prevent this.

 

1. Herpes: According to sexual health and wellness writer Amanda King, herpes ‘is the most commonly transmitted STD through oral sex. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection: HSV 1, which causes sores around the mouth, and HSV 2 which is responsible for genital sores. It is possible for a person with HSV 1 to transmit the virus and cause genital sores on the receiving partner. It is also possible, although rare, for HSV 2 to be transmitted from genital to mouth contact, causing mouth sores. It is possible to transmit and catch herpes even during times when there are no symptoms. Certain medications, such as Zovirax, and the use of condoms or dental dams can help to lessen the chance of transmission, but won’t eliminate it entirely.

 

2. HPV (human papillomavirus): ‘Also referred to as genital warts, HPV can also be transmitted via oral sex,’ says Davies. ‘In fact, HPV acquired through oral sex is believed to be a main cause of throat cancer. Condoms and dental dams are effective in reducing the transmission rate of HPV through oral sex, but they do not prevent it, entirely, since, like with herpes, the disease is spread through skin to skin contact, rather than through bodily fluids. HPV presents as small, hard, generally painless white bumps on the genitalia and is a major cause of cancer in women.’

 

3. Gonorrhoea: Davies notes, ‘Sometimes called “The Clap,” gonorrhoea is very easily transmitted through oral sex, most often causing throat infections, which are difficult to treat, but usually resolve in a matter of three to four months. It is less likely to be transmitted from a female to a partner, since the site of infection is at the cervix, which doesn’t come into play during cunnilingus. Oral gonorrhoea can produce a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, red spots and white/yellow discharge. Oral gonorrhoea can also be transmitted to another person through oral sex, manifesting as an infection of the genitals. Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics, but in recent years, antibiotic resistant strains of the disease have been emerging, making it difficult to treat. Left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and epididymitis in men, which can both lead to infertility.’

 

4. Chlamydia: Davies comments that chlamydia ‘is transmitted similarly to gonorrhoea, being more common during fellatio, and with low female to partner transmission rates. The symptoms of a chlamydia throat infection are similar to a sore throat because of a cold. Dry, scratchy throat and painful swallowing are common. The symptoms of a genital infection are burning during urination, pain during sex (for women), testicular pain, rectal pain and discharge, discharge from the penis or vagina. Like gonorrhoea, it is treated with antibiotics.’

 

5. Syphilis: This STD ‘extremely transmittable via oral sex,’ warns Davies. ‘It is only contagious during symptomatic phases, however, in some phases of the disease, the painless sores are easy to overlook. The symptoms include sores, skin rash and lesions on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes, hair loss, headaches, weight loss and exhaustion. Left untreated, syphilis can damage internal organs, including the brain. Late stage syphilis causes blindness, paralysis, trouble coordinating muscle movements and even death.  It is also treated with antibiotics.’

Categories: dental dams, easily transmitted, genital sores, Herpes, left untreated, oral, oral gonorrhoea, oral sex, sexual health, sore throat, Syphilis

Blow Him Away: How to Give Your Partner Amazing Oral Sex

Oral sex can be seen as somewhat of a chore by both men and women. Men aren’t really into foreplay – unless they’re on the receiving end – and women often fear the daunting task of a “blow job.” However, oral sex can be a wonderful part of your sexual health and wellbeing. If done right, it can be satisfying for both of you, so stop thinking of it as a “job” and take up these hot tips for blowing your partner away.

 

1. Take Control: According to Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson, authors of Bedded Bliss, oral sex ‘can be one of the most empowering things to do because you’re taking charge of his pleasure. That can amp up your own arousal.’ You also have the opportunity to be adventurous, playful and fun. Wellness writer Anna Davies instructs, ‘Do what feels best for you—and by all means request that he return the favour. Once you’re ready, start slowly and maintain eye contact as you begin to move your hand up and down his shaft. If you’d like, prep the area by adding a bit of flavoured lube that’s safe for consumption, like Babeland’s Babelicious line, which can make the act a little more palatable and help any initial hand actions go more smoothly.’

 

2. Linger: Davies notes, ‘Nothing about a blowjob should be fast—he wants to savour it, and you’ll love making him squirm. So start slow by grazing your mouth against his penis as you continue moving your hand up and down his lubricated shaft. One more thing: At this point, it’s all right if he’s not entirely erect. In fact, it’s normal for his erection to ebb and flow during oral sex, and it’s not indicative of his pleasure.’

 

3. Ask About It: California-based sexologist Amy Marsh points out that asking him to tell you when a move really turns him on adds to the mood, and will make it even better next time. ‘Being honest about how it feels will boost enjoyment on both sides,’ says Marsh.

 

4. Take It an Inch at a Time: Marsh warns, ‘Gagging takes you both out of the moment, and you and he will enjoy oral sex much more when you’re both having fun.’ Davies outlines, ‘To simulate deep throating, you want to use some combination of your mouth, tongue and hands…Move your mouth and hand in a rhythmic motion. Always let him know what you don’t like when you’re going down on him, whether it be holding your head or thrusting strongly.’

 

5. Take a Lipstick Break: ‘Awkward angles and jaw pain can make it hard to enjoy oral sex, so take some breaks,’ Davies advises. ‘You could try the “lipstick technique” for a bit: Use your hand to brush the head of his penis against the outline of your lips, taking the head in your mouth between outlines for added lubrication.’

 

6. Focus on the Frenulum: There’s a bundle of nerves in the frenulum, so flick it with the tip of your tongue. Davies recommends, ‘Circle the head of the penis slowly, stopping each time you hit this pleasure spot.’

 

7. Lick It: Davies explains, ‘Licking his penis like you’re licking an ice cream cone is a guy-pleaser for a reason: Not only does a regular rhythm help get him even more worked up, but it gives you a chance to get into a groove.’ Marsh adds, ‘Creating a steady rhythm is what builds and sustains excitement.’

 

8. Commit: Michaels and Johnson note, ‘Conveying your genuine enthusiasm is the biggest turn-on. The more pleasure you feel, and the more you can get across that you’re enjoying the act, the more pleasure your partner will receive in turn.’

Categories: control, davies, frenulum, hand, nbsp, oral, oral sex, pleasure

Blow Him Away: How to Give Your Partner Amazing Oral Sex

Oral sex can be seen as somewhat of a chore by both men and women. Men aren’t really into foreplay – unless they’re on the receiving end – and women often fear the daunting task of a “blow job.” However, oral sex can be a wonderful part of your sexual health and wellbeing. If done right, it can be satisfying for both of you, so stop thinking of it as a “job” and take up these hot tips for blowing your partner away.

 

1. Take Control: According to Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson, authors of Bedded Bliss, oral sex ‘can be one of the most empowering things to do because you’re taking charge of his pleasure. That can amp up your own arousal.’ You also have the opportunity to be adventurous, playful and fun. Wellness writer Anna Davies instructs, ‘Do what feels best for you—and by all means request that he return the favour. Once you’re ready, start slowly and maintain eye contact as you begin to move your hand up and down his shaft. If you’d like, prep the area by adding a bit of flavoured lube that’s safe for consumption, like Babeland’s Babelicious line, which can make the act a little more palatable and help any initial hand actions go more smoothly.’

 

2. Linger: Davies notes, ‘Nothing about a blowjob should be fast—he wants to savour it, and you’ll love making him squirm. So start slow by grazing your mouth against his penis as you continue moving your hand up and down his lubricated shaft. One more thing: At this point, it’s all right if he’s not entirely erect. In fact, it’s normal for his erection to ebb and flow during oral sex, and it’s not indicative of his pleasure.’

 

3. Ask About It: California-based sexologist Amy Marsh points out that asking him to tell you when a move really turns him on adds to the mood, and will make it even better next time. ‘Being honest about how it feels will boost enjoyment on both sides,’ says Marsh.

 

4. Take It an Inch at a Time: Marsh warns, ‘Gagging takes you both out of the moment, and you and he will enjoy oral sex much more when you’re both having fun.’ Davies outlines, ‘To simulate deep throating, you want to use some combination of your mouth, tongue and hands…Move your mouth and hand in a rhythmic motion. Always let him know what you don’t like when you’re going down on him, whether it be holding your head or thrusting strongly.’

 

5. Take a Lipstick Break: ‘Awkward angles and jaw pain can make it hard to enjoy oral sex, so take some breaks,’ Davies advises. ‘You could try the “lipstick technique” for a bit: Use your hand to brush the head of his penis against the outline of your lips, taking the head in your mouth between outlines for added lubrication.’

