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| Brushing
removes food particles and plaque from your mouth, making teeth
look cleaner and breath feel fresher. Brush at least twice a day
with a fluoridated toothpaste that has the American Dental Association
(ADA) seal of acceptance. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded
bristles and replace it every three months. |
Brushing
keeps your teeth fairly clean. But it can't reach plaque and food
between teeth and under the gumline. Daily flossing will help keep
plaque from building up in these hard-to-reach areas.
There are two types of floss: waxed and unwaxed. Use whichever
you prefer. To make sure you floss all your teeth, start behind
the upper and lower molars at one side of your mouth and work
toward the other side. (See illustrations.) |
What
causes periodontal (gum) diseases?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums.
Even if you brush and clean between your teeth every day, you
may not completely remove plaque, especially around the gumline.
The bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and
underlying bone. Over time, these toxins can destroy gum and bone tissue.
See your dentist if you notice any of the following signs:
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Gums
that bleed easily. |
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Red,
swollen, or tender gums. |
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Gums
that have pulled away from the teeth. |
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Pus
between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed. |
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Persistent
bad breath or bad taste. |
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Permanent
teeth that are loose or separating. |
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Any
change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. |
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Any
changes in the fit of partial dentures. |
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Prevention
and Treatment
The first line of defense is prevention. This includes a good
oral hygiene routine at home. Brushing twice a day and cleaning
between teeth once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner
helps prevent plaque from accumulating. The dental office staff
may provide instructions on additional cleaning methods or oral
hygiene products to use at home.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important in preventing
periodontal diseases. If these measures are not taken, the likelihood
of disease increases. In some cases, even with these measures,
a certain percentage of patients experience some form of periodontal
disease that must be treated.
Periodontal disease will not go away by itself. Left untreated,
surgery may be needed to save affected teeth. Preventing and treating
the disease in the early stages are the best ways to keep your
smile healthy. |
At what
age should my child first see a dentist?
Ideally, it is best to take your child to the dentist at age 3.
How often should my child see the dentist?
While there is no set rule, it is generally recommended that children
visit the dentist every six months. The frequency of dental
visits will partly depend on your child's eating habits, how clean
his or her teeth are kept, and whether your child drinks fluorinated water.
Taking your child to the dentist regularly can prevent serious
dental disease. Preventive services such as fluoride treatments
and sealants are less costly than the fillings, crowns, and other
treatments that your child may need if the teeth are neglected.
Regular dental visits can save time, money, and your child's teeth. |
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Dental caries
(tooth decay) often occurs in the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
However, your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence
of decay by applying sealants.
What is a sealant?
A sealant is a clear shaded plastic material that is applied to
the chewing surface of the back teeth (premolars and molars),
where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier,
protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth from plaque and acid.
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