We have all along known the importance of dental hygiene, but could never whip up enthusiasm to pursue it religiously.
Blame it on the smattering of information available, we are left
wondering from where to begin, and if one can ever do it the right way.
Aesthetic dentistry expert Dr Sushant Umre exchanges some invaluable notes on
oral care.
Most appropriate way to brush your teeth Proper
brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and
gums effectively. Use a
toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not irritate teeth or damage gums.
Place bristles along the gumline at a 45-degree angle. Bristles should
contact both the tooth surface and the gumline. Gently brush first, the
outer tooth surface and then the inner surface of the tooth using a
vibrating back and forth rolling motion.
Tilt brush vertically
behind the front row of teeth. Make several up and down strokes using
the front half of the brush. Place the brush against the biting surface
of the teeth and use a gentle back and forth scrubbing motion. Brush the
tongue from back to front to remove odour-producing bacteria.
You may want to supervise your children until they get the hang of these
simple steps. Use a pea-sized dab toothpaste, preferably fluoride free
if the child is below six years of age and take care that your child
does not swallow the toothpaste.
The right tooth paste and toothbrush
Use a toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not
irritate teeth or damage gums. One of the main things to look for in a
toothbrush are its bristles. Most dentists recommend soft bristles,
especially for those individuals who have sensitive teeth and gums. Both
adults and children should use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Toothbrushes with harder bristles are not more effective at removing
plaque or stains.
Be sure to select a toothbrush head size that
can easily fit into the mouth and is capable of brushing a row of teeth
at a time. With this in mind, be sure to select a toothbrush with a
very small head for a very young child.
Toothbrushes should be
replaced about every three months or earlier if the bristles begin to
look worn or frayed (bristles that fan out or spread is a sign that it
is time to get a new toothbrush).
After consulting with your
dentist
or hygienist about your oral health's greatest needs, look for products
within that category (for example, within the tartar control brands or
within the desensitizing toothpaste brands). Always pick a toothpaste
that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpastes have been shown to prevent
cavities, but in children under six years of age it can be avoided as
they have a tendency to swallow it.
Early beginnings
Proper dental care can begin before an infant gets his/her first tooth.
Soon after the baby gets the first tooth, make an appointment to see
the dentist.
Rinsing mouth after eating
If you don't rinse your mouth after meals, 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 odour. Dentures that are not cleaned properly
after meals can also harbor odour-causing bacteria and food particles.
Limit coffee, tea and alcohol. Caffeine products as coffee, tea and
colas act as diuretics which in turn contribute to a dry mouth. Water is
the best solution so drink plenty of liquids at least 8-12 glasses of
fluid a day, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Tackling bad breath
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable
breath odour. 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 odour temporarily. Odours continue until
the body eliminates the food. Beware dieters, as you may develop
unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
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 odour. A dry mouth may be caused by various
medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through
the mouth. If you suffer from a dry mouth condition, your dentist may
prescribe artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and
increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products too can cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you
eat and medications you take. Some medications may play a role in
creating mouth odours. 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.
Tooth jewellery, a good idea! Tooth jewellery
is an elegant compliment to standard jewellery. When placed on the
tooth, the jewellery creates a distinctive expression of one's
individuality. A range of glass crystals are available in nine different
colours - diamond, rainbow, ruby, sapphire, emerald, emerald green,
aquamarine, pink, sapphire light.
If somebody thinks he or she
was better off without tooth jewellery, it can be easily removed without
any side-effects on the dental tooth structure as the procedure is
non-invasive. What's more, tooth jewellery can be fixed again at a later
stage so there is no real disadvantage to having it done.
Dental reconstruction a fad with brides, models
One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. A
healthy attractive smile can boost your confidence and enhance your
personal and professional life and this is exactly what a blushing bride
or aspiring model is looking for.
Until recently, most people
were satisfied if their teeth were straight and free of stains, chips or
other obvious imperfections. But in the last few years, the combination
of
Hollywood glamour and advances in cosmetic dentistry most people want their teeth to be perfectly uniform and dazzlingly white.
Cosmetic dentists have also pioneered a technique called computer
imaging that allows them to perform virtual restorations on a computer
screen. A patient who is thinking about having work done can see what
the results will look like before he or she makes the decision to go
forward. New composite resins, invisible fillings, porcelain veneers and
high-strength resin cements are stronger, long-lasting and do not
change colour over time which combined with new single sitting teeth
whitening technology can give both
women and men just the sparkling smile that they want.
Care for gums
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding
and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria
that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that
can damage the gums.
The good news is that you can help prevent
periodontal disease by taking good care of your gums every day and
having regular dental checkups. Here's how to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth well twice a day
- Clean between your teeth every day
- Eat a balanced diet
- Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads,
cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and
fish; and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit
between-meal snacks
- See your dentist every few months
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