You know oral care is vital for your smile and overall health, but how will you know you're taking care of your oral hygiene? Answer all your questions about brushing your teeth, including how long you need to brush, how to tell if your teeth are clean and typical techniques to do a thorough cleaning.
How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Two minutes can seem like a long time - especially for children. You can use a timer to make it a bit more fun. Some electric toothbrushes have automatic timers to encourage dedicating two minutes to brushing.
Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?
Brushing for longer than two minutes is not harmful, as long as you're using firm but gentle pressure. Using too much pressure can damage enamel and gum tissue, leading to tooth sensitivity and irritated gums. Try brushing with your non-dominant hand to realise the difference in the amount of pressure on your teeth.
What techniques should I be using?
You can prevent and control gum disease by brushing around and under the gumline where bacteria and plaque accumulate. There are three conventional brushing techniques you can try to ensure you're cleaning your teeth well.
1. Bass or Sulcular Technique
The Bass method of brushing involves using the toothbrush bristles to scrub off plaque— commonly known as biofilm — from underneath your gums before it can cause gingivitis. According to the Indian Dental Association, the modified Bass technique is among the most popular for adults. Parents should supervise their children's brushing until age 9 or 10. It is an effective method for removing plaque adjacent to and directly beneath the gingival cervical areas and sulcus. It provides good gingival stimulation.
Hold the toothbrush parallel to your teeth
Tilt the brush to a 45-degree angle
Angle the brush so the bristles are slightly under the gumline
With a firm yet gentle pressure, brush back and forth or use a circular motion 15 to 20 times before moving to the next area
Brush all teeth on the outer surface and then clean the backside of the teeth using the same motions
Hold the toothbrush in a vertical position behind your front teeth and brush up and down, using the bristles on the toe of the brush
Brush the chewing surface of the molars and brush your tongue
2. Stillman Technique
The Stillman brushing technique is similar to the Bass technique. However, instead of circles, you use short horizontal strokes back-and-forth on all surfaces of the teeth.
3. Charter Technique
Your dentist may recommend the Charter method if you have spaces between your teeth, gum recession, exposed roots, or have had periodontal surgery. Charter is also useful if you have orthodontic appliances or fixed partial dentures.
Place the bristles on the gumline at a 45-degree angle, pointing toward the tooth's chewing surface or crown. This position is the opposite of the Bass and Stillman technique.
Gently vibrate the brush for 15 to 20 counts, using short circular strokes or small back and forth motions.
Brush all your teeth in the same pattern, brushing all tooth surfaces and sides.
Brushing modifications
You can use modified versions of the Bass, Stillman, and Charter techniques too. Follow the method you choose, but after brushing an area, roll or sweep the bristles away from your gums. This modification sweeps out debris between the teeth and cleans the entire tooth surface. Speak to your dental hygienist for more information or technique recommendations for your situation.
What tools are best for brushing my teeth?
Combined with the brushing technique, you need the correct tools to do a good job with any task. In general, choosing a soft-bristle toothbrush that can fit in the hard-to-reach places and your mouth with fluoride toothpaste will do the job! It's essential to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn, frayed brushes don't clean thoroughly, and older brushes can harbour bacteria. Whatever tools are most comfortable for you to complete proper brushing twice a day, two minutes each time are the best choice.
How to tell if your teeth are clean enough
Two minutes may not cut it if you're not brushing correctly. All surfaces of your teeth should be clean and free from debris. Remember to use short strokes, moving back and forth against the teeth and gums, on every tooth. Reach behind the front teeth and your back molars too. Also, cleaning between your teeth is just as important as brushing.
If you're not reaching these narrow areas or using an interdental brush, floss, or water flossers, if you notice more plaque build-up or bleeding gums, you may not be cleaning your teeth well enough. Your dental hygienist at your next appointment can let you know if you're not brushing or flossing enough.