 

6. Focus on the Frenulum: There’s a bundle of nerves in the frenulum, so flick it with the tip of your tongue. Davies recommends, ‘Circle the head of the penis slowly, stopping each time you hit this pleasure spot.’

 

7. Lick It: Davies explains, ‘Licking his penis like you’re licking an ice cream cone is a guy-pleaser for a reason: Not only does a regular rhythm help get him even more worked up, but it gives you a chance to get into a groove.’ Marsh adds, ‘Creating a steady rhythm is what builds and sustains excitement.’

 

8. Commit: Michaels and Johnson note, ‘Conveying your genuine enthusiasm is the biggest turn-on. The more pleasure you feel, and the more you can get across that you’re enjoying the act, the more pleasure your partner will receive in turn.’

Categories: control, davies, frenulum, hand, nbsp, oral, oral sex, pleasure

Blowjob Skills To Improve Your Oral Sex Technique

Oral sex is something of a regular addition to the majority of couples’ sex routines these days, but despite blowjobs being a regular feature in the sexual activities of modern-day couples, many women don’t actually know if what they’re doing ‘down there’ is right. And men often aren’t sure whether women like giving head or if it’s something they do to please their partner. So how do you give mind-blowing oral sex?

Previous surveys indicate that around 55 per cent of women find oral sex to be perfectly normal and were happy to include it into their sexual routine, and many women also do it as part of reciprocity too! Blowjobs have been around for centuries and certainly aren’t a new sex technique, despite them becoming increasingly popular since the 90s. Some women worry about getting a sore jaw from keeping their mouth locked in the same position for too long, but there isn’t a set position to put yourself in to limit this happening – you simply have to alternate between sucking and licking to give your jaw a break from staying in the same position too long, if you find that this becomes a problem. It’s natural for your hands, as a man, to land on a woman’s head while she’s giving you a blowjob, but most women don’t enjoy you pushing on their head – a little gentle hair stroking is fine, but don’t get too forceful. Another big no-no is pushing a woman’s head down if you’re kissing her or are in the mood – it’s off-putting and demeaning, and certainly doesn’t put your partner in the mood for oral sex! As with anything in the bedroom, asking or suggesting is the best way to go – you don’t want your partner to feel forced into something they don’t want to do.

 

Blowjobs are something that many people feel worried or anxious about, but there isn’t any need to be nervous about going down on your partner. As with hand jobs, it’s a personal thing as to how hard or fast you go while you’re down there. So communication is key; take some time out to talk to your partner and see what he likes. There may be a particular technique he enjoys that you can learn how to do. And don’t be afraid of mixing things up and keeping your blowjobs interesting. You can use flavoured lubes, use your hands as a chaser to your mouth and tongue, or trying experimenting with temperatures by sucking on an ice cube before going down on him, then drinking a hot drink and doing the same to keep him guessing what’s coming. Experimenting is all part of the fun though, so keep it fun and light-hearted to see what you both enjoy, both as the giver and the receiver. As with anything in sex though, you should practice your technique. Don’t suck too hard and be sure to mix things up with your tongue, such as licking and swirling your tongue around the tip of the penis.

 

If you’re nervous about blowjobs, you can always start off slow and build up to more experimentation when you feel a bit more confident. The most important things to remember are not to go too hard and to avoid using your teeth, as this isn’t usually well received! Blowjobs aren’t as scary as they first seem and with a little practice, you can become an oral sex pro in no time.

Categories: blowjobs, head, oral, oral sex, partner, Sex, sex technique, technique, Women, women don

Is it Possible to Spread HPV to Yourself?

When you talk about protecting your sexual health, it generally involves another person. Not only could your wellness be at risk to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but you’ve likely caught the disease from a sexual partner, meaning that their wellbeing has likewise been affected. However, is it possible to give yourself an STI, or to help it spread to other parts of your body? The answer is yes, especially when it comes to the human papillomavirus (HPV)

 

According to award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette, ‘Because of the risks involved with this sexually transmitted infection (STI), awareness initiatives and vaccine promotions have increased in recent years, but many individuals remain unaware there is a self-inoculation risk associated with HPV. Self-inoculation, or the transmission of a disease from one part of the body to another, is rarely thought of with HPV, which most individuals associate with the appearance of genital warts.The human papillomavirus is more diverse than this, however, and while it does commonly affect the surface of the vagina, anus, vulva, cervix, and penis head, it also can affect the mouth and the throat.’

