Brushing

         Brushing your teeth:                   



Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:

**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.

**Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

**Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.


         
   The proper brushing technique is to:

*Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

*Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

*Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

*To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

                            Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

                                                ( Tongue scrapers are also available! )

This article first appeared on mouthhealth.org

Diabetes and Your Smile

By Laura Martin, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine

Did you know that 29.1 million people living in the United States have diabetes? That’s 9.3% of the population. Approximately 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed each year—and 8.1 million people living with diabetes don’t even know they have it.

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. All food you eat is turned to sugar and used for energy.

- In Type I diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that carries sugar from your blood to the cells that need it for energy.

-In Type II diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin. Both cases result in high blood sugar levels, which can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body.

So what does this have to do with that smile of yours — and how can you protect it? First, it’s important to understand the signs of diabetes and the roles they play in your mouth.

The Symptoms of Untreated Diabetes

The warning signs of diabetes affect every part of your body. After a blood test, you may be told by a doctor that you have high blood sugar. You may feel excessively thirsty or have to urinate a lot. Weight loss and fatigue are other common symptoms. Diabetes can also cause you to lose consciousness if your blood sugar falls too low.

If diabetes is left untreated, it can take a toll on your mouth as well.

Here's how:

*You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry. (Dry mouth is also caused by certain   medications.)
*Because saliva protects your teeth, you’re also at a higher risk of cavities.
*Gums may become inflamed and bleed often (gingivitis).
*You may have problems tasting food.
*You may experience delayed wound healing.
*You may be susceptible to infections inside of your mouth.
*For children with diabetes, teeth may erupt at an age earlier than is typical.

Why People with Diabetes Are More Prone to Periodontal (Gum) Disease

All people have more tiny bacteria living in their mouth now than there are people on this planet. If they make their home in your gums, you can end up with periodontal disease. This chronic, inflammatory disease can destroy your gums, all the tissues holding your teeth and even your bones.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting those living with diabetes, affecting nearly 22% of those diagnosed. Especially with increasing age, poor blood sugar control increases the risk for gum problems.  In fact, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum problems because of poor blood sugar control. As with all infections, serious gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise. This makes diabetes harder to control because you are more susceptible to infections and are less able to fight the bacteria invading the gums.

How Your Dentist Can Help You Fight Diabetes

Regular dental visits are important. Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help to lower your HbA1c. (This is a lab test that shows your average level of blood sugar over the previous three months. It indicates how well you are controlling your diabetes.)

Your Diabetes Dental Health Action Plan

Teamwork involving self-care and professional care from your dentist will be beneficial in keeping your healthy smile as well as potentially slowing progression of diabetes.

Here are  things you can do to for optimal wellness:

*Control your blood sugar levels by using your diabetes-related medications as directed.
* Changing to a healthier diet and exercising more can help. Good blood sugar control will also help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and help relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.
*Avoid smoking.
*If you wear any type of denture, clean it each day.
*Make sure to brush twice a day with a soft brush and floss correctly daily.
*See your dentist for regular checkups.

This artical first appeared in mouthhealthy.org

Flossing

Flossing is an essential part of any oral health care routine. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to achieve optimal oral health. By flossing daily, you help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

When is the best time to floss? Before I brush or after?

The most important thing about flossing is to do it. Pick a time of day when you can devote an extra couple of minutes to your dental care. People who are too tired at the end of the day may benefit from flossing first thing in the morning or flossing after lunch.

And don’t forget, children need to floss too! You should be flossing your child’s teeth as soon as he or she has two teeth that touch. Because flossing demands more manual dexterity than very young children have, children are not usually able to floss well by themselves until they are age 10 or 11.

Keep in mind that flossing should not be painful. You may feel discomfort when you first start flossing, but don’t give up. With daily brushing and flossing, that discomfort should ease within a week or two. If your pain persists, talk to your dentist.

If you find flossing difficult, consider a different flossing method. People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner such as a wooden plaque remover, dental pick or pre-threaded flosser. Ask your dentist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums. It could be that you simply need to try another type of dental floss—waxed, unwaxed, thick or comfort floss. Stick with it and you’ll have adopted a healthy habit for life.


Here are some tips on how to properly floss your teeth:

 
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. 

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. Look for products that contain the ADA Seal of Acceptance so you know they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

This article first appeared in mouthhealthy.org

New campaign

New campaign highlights how cigarettes 'rot' the body from the inside
Public health officials in England launched a new campaign to highlight how smoking damages the body and causes a slow and steady decline in a process similar to rotting.

