DENTAL TIPS

MyLooseTooth.com promotes a partnership between you and your dental professionals to catch problems before they become major.  See the information below for tips on basic oral health.  If you are having a dental related problem, contact your dentist.

TOOTHBRUSHING

It is important to use a soft brush with round-ended bristles, brushing thoroughly at least once a day, but preferably after each meal or snack.  A gentle “jiggle” motion is used, going over just a couple of teeth at a time, moving gently to the next set of teeth.  Spending two to three minutes brushing is best.

TOOTHPASTE

The benefit of using toothpaste is to apply a dose of fluoride to your teeth to help prevent decay and to give your mouth a fresh taste.  It is highly recommended that you use a paste or powder that has been approved by the ADA.  However, there are those people out there that do not like the taste, feel, or texture of using toothpaste.  For those people it is ok to “dry brush”.  Use your soft toothbrush as described above, either dry or wet with water.  Follow with a fluoride rinse.  If you are unable to brush, chew a stick of sugar-free gum.

FLUORIDE

To help prevent your teeth from decaying, fluoride has been found to help.  It has been added to water in some areas where it does not occur naturally.  It is also in many types of toothpaste and rinses.  Your dentist can prescribe stronger doses, as needed.  Many have the conception that fluoride is only for children.  However, adults do get cavities.  In fact, as we age, there is another phase of cavity prone years for older adults.  They are very susceptible to decay along the gum line where recession has occurred and the roots of the teeth are exposed.  Also, if you drink mostly bottled water, you may not be getting the benefit of fluoridated water.

FLOSSING

“Are you flossing all of your teeth, or just the ones you want to keep?”  Cleaning between teeth should be done once a day, preferably after your last meal or before bedtime.  If you find that you aren’t accomplishing this task, find a time during the day that is more convenient, and stick to that time schedule.  It isn’t the “ideal” but it is best to get in there every 24 hours than not at all.  Use whatever type of floss is easiest to get between the contacts.  Some may need waxed, unwaxed, ultra fine, etc.

DENTAL PROFESSIONALS and OVERALL HEALTH

Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist is not just important for healthy teeth, but also for overall health.  Periodontal (gum) disease has recently been linked to heart disease.  Your dental team will suggest the best frequency to maintain good oral health.  Many will need to be seen more often than the standard “6 month check-up”.  With disease producing bacteria forming every 90 to 120 days, it is not uncommon to see your hygienist every 3 months so that plaque and tartar can be removed in hard to reach areas.