My oral health

Plaque develops when foods containing starches and sugars, such as milk, sodas, raisins, cakes and candy that are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy the enamel on the teeth, resulting in decay. Plaque can also develop on the roots of teeth under the gum line and cause the bone to breakdown that supports the teeth.

It is best to buy a toothbrush that has soft bristles. The medium and hard ones can damage teeth and gums. Brush using soft pressure for 3 minutes twice a day.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can clean your teeth really well. Manual toothbrushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles will clean much better than a toothbrush that is flat. Electric toothbrushes may be easier for you to use if you have trouble using your hands.

Most toothpaste will clear away bacteria growth and acids from most food and drinks. Toothpastes that have the ADA seal of acceptance will always have fluoride in them, which help to strengthen and protect teeth. If you do not want toothpaste that has fluoride in it, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that do not have the ADA testing and approval.

In most cases it is easier and more effective to stop problems before they start, rather than correcting them after they have already caused some damage. You mouth is the gateway to the well-being of the rest of your body. The health of your mouth is closely linked to systemic overall health issues. Preventing oral health problems may also help you to achieve the best overall health.

Prevention will take place in two phases – first it is important to keep your bi-annual in office visits. The second is practicing good oral health practices at home.

During your routine office visits, your dentist will exam your mouth for any potential problems. You will also have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove hard-to-reach plaque and leaves your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. The dentist will also go over ways in which you can improve your oral health care routine.

Daily home care is very important for the prevention in illnesses, like gum disease and problems such as tooth decay. It is best to brush twice a day and floss regularly.

The main cause that your gums bleed is the build-up of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition known as gingivitis or inflamed gums. Plaque that is not cleaned off the teeth will harden into tartar. This will lead to increase bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and bone disease known as periodontitis. Bleeding gums can happen for many reasons, from gingivitis to a side effect of pregnancy. Changing your oral health care routine can also make your gums bleed. It is recommended to brush and floss regularly, and get your dental exam and cleanings done twice a year. This helps to stop your gums from bleeding. There are medications that can also increase the likelihood that your gums can bleed. If changing your oral health habits, adjusting medications and maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t seem to help with your bleeding gums, then you should make an appointment with the dentist to discuss your options.

Yes! Flossing helps to clear food and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. If you do not floss, plaque hardens in tartar, which will then form wedges and widen the spaces between the teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, the gums will pull away and the teeth get loose.

It is recommended to floss your teeth at least once day to help remove the plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

While bad breah can be linked to numerous systemic diseases, the majority of bad breath originates in the mouth. Having a dry mouth or low salivary flow can also influence bad breath. There are two main goals in the management of bad breath. First, controlling the bacteria that produce the sulfur compounds. Second, to neutralize the sulfur compounds that are being produced.

Yes! Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath will help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing. But a mouthwash does not replace the
daily cleaning of your teeth. The dentist can help recommend different types for you to try.

Some people will need to rinse twice a day for gum health or use an alcohol-free mouth rinse for dry mouths. Children under 6 years of age should not use mouthwash, so they can avoid the chance of swallowing it.

Having regular dental exams will help spot trouble early, and help to prevent bigger and most costly treatment later. A dental hygienist will start by cleaning the build-up from your teeth. Then the dentist will check the spots on the surfaces of your teeth and near the gum lines with an explorer. If it has been a while since you have seen the dentist, you may have some sore or sensitive areas.

You should have a dental exam done every 6 months or more frequently if your dentist recommends it. It is important to see a dentist that makes you feel at ease and lets you know what to expect during your visit. At times, the fear of seeing the dentist – turns to relief, when the visit is over and you have a treatment plan set up.

Being positive as a parent can also help children overcome their fears of visiting the dentist.

Plaque builds up over time and this sticky bacterial film can solidify and turn into calculus and tartar. This cement like substance is removed by the hygienist at your regular cleaning visits. Having your teeth cleaned every six months not only serves to keep your mouth healthy and clean, it also allows potential problems to be found and diagnosed earlier.

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the Center for Disease Control, all recommend that children should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing. Adults can benefit from using fluoride to help protect their teeth as well.

Tooth decay is caused when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates such as starches and sugars, like soda, candy, cake, and even sticky fruits. High frequency sugar in-take is a key factor – but not the only reason.

Cavities have been identified as a bacterial infection, caused by specific bacteria. Bacteria inhibit plaque and form many different products including acid. Plaque interacts with food deposits on your teeth to produce acid that will slowly dissolve the calcium in your teeth. The surface of the tooth enamel is 97% mineral. The bacterial products can also lead to gum disease and bad breath. Because the acidic plaque rests against the tooth, the acid will dissolve the calcium molecules from the surface of the tooth. When that happens the surface of the tooth will breakdown and form a hole in the tooth. An active lesion demineralizes the tooth, and can be seen by a change in color or surface texture, as well as on x-rays.

Yes! Sweet and foods that have acid in them, like sodas and candy, can stick to your teeth and lead to cavities. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease.

Teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, but this can lead to your teeth breaking and stress your jaws. Grinding or gritting down on teeth when you are stressed may crack them. Biting finger nails is also a bad habit, it pulls your jaw out of position and change how your teeth fit together.

If you want to protect your oral health, you should probably avoid the following beverages:

Coffee – If you drink coffee with cream and sugars, it will contribute to tooth decay. Even if you drink just black coffee, it will stain your teeth over time.
Tea – This beverage is similar to coffee because it can also stain your teeth. With having sugar in it, it makes it that much worse for your teeth.
Energy and sports drinks – People use these drinks to give themselves a little boost, whether they are participating in a sport or not. But they are high in sugar and acid levels; this means that they can cause problems with your tooth enamel.
Soft drinks – It should be no surprise that sodas are loaded with sugar and acidity.
Citrus juices – Juices with no added sugar can be healthy for your body the acid in juices such as lemon, grapefruit, and orange juice can permanently damage the enamel on your teeth.
Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages are full of sugar. Because the alcohol dehydrates, it can decrease your saliva protection. Having a dry mouth can lead to cavities and other problems.