How
often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Regular
dental visits are essential in maintaining healthy teeth
and gums. Regardless of how well you brush and floss,
plaque and tartar build up between teeth and should
be removed by a dental professional. A simple, 60 minute
visit every six months will keep your mouth healthy
and prevent future dental problems.
Do
I have to floss?
Yes.
While both brushing and flossing will remove bacterial
build up on your teeth, flossing can help remove plaque
betwen teeth that your toothbrush can't reach. Bacteria
left in the mouth from leftover food particles also causes
bad breath, and flossing helps rid the mouth of particles
trapped between the teeth.
The
American Dental Asociation recommends that you floss
at least once a day. Brushing without flossing is like
washing
only 70 percent of your body - the other 30 percent remains
dirty. If you haven't flossed in a while, your gums may
begin to bleed slightly. That is a good indication that
your gums are in the early stages of gum disease, and
will benefit from a regular flossing regimen. Back
to top
How
do I floss properly?
To
floss properly, follow these simple steps:
Break
off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around
one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest around a finger
on the opposite hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Using about one-half inch at a time, gently guide the
floss between your teeth. Be careful not to force the
floss into the gums. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape
against one tooth. Slide the floss gently into the space
between the gum and the tooth, making sure it goes all
the way down under the gum. Hold the floss tightly against
the tooth. Rub the side of the tooth gently with up and
down motions to move the floss away from the gum. Floss between all your teeth. Since plaque is an invisible film, use a disclosing agent (available
from your dentist) once a week. This will show whether
you are thoroughly cleaning all the plaque away and indicate
the areas you're missing. If you haven't been flossing regularly, your gums may bleed
the first few times you do this. But after a few days,
they should stop bleeding during flossing. If they don't,
make an appointment for a thorough teeth cleaning and
consultation. Back to top How
should I brush my teeth?
Brushing
and cleaning between your teeth is the best way to
remove plaque and keep it from forming. You should brush
twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Brush using a
circular motion, making sure you brush your gums as well.
Improper brushing, such as using a back and forth motion, can
actually wear out your teeth or leave behind harmful
deposits, especially near the gumline. Back to top How
often should I replace my toothbrush?
You
should brush with a toothbrush with soft bristles. Be
sure your toothbrush is the right size and shape to fit
into all corners of your mouth. Your toothbrush should
be replaced about every three or four months, or sooner
if the bristles are worn. Children's brushes may wear out
more quickly. Always look for the American Dental Association
(ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the label of the toothbrush
you choose, as well as on any dental product you purchase.
Dental products that should have the ADA's seal of acceptance may include
toothpaste, tooth brushes, dental floss, interdental cleaners,
mouth rinses and oral irrigators (waterpicks). Back to
top What
is the best toothpaste to use?
Check
for the ADA seal of acceptance. Baking soda has not been
shown to be beneficial. In fact, baking soda used for baking should never be used to brush.
It is too coarse and can damage your teeth. However, some ingredients that have been proved effective include, ingredients that promote
tartar control, hydrogen peroxide, and desensitizing ingredients. But the most important element is the toothpaste that
makes you brush your teeth more often is the one you should use. Experiment to find one that makes your mouth feel the
freshest. Back to top Does
flouride help prevent tooth disease?
Fluoride
Tablets and Drugs
Chewable fluoride tablets or drops can be an effective and inexpensive preventive measure against tooth decay. These supplements,
prescribed by your physician or dentist, should be taken daily. Generally, fluoride
drops are recommended for infants from birth until they are able to chew fluoride tablets. Fluoride tablets
are prescribed for children from birth through their teen years. Daily flouride
treatment benefits existing teeth as well as those being formed in the jaws.
Mouthrinses with Flouride
Daily rinsing with dilute solutions of neutral sodium fluoride also increases the tooth's resistance
to decay. For daily rinsing, a 0.05 percent solution of neutral sodium fluoride is recommended,
and a 0.2 percent solution is recommended for weekly rinsing. Studies
show that school-age children who regularly rinse weekly with a fluoride solution
will have about 35 percent fewer cavities than individuals who do not use any
flouride treatment. Many schools provide weekly flouride mouth-rinsing programs.
It is inexpensive and well accepted by teachers and students. Fluoride
mouthrinses are not intended for swallowing, therefore fluoride mouthrinses are not recommend for children younger than 6 years of
age because many younger children are not able to control their swallowing reflex. Fluoride mouthrinses are available
commercially without a doctor's prescription for daily home use.
Fluoride Dentifrices (toothpaste)
The use of a fluoride-containing dentifrice (toothpaste) is recommended for
children and adults. Regular, thorough brushing with a fluoride dentifrice
will
help provide protection against tooth decay, with increased protection when
used together with most other forms of fluoride therapy. The use of a fluoride-containing
dentifrice by children below the age of six should be closely supervised by
an adult. Because
preschool-age children are susceptible to developing dental fluorosis, only
a small, pea-size portion of toothpaste should be put on their toothbrush for
brushing. Dental
fluorosis, or white spots on the teeth, are an indication of too much flouride
is being consumed while teeth are developing.
Professional Application of Topical Fluorides
Dentists and dental hygienists often apply fluorides directly to the teeth.
These topical fluorides are either a gel applied in mouth trays, or
solutions painted directly on the teeth. Semi-annual flouride applications
can also
substantially
reduce dental decay. Back to top
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