Oral Health
 Brushing and Flossing
Many people do not brush properly or long enough (2 minutes of brushing is recommended) or properly. Brushing, however, cannot get the food or plague (bacteria) from under your gums or between
your teeth.
Brushing and flossing regularly (at least 2 times per day) helps remove plague is not only important to prevent gum disease and cavities, but also to reduce bad breath. If you are unable to
brush after a meal, just rinse with some water or mouthwash such as Listerine.
Brushing, however, cannot get the food or plague (bacteria) from under your gums or between your teeth.
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Cavities
What Causes Cavities?
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Don’t be grossed out, this is natural. When you eat, the bacteria change the sugar in foods into acid. This acid slowly weakens the enamel of your teeth. Eventually
the enamel becomes so weak it falls apart and forms a cavity. If a dentist does not remove the decay it can grow to be very large and painful! Sounds gross huh?! Good news is that cavities are
100% preventable! Did you know that saliva helps prevent cavities? Every time you eat the saliva helps clean the acid away – but it can take up to an hour. So don’t eat or drink sugar so often and
brush and floss frequently to help keep your mouth clean.
Preventing Cavities
Some tips to remember (and live by!):
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Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
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Clean between your teeth daily with floss.
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Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
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Speak with your dentist about the use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.
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Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.
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Limit the number of times you eat and drink sugar-containing items between meals. Regular soda drinking is a common cause of cavities in teenagers. If you do drink soda, drink it at meal
times only. Do not sip on a can and make it last ALL evening. Find healthy snacks that do not contain sugar. Fresh fruit and vegetables, pretzels, cheese, and crackers are all great for your
teeth and body.
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Gum Disease
What Causes Gum Disease?
Severe gum disease (periodontal disease) will cause the bone (which surrounds teeth and helps hold them in) and gums to shrink and as you get older your teeth will become loose and possibly fall
out. The good news is that this condition is 100% preventable. We can all prevent gum disease. You need to:
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Bad Breath
Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to Halitosis (bad breath). Food that is not removed with brushing can breed odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Brushing your tongue is as important as
brushing your teeth. It can help to reduce bad breath by removing bacteria that naturally lives on the tongue.
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can also cause bad breath. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is exhaled. Brushing, flossing and
mouthwash will only cover up the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food (ADA, 2004).
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Visiting the Dentist
If you visit the dentist regularly the dentist can help prevent cavities by applying special fluoride treatments and sealants on your back molar teeth. This will mean fewer fillings! What makes
your visits to the dentist even easier (and more pain-free), is if you continue to take care of your teeth and gums in between visits. This cuts down on the intensity of your cleanings (the
dreadful scraping noise is a real killer) and eliminates the need to return to the office for a filling. Routine cleanings and exams also help to identify dental cavities early on so that if you
do need one it will be a lot easier!
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Stained Teeth (Teeth Whitening)
Why Are My Teeth This Color?
The color of teeth is influenced by many different factors. Some people are just born with naturally darker teeth or have been exposed to an excess of the antibiotic “tetracycline” or fluoride
while young. In addition, what and how we eat, smoking, and age are a few examples of other ways our teeth can change color. For years now, we have sought to improve the color of our teeth by
trying to “whiten” our smiles. People can go to their dentist’s office and have their dentist try a variety of techniques to affect a whiter smile.
 Ways to “Whiten”
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Most dentists can create a whitening tray (looks like a mouth-guard) made to fit snuggly over a patient’s teeth. The whitening gel is placed in this tray and worn for a certain period of
time.
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People are also being bombarded with “whitening agents” that they can buy for use at home from a drugstore or supermarket. These include chewing gums, toothpastes, mouth rinses and other
bleaching agents.
Just how well these products help to whiten teeth depends on the product and can vary from person to person. Talking to with a dentist is a very good way to help make a more informed decision.
Although these techniques are relatively safe, there are some common side effects that have been reported including increased sensitivity of teeth and soreness of gums. Most often these are of
minimal discomfort and are transient.
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For More Information
UConn School of Dental Medicine
KidsHealth: Taking Care of Your Teeth
American Dental Association (ADA)
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