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What is plaque? |
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Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to
produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only
culprits. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to
form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After
many acid attacks, your teeth may decay.
Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender
or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form
and fill with 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. In fact, gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.
One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is by eating a balanced diet and
limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose
nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of
fruit. |
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What are some tips for daily oral care? |
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The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between
your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces.
Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of
your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use
toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay.
When choosing any dental product, look for the American Dental Association Seal
of Acceptance, an important symbol of a dental product's safety and
effectiveness.
Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners
removes plaque from between the teeth, areas where the toothbrush can't reach.
It is essential in preventing gum disease.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist
regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. |
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How do I brush my teeth? |
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. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
. Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing
surfaces of the teeth.
. Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth,
using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
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How do I floss my teeth? |
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. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your
middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite
hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss
tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap
the floss into the gums.
. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one
tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth,
moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
. Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind
of interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If
you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly,
to avoid injuring your gums.
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What is Root Canal Treatment ? |
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Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose
that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy
you may save that tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients
and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the
pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your
tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp,
the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist
places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or
no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your
tooth and your smile!
Source : www.sccds.org/public/Keytooralhealth/oralhealthtopicsAZ/R/rootcanaltreat.asp |
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What is Bad Breath ? |
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Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it's an unpleasant condition
that's cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren't even aware
there's a problem. If you're concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He
or she can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition,
develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and
onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into
the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled.
Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors
continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant
breath from infrequent eating.
If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth,
collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the
teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the
flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove
particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications,
salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you
suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe anartificial saliva, or
suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for
tips on kicking the habit.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in
the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis,
diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your
dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your
family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule
regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you
have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of
medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.
Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last
appointment.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque.
Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to
clean between teeth.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad
breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth
odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your
dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride
mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth
decay.
Source : www.sccds.org/public/Keytooralhealth/oralhealthtopicsAZ/B/badbreath.asp |
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