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Why are my teeth so important?

Your teeth vary in shape and size depending on where they are in your mouth. These differences allow the teeth to do many different jobs. Teeth help us to chew and digest food. They help us to talk, and to pronounce different sounds clearly. Finally, teeth help to give our face its shape. A healthy smile can be a great asset; and because this is so important, it makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible.

What can go wrong?

Tooth decay can be painful and lead to fillings, crowns or inlays. If tooth decay is not treated, the nerve of the tooth can become infected and die, causing an abscess. This may then need  root canal treatment or even for the tooth to be removed. It is very important that you keep up a good routine at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Gum disease is common and, if left untreated, may lead to bone loss around the teeth. In some cases, it may lead to loose teeth and teeth being lost. Gum disease is preventable. It can be treated and kept under control with regular cleaning sessions and check-ups, preventing further problems. If teeth are lost, it may be necessary to fill the gaps with bridges, dentures or implants.

How do I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

It is easy to get your mouth clean and healthy, and keep it that way. A simple routine can help prevent most dental problems:

• brushing your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste
• spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer
• cleaning between the teeth with ‘interdental’ brushes or floss at least once a day
• good eating habits – having sugary foods and drinks less often, and
• regular dental check-ups.

Although most people brush regularly, many don’t clean between their teeth and some people don’t have regular dental check-ups. A few small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in the long term. Your dental team can remove any build-up on your teeth and treat any gum disease that has already appeared. But daily dental care is up to you, and the main weapons are the toothbrush, toothpaste and interdental cleaning (cleaning between your teeth).

What is plaque?

Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

How can plaque cause decay?

When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth. After constant acid attack, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or cavity.

How can plaque cause gum disease?

If plaque is not removed by brushing, it can harden into something called ‘calculus’ – another name for it is ‘tartar’. As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases harmful poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed.

The gums start to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed, and healthy teeth can become loose and fall out. Severe gum disease can lead to teeth falling out and needing to be replaced.

How can I prevent gum disease?

It is important to remove plaque and bits of food from around your teeth as this will stop your gums from becoming inflamed and swollen, and becoming infected. If you leave plaque on your teeth it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by the dental team. It is important to keep up your regular appointments so that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Gum disease is generally painless, even though it damages the bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease (gingivitis) will usually show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth. Many people are worried when they notice their gums are bleeding and then brush more gently, or stop altogether.

In fact, it is important that you continue to clean regularly and thoroughly if you are to fight the gum disease. If the bleeding does not go away within a few days see your dental team to ask for their advice.

Which type of toothbrush should I use?

Your dental team will be able to recommend a toothbrush suitable for you. However, adults should choose a small- to medium-sized brush head. This should have soft to medium, multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or ‘filaments’. The head should be small enough to reach into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where it can be difficult to reach. Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

You can now buy more specialised toothbrushes. For instance, people with sensitive teeth can now use softer-bristled brushes. There are also smaller-headed toothbrushes for people with crooked or irregular teeth. Some people find it difficult to hold a toothbrush, for example because they have Parkinson’s disease or a physical disability. There are now toothbrushes which have large handles and angled heads to make them easier to use.

Why is brushing important?

Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the bits of food left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

How do electric or ‘power’ toothbrushes work?

A power brush has an oscillating rotating or vibrating head, which provides a large amount of cleaning action with very little movement needed from the user, although you do need to position the brush correctly.

Do electric toothbrushes clean better?

Tests have shown that power toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque. Those with heads that rotate in both directions (‘oscillating’ heads) are the most effective. Everyone can use a power brush. They are particularly useful for people with limited movement of the arm or hand, such as disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly.

Power brushes can also be better for children as they may be more likely to brush regularly because of the novelty of using a power brush. Discuss the idea with your dental team to find out if you would benefit from using a power brush.

How should I brush?

Brushing removes plaque and bits of food from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.

