HEALTHY TEETH:
You can have healthy teeth if you have a basic knowledge of how teeth develop and work, and also how to care for them. The following is a list of questions and answers specifically designed to help you to maintain healthy teeth!
1. What is plaque?
Plaque is the "creamy" film of bacterial colonies that survive in your mouth. Plaque contributes to tooth decay. Many foods "feed" the bacteria and cause the bacteria to produce acids. Sugary foods, such as candy and cookies, are definitely problematic, but so are starches, such as bread, crackers and cereals. Even "healthy" snacks like raisin can cause bacteria to create plaque that produces acids and damages your teeth, causing decay. If you snack often, chances are good that the buildup of these acids from plaque is significant. For the first 20 minutes immediately after the bacteria are "fed", the most damage is being done. Therefore it is very important to minimize these "sugar" meals and to "stir things up"immediately afterwards . Doing so will have the greatest effect on reducing your risks of tooth decay.
Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red and tender. Sometimes they even bleed. After a while, the gums start to pull away from the teeth. Pockets can form and fill with even more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. Many people are surprised to hear that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
2. How can I prevent tooth decay created by plaque?
One way is to eat a diet low in sugars and limit the number of snacks or sugar intake frequencies. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or a piece of fruit. Another way is to brush and clean between your teeth immediately after eating. Chewing gum, preferably SugarFREE gum (rather than sugarLESS or gums containing sugars), has been shown to decrease the acidity after a "sugar" meal, by stimulating saliva flow, which can alter the Ph. Using Fluoride, Prescription or Over the Counter, in addition to your normal routine can significantly the chance of tooth decay.
It's also important to develop good dental hygiene habits for every day.
3. How often should I brush?
At least twice a day, but brushing effectively is more important than the frequency and duration. Our dental staff can help determine what's best for your own needs (ie, patients with crowns, bridges, braces may need to increase their frequency and efficiency with their home care).
4. How long should I brush?
At least 2 minutes, but be sure your focus is correct… on the teeth and the gumlines! Imagine working with your hands in dirt or grease… you wash thoroughly, but dirt/grease still remains under your cuticles if your focus was only on washing your hands. It's the same relationship where your gums meet the teeth!
5. What sort of toothbrush should I use?
Always a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth so you can reach all the areas and surfaces easily. The best, in my opinion is one that helps you focus your efforts one tooth at a time, therefore smaller is better! Think "small" even if your brush covers 2-3 teeth at a time. Imagine that you are only brushing one tooth at a time.
6. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Every 3-4 months or when the bristles appear worn. If your bristles splay outward, you may be applying too much pressure against your teeth and gums.
7. What kind of toothpaste should I use?
Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and has the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance. There are many to choose from, so find one that you like the flavor and texture. You'll be more likely to use it!
8. What's the best way to brush?
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. Move the brush in small circles, gently, as if you're massaging your gums. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces and also the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Also, you may choose to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
9. How do I clean between my teeth?
By flossing. There are many varieties of floss, and you should choose one that works for you. There are also many flossing techniques. Most people break off about 18 inches, wind it around a finger on each hand, and guide it between their teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion on each side of the tooth. Try never to snap the floss into the gums, use slow controlled movements. Floss holders are available for areas that are difficult to access.
10. What if I can't get the hang of flossing in the standard way?
Ask us! Your Dentist, Hygienist or Dental Assistant to show you alternative methods (i.e., Floss Holders, Flosspicks, Rings of Floss, etc.). You may prefer to add another kind of interdental cleaner to your routine. These aids include special brushes, picks, or sticks. You should ask us how to use these if you are unsure, so you can avoid injuring your teeth and gums.
Most of all, be patient with yourself while you're learning. Like anything else, I promise, it will get easier and you will get better.
In the beginning, expect some bleeding, especially if you haven't been brushing and flossing effectively. It's not that you're doing something wrong with the floss. It's just that the gums are inflammed and may take a week or two to get healthy again. You may also get some minor aches, similar to exercising a muscle you haven't used lately. This is normal and will get better too!
Also, Antibacterial Rinses ,that contain essential oils, have been shown to help reduce plaque and gingivitis. Simple mouthwashes that do not contain essential oils were not included in these studies.
11. There are many dental products on the market. How do I know if the products I am using are good?
Always look for the American Dental Seal of Acceptance on the label, which is an important symbol of safety and effectiveness. But always find what works best in your own hands.
12. In addition to brushing, flossing and eating a healthy diet, is there anything else I can do to maintain good dental health?
Adding an Antibacterial Rinse (one that contains essential oils) , not just a mouthwash, has been shown to decrease plaque and gingivitis. Avoid cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco. They can cause cancer of the mouth. Also, do not chew hard candy or ice. Be alert to changes in your mouth or anything that seems "out of the ordinary". Remember, problems in and around your mouth should heal in 10-14 days - if they don't… see us immediately.