 

Researchers at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions point out that, because HPV is capable of affecting your oral and sexual wellbeing, this makes it perfectly possible for you to spread the infection from your genital area to your mouth and throat without the aid of a sexual partner. Gillette notes, ‘Oral HPV is considered by the American Cancer Association to be one of the up-and-coming contributors to the rate of oral cancers seen annually in the United States; approximately 42,000 people are diagnosed with the condition annually.’ Maura L. Gillison, MD, PhD, of JohnsHopkinsUniversity in Baltimore, adds, ‘The number of oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV is probably larger than the number caused by smoking and alcohol, at least in the US. This expands our idea of who might be at risk for head and neck cancers. There is a proven survival benefit to catching these cancers early, so recognizing that people without traditional risk factors may still be at risk is important.’

 

There are more than 100 strains of HPV, but not all of these strains lead to serious health risks. However, the Mouth Cancer Foundation states that if you do develop an oral HPV infection, you are a whopping 32 times more likely than other individuals to develop oral cancers. This increased risk is way beyond that which smokers or drinkers experience, even for people who both drink AND smoke. Gillette details, ‘Oropharyngeal cancer occurs in the area beyond the mouth from the base of the tongue to the back of the throat. Oral HPV infection is also more common among men than women, though researchers are unsure why this disparity exists.’ Men, you need to watch out as you are roughly three times more likely to develop an oral HPV infection than your female counterpart. In 2012, a study showed that approximately 10% of men ages 14 to 69 have an oral HPV infection, compared to just 3.6% of women.

 

So how can you prevent self-inoculation of HPV? Gillette advises, ‘While it is not always possible to prevent self-inoculation of HPV, examination of personal sexual habits is the first step toward keeping the virus at bay. Individuals who participate in activities which involve genital-to-mouth contact from their own bodies are at risk for oral infection. If these habits cannot be adjusted, research from the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston suggests oral mouthwash, brushing and regular flossing can help reduce an individual’s risk of contracting oral HPV.’

Categories: hpv infection, human papillomavirus, oral, oral cancers, oral hpv, papillomavirus hpv, prevention, public health, risk, self innoculation, sexual partner, sexually transmitted

Take Care of Your Overall Health, Maintain Oral Hygiene

Research reveals that a person’s oral health has something to do with his general well-being. We may not think about it, but oral health is intimately connected with our overall health. Thus, we need to know and practice proper oral hygiene if we would want to prevent serious health problems from occurring.

 

Our mouth can be full of bacteria, although most of them are harmless, which could mean regular brushing of our teeth is not enough to protect and maintain good health. A superior dental or oral care is important to maintaining healthy teeth, tongue and gums. It helps us avoid bad breath (halitosis), sores, tooth decay and other related oral problems. Take note that these problems may lead to other physical illnesses, and it could be grave.

 

There are a lot of things we need to know and learn about oral health. Having enough knowledge about our gums, tongue and teeth and their common problems will also help us in protecting and taking care of them.

 

Gums

The gingiva or gums significantly surround and seal the teeth and serve as effective barrier to deeper tissues. But don’t you know that gum diseases are associated to several serious physical illnesses? Gingivitis and periodontal disease, receding gums, stomatitis, sore, swollen and bleeding gums are only few of the problems people commonly encounter when proper oral care is not practiced.

 

What You Can Do?

 

• Visit your dentist regularly

• While brushing your teeth, include a gentle brushing or massaging of your gums

• Eat healthy foods, especially those rich in Vitamins A and C

 

• Avoid smoking

 

 

Tongue

Perhaps, you already have an idea on the basic function and purpose of a tongue. This muscular hydrostat on the floor of the mouth serves different purposes from food tasting to phonetic articulation to cleaning of the mouth. But it can be a perfect ground for bad bacteria to develop and cause illnesses. Leukoplakia, thrush, lichen planus, sores and fissures are few common problems of the tongue. Regular cleaning of the tongue is essential to maintaining its health. It is important to always clean and remove the unwanted coatings that could cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum problems.

 

What You Can Do?

