Tooth Care.

Brushing
Children's Teeth
Emergency Care
Mouth Rinses
Senior's Teeth

Brushing

Brushing is the most effective method for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums. Getting the debris off your teeth and gums in a timely manner prevents bacteria in the food you eat from turning into harmful, cavity-causing acids.

Most dentists agree that brushing three times a day is the minimum; if you use a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night, you can get away without using toothpaste during the middle of the day. A simple brushing with plain water or rinsing your mouth with water for 30 seconds after lunch with generally do the job.

Techniques.
Since everyone's teeth are different, see me first before choosing a brushing technique. Here are some popular techniques that work:
• Use a circular motion to brush only two or three teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
• Place your toothbrush next to your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion - not up and down.
• Don't forget the other surfaces of your mouth that are covered in bacteria - including the gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and most importantly, your tongue.
• Remember to replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread because a worn toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
• Effective brushing usually takes about three minutes.

Children's Teeth

I recommend that you bring your baby to see me by its first birthday; this is generally when the first tooth comes in. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.

Dental problems can begin early - even in infancy - to spot early conditions such as bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking. Yes, decay can set in from using a bottle during naps or at night or when your baby nurses continuously from the breast. Children with healthy teeth chew food easier and learn to speak more clearly.

When babies are teething, usually between the ages of four months and two and a half years, they often have sore and tender gums. The pain usually can be soothed by gently rubbing the baby's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or wet gauze. A clean teething ring for the baby to chew on also may be helpful.

In general, I would discourage thumb sucking after the age of four because prolonged thumb sucking can cause teeth to become crowded and crooked, and could lead to bite problems. In some cases, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly.

Mouth guards are soft plastic devices that fit over the front of your child's mouth, protecting his teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries. A well-fitting mouth guard can protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face, and even some severe injuries to the head.

Emergency Care

If a tooth is fractured, rinse mouth with warm water and use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Use ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. Immediately contact your dentist.

Minor fractures can be smoothed by the dentist with a sandpaper disc or simply left alone. Another option is to restore the tooth with a composite restoration. In either case, treat the tooth with care for several days.

Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, the tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown. If pupal damage does occur, further dental treatment will be required.

First aid

Follow these simple first aid steps for a tooth that has been either knocked loose or knocked out:
• If a tooth is displaced, push it back into its original position and bite down so the tooth does not move.
• Call your dentist or visit the emergency room. The dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth next to the loose tooth.
• If the tooth is completely knocked out, pick the tooth up by the crown - not by the root, as handling the root may damage the cells necessary for bone reattachment and hinder the replant. If the tooth can not be replaced in its socket, do not let the tooth dry out. Place it in a container with a lid and use low-fat milk, saline solution, or saliva. Visit the dentist as soon as possible - the longer the tooth is out of the mouth, the less likely the tooth will be able to be saved.

Mouth Rinses

Cosmetic rinses are commercial over-the-counter products that help remove oral debris before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath, diminish bacteria in the mouth, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste.

Therapeutic rinses have the benefits of their cosmetic counterparts, but also contain an added active ingredient that helps protect against some oral diseases. Therapeutic rinses are regulated by the FDA and are voluntarily approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Therapeutic rinses also can be categorized into types according to use; anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis rinses and anti-cavity fluoride rinses.

The need for rinsing depends on a number of factors. Most rinses, while curing halitosis, are not extremely effective in preventing tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gingival gum tissue), and periodontal disease.

Anti-plaque rinses have been shown to be effective in reducing the plaque that causes gingivitis only about 20 to 25 percent of the time. Fluoride toothpaste alone is infinitely more than adequate protection against cavities.

Some patients who have recently undergone periodontal surgery or who with severe oral problems such as periodontal disease, gum inflammation, and dry mouth are prescribed rinses. In addition, many therapeutic rinses are strongly recommended for those who can't brush due to physical impairments or medical reasons.

Anti-cavity rinses with fluoride have been clinically proven to fight up to 50% more of the bacteria that cause cavities. But the same results, ironically, can be achieved by simply rinsing your mouth with water.

Senior's Teeth

People who develop good oral hygiene habits early in life stand a good chance of keeping their teeth later in life.

Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush, and remember to floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Here are typical problems common in older adults:
• Gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums and possible bleeding when you brush. If you have any of these symptoms, see me immediately. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease if problems persist.
• Periodontal (gum) disease. Three out of four adults over age 35 are affected by some sort of gum disease. In gum disease, the infection becomes severe. Your gums begin to recede, pulling back from the teeth. In the worst cases, bacteria form pockets between the teeth and gums, weakening the bone. All this can lead to tooth loss if untreated, especially in patients with osteoporosis.
• Dry mouth. Also called "xerostomia," dry mouth is caused by improperly functioning salivary glands. This is often caused by disease, certain medications, or cancer treatment. Dry mouth can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak. You can mitigate dry mouth by drinking lots of water and avoiding sweets, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. I also may be able to prescribe medications to fight severe dry mouth.
• Oral cancer. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. If you notice any red or white patches on your gums or tongue, or sores that fail to heal within two weeks, contact your dentist immediately. Oral cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages, when it can be cured easily. Dentists can diagnose oral cancer by performing a head and neck exam.