Siwak ( tooth-stick )

 :Hadith 

Narrated Abu Burda:

My father said, "I came to the Prophet and saw him carrying a Siwak in his hand and cleansing his teeth, saying, 'U' U'," as if he was retching while the Siwak was in his mouth

 

Abu Huraira reported: The Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: Were it not that I might over-burden the believers-and in the hadith transmitted by Zuhair" people" -I would have ordered them to use toothstick at every time of prayer

 

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Abu Musa reported: I went to the Apostle (may peace be upon him) and found one end of the tooth-stick upon his tongue (i. e. he was rinsing his mouth

 

 (493) Hudaifa reported: Whenever he (the Holy Prophet) got up for prayer during the night, he cleansed his mouth with the tooth-stick

 

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah."  Narrated 'Amir bin Rabi`a, "I saw the Prophet cleaning his teeth with Siwak while he was fasting so many times as I can't count." And narrated Abu Huraira, "The Prophet said, 'But for my fear that it would be hard for my followers, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak on every performance of ablution." The same is narrated by Jabir and Zaid bin Khalid from the Prophet who did not differentiate between a fasting and a nonfasting person in this respect (using Siwak).

Aisha said, "The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah's pleasures." Ata' and Qatada said, "There is no harm in swallowing the resultant saliva

 

'Bad teeth' link to diabetes

Serious dental disease could lead to diabetes, according to American researchers.

It is known that people with diabetes are more likely to have bad teeth.

But the US study suggests chronic periodontal disease may itself increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

UK dental and diabetic experts have welcomed the research, but say more work needs to be done before a link that can be confirmed.

The US researchers say that in people with periodontal disease, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger a reaction from the immune system.

Immune system cells release proteins called cytokines which have a damaging effect on the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin, the hormone which is key to diabetes.

 

Pancreas damage

The US researchers presented their findings to the American Academy of Periodontology/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research symposium in Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr Anthony Inception, of the Division of Prosthodontics at Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said: "In the pancreas, the cells responsible for insulin production can be damaged or destroyed by high levels of cytokines.

"Once this happens, it may induce Type 2 diabetes, even in otherwise healthy individuals with no other risk factors for diabetes."

Dr Iacopino said high cholesterol, or lipid, levels, rather than the way the body deals with glucose, was the risk factor for people who are already diabetic developing periodontal disease.

And he said lowering cholesterol levels could also help healthy people not to develop periodontal disease, which could then lead to diabetes.

"Low fat diets, lipid lowering drugs, and exercise are vitally important for diabetics who want to improve their quality of life, as well as their oral health.

"The same approaches may also be prove beneficial in non-diabetic patients with high cholesterol."

Dr Iacopino said more research was needed, particularly into whether the risk of diabetes decreases when periodontal disease is treated.

Dental disease

Gingivitis, or inflamed gums, is periodontal disease in its mildest form.

Caused by bacteria in plaque, it can be cured. But if it is left untreated it can develop into periodontal disease.

Gaps can form between the teeth and gums, which may become infected, and in the most serious cases, teeth may have to be removed.

Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to regulate glucose properly, meaning levels in the blood can become too high.

Insulin treatment helps the body control the levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

In Type 2 diabetes, either too little insulin is produced, or it is not having enough effect on the body.

It usually affects people over the age of 40, and is controlled by changing diet, taking pills or having regular injections.

'Trials needed'

A spokeswoman for Diabetes UK said: "We would want to see a lot more clinical studies and intervention trials into the possibility of a link between periodontal disease and diabetes."

She added: "There is no one process that results in diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2.

"As yet, we do not know all the genes responsible for predisposing individuals to developing diabetes, and we do not know what specific environmental factors are necessary to trigger the condition."

A spokeswoman for the British Dental Association (BDA) said there was a growing body of evidence linking periodontal disease and other medical conditions including diabetes.

She added: "Studies are currently underway to explore further the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes.

"Until the findings of these studies become available, it is important for the medical and dental research communities to continue research and to communicate about their latest findings.

She repeated BDA advice that people should maintain oral health by cleaning their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and visiting their dentist regularly.

eriodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth..

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.

Smoking/Tobacco Use

As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Genetics

Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. 

 

Pregnancy and Puberty

As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. You know that brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important to help you stay in shape. You also know that at specific times in your life, you need to take extra care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.

Stress

As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.  

Medications

Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

 

Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

 

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.  

Poor Nutrition

As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.  

Other Systemic Diseases

Types of Periodontal Disease

There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common ones include the following.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care.

 

Aggressive Periodontitis

A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

 

Chronic Periodontitis

A form of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases

An infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:

 

Plaque and Calculus

Plaque

 

·                 Research has shown that controlling plaque is important in the control of decay and gum disease. Plaque is neither food or food residue. Plaque is a clear, sticky deposit of bacteria that adheres to the surface of teeth and gum tissue. It is so adherent that it can only be removed by mechanical cleansing. Plaque contains a variety of different types of bacteria. For this reason, certain types of plaque are associated with dental decay, others with calculus formation, and others with the inflammatory response of the gums (gingivitis).

·                 Plaque begins forming on the teeth in as little as 4 hours after brushing. This is why it is so important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. The rate at which plaque forms and the location in which it develops can vary between individuals and even between different teeth in the same mouth. One of the prime areas in which plaque accumulates is at the gingival margin and sulcus where the tooth meets the gum.

Calculus

·                     Plaque which is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing can harden into calculus (also called tartar). Calculus is plaque that has mineralized, forming a tough, crusty deposit that can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist. These deposits can form above (supragingival) and below (subgingival) the gum line. Calculus deposits are a significant contributing factor in periodontal disease because it is always covered by a layer of no mineralized plaque. The calculus keeps the plaque close to the gingival tissue and makes it much more difficult to remove the plaque bacteria. Thorough removal of these deposits is necessary to prevent the progression of periodontal disease.

Some people form heavy calculus deposits rapidly while others form little or no mineralized deposits. This is due to differences in the saliva, the types of plaque bacteria, and dietary factors. One can help reduce the formation of calculus by brushing with and ADA-accepted tartar control toothpaste and by having regular professional cleanings every 6 months or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist.

The prevention of gum disease and decay requires a life-long commitment to fighting plaque and calculus formation.

Comment

1.                   The fibers of [Miswak] are cellulose  not hard unlike the tooth  brush   

2.                    The seen fibers are not applicable to pollution

3.                   The unseen fibers are covered with corky layer and under it there is scalic layer   and the covered fibers prevent contamination by germs

4.                    We can control its hardness and softness unlike the brush

5.                   We can control  its  thickness \thinness \its length or shortness to suit all mouths

6.                   Its wood cant be cheated because its natural

7.                  Its easy to use and available unlike with brush which needs water and tooth paste

8.                   It should be used at each prayer ; five times aday which suits the fermation and   plaque formation  which is formed every four hours

9.                   Its cheap and economic .