 

• Visit your dentist regularly

• Brush your teeth regularly and scrape the unwanted coatings on your tongue

• Maintain a proper diet

 

• Avoid smoking

 

 

Teeth

At 18, an adult person could possess 32 teeth—16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. But the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. This is the reason why most of the time, our “wisdom teeth” are problematic. Aside from that, the teeth usually have the many problems like tooth decay, discoloration, sensitivity, plaque, abscessed tooth, cavities, tartar, dry socket, pericoronitis, impacted wisdom teeth, and many more. These problems could cause bad breath, headache, facial trauma, and other serious issues.

 

What You Can Do?

 

• Visit your dentist regularly

 

• Brush your teeth regularly and properly

• Floss daily

• Use a mouthwash

• Choose your food wisely

 

There are many factors affecting the problems of the gums, tongue and teeth. Most of them can be prevented by good oral care, proper nutrition and regular visits to the doctors. Michael T. Dachowski, DMD, a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Philadelphia, suggested that for impacted wisdom teeth, you need to entrust them to notable clinic and dental surgeons to ensure a safe and successful dental surgery. Only the experts know what to do with them and how to do it. Aside from that, they will help you avoid complications as well as assist you in the rehabilitation process.

 

Again, how you manage your oral health can greatly influence your overall health. Therefore, you have to know, learn and understand the value of proper and good oral care.

 

About the Author:

Brandon Peters is an entrepreneur, writer and a travel, gadgets, health, and outdoors enthusiast. He loves sharing his insights, knowledge and experience in different fields. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Categories: health, hygiene, oral, overall

Staying Safe With Different Types Of Sex

Practicing safe sex is important – this might seem like an obvious statement but while many people agree that they should be practicing safe sex, many simply don’t and others aren’t too sure on what safe sex consists of and how to do it right. Sex should be a happy and fun experience that you enjoy and get excited about, it is one of the major joys of a relationship. And remember that it is always important to keeps things fresh and interesting in the bedroom, as well as practicing the safe principles you need to ensure that you can be healthy as you get older.

 

It’s a good idea to have a good knowledge of the different types of sex that are available and know the safe ways to practice them. You can then talk to your partner about these forms of sex and see if they are interested in trying something new. This can save many potentially embarrassing situations from occurring. It is best that you both feel comfortable with trying new things out and ultimately knowing that your partner is happy with what you are doing and enjoying it too puts you in a very good position and can be a turn-on of its own.

 

So here is our guide to the different types of sex and the best ways to perform it safely. If it is something you are interesting in bringing into your bedroom then this will be very helpful for you as it contains both the best ways to enjoy these forms of sex and gives you all of the knowledge you will need when you talk to your partner about it.

 

The first type of sex we are going to discuss is anal sex. Anal sex is considered to be a high risk sexual activity for a number of reasons. During anal sex it is much easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the system than other types of sex. This is especially true if you are the receiving partner of anal sex. The inside of the anus is very thin and that means that it is very easy for any viruses or infections to pass through it and get directly into the bloodstream. All sorts of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be present both in semen and on the inside of the anus, so protecting yourself is completely vital. Remember that you should always use a condom and that you should change condoms when switching between vaginal, anal and oral sex.

 

Another type of sex to look at is group sex. Group sex involves three or more people having sexual intercourse together and it comes with a huge number of other risks and potential problems. You should be sure to limit the group sizes to as small as possible to ensure that the risks are minimised. But even still it is key to remember that this is risky business, both physically and emotionally. Talk through ground rules and ensure that everything who is having sex knows what the limits are.

 

Finally let’s look at oral sex, which brings in a number of complications of its own. Oral sex is one of the most common kinds of sex that is performed unprotected. This is due to the fact that there is no risk of pregnancy. Nevertheless, performing unprotected oral sex puts you at a much greater risk of infections and viruses. Be sure to use a condom or dental dam if you are going to have oral sex as this ensures you are protected from STIs.

Categories: anal, anal sex, different types, group sex, nbsp, oral, oral sex, practicing safe, Safe, safe sex

Warning: Having Oral Sex Could Give You Mouth Cancer

In a controversial television interview, actor Michael Douglas recently explained that his throat cancer had actually been caused by a sexual health problem.  He claimed that having oral sex with his wife had caused him to contract the human papillomavirus (HPV) which caused his head and neck cancer.

