| What goes into your mouth effects
your teeth twice; once as it passes through the mouth and again as saliva. Eating sugars
increases acid levels during chewing, and in the saliva. A high acid level creates ideal
conditions for bacteria to decay the teeth. People loose teeth in childhood and
adulthood for different reasons. In childhood, body fluids are usually more acidic.
Children often lack the motor skills necessary to thoroughly clean their teeth. Plaque
build-up, a soft, high sugar diet and more acidic oral pH creates ideal conditions for
tooth decay.
In adulthood, the pH of your mouth becomes less acidic which reduces tooth decay.
Now the primary factor causing loss of teeth is the chronic breakdown of the gums and
bone. Periodontal (gum) disease develops because of injury to gums and bones. Accumulated
debris and bacteria on the teeth irritate the gums which swell and become puffy. In these
conditions the bone holding the teeth begins to resorb which can cause them to fall out or
die prematurely.
Habitual patterns such as grinding teeth or dysfunctional tongue movements can cause poor
occlusion (meeting of upper and lower teeth) which creates unbalanced stress on the teeth
and bones. Spaces left open after a tooth is lost encourage the collapse of the bite and
further stresses the bony foundation. This cycle of excessive stress and erosion of the
support system for teeth is entirely preventable.
Yes, the teeth should last for your lifetime. Your diet, your personal habits, and your
personal adaptations to the stresses of living are all keys to oral and dental health.
[top]
What can I do to keep my teeth for life?
Here are the short answers to the general question. More detail is found in the other
pages.
Diet: The lower the sugar in the diet, the better for the teeth. Variety of texture in the
diet is also important. Crisp, chewy and tough foods exercise the muscles and stimulate
the gums. Gum and soft sticky foods are especially undesirable because the pumping action
of chewing forces sugars and acids into tooth crevices and under fillings.
Personal Oral Hygiene: Brushing three times a day and flossing once a day removes plaque
and food debris. This controls bacterial growth and tartar build-up. Proper brushing
includes massaging the gums to keep them fit. Treat your teeth with respect: do not
bite fingernails, pencils and other objects. Wear a mouth guard for contact sports.
Your Dental Team: Find dental health professionals who will team with you. Have routine
examinations and cleanings. Adults should see a dentist and/or hygienist once every six to
twelve months. Children need to be examined every six months. Use the dental team for
information, advice, guidance and care.
Dental Decay: Have tooth decay removed and the cavities filled. Fillings and crowns must
restore the tooth to its exact and perfect contours. Ask about the risks of dental filling
materials to your particular system prior to agreeing to the fillings. Immediately replace
any teeth that you loose.
Gingival Health: Each tooth is surrounded by gums and bone. Healthy tissues are essential
to maintain strong teeth throughout life. Most adult teeth are lost due to poor gingival
health. Bleeding or swollen gums is a serious condition and should not be allowed to
persist.
Oral Stress and Traumatic Injury: Be alert to how stress or traumatic injury effects your
oral muscles, teeth and bones. An injury to your neck, back or head is likely to effect
your bite and jaw joint, i.e. sport or auto accidents. Be alert to taking stress in your
mouth by grinding or clenching your teeth. If you develop noise or pain in the jaw joint
it should be evaluated immediately by qualified professionals.
[top]
What is the ideal home care program?
The ideal home care program removes plaque from the teeth and stimulates the gums. Plaque
must be removed because bacteria stick to plaque and produce the acids that decay the
tooth enamel. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes bacterial
plaque from the large surfaces of the teeth. Unwaxed dental floss should be used once a
day to remove plaque between the teeth where a brush cannot reach.
The tooth brush should also be used to stimulate circulation in the gum tissue by a
gentle, massage. Healthy gums hold tight and smoothly around the teeth. Unhealthy gums are
puffy and swollen and bleed easily. Proper, daily massage to the gums has the same
benefits that regular exercise has on the larger body. The good health of the gum tissues
preserves the bone that holds the teeth solidly in place.
A note of caution. A tooth brush and floss can be destructive to your teeth and gums if
they are not used properly. You should expect your dentist and dental hygienist to give
you instruction in their use and to periodically review your technique. If you have any
question about your technique, ask for instruction.
[top]
What kind of toothbrush should I
use?
You should select a small, straight-handled toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. Nylon
bristles are superior to natural bristles because they are softer and more flexible. The
bristles must be flexible for massaging the gums. A small brush gives you better control.
Be sure that you ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to properly use the
brush to both clean the teeth and massage the gums. Occasionally ask them to critique your
technique.
[top]
Is it necessary to use toothpaste to
clean my teeth?
Toothpaste is not necessary for cleaning the teeth. Toothpaste masks odors as you brush
your teeth. Toothpaste may make your breath feel fresher. If you choose to use toothpaste,
select one that carries A.D.A. Seal of Approval. Materials such as baking soda and salt
may be used as a safe alternative to commercial toothpaste.
Some manufactures claim that their product whitens the teeth and, indeed, may do so
initially. However, tooth whiteners may scratch the enamel of the teeth, creating more
space for bacterial to grow. These are not recommended for use without careful
professional guidance and instruction.
[top]
Is the fluoride in toothpaste
effective?
The fluoride in toothpaste is only marginally effective. Fluoride must remain in contact
with a clean tooth surface for at least 2 minutes to be reasonably effective. As a
practical matter, two minutes is a long time for either adult or child. Fluoride in
toothpaste is more a marketing feature than a real benefit.
[top]
What kind of dental floss should I
use?
It is important to use unwaxed dental floss. Unwaxed floss creates the friction necessary
to remove plaque from the tooth surface. The waxed floss slips too easily over the surface
of the tooth to do a good cleaning job, and wax residue remains between the teeth.
[top] |