Children learn to take care of themselves and develop new life habits that we often take for granted. Helping your child learn the skill of brushing their teeth can be challenging—especially when they mistake toothpaste for food. If your child is eating toothpaste, it can present all sorts of stressful questions: What happens if my child eats toothpaste? Will we have to go to the hospital emergency room? Is it bad to swallow toothpaste? Luckily, swallowing a small amount should not be a reason to sound the alarm; however, it’s important to know the risks involved if they ingest a large amount.
Let’s take a look at what happens when your child swallows or eats toothpaste, what to do if your child swallows toothpaste, and tips to prevent it.
What Happens When My Child Swallows Toothpaste?
In short, it depends on the type and amount of toothpaste. According to the India Today, If you swallow toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, you may not need to go to the hospital. However, if your child swallows toothpaste that contains fluoride, which is a key active ingredient for fighting cavities, the amount of toothpaste swallowed will determine whether or not you should seek medical attention.
The good news is that, according to the American Dental Association, if your child swallows the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste (a pea size), you don’t need to worry, especially if you’re supervising them. That’s because the recommended size should not be enough to have a toxic effect on their body. According to Practo, risks from ingesting fluoride toothpaste include permanent tooth discoloration (dental fluorosis), stomach ailments, acute toxicity, skin rashes (perioral dermatitis), and impairment in glucose metabolism.
What Should I Do If My Child Swallows Toothpaste?
If your child swallows toothpaste, it’s important to stay calm. First, as mentioned before, it’s unlikely for a child to experience anything beyond a stomach ache if the amount of toothpaste swallowed is small. One thing you can do is give your child water or a snack or beverage with calcium, like milk or yogurt (unless told otherwise by a health care provider). This will help ease a stomach ache as the calcium will bind with the fluoride.
If your child has swallowed a large amount of toothpaste, again—it’s important to stay calm and not take extreme measures, like forcing your child to vomit. The best course of action is to immediately call your local poison centre for treatment advice from experts in poison. They may recommend home remedies or seeking medical attention.
Preventing Your Child From Eating Toothpaste
Helping your child understand how to use toothpaste is an important step in developing good oral health habits. Here are some tips to help your child not eat toothpaste:
Monitor Their Toothpaste Use: The best way to prevent your child from eating toothpaste is to apply just the right amount to his toothbrush yourself. That way, if they do swallow toothpaste, you’ll be aware of how much they ingested. Further, you should keep the toothpaste container away from your child when they’re not brushing their teeth, such as a high cabinet or a locked medicine cabinet.
Make Sure They’re Spitting and Rinsing: You should also ensure that your child spits out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it each time they brush and that they thoroughly rinse with clean, freshwater afterward to remove the toothpaste residue. The amount of toothpaste used in brushing is safe to swallow, but this will reinforce the idea that toothpaste is not meant to be eaten.
Consider Your Toothpaste Flavour: Switching to a stronger, mint-flavoured toothpaste rather than candy-flavoured varieties might also discourage eating toothpaste. Though, stronger flavours are more suitable for older children, as younger children can be so put off by a strong mint taste that they refuse to brush or use the toothpaste at all.
Brush Your Teeth With Your Child: Another recommendation is to brush your teeth alongside your child. Encourage them to imitate you so that they can develop good habits, such as brushing for at least two minutes, holding the brush at the correct angle, brushing their tongue, and spitting out the toothpaste when they’re done.
Be Patient: Finally, be patient with your child. The desire to eat toothpaste is likely just a passing phase in your child’s life that they will outgrow. When they ask you if you can eat toothpaste, remind them that it’s not a snack. However, if your child consumes a large amount of toothpaste, call the emergency hotline listed on the toothpaste tube or immediately contact a poison control centre.