 

So, is oral sex always a threat to your wellness and wellbeing? Experts claim that this is simply not the case and that the reports that are around at the moment are causing people an unnecessary level of worry.

 

Some have proposed that a change in sexual behaviour should be advised due to the risks of contracting HPV, but experts say that these types of conclusions are premature. Whilst oral sex may be one risk factor for certain types of head and neck cancers, at this point the link is mainly speculative. In addition to this, there are many, many other elements that play a role in whether or not someone develops cancer, including how strong their immune system is, the experts say.

 

In general, if two people are in a monogamous relationship, there is really no need for them to restrict their sexual activities as long as they are both in good health.

 

Contrary to reports, cases of head and neck cancer are not on the increase. In fact, when studied as a group, cases of these types of cancer have actually declined in the United States of America during the last 25 years. On the other hand, there has been an increase in the number of head and neck cancer amongst younger people, and these cases are primarily caused by HPV.

 

HPV is generally sexually transmitted, and the virus causes nearly every case of cervical cancer. It can also cause anal cancer and genital warts.

Categories: cancer, caused, head, HPV, nbsp, Neck, neck cancer, oral, oral sex

How to Overcome Your Insecurities and Enjoy Oral Sex

For many people, oral sex has a bit of an emotional implication as well as a sexual one. Getting in touch with your sexuality and your sexual needs is great for your physical wellness and wellbeing, but if you have an emotional roadblock in the way stopping you from exploring every area of your desires, it can lead to frustration.

 

A lot of women feel anxious about oral sex because it is a particularly intimate act, and they may shy away from it for a number of reasons.

 

Firstly, many women are unaware of the pleasure that oral sex can provide. If it is not something that they regularly enjoy, it can lead to them shutting themselves off to this whole are of physical pleasure, and denying themselves the sensual experience that oral stimulation can provide.

 

This is a shame for women, as they generally require more foreplay than men to get to a state of heightened arousal, relaxation and lubrication. Oral sex can also give women a clearer idea of their erogenous zones and allow them to get in touch with how and where they like to be touched.

 

One thing that many women worry about is odour. They fear that their natural feminine odour will be off-putting to their partner, when in fact this natural scent carries pheromones designed to drive men wild. As long as your hygiene is good, there is no need to use scented washes or body sprays on the area, and these can even cause burning and irritation. Instead try to relax, secure in the knowledge that there is nothing unhealthy about the feminine odour.

 

Many women also feel embarrassed about their bodies ‘down there’ and the thought of their partners getting up close and personal with their intimate areas can make it seem off-putting for them. Women should ensure that they are in a gentle, trusting relationship before exploring this area of their sexuality, and should be prepared to go slowly.

Categories: confidence, feminine odour, nbsp, oral, oral sex, Sex, Women

New Blood Test Could Detect Sexually Transmitted Cancer

Hitting the headlines recently with claims about his sexual health, Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has claimed that his throat cancer was caused as a result of oral sex. The actor, who is married to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, claims that his wellness was affected by a virus that he picked up by participating in oral sex.

This virus can be transmitted through kissing as well as oral sex, and now a new blood test could help to identify those at risk of this disease, many years before it actually occurs. Antibodies that indicate the risk of this disease have been shown to occur in the blood for many years before the disease affects your wellbeing, and this has been identified by a team of researchers from the World Health Organisation (WHO). These findings could help to identify those who may be at risk of contracting the various forms of the disease.

Researchers presented their findings in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, where they claimed that their findings may lead to a screening programme for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can lead to oral cancers.

Before this study was carried out, it was not known whether these antibodies were present in the blood before the cancer became detectable. Now that it is known that they are present, researchers believe that the findings are very encouraging, and could, ultimately, lead to better survival rates from this type of cancer.

It is believed that screening programmes could be set up based on these findings, leading to early detection of the disease and better opportunities to cure the disease before it spreads.

As well as the recent information relating to HPV and oral cancer, the virus is best known for causing cervical cancer as well as other cancers of the genitals.

Traditionally, people associate cancers of the head, neck and mouth as being associated with alcohol consumption and smoking, which is true, but it does not explain the way that these types of the disease are spreading rapidly throughout Europe, South Africa and North America. This is thought to be due to the prevalence of the HPV infection, possibly as a result of changing attitudes towards oral sex.

