DENTAL EDUCATION
Understanding the WHY is an important part of your dental health.
Your Overall Health Starts in Your Oral Cavity
Oral problems could have serious effects on the body through the spread of pathogenic bacteria in blood and bones and by causing an inflammatory state in which systemic diseases could develop. In fact, since the mouth can be both a window and a gateway to the body, systemic conditions and side effects of medical therapies can lead to early manifestations in the mouth. Dental bacteria if left untreated may lead to infections not only in the mouth, but severe cases may cause cardiac issues, sinus infections, and even infections in the brain. Missing teeth also leads to decreased ability to breakdown food properly which leads to our bodies not fully breaking down the nutrients in various foods and effects our stomach’s ability to digest foods.
Tooth Pain and Why Not to Ignore It
Tooth Pain can be caused by a variety of issues whether it’s a cracked tooth, large cavity, periodontal disease or a nerve exposure. Don’t wait until it’s too late and schedule an appointment immediately. “Bacteria from the abscess can get into the bloodstream, and can travel to other spaces in your body, such as your brain or heart. It can be life-threatening.”
Link between Perio Dx and Diabetes with (Article)
Periodontal or Gum Disease has been linked to numerous systemic diseases in the body such as cardiac, pulmonary and autoimmune disease to name a few. One direct correlation is the link between gum disease and diabetes. Several studies show that patients with either neglected diabetes or having difficulty controlling their glucose levels have a 2–3 times higher risk of developing periodontitis. Also, long-term studies have shown a higher incidence of progressive periodontal disease in patients with diabetes. For example, studies have demonstrated that patients with periodontitis suffer a more extensive and severe loss of periodontal tissue support (bone loss and gum recession) when diabetes is associated with the disease.
How to Properly Brush & Floss
Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene. Though bi-annual professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and debris, excellent home care methods are equally valuable. Proper brushing and flossing can enhance the health of the mouth, make the smile sparkle and prevent serious diseases.
Reasons why proper brushing and flossing are essential:
- Prevention of tooth decay – Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and its treatment often requires complex dental procedures. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This phenomenon can easily be prevented by using proper home hygiene methods.
- Prevention of periodontal disease – Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition which can cause tooth loss, gum recession and jawbone recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the toxins found in plaque, and can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body. Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surface of the tooth using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas using dental floss, is an excellent way to stave off periodontal problems.
- Prevention of halitosis – Bad breath or halitosis is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing; leaving the mouth healthier, and breath smelling fresher.
- Prevention of staining – Staining or the yellowing of teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as smoking, coffee and tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth using brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent.
The Proper Way to Brush
The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day; ideally in the morning and before bed. The perfect toothbrush is small in size with soft, rounded-end bristles and no more than three months old. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to access all areas of the mouth, and the bristles should be soft enough so as not to cause undue damage to the gum tissue. The American Dental Association (ADA) has given electric toothbrushes their seal of approval; stating that those with rotating or oscillating heads are more effective than other toothbrushes.
Here is a basic guide to proper brushing:
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
- Use small circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth.
- Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.
- Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Place special emphasis on the surfaces of the back teeth.
- Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
- Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.
The Proper Way to Floss
Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from the interdental regions (between the teeth). Flossing is an especially important tool for preventing periodontal disease and limiting the depth of the gum pockets. The interdental regions are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleansed with dental floss on a daily basis. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that will be easy and pleasant to use.
Here is a basic guide to proper flossing:
- Cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long.
- Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.
- Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.
- Curve the floss in a C-shape around each individual tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gum line.
- Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.
- Do not pop the floss in and out between the teeth as this will inflame and cut the gums.
If you have any questions about the correct way to brush or floss, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.