Cavities

Cavities, or tooth decay, is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults.

Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities can form. A cavity is a little hole in your tooth.

Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque.

Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It’s common for people over age 50 to have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges, or a margin, of fillings is also common for older adults. Because many older adults lacked benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were growing up, they often have a number of dental fillings. Over the years, these fillings may weaken and tend to fracture and leak around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:          

*Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

*Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.

*Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.

*Check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (where decay often starts) to protect them from decay.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

this article first appeared on mouthhealth.org

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

Nutrition

Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. What’s more, a good diet is essential for a child’s growth and development.

Almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. To help control the amount of sugar your child consumes, always try to read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Also, select beverages, such as water, that hydrate and contribute to good nutrition.

What to Eat:

According to MyPlate, a website from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an agency of U.S. Department of Agriculture, a balanced diet should include:

* Fruits and vegetables. Combined these should be half of what your child eats every day.

* Grains. Make sure at least half of their grains are whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice.

* Dairy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods.

* Lean proteins. Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Try to vary  protein choices to include eggs, beans, peas and legumes, too. Eat at least 8 oz. of seafood a week.

In addition to a nutritious diet, snacking habits, bottles and pacifiers also impact your child's oral health.

 Here are some tips to keep your child's mouth healthy:

Place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks
.
Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.

If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean—don’t dip it in sugar or honey, or put it in your mouth before giving it to the child.

Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday and discourage frequent or prolonged use of sippy cups.

Serve nutritious snacks and limit sweets to mealtimes.

For tips on how to get your children to eat more fruits and vegetables, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

this article first appeared on mouthhealthy.org

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Depending on your needs, your dentist will design a partial denture for you. A partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking. In some cases, a removable partial denture is made to attach to your natural teeth with devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than clasps.

Crowns on your natural teeth are sometimes needed to improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Partial dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with clasps. Consult with your dentist to find out which type is right for you.

What to expect:
In the beginning, your new partial denture may feel awkward or bulky. This is normal, and you will eventually become accustomed to wearing it.

Inserting and removing the partial denture will require some practice.

Follow all instructions given by your dentist. Your denture should fit into place with relative ease. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.

Your dentist will give you specific instruction about how long the denture should be worn and when it should be removed.

Initially, you may be asked to wear your partial denture all the time. Although this may be uncomfortable at first, it's the quickest way to identify areas that may need adjustment.

If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your dentist will adjust the partial denture to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you take the partial denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.

Eating should become a more pleasant experience with dentures. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on both sides. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum during the adjustment period.

Partial denture can also help improve your speech. If you find it difficult to pronounce certain words, practice reading out loud. Repeat the words that give you trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your partial denture.

Caring for your dentures
Your dentist can recommend a denture cleaner. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

When cleaning a partial denture, it’s a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop the denture.

Do not use toothpaste since it can be too harsh for cleaning dentures.

Some people use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean their dentures, which are both acceptable. However, most household cleaners are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.

Brush the denture each day to remove food deposits and plaque. The helps the denture from becoming permanently stained.

It's best to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures because it has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also acceptable.

Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture.

Clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply the denture cleaner. Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the plastic or bending the attachments.

A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. Your dentist can recommend the proper method for keeping your dentures in good shape.

Don’t chew, swallow, or gargle with denture cleansers.

Always thoroughly rinse the denture before placing it in your mouth.

Adjustments
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a poorly fitting denture.

Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by your dentist. Poorly fitting dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. See your dentist promptly if your denture becomes loose, and maintain your regular visits, too.

Remember: You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture. If your denture breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call your dentist immediately. In many cases, dentists can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.


Produced with the cooperation of the American College of Prosthodontists

How to Care For Your Child’s Teeth

A child's primary teeth, sometimes called "baby teeth," are as important as the permanent adult teeth.

Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year.
Primary teeth help children chew and speak.
Primary teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums.

The ADA recommends that a dentist examine a child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday.

A dental visit at an early age is a "well baby checkup" for the teeth.

Besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, the dentist can demonstrate how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking

.

Learn more about caring for your children's teeth at the ADA's new website- MouthHealthy.org.

Watch videos, search topics and explore Life Stages (including babies, kids and teens) to find tips and information to make you and your family Mouth Healthy for Life.

View dental symptoms, find nutrition tips and search by topic.

You can also find ADA Seal Product information to find products that have been scientifically tested to be safe and effective.

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

Have You Been Naughty or Nice to Your Teeth?

Hermey, D.D.G.

If you've seen the holiday TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, then you know that Hermey the Elf is very excited about becoming a dentist. Now, Hermey has been designated a DDG, or Dental Do Gooder, by Dr. Maxine Feinberg, ADA president, for promoting good dental health to his friend Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and everyone in the North Pole. He loves teeth and he thinks everyone should know how to take care of them.

Here is a Healthy Teeth Checklist that Hermey uses so he can remember how to keep his mouth healthy. Moms and Dads, you can print out this checklist to help your kids remember to take care of their teeth too!

✓ Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes. Even the boss elf brushes his teeth for two minutes, two times a day!

✓ Eat healthy snacks. Like fruits and vegetables. It’s not good for your teeth when you eat sticky candy or sugary cookies.

✓ Avoid drinking sodas, juices and sports drinks with a lot of sugar. Rudolph and Santa’s Sleigh Team always drink lots of water with fluoride in it. That’s why they have such strong, healthy teeth.

✓ Protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard whenever you play any sports. Rudolph and the reindeer never play games without wearing their mouthguard!

✓ Visit your dentist. Just like Hermey, your dentist wants to help you take care of your teeth. Going to the dentist and getting your teeth cleaned is very important. Why? Because yucky plaque can stick to your teeth and make a hole in your tooth. This is called a cavity. Hermey doesn’t want you to have a cavity because it can make your tooth hurt.

Remember it’s never too late to be nice to your teeth. A healthy mouth is good for your whole body. Now that’s the kind of joy that makes Santa Ho-Ho-Ho!

This article first appeared on MouthHealthy.org, an A.D.A. website. Here is the link.