Education Matters
It is critical to understand every aspect of your dental care. We believe that you can best make a decision when you're fully informed of your options. We encourage questions and discussions about your dental treatment. One tool we recommend to aid you in your understanding is the CAESY system. CAESY is a multimedia patient education program that offers explanations to patients about various dental conditions. We are pleased to extend to our patients the chance to explore CAESY’s online database of information. This exemplary resource is available as a special courtesty to you, our patients. To access the online version, please click on the links below.
Tooth Care
- Good dental hygiene is essential in preserving your teeth for a lifetime.
- A basic routine includes brushing and flossing.
- Every side of the tooth and the gums should be kept clean.
- Healthy gums should not bleed when brushing or flossing.
Brushing
- Brush at least twice a day: once in the morning and after meals or before going to bed.
- Use a soft toothbrush. A hard one may cause the gum tissue to recede.
- Hold brush with bristles at an angle of 45 degrees against the gum line.
- Brush for at least 2 minutes to ensure thorough removal of plaque. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria that must be removed daily or else it becomes a troublemaker, leaving you with tooth decay and gum disease.
- Never press your brush hard on the teeth and gums. Be firm, yet gentle.
- Practice systematic brushing strokes: start from top and then proceed to the bottom. Do not ignore the gums.
- Change toothbrush when bristles are worn out.
Flossing
- With such a wide variety of floss available, there must be one suitable and comfortable for you to use.
- Flossing is definitely necessary because it can remove plaque from in-between teeth and no toothbrush can do that.
- Floss gently.
- If gums are weak and start to bleed just as you are flossing, do not stop - continue flossing. It should improve some days later; if not, see a dentist.
Rinsing
- Another good way to get rid of those bacteria lingering between teeth and gums.
- Choose a rinse that is alcohol-free because alcohol dries the mouth.
Dentures
- Dentures collect plaque and food particles causing bad breath if they are not cleaned.
- Do not wear them to sleep at the end of the day. Let the gum tissues and the jawbone that support the dentures have their rest.
- Avoid using dentures to bite hard foods such as bones and crab and lobster shells. They will break!
Braces
- Like dentures, braces also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Clean regularly with a normal soft toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush (if braces are not removable). Pay attention to those areas where the plastic touches the tooth surface.
- Cut food into smaller pieces before chewing. This exerts less pressure on braces.
- Avoid eating candies or food that is sticky and hard such as peanut butter, toffee, nuts and gum.
- If you experience pain or discomfort with your braces, go back to your dentist.
Fluoride Treatments
The mineral, fluoride, is quite effective in protecting teeth enamel from decay as concluded by experts some time ago. Due to this, it is added to tap water and other products. But kids (whose teeth are vulnerable) need more of this substance to keep their teeth's enamel extra strong. Fluoride treatments are a great solution. These treatments are brushed onto the teeth or administered in trays. It's quick, painless and is given immediately following your professional cleanings.
Sealants
Children's teeth (especially back teeth) are usually expected to end up with decay and cavities despite their regular brushings and flossing. To protect your children's teeth, you should consider sealants. These clear, durable products are placed / painted over the teeth, adding strength and creating reinforcement. Decay can be significantly reduced with sealants.
Bad Breath
- Also called halitosis. Usually caused by food particles found in-between teeth, poor oral hygiene, stress and sulphur (forms a yellowish-white film on the tongue).
- Good oral hygiene habits should settle this problem; if not, discuss with Dr. Caldwell or Dr. Ruder what the other oral treatments available are at present.
Cavities
- Caused by acid-producing bacteria and sugar attacking the tooth.
- The enamel is first dissolved away before the bacteria proceeds deeper into the tooth resulting in decay.
- The sensible thing to do in order to prevent cavities is to brush and floss after meals or perhaps rinse. Keep away from sugary foods.
Gingivitis
Not only can gum disease lead to more than just an unattractive smile, it can also cause loss of teeth and, if left untreated over time, serious health problems. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease which is caused by excessive toxic bacteria (found in plaque) that attack your mouth's soft tissues.
- Caused by plaque, it makes gums swell and bleed.
- Gingivitis ranges from mild to more serious conditions.
- When faced with mild gingivitis, the practice of good oral hygiene will solve the problem.
- Severe gingivitis has been linked to menopause, leukemia, diabetes and premature births, calling for a dentist's attention.
- U.S. researchers found that daily intakes of vitamin C (2000 mg) and calcium (1000 mg) promote healthy gums.