Now that you know a few tips on how to stop children from eating toothpaste, it’s time to put them into practice to form good habits. Remember—your children are learning to form life habits every day, so a fun tube of flavourful, colourful toothpaste could be mistaken for a snack. As long as you monitor your child’s toothpaste use and brush with them, you will not only be monitoring whether or not they swallow toothpaste but also helping them develop safe and healthy oral health habits.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day has long been the recommendation from the American Dental Association (ADA) if you want to maintain good oral hygiene—and limit your chances of having to get costly dental work down the road. Not to mention that doing so also helps you avoid the social embarrassment of having bad breath or stained, unpleasant looking teeth. The ADA recommends brushing for a full two minutes in the morning and at night, so it only takes a total of four minutes of your day—and yet, not everyone adheres to these guidelines. In fact, more people than you might expect go through the majority of their days brushing just once. Of course, that's certainly better than nothing, but there's a reason experts say you should do it twice.
Learn what will happen when you only brush your teeth once a day.
1.-You'll have terrible breath.
Brushing your teeth, along with flossing and using mouthwash, is key to fighting chronic bad breath, or halitosis. Bacteria builds up in your mouth throughout the day and while you sleep, so if you are only breaking up that bacteria once every 24 hours, your breath is going to be far from fresh, the ADA says. And for more on how your oral hygiene habits affect your overall health, check out 13 Warning Signs Your Teeth Are Trying to Send You.
2.- You'll probably get gum disease
Brushing your teeth only once a day, especially if that's in the morning, increases your chances of gum disease—and possibly even tooth loss later in life.
"If you had a candy bar or even some raisins before you went to bed, that sticky sugar is like a gift to the bacteria in your teeth, " Keith Arbeitman, DDS, of Arbeitman & Shein Dentistry in New York City, told Men's Health. "And you're just letting that bacteria feast on your teeth all night." For additional ways to ensure you are cleaning your chompers properly, This Is How Often You Should Really Change Your Toothbrush.
3.- You'll definitely get cavities.
While gum disease is a possible result of being a once-a-day brusher, cavities are a certainty, Arbeitman says. Again, this is especially true if you are only brushing in the morning. And for more helpful health information delivered to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
4.- And that will likely to lead to more dental work.
The occasional cavity is not uncommon, and for the most part, getting one is a fairly innocuous event. But fillings need to be replaced and each time that happens, a little more of the tooth gets worn away. This increases your chances of needing to have the tooth capped, not to mention additional trips to the dentist. "It adds up to pretty expensive stuff that could generally be prevented," Arbeitman says.
Without a doubt, you have been brushing your teeth for years. But are you brushing your teeth the right way?
As professional dentists there are nine steps we suggest when brushing your teeth:
1/ Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
2/ Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste of fluoride.
3/ Listen to your fav song music and brush for the duration of a song you like – feel free to groove along (though be careful not to poke yourself!).
4/ Tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle.
5/ Brush gently in a circle or if you have an electric toothbrush hold it on each tooth for 3 seconds.
6/ Brush all areas of your mouth inside or the back of your teeth, outside and the chewing surfaces.
7/ Brush up and down to reach the back of your front teeth as they are often overlooked.
8/ Finish by brushing your tongue.
9/ Repeat these steps twice a day to maintain your teeth.
Reasons to brush your teeth
Without a doubt, the number one reason to brush your teeth is to keep them in good shape. Not to mention, brushing your teeth removes food and plaque. Brushing your teeth regularly also has other benefits such as fresh breath, preventing gum disease, and keeping all your teeth when you get old. Flossing is also important for your oral health, but that’s another article in itself!
Dental check-ups
Regular brushing is great, but to maintain good oral health, you also need regular dental check-ups. The Australian Dental Association recommends a routine dental check-up every six to 12 months. Regular dental check-ups keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
If you’ve been putting off a dental health checkup for longer than the recommended six months, it might be time to get back on track. You may not remember what goes into a dental health checkup and how to prepare for one if it has been a while since your last appointment. The more time that passes between appointments, the more likely you will forget some of the details of what is involved in an exam. Here is what you need to know before your next checkup.
How to Prepare for a Dental Health Checkup
To help you prepare for your next dental health checkup, here are four steps to take before visiting your dentist:
Step One
Take a look at your calendar and schedule an appointment. Make sure you have enough time to visit with the dentist before work, school or other activities that may fill up your schedule.