Categories: cancer, HPV, oral

Are you Taking the Right Vitamins for your Oral Health?

When you think about taking care of your teeth, you probably think about things like brushing twice a day, flossing between your teeth and selecting food and drinks that are low in sugar. What you may not be aware of is the fact that vitamins, minerals and supplements can also play a vital role in protecting the wellbeing of your teeth. Oral wellness is vitally important, because of course the mouth is the first stage of digestion, and having healthy teeth is a big part of this. Plus, of course, toothache and other dental problems can cause a lot of misery.

 

One of the most important minerals for your dental health is calcium, which plays a strong part in growing healthy teeth and bones in children. What you may not know, however, is that as an adult, if you have a calcium deficiency, your body will start to take calcium from other sources, such as your teeth, and this will weaken them and could make them crumble. Therefore, to protect your oral health you need to make sure that you are getting enough calcium in your diet, either through your diet or in the form of additional supplementation.

 

Vitamin A is also really important for tooth health, as this vitamin helps you to maintain correct saliva flow, and this ensures that bacteria is flushed away from the mouth to avoid any kind of infection issues. Vitamin A also helps to maintain the mucous membrane and mouth tissues. You can get natural vitamin A through sweet potatoes, spinach and melon, and liver is an extremely good source of this vitamin, too.

 

Vitamin B1 is another important one to keep on board, as it helps to maintain the natural pink colour of your gums and it also fights off inflammation of the tongue. You can get this through various vegetables, pork meat and sunflower seeds.

Categories: Dentist, oral, vitamins

10 Good Reasons to Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Going to the dentist is probably near the top of most people’s list of least favourite things to do. Despite the fact that the recommendation is to visit a dentist for a check up at least two times a year, many people prefer to wait until something serious develops before seeking help. This recommendation isn’t just a way for dentists to drum up more business on a regular basis, there are actually some very good reasons why regular dental check ups are a very good idea.

10 important reasons to schedule regular visits with your family dentist

When money is tight or schedules are busy, it can be easy to postpone those regular dental check ups. That can be a very bad idea, however, which could result in poor dental health and end up costing you more money in the long run. Here are several reasons to keep that dentist appointment:

1. Cleaning – At every check up, the hygienist or dentist will provide a thorough cleaning of the teeth that goes beyond what brushing and flossing can accomplish. This will eliminate hardened plaque and tartar that can develop. The dental professional often will use metal instruments to scrape it away, though some now use ultrasonic scalers.

2. Avoid gum disease – This is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Brushing and flossing can help avoid it, but regular check ups with the dentist will also be needed. Professionals can identify gum disease in early stages and reduce its impact.

3. Know how you’re doing – As the dental team examines your teeth, they’ll let you know if you’re doing a good job at cleaning them or whether you need to improve on certain techniques. The hygienist will make notes at each exam and will be able to determine if there have been any major changes between visits. This can make the next visit go better, as well as continue to fend off oral complications later.

4. Early detection – Dentists know what to look for and have a better view than the normal person. A regular visit to the dentist can help with early detection of conditions like gum disease, cavities and broken fillings. When these problems are discovered quickly, they can be solved more easily and often at less expense.

5. Avoid tooth loss – Signs of decay in teeth do not always become apparent to the patient until the decay has reached an advanced stage which often results in tooth loss and can be very painful.

6. Overall health – Studies show gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Regular cleanings by dental professionals can head off gum disease before it causes other health problems.

7. Get polished – Following the professional cleaning, teeth will be polished using an abrasive material and fluoride that will remove plaque and stains from the surface of teeth.

8. Avoid pain later – If decay is not caught soon enough it can lead to painful and complicated procedures later, such as a root canal.

9. Oral cancer – A regular exam by a professional dentist will also help catch the early signs of oral cancer. Again, the earlier it is caught the better.

10. Save money – Though each visit may cost money, a dental visit for a check up can still be cheaper than procedures later on to solve problems that have developed.

Dental checkups are just as important as annual physicals at a physician’s office. Regular visits to a dentist can help a patient avoid pain, expense and complicated procedures while also maintaining their appearance and health.

Guest author Claire Atkinson writes for http://www.kanetix.ca/health-insurance

Categories: oral, regularly, visit dentist