Dental Care
Good oral hygiene helps maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Combined with regular visits to your dentist, it also helps prevent more serious complications, such as tooth loss or infection.
Plaque
Plaque is a transparent film composed of harmful bacteria and food residue, which can be removed by brushing your teeth and using dental floss. If plaque is not removed from the surface of your teeth regularly, it will form tartar. Tartar is hard and can only be removed with a dentist's scaler.
When plaque comes into contact with the sugars contained in food, acids are formed that destroy the tooth and cause cavities. Moreover, the bacteria contained in plaque produce substances that can irritate the gums, causing gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis are redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. If tartar is left to accumulate on the teeth, it tends to progress toward the gums. The problem can become more serious and possibly result in the loss of teeth.
Plaque prevention
Your arsenal against plaque consists of the following:
- A toothbrush (replaced every three months)
- The right toothpaste (see below)
- Dental floss
The ideal is to brush your teeth after every meal, as bacteria begin causing damage within minutes. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush since hard bristles merely irritate the gums further.
You should also floss once a day before going to bed. Flossing is important in order to dislodge the food that gets trapped between your teeth where cavities tend to form. Flossing before brushing your teeth is more effective against cavities. Your dentist will show you the proper technique for using your toothbrush and dental floss.
Medications and oral health
Certain types of medication can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, thus promoting the production of plaque. These medications include allergy products, decongestants, certain antidepressants, and diuretics. Other types of medication can affect the gums or the lining of the mouth. Ask your pharmacist whether your medication could impact your dental health. Also, do not forget to inform your dentist about all the medications you are taking. Certain precautions could be necessary during your appointment.
Pregnancy and gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by hormonal changes. Additionally, morning sickness may lead pregnant women to neglect their oral hygiene. In severe cases, however, gingivitis can result in premature delivery. Special attention to dental hygiene is essential if you are pregnant. Visit your dentist early in your pregnancy and inform them of your condition.
Toothpastes
It has been proven that toothpaste with fluoride helps to prevent cavities. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Brush regularly with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fortunately, most toothpaste brands contain this important ingredient. Only a small quantity of toothpaste (the size of a pea or a grain of rice for a child) is needed for each brushing. Don't go overboard.
In order to enhance their cleaning action, toothpastes contain varying amounts of abrasive ingredients. These ingredients can also wear down the enamel. If you are using whitening toothpaste, it is recommended to alternate with a low-abrasive toothpaste.
Some people's teeth, particularly those of the elderly, may become sensitive to heat, cold, or touch. The use of so-called desensitizing toothpastes can help control the pain.
Dental care and children
Begin cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they start coming in. Brush the child's teeth daily, with a soft bristle toothbrush and a very small quantity of fluoride toothpaste. The number one thing to look for in a toothpaste for your child is fluoride. However, fluoride contained in toothpaste should not be swallowed. Until the child has learned to spit, around age 3, use a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
Based on the amount of fluoride in the water the child consumes daily and its age, it may be recommended to provide an oral fluoride supplement. These supplements can help prevent cavities. Consult your healthcare professional to assess your child's fluoride needs. If your child is taking a supplement that contains fluoride, be aware that they can be toxic at high doses.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be part of the morning oral hygiene routine to control bad breath caused by bacteria. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid dryness and irritation in the mouth. But its effect is limited. It does not replace brushing the teeth in any way.