Step Two
Brush and floss twice daily to keep up on maintaining good dental hygiene between visits. This will help prevent small problems from becoming larger issues that require more extensive treatment later on down the line. Flossing is especially important if you recently had any dental work done.
Step Three
Review your family history and discuss it with the dentist during checkup. Your family’s medical history can affect how often you need to visit or what treatment options are available for you in general. Further, it will be important to disclose any current medications you’re taking or any health conditions you’re currently diagnosed with, as many things can impact your dental health.
Step Four
Have a list of questions ready. You may not remember everything about what happens during an exam or how to prepare for one if it has been some time since your last appointment. Come prepared with any and all questions you might have so that the dentist doesn’t miss anything important.
How Often Should You See the Dentist?
For most people, the dentist recommends seeing a professional every six months. That way you can get in for regular cleanings and checkups so that any problems are caught early on when they’re much easier to treat. Regular dental health care is important because it reduces your risk of developing serious oral health issues later in life such as tooth decay or gum disease.
If you are someone who has dental health issues, you may need to visit the dentist more often. Additionally, if you are at a high risk for developing dental problems in general or have recently experienced any changes in your overall health that could affect your teeth, it’s important to talk with the dentist about what frequency of visits is best for you.
What to Expect at Your Dental Health Checkup
At your dental health checkup, expect a thorough examination of all areas of your mouth. The dentist will look for problems such as tooth decay and gum disease so that any issues can be caught early on before they become serious. You can also expect a discussion about what dental hygiene practices you should be using and how to best take care of your teeth at home.
Common Dental Health Problems
There are many issues that can come up with your teeth at any time. Here is a list of some common dental health problems and how to best prevent them:
– Tooth Decay – It’s important to brush twice daily for two minutes each time, floss once daily if possible, avoid sugary drinks between meals and visit the dentist regularly.
– Gum Disease – You can prevent gum disease by brushing twice daily, flossing once a day if possible and visiting the dentist regularly. If you have diabetes or are pregnant it’s especially important to keep up with good dental hygiene because these conditions can affect your teeth in particular ways.
– Tooth Loss/Tooth Aches – Tooth loss and tooth aches can happen because of a variety of things, from cavities to an underlying health condition. In either case it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible so that you can get treatment for whatever is causing your pain or discomfort.
– Mouth Sores/Infections – If you notice anything unusual going on in your mouth, it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible so that they can run tests and determine what is causing symptoms. It could be a simple infection or an underlying health condition.
If You Need Dental Work Done
If you need to have dental work done, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Dental emergencies are uncommon but can happen from time to time. When they do, you should be see a dentist that specializes in emergency care. In the case of a broken tooth or lost filling, if left untreated your problem could become much worse.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
With just a few simple steps, you can be ready for your next appointment. You can rest assured knowing that everything is done to protect the health of your teeth and gums.
Your bone structure and the size and shape of your teeth are different from those of any other person and are the reasons why your smile is unique. While having the proper teeth alignment, or correct bite, can enhance your smile, it is also important for other reasons. If your bite is misaligned, you may be prone to certain muscle and tooth issues that can compromise your oral health.
Getting Your Bite Checked
Your dentist or orthodontist will periodically examine your bite to assess its alignment. This involves looking at your bite from multiple viewpoints. If your dentist examines the position, size, and shape of your teeth and jaw and determines that your bite is not correct, corrective dental treatment may be recommended. Many different factors can contribute to a misaligned bite, such as:
Teeth that grow in crooked or overlapped
Lower and upper jaws that are malformed or are not the same size
Mouths that are too small
Checking Your Bite
While it may take a little more effort than required for your dentist or orthodontist, you should also get familiar with how your bite looks.
