Prevention, the focus of our practice
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Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste also helps
fight cavities. Flossing at least once a day in between teeth and below the
gum line keeps plaque from building up. Plaque is the sticky substance in the mouth that causes
tooth decay. We suggest the use of a Rota-dent
appliance, the ultimate homecare plaque control instrument. Visit the
following site for information
about its use.
Home care is easy (suggestions from the Florida Dental Association)
People who want to build their self-esteem should take care of their smile. In a recent survey, a quarter of the respondents said their teeth, or smiles, were the physical attributes that most affect their self-confidence or self-esteem. New dental-care products make it easier than ever for people to make their smiles their best asset. Some electric toothbrushes (available in many drug stores) even have timers to show how long to brush.
It takes only about 7 minutes a day to maintain good oral care. At least twice a day, spend at least 2 minutes brushing. At least once a day, spend 2 minutes flossing. (Figure another minute for mouth-rinsing.) The results can last a lifetime!
Keep on smiling with six simple steps
1. Brush twice a day (or more) with fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing. Some toothpaste has special ingredients for controlling tartar, whitening teeth, sensitive teeth and more. Talk to your dentist about which is right for you and your children.
2. Floss at least once a day. Toothbrush bristles aren’t small enough to clean between your teeth. Look at options in the drug store, from hand-held flossers to the new, disposable "toothpick floss" with fluoride.
3. Ask your dentist about your fluoride needs. Age, water supply and dental history all make a difference. Your dentist will know if you need a fluoride supplement.
4. Limit between-meal snacks. Decay-causing acids attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you finish eating.
5. Don’t use tobacco. If you do, talk to your dentist or physician about effective ways to quit.
6. See your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning
People who believe they’re teeth are healthy may think they
don’t need to see a dentist. But regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to
prevent cavities, gum disease, bite problems and oral cancer. Only dentists can recognize
the early signs of these conditions.
Germs in the mouth use sugar as food. These germs produce acids that attack teeth and cause decay. Cavities can occur at any age - and especially with those who may not take good care of their teeth.
Gum disease is usually painless, but it’s the major cause of adult tooth loss. It begins with excess plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up faster as we age. Professional cleanings can make the difference between losing and keeping teeth. Dentists and their dental staff members also teach their patients about proper home-care techniques.
Sealants, which are plastic shields, are brushed on permanent teeth
to close - or seal - the grooves
that are vulnerable to decay. Applied in the dental office, sealants are a quick and
gentle way to give children’s teeth extra protection against tooth decay.
Grooves in the top of the teeth are smaller that a toothbrush bristle. When not sealed, food and debris cannot be removed by brushing, and remains. Many teeth become decayed in this as children's teeth become embedded a source of food for bacteria, and thus dissolve.
Sealants are an inexpensive and pain-free treatment that can be provided right after the dental cleaning. Be smart...seal your child's future!
Keeping permanent teeth healthy is one thing. Keeping them from being
knocked out is another. Children don’t have to be professional athletes to need
mouth guards.
Bicycling, skateboarding and in-line skating can cause facial and dental injuries just as easily as contact sports like football or roller-hockey. Mouth guards absorb some of the impact when sports participants are hit in the mouth, face or neck.
Mouth guards also keep the tongue, lips and cheeks from being cut against the sharp edges of teeth. And, they reduce the risk of concussion when athletes are hit in the lower jaw. Mouth guards should be comfortable, fit well and not interfere with speaking and breathing. Stock mouth-protectors, available in most sporting-goods stores, are the least expensive and least desirable. They do not provide adequate protection and are not very pliable. Mouth-formed protectors are made of thermoplastic material. That means they can be softened with hot water to fit the athlete’s mouth. They are moderately priced, comfortable and effective if properly fitted by a dentist. Custom mouth-protectors, available through a dentist, offer the best fit and the most comfort. They do not interfere with breathing or speaking and several replacements can be made from the same model.
An uneven bite or bruxism (grinding teeth) can loosen teeth and cause
painful jaw problems. Dentists may be able to relieve this pain with simple bite
adjustments or with an appliance that keeps patients from grinding their teeth at night.
Tobacco is an oral-health disaster - whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, pipes or smokeless (chewing) tobacco. Never mind the stained teeth, chronic bad breath or decreased senses of taste and smell. Tobacco users should worry most about cancer - in their nose, mouth, throat or voice box. Bathing the mouth and lips in tobacco juice can cause irritations and sores that can lead to cancer on the tongue, lips and gums. Smokers and "chewers" should make an appointment to see their dentist. Dentists can help tobacco users quit and they can detect any suspicious changes in oral tissue.
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last updated 11/03/2003