Here is one way to remove plaque – discuss with your dental team which is the best for you:

• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.
• Brush the outer surface of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against your gumline.
• Do this again, but on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small, circular strokes with the front part of the brush.
• Brush the biting surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush your tongue to help freshen your breath and clean your mouth by removing bacteria.
  How often should I brush my teeth?

Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. If you regularly keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing you should see your dentist.

How do I know if I have removed all the plaque?

You can stain the plaque with special dye, which you can paint onto your teeth with a cotton bud, or you can use special disclosing tablets. You can get these from your dental practice or pharmacy.

The stain is harmless and will show any areas of your mouth which need better brushing. Look particularly at where your teeth and gums meet. Further brushing will remove the stained plaque.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums. It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the filaments become worn. When bristles become splayed, they do not clean properly.

Should I use fluoride toothpaste?

Yes. Fluoride helps to strengthen and protect teeth, which can reduce tooth decay in adults and children.

All children up to three years old should use a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of no less than 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old they should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm.

Some children’s toothpastes only have about half the fluoride that adult toothpastes have. They only give limited protection for the teeth. If your children are under 7 you should keep an eye on them when they brush their teeth and encourage them not to swallow the toothpaste.

What sort of toothpaste should I use?

As well as regular family toothpastes, there are many specialised toothpastes. These include tartar control for people who get tartar build-up, and a choice of toothpastes for people with sensitive teeth. ‘Total care’ toothpastes include ingredients to help fight gum disease, freshen breath and reduce plaque build-up. ‘Whitening’ toothpastes are good at removing staining to help restore the natural colour of your teeth, but are not strong enough to change the natural shade of the teeth.

Some children’s toothpastes only have about half the fluoride that adult toothpastes have. They only give limited protection for the teeth. If your children are under 7 you should supervise them when they brush their teeth. Encourage them not to swallow the toothpaste and to just spit, not rinse, after brushing.

To have a clean and healthy mouth you need to use the correct dental-care products. Ask your dental team to tell you what choices there are and to give their recommendations.

How much toothpaste should I use?

You do not need to cover the head of your brush in toothpaste. Children under three should use a smear, and children over three, a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. Remember to spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.

Should my gums bleed when I clean in between my teeth?

Your gums may bleed or be sore for the first few days that you clean between your teeth. This should stop once the plaque is broken up and the health of your mouth has improved. If the bleeding does not stop, tell your dental team. It may be that you are not cleaning correctly, or that your teeth and gums need a more thorough clean by your dental team.

How should I clean between my teeth?

You can clean between your teeth with an ‘interdental’ brush or dental floss. Cleaning in between your teeth removes plaque and bits of food from between your teeth and under your gumline – areas a toothbrush can’t reach. When flossing or using interdental brushes, keep to a regular pattern and remember not to miss any teeth. It helps to look in the mirror.

Don’t forget the backs of your last teeth. It is also very important to clean around the edges of any crowns, bridges or implants. You should clean between your teeth at least once a day. Your dental team can show you how to clean between your teeth properly.

Interdental

Interdental brushes come in various sizes. It may be helpful to ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the correct sizes for your mouth.

Hold the interdental brush between your thumb and forefinger. Gently place the brush through the gap between your teeth. Do not force the brush head through the gap. If the brush splays or bends then it is too big – you will need a smaller brush head for this space.

Flossing

• Break off about 45 centimeters (18 inches) of floss, and wind some around one finger of each hand.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them, leaving no slack.
• Use a gentle ‘rocking’ motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not jerk the floss or snap the floss into the gums.
• When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth until you feel resistance.
• Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum. Repeat on the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth.
• Don’t forget the back of your last tooth.
• When flossing, keep to a regular pattern. Start at the top and work from left to right, then move to the bottom and again work from the left to right. This way you’re less likely to miss any teeth.

Are ‘oral irrigators’ useful? 

Oral irrigators use a stream or jet of water to remove plaque and bits of food from around your teeth. They can be particularly helpful if you wear an orthodontic appliance (‘brace’) or a fixed bridge that is difficult to clean, or if you find it difficult to use interdental brushes or floss.

Should I use a mouthwash?

A fluoride mouthwash can help prevent tooth decay. Your dental team may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help control plaque and reduce gum disease. If you find that you are regularly using a mouthwash just to freshen your breath see your dental team, because bad breath can be a sign of unhealthy teeth and gums or of poor general health.

Can my diet help?

Many people think that it is a high level of sugar in your diet that causes decay, but this is not true. It is how often you have sugar in your diet, not the amount, that causes problems. It takes up to an hour for your mouth to cancel out the acid caused by eating and drinking sugar. During this time your teeth are under attack from this acid. It is therefore important to limit the number of attacks by having sugary foods and drinks just at mealtimes. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water after meals or snacks can also help to cancel out the acid more quickly.

As well as causing decay, sugary fizzy drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and wine can be acidic – which can also cause dental erosion. This is when the acid in foods and drinks gradually wears away the hard enamel coating of the tooth. This may lead to the tooth being sensitive.

How should I clean my dentures?

It is just as important to clean dentures as it is to clean your natural teeth. Food can become caught around the edges of dentures and clasps, and the food can rot if you do not clean them thoroughly.

You should keep a separate toothbrush for cleaning your dentures. The general rule is: brush, soak and brush again. Clean your dentures over a bowl of water in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking them, to help remove any bits of food. Soak the dentures in a specialist cleaner for a short time and then brush the dentures again. Brush them like you would your natural teeth.

Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which fits against your gums. If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your dentures cleaned by your dental team. Most dentists still recommend a small- to medium-headed toothbrush.

I have implants, do I have to do anything special?

Your dental team or oral surgeon will tell you how to care for your implants after surgery. It is very important to make sure you clean them regularly and thoroughly to prevent gum disease and possible infection. Follow the instructions your dental team or oral surgeon gives you.

Why should I visit the dental team regularly?

It is always better to prevent problems rather than have to cure them when they happen. If you visit your dental team regularly you will need less treatment and they will spot any problems earlier, making any treatment easier.

Final words

Good dental health begins with you. By following these simple tips you can keep your mouth clean and healthy:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, using fluoride toothpaste.
• Spit toothpaste out after brushing and do not rinse.
• Use a toothbrush with a small- to medium-sized head.
• Use a toothbrush with soft to medium, multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles.
• Consider using a power toothbrush.
• Use small, circular movements to clean your teeth.
• Change your toothbrush regularly, and at least every 3 months.
• Clean between your teeth every day using interdental brushes or dental floss.
• Have sugary drinks and foods less often.
• Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

When people take into consideration the state of their health, rarely are their teeth the first item that comes to mind. But according to the medical professionals at the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, the state of your dental care can indeed have a direct effect on your overall health and well-being. Fact is, the many issues and problems that occur in the mouth can pose negative consequences for the rest of your body.

What it all comes down to is bacteria. Your mouth is teaming with all sorts of bacteria, most of which is benign and won’t cause any physical problems. However, since the mouth (and your teeth in particular) is the gateway to your respiratory and digestive tracts, harmful bacteria can end up causing serious disease. Luckily, nature has designed the human body to fight off most of these diseases. That, plus practicing good dental care, including keeping regular twice per year dental cleaning appointments at a certified oral health specialist. Only when you commit to regular dental checkups can you keep the nasty bacteria at bay and live a healthy, disease free existence.

But without proper daily dental care, like brushing two to three times per day and flossing at least once per day, you place your body at serious risk, since harmful bacteria will almost certainly lead to oral infections, tooth decay, and even gum disease.

What other oral and dental care related issues can affect your overall health?

Says, the Mayo Foundation, certain everyday medications such as painkillers, diuretics, antidepressants, and even decongestants can reduce the natural flow of saliva in the mouth. Nature designed saliva to wash away food particles and also to neutralize the acids that create the harmful bacteria and microbes that inflict great harm on not only the digestive tract, but even your heart.

Taken a step further, severe gum disease such as periodontitis can potentially play a significant role in life threatening diseases such as diabetes, and even HIV/AIDS. That alone should make you think twice about skipping out on brushing your teeth and/or missing your dental cleaning appointment. You should always bear in mind, proper dental care not only aids in good health, it can be the key to good health.

But what other medical conditions can be directly associated to dental care?   

The list might surprise or even frighten you.

*Heart disease: In this case, endocarditis, which occurs when harmful bacterial in the mouth spreads to the inner linings of your heart chambers and valves, via the bloodstream. This condition can cause severe damage to the heart and even death. Cardiovascular degeneration can also occur when bad bacterial finds its way into the blood stream. By not practicing good dental care, your arteries can become clogged, leading to heart attack and stroke.

*Complications with pregnancy: Researchers are said to have established a direct connection between periodontitis and premature birth, and also dangerously low birth weight in newborns.

*Respiratory Infections: By ignoring good dental and oral health practices and getting regular dentist checkups, harmful bacteria can enter into the lungs which can lead not only to life threatening pneumonia but other respiratory disease.

Are there other serious medical conditions related to dental care?

*Diabetes: People who suffer from gum disease are said to have a much harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. That’s why regular dental checkups and good oral care can help control diabetes.

*Osteoporosis: Several medications used to treat bone-weakening diseases such as osteoporosis are said to cause damage to the bones associated with both the upper and lower jaws, resulting in tooth decay and took loss.

*Alzheimer’s Disease: Those persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s often simply forget to brush their teeth and floss regularly. Since the disease is degenerative in nature, as it progresses, oral health only worsens over time.

How should you protect your overall health and well-being?

Best dental practices include but are not limited to, brushing at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly, optimally after each meal. Follow up by gargling and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. A healthy, low sugar diet that also excludes processed foods is highly recommended. Limit and/or refrain from alcohol and tobacco use. More importantly, scheduling regular checkups and dental cleanings is imperative.

Proper dental care can be key in maintaining good health. But even those of you who engage good dental practices will be subject to oral health issues on occasion. That’s why it’s important not to ignore them. The moment a dental problem arises, you should immediately contact your dentist. Your overall health could very well depend upon it.

Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health. They help your child eat and talk. Strong oral care helps set good dental habits as your child grows. Poor oral care can lead to infection, disease, or other teeth problems.

Help make dental hygiene fun with these tips:

• Let children help choose their own toothbrush. They can pick one that has a favorite color or character.
• Let children help choose toothpaste. They can pick their favorite flavor.
• Read books or watch videos that talk about dental hygiene.
• Use a timer to make sure kids brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Or play their favorite song to help keep track of time.
• Reward children for good oral care. Do not give them food or sugary treats. Offer something healthy or simple instead, like apple slices or a gold star.
• Plan a fun activity following your child’s dentist visit.

Path to improved health

The role of fluoride

Fluoride is important to your child’s dental health. It is known to reduce cavities in baby (primary) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth. It also helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. Most children get fluoride in drinking water. Many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water. Water filters, such as Brita, do not remove fluoride and are okay to use. You should not use “reverse osmosis” water filters.

If your water does not contain fluoride, your child may need to take an oral fluoride supplement. Talk to your doctor to see if your child needs this. Once your child starts going to the dentist, they will get a fluoride varnish or cleaning on their teeth.

Too much fluoride can cause tooth stains and be harmful to your child’s health. Be sure your child does not swallow fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Follow all instructions for fluoride supplements.

Brushing and flossing

Dental hygiene should begin when your child is a baby. Start using a soft child-size toothbrush around the age of 1 or 2. You should brush your child’s teeth with water at least twice a day. You also can add a small dab of toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride in it. This type of toothpaste is safe for your child to swallow. Once your child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste, you can switch to one that has fluoride. Only use a small amount. Teach your child to spread it among their teeth, gums, and tongue. Have your doctor or dentist show you the right way to brush your child’s teeth.

Your child likely will need help brushing their teeth until they are 7 or 8 years old. Around this time, they can start using a larger sized toothbrush. You should switch out toothbrushes every 3 to 6 months or when the bristles look worn. Children should brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Flossing is another key part of your child’s oral care routine. Teach your child to floss at least once a day. You can buy floss that comes on a handle to make it easier.

You should also teach your child to brush his or her tongue. This helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Be sure that your child knows to brush his or her teeth before bed, after all eating and drinking (except water) is done.

Cavities

Cavities are holes that form in your teeth. These can occur when bacteria (germs) build up in your mouth. Sugar in food and drinks turn into acid, which can eat away at your teeth. Cavities are common in children because their teeth can be harder to brush. Everyone in your family should take good care of their teeth. People who have cavities can pass the cavity-causing bacteria to unborn babies, infants, and children.

Your child may be at risk for cavities if they:

• Have white spots or brown areas on their teeth.
• Have ongoing special health care needs.
• Do not go to the dentist often.
• Were born early (premature) or had a low birth weight.

Diet

Kids who eat a lot of sugary foods and drinks also are at high risk for cavities. It is important to make healthy food choices. Avoid too much sugar. Do not let your child have a lot of soda, fruit juice, or sweetened drinks. Limit sweet snacks and drinks between meals. If your child does have sugar, make sure they brush their teeth afterward.

Chewing gum is safe for older kids. It can provide benefits, such as:

• Strengthening the jaw.
• Helping produce saliva.
• Washing away bits of food.
• Balancing acid that can cause tooth decay.
• Freshening breath.

However, gum that contains sugar can cause cavities. Limit the amount of sugar gum your child chews or only give them sugar-free gum.

Mouth safety

Safety is another big part of dental hygiene. If your child plays sports, they should wear a mouth guard. This is a soft, plastic retainer that covers the teeth and sometimes the lips. It helps protect your child’s mouth from injuries. Talk to your dentist if you need a custom-fit mouth guard.

From baby teeth to adult teeth

In general, baby teeth start to appear between 4 and 7 months old. The first teeth to come in are usually the 2 bottom front teeth. Most kids have all 20 baby teeth by about 3 years of age.

Children can lose their baby teeth as early as 6 years old and as late as 12 years old. During this process, your child has a mix of teeth as baby ones fall out and adult ones break through. Around this time, your dentist may talk to you and your child about possible teeth problems. Some kids need orthodontia treatment, such as braces. A full set of adult teeth is 32 teeth. This includes wisdom teeth, which most people do not get until their late teens or early adulthood.

Things to consider

It’s normal for babies to suck their thumbs, their fingers, or a pacifier. Most children give up this habit on their own by age 4. Prolonged use can cause problems with teeth alignment. Talk to your dentist if your child still has a sucking habit after age 4. They can watch for problems as your child’s teeth develop. In most children, there is no reason to worry about a sucking habit until around age 6, when the permanent front teeth come in.

When to see a dentist

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see a dentist around their first birthday. This gives the dentist a chance to look for early problems with your child’s teeth. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children’s dental health. The dentist will talk to you about proper oral care.

Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child be more comfortable. It also establishes the good habit of regular dental checkups. Everyone should see the dentist twice a year.

Contact your dentist right away if:

• Your child has tooth pain or a tooth or mouth infection.
• Your child loses a permanent tooth. If you find the tooth, put it in milk and take it to the dentist with you. They may be able to reattach it.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Does my child need to take oral fluoride supplements?
• What is the best type of toothbrush for my child?
• Can my child use mouthwash?
• Is my child at high risk for cavities?
• How often should my child visit the dentist?
• Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
• Is it okay for my child to chew gum?