The Front View: To see the front view of your bite, all you have to do is face the mirror. The characteristics of a correct bite include the bottoms of upper front teeth that are in line with your upper lip and the exposure of no more than one-half of the length of your bottom row of teeth when your teeth are closed. An insufficient amount of enamel exposure during a smile is a result of upper teeth that are too short, while upper teeth that are too long may result in a significant amount of gum tissue being exposed. Your upper incisors can also affect your bite, producing a deep bite if they cover the lower teeth excessively, or an open bite by overlapping the lower teeth too much.
The Side Views: Examining your bite from the right and left sides may difficult to do by yourself but may be accomplished using two mirrors. When examined from either side, the back parts of your upper teeth should be resting on the front sides of your lower teeth very gently. The edges of your upper teeth and lower incisors should not be touching. If the bottom of your upper teeth falls behind the edges your lower incisors, you may have an underbite. An overbite may result from your upper teeth projecting too far away and out in front of your lower teeth without touching.
The Top or Bottom View: The views of both the top and bottom rows of teeth should reveal teeth that form a symmetrical arch. There should be no overlapping of the teeth, and each of the teeth in both rows should be touching one another with no spacing in between.
Brushing your teeth daily is the foundation of a healthy oral care routine. However, there is much speculation about how to brush your teeth. What tools are best to use? Is an electric toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush? There are many ways you can damage your teeth while you are trying to take care of them. This is something you want to avoid at all costs!
Do electric toothbrushes damage teeth? Simply put, no. Electric toothbrushes do not damage teeth as long as they are used in the proper way. As with anything, it is important to follow the correct technique to avoid the possibility of damaging your teeth while using an electric toothbrush.
Just as it is possible to damage your teeth while using a manual toothbrush improperly, it is also possible to damage your teeth with an electric toothbrush. However, by following a few simple guidelines, you can create a bright and healthy smile using any type of toothbrush. When used in the correct way, an electric toothbrush can be a tremendous asset as you work towards a healthy grin.
Problems Caused by Electric Toothbrushes
When you use an electric toothbrush, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of damaging both your teeth and your gums. However, many of these risks are the same as they would be with a manual toothbrush. Because of the nature of an electric toothbrush, however, these problems will be accelerated making it crucial to use proper technique while brushing.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is most commonly caused by a lack of enamel. Enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth. The enamel of your tooth can be worn down by brushing too aggressively. While using an electric toothbrush, it is crucial to be aware of the pressure you are applying while you brush. When your enamel is worn off, your teeth will become sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it can cause great discomfort and pain.
Gum Recession
The main complaint from people who have used an electric toothbrush is that they believe the toothbrush lead to increased gum recession. When the gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed. The initial side effects of receding gums are often sensitivity and pain. However, when left unaddressed or if the recession is advanced, this condition can lead to gum disease.
Severe cases of gum recession may even require periodontal surgery. As with any toothbrush, it is important to use caution while brushing around the gum area. Although it is important to clean this area thoroughly, it is also imperative that you practice proper technique so as to avoid damage to your gum line.
Tooth Abrasion
Tooth abrasion also occurs as a result of brushing too aggressively, something that is easy to do while using an electric toothbrush. When the enamel is worn off the tooth due to abrasion, it can lead to cavities and other symptoms which will require professional care.
It is important to remember that it takes only a light amount of pressure to remove the plaque on your teeth. Brushing harder will not result in cleaner teeth. It will actually cause further damage, leaving your teeth in worse shape than they would’ve been otherwise.
Benefits of Using Electric Toothbrushes
There are many benefits to using an electric toothbrush! In fact, many studies claim that an electric toothbrush is actually much better for your overall dental health than a manual toothbrush. Of course, this is highly dependent on the individual and their personal brushing technique. However, if you are currently using a manual toothbrush, it may be wise to consider making the switch to one of the many electric toothbrushes available today.
More Effective Cleaning
Electric toothbrushes are designed to clean your teeth thoroughly. With different types of rotating brush heads, varying speeds, and specialized materials, an electric toothbrush is the ultimate at-home cleaning machine. Although it is possible to clean your teeth correctly using a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush is designed to mimic the cleaning you receive at the dentist’s office during your bi-annual visits.