The new campaign by Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health in the United Kingdom, focuses on how smoking cigarettes can harm not only the lungs and heart, but also bones and muscles, brain, teeth and eyes.

According to MouthHealthy.org, the ADA's consumer website, possible impacts of smoking and all tobacco products include oral cancer, gum disease, bad breath, stained teeth and tongue, slow healing after a tooth extraction or other surgery, and a dulled sense of taste and smell.

The PHE campaign highlights that smoking negatively impacts bone density, increasing the risk of any fracture by 25 percent; increases the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment by 53 percent; and increases risk of age-related eye damage.

Public Health England’s campaign includes digital and print billboards featuring a roll-up cigarette full of decaying tissue. An online video also showcases a father casually rolling up a cigarette “formed of rotting human flesh, all bringing to life the fact that: ‘every cigarette rots you from the inside out,’” according to a news release.

To learn more about Public Health England’s anti-smoking campaign, visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england. For more information on how smoking impacts your oral health, visit MouthHealthy.org and search “smoking and tobacco.”

this article appeared on ADA mouthhealthy.org

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

* gums that bleed easily
* red, swollen, tender gums
* gums that have pulled away from the teeth
* persistent bad breath or bad taste
* permanent teeth that are loose or separating
* any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
* any change in the fit of partial dentures

Some factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. They are:

* poor oral hygiene
* smoking or chewing tobacco
* genetics
* crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
* pregnancy
* diabetes
* medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some      calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better!

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs.
That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

Remember: You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.


This article first appeared on MouthHealthy.org, an A.D.A. website

Questions About Going to the Dentist

Whether you are 80 or 8, your oral health is important. Did you know that 100 million Americans fail to see a dentist each year, even though regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental disease? Here are some frequently asked questions about going to the dentist.

Question: Why do regular dental visits matter?

Answer: Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many oral problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

Here are 15 signs you should see a dentist:

Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss
You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.
You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
You are pregnant
You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive
Your mouth is often dry
You smoke or use other tobacco products
You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
You have a spot or sore that doesn't look or feel right in your mouth and it isn't going away.

Q: What if I don’t have any of these symptoms—do I still need to go to the dentist?
A: Yes. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still have oral health problems that only a dentist can diagnose. Regular dental visits will also help prevent problems from developing. Continuity of care is an important part of any health plan and dental health is no exception. Keeping your mouth healthy is an essential piece of your overall health. It’s also important to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health since many medical conditions can affect your oral health too.

Q: What can I expect during a dental checkup?
A: The dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need x-rays. Depending on your treatment plan, the hygienist may use a special dental instruments to check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health and conduct an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with gauze, checking it and your whole mouth, then feeling your jaw and neck.

Q: How often do I have to go to the dentist? 
A: There is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.

Q: How do I find a dentist? 
A: The American Dental Association offers these suggestions in finding a dentist:

Visit ADA Find-a-Dentist to search dentists in your area.
Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.
Ask your family physician or local pharmacist.
If you're moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation.
Call or write your state dental society.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a dentist? 
A: You may want to call or visit more than one dentist before making your decision. Dental care is a very personalized service that requires a good relationship between the dentist and the patient. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if this is the right dentist for you.

Consider the following:

Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?
Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems?
Is dental health instruction provided?
Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they are unable to tend to emergencies.)
Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
Is your dentist a member of the ADA? All ADA member dentists voluntarily agree to abide by the high ethical standards reflected in the member code of conduct. You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist's advice.

Here are some tips to help you take care of your smile:

Healthy habits.
   Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are essential for everyone, no matter how   unique your mouth is. It’s the best way to fight tooth decay and gum disease.

Build a relationship.
  Continuity of care is an important part of any health plan and dental health is no exception. When your dentist sees you regularly, he or she is in a good position to catch oral problems early. For instance, catching gum disease when it’s still reversible, or cavities when they are small and are more easily treated.

Maintain.
  Keeping your mouth healthy is an essential piece of your overall health. It’s important to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health as well.

Talk about it!
  Only your dentist can determine what the best treatment plan is for you. Have questions about your oral health or certain dental procedures? Start a conversation. Ask your dentist to explain step-by-step. Dentists love having satisfied, healthy patients.

Q: What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
A: If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing—your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. The level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree, and the high academic standards of dental schools are on par with those of medical schools. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments.