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What is Plaque?
Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to
produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the
only culprits. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal also cause
acids to form. If you snack often, this increases the likelihood of
acid attacks. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay. Plaque
also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red,
tender or bleed easily. After some time, gums may pull away from the
teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums
are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth
may become loose or have to be removed. Gum disease is a main cause of
tooth loss in adults. Watch your diet and limit your intake of sweet
food and drinks to mealtimes only - when you can follow up with
toothbrushing to remove plaque and prevent acid attack.
What is daily oral health care?
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and
cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the
tooth surfaces. 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. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride,
which helps protect your teeth from decay. Cleaning between the teeth
once a day with floss or interdental cleaners removes plaque from
between the teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. It is essential in
preventing gum disease. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and mouth
clean:
How do I best brush my teeth?
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• How do I floss my 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.
• People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to
use another kind of interdental cleaner. These aids include special
brushes, picks or sticks. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your
dentist about how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
Why bother with dental health, especially with time and financial constraints?
There may be countless personal priorities (time, finances, etc.)
that may postpone or cause avoidance regarding a person's desire for a
healthy mouth and a dazzling smile. In the long run, however, tooth
decay that could be easily cared for by a conservative filling, after
less than a year's neglect, may result in root canal therapy and a
crown at a cost of twelve to fifteen times the cost of a filling. It is
important to ask your dentist how often you need a check-up to avoid
costly and more complex treatment.
Delaying preventive care is not cost-effective--not to mention the
risk to one's health. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced
diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth
and an attractive smile your entire life. |
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