Consistent Routine
One of the biggest benefits of using an electric toothbrush is the consistency that it offers. Because the speed and brush rotations are set to certain specifications, your teeth will always get the attention they deserve. Almost every electric toothbrush is equipped with an internal timer which will shut off after two minutes. This takes the pressure off of you to time your brushing routine each day. Simply brush until the electric toothbrush powers off on its own!
Ease of Use
Electric toothbrushes are much easier to use once you establish your routine. You don’t have to worry about the fine motor skills needed to brush with a manual toothbrush. Because of this, electric toothbrushes are excellent for small children as well as adults faced with a disability.
An electric toothbrush can be a wonderful tool which can instill confidence in someone who otherwise would require assistance in this daily task. Electric toothbrushes also give parents the peace of mind to know that their children’s teeth are being cleaned properly each time.
Manual Toothbrushes vs. Electric Toothbrushes
There are many things to consider when deciding which type of toothbrush is right for you. If you travel often, for example, you may choose to use a manual toothbrush as it is more portable. If you have issues with dexterity, you may opt for an electric toothbrush as it is easier to use. Price is also a factor to consider as many electric toothbrushes are quite pricey. However, electric toothbrushes do have a longer lifespan than a manual toothbrush. The investment will likely pay itself off in the long run.
If you are debating the switch from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush, talk to your dentist. They will be able to offer you their insight as well as recommend an electric toothbrush that will work best for you.
It's nice to have a decorative holder with pretty toothbrushes on your bathroom vanity, but do you know when it is time to buy a new toothbrush? It may be more often than you think, and not just when you get a free toothbrush after your dental cleaning. Here are some considerations to keep in mind about toothbrushes and dental hygiene.
Toothbrushes Get Old and Frayed
A toothbrush gets a lot of wear and tear, especially if you brush your teeth properly. Round and round and up and down, the bristles get frayed and worn out. When you see the bristles bending over, it is time to purchase a new toothbrush. There are many types of toothbrushes on the market with options such as curved or straight bristles, curved heads and soft or polished bristles. The Indian Dental Association suggests using a soft-bristle toothbrush and looking for oral care products with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal. That qualification having been met, pick a design that is most comfortable for you. Most dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush that is gentle on the gums. The Indian Dental Association suggests changing your old toothbrush at every three months or when the bristles start to flare, whichever comes first.
Replace Your Toothbrush After an Illness
It is wise to replace your toothbrush after suffering from a canker or cold sore. Your trusty toothbrush can harbour bacteria and the herpes virus for days, which may reinfect you. The same goes for a cold or flu virus. The rule of thumb is to replace brushes after any illness. You may have heard that you can disinfect your toothbrush with mouthwash or a special disinfectant prescribed by your dentist. This may work, but there is no solid evidence that it does, and since toothbrushes are not too costly, it may be better simply to replace them. Never try to disinfect your toothbrushes in the dishwasher or microwave; this may ruin the bristles.
Fun Toothbrushes Entice Children to Clean Their Teeth
The ADA states that children may need to get a new toothbrush more often than adults. Colourful toothbrushes and brushes with images of popular characters entice kids to get enthusiastic about brushing their teeth. Why not take your child along with you to the store and let them pick out a favourite brush? Toothbrushes also make awesome favors for birthday parties, Halloween treats and holiday stocking stuffers. Taking care of your teeth on a daily basis with a good toothbrush will give you a lifetime of healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.
You probably know that gingivitis and periodontal disease are two conditions that affect the gums, but what’s the difference between the two? Are they simply two different words for the same condition? In short, gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis, or gum disease. Consider gingivitis your warning sign that treatment is needed to protect your oral health and prevent periodontal disease from developing. Here’s what you need to know about both of these conditions.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Although no one wants to be diagnosed with gingivitis, the good news is that gingivitis can be reversed before any permanent damage occurs to your teeth and gums.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque and tartar that collects between the teeth. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria, which leads to infection. This infection creates inflammation in your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily when you floss and brush. Many patients overlook gingivitis because the symptoms are relatively mild. This is why regular comprehensive oral evaluations are important—while you may not realize that your gums are redder than usual, your dentist will.