Plaque is the "creamy" film of bacterial colonies that survive in your mouth. Plaque contributes to tooth decay. Many foods "feed" the bacteria and cause the bacteria to produce acids. Sugary foods, such as candy and cookies, are definitely problematic, but so are starches, such as bread, crackers and cereals. Even "healthy" snacks like raisin can cause bacteria to create plaque that produces acids and damages your teeth, causing decay. If you snack often, chances are good that the buildup of these acids from plaque is significant. For the first 20 minutes immediately after the bacteria are "fed", the most damage is being done. Therefore it is very important to minimize these "sugar" meals and to "stir things up"immediately afterwards . Doing so will have the greatest effect on reducing your risks of tooth decay.
Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red and tender. Sometimes they even bleed. After a while, the gums start to pull away from the teeth. Pockets can form and fill with even more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. Many people are surprised to hear that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
2. How can I prevent tooth decay created by plaque?
One way is to eat a diet low in sugars and limit the number of snacks or sugar intake frequencies. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or a piece of fruit. Another way is to brush and clean between your teeth immediately after eating. Chewing gum, preferably SugarFREE gum (rather than sugarLESS or gums containing sugars), has been shown to decrease the acidity after a "sugar" meal, by stimulating saliva flow, which can alter the Ph. Using Fluoride, Prescription or Over the Counter, in addition to your normal routine can significantly the chance of tooth decay.
It's also important to develop good dental hygiene habits for every day.
3. How often should I brush?
At least twice a day, but brushing effectively is more important than the frequency and duration. Our dental staff can help determine what's best for your own needs (ie, patients with crowns, bridges, braces may need to increase their frequency and efficiency with their home care).
4. How long should I brush?
At least 2 minutes, but be sure your focus is correct… on the teeth and the gumlines! Imagine working with your hands in dirt or grease… you wash thoroughly, but dirt/grease still remains under your cuticles if your focus was only on washing your hands. It's the same relationship where your gums meet the teeth!
5. What sort of toothbrush should I use?
Always a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth so you can reach all the areas and surfaces easily. The best, in my opinion is one that helps you focus your efforts one tooth at a time, therefore smaller is better! Think "small" even if your brush covers 2-3 teeth at a time. Imagine that you are only brushing one tooth at a time.
6. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Every 3-4 months or when the bristles appear worn. If your bristles splay outward, you may be applying too much pressure against your teeth and gums.
7. What kind of toothpaste should I use?
Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and has the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance. There are many to choose from, so find one that you like the flavor and texture. You'll be more likely to use it!
8. What's the best way to brush?
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. Move the brush in small circles, gently, as if you're massaging your gums. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces and also the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Also, you may choose to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
9. How do I clean between my teeth?
By flossing. There are many varieties of floss, and you should choose one that works for you. There are also many flossing techniques. Most people break off about 18 inches, wind it around a finger on each hand, and guide it between their teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion on each side of the tooth. Try never to snap the floss into the gums, use slow controlled movements. Floss holders are available for areas that are difficult to access.
10. What if I can't get the hang of flossing in the standard way?
Ask us! Your Dentist, Hygienist or Dental Assistant to show you alternative methods (i.e., Floss Holders, Flosspicks, Rings of Floss, etc.). You may prefer to add another kind of interdental cleaner to your routine. These aids include special brushes, picks, or sticks. You should ask us how to use these if you are unsure, so you can avoid injuring your teeth and gums.
Most of all, be patient with yourself while you're learning. Like anything else, I promise, it will get easier and you will get better.
In the beginning, expect some bleeding, especially if you haven't been brushing and flossing effectively. It's not that you're doing something wrong with the floss. It's just that the gums are inflammed and may take a week or two to get healthy again. You may also get some minor aches, similar to exercising a muscle you haven't used lately. This is normal and will get better too!
Also, Antibacterial Rinses ,that contain essential oils, have been shown to help reduce plaque and gingivitis. Simple mouthwashes that do not contain essential oils were not included in these studies.
11. There are many dental products on the market. How do I know if the products I am using are good?
Always look for the American Dental Seal of Acceptance on the label, which is an important symbol of safety and effectiveness. But always find what works best in your own hands.
12. In addition to brushing, flossing and eating a healthy diet, is there anything else I can do to maintain good dental health?
Adding an Antibacterial Rinse (one that contains essential oils) , not just a mouthwash, has been shown to decrease plaque and gingivitis. Avoid cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco. They can cause cancer of the mouth. Also, do not chew hard candy or ice. Be alert to changes in your mouth or anything that seems "out of the ordinary". Remember, problems in and around your mouth should heal in 10-14 days - if they don't… see us immediately.