What Is Periodontitis?
If gingivitis isn’t treated promptly, it will eventually lead to periodontitis, or gum disease. Your gums start to pull away from the roots of the teeth and deep pockets form. Plaque and tartar start to build up in these pockets below the gumline, allowing bacteria to attack the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
Periodontitis and gingivitis share many of the same symptoms—namely, red, swollen gums and bleeding. With periodontitis, you are also likely to have bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth. You may notice discharge from the gums and spaces between your teeth that weren’t there before. This occurs because, as the supporting bone structure breaks down, your teeth start to shift. Eventually, your teeth may fall out or need to be extracted.
While periodontal disease can be treated, by the time it gets to its advanced stages, it has usually caused lasting damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. This damage will need to be addressed with additional dental and periodontal treatments.
It’s also important to note that there is a growing body of research demonstrating a link between gum disease and other diseases elsewhere in the body, likely because it causes systemic inflammation. This is why getting prompt treatment is critical.
Preventing Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
The best ways to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease are to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist every six months for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, a simple, non-invasive treatment called scaling and root planing can effectively treat the infection and restore health to your gums.
Dental cavities and gum diseases are the most widespread diseases among humans. Thankfully, they can be prevented easily. Dental cavities begin when the tooth enamel degrades, causing holes in the tooth.
If neglected, the cavities worsen, and the tooth’s structure becomes unstable. The infection can extend to the gums, tooth root, and jawbone. In worse cases, tooth decay and gum disease can cause bone loss.
To prevent dental cavities, there are certain oral hygiene habits to cultivate. Here are seven tips to follow:
1. Brush your teeth
To avoid cavities, you should make brushing your teeth twice daily a priority, using a fluoride toothpaste. Preferably, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Ensure you clean the insides on your teeth, going from the front to the back, and the upper parts. This will help remove plaque or food debris on your teeth after meals.
2. Floss your teeth daily
Every time you eat, your teeth trap food debris that ends up turning into plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it binds with bacteria to produce acid, thereby causing cavities. Use flossers or interdental cleaners to clean debris between the teeth.
3. Book regular dentist appointments
Sometimes, cavities can go undetected for a long time unless you visit a dentist for an examination or X-ray. Going for routine checkups and dental cleanings is essential if you want to avoid cavities and maintain proper oral hygiene. You can ask your dentist about getting fluoride supplements or for suggestions on the best way to brush and floss, to make sure you clean the correct way.
4. Eat healthy foods
Excellent nutrition has a crucial impact on excellent oral health. Consuming nutritious foods and reducing your amount of sugary drinks can help to stop plaque from building up on the teeth. Increase your water intake and try not to eat sugary snacks, hard candies, or acidic foods that may cause trouble for your teeth.
5. Use mouthwash
You will find several brands of antimicrobial dental rinses on the market that have been clinically certified to prevent or lessen plaque. Washing your mouth with these mouthwashes after meals or brushing can help prevent cavities.
6. Get dental sealants
Sealants are protective materials placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant serves as a shield for the tooth against the accumulation of plaque and bacteria to prevent cavities. Children are common candidates for sealants because of the eruption of permanent teeth, but adults can also get them.
7. Chew sugarless gums
It may be hard to believe, but chewing sugarless gum can be beneficial for fighting against cavities. It can help by enhancing the flow of saliva in the mouth, which helps to clean the mouth naturally. In 2007, the American Dental Association (ADA) awarded their approval seal to Orbit, Eclipse, and other chewing gums because they help avoid cavities. Check for the ADA’s seal of approval on chewing gums or any other dental products before buying.
The bottom line
The rule is simple — excellent oral hygiene means lower risk of dental cavities. Speak with one of our dental health professionals today.
