The surfaces that are between teeth are not accessible to brush.  Therefore, the best way to clean them is by flossing.  The frequency of flossing is like brushing – ideally after each meal. Though one time a day, preferably before going to bed is the minimum necessary.

 

To start, cut a piece of dental floss (approximately 2 feet).  Wrap both sides of the floss around your middle fingers.  Using your index and thumb, glide the floss in between all your teeth one by one.  When flossing, make sure you are not cutting your gums.  The goal is to clean the teeth surfaces, not the gums. In the space in between teeth, press the floss against each side of the tooth (hug the tooth) and gently move it back and forth and up and down.  Then move to the opposite surface of the adjacent tooth.

There have been multiple studies comparing the effectiveness of manual brushes as opposed to electric brushes.

Although not all electric brushes are the same, these studies conclude that in general electric brushes are more efficient in controlling plaque than manual brushes. Theoretically, you can do a very good brushing with a regular hand brush, but the movements of an electric brush make the task easier and more effective.

Also, some electric brushes (Sonicare) produce sonic vibrations that are difficult to mimic with a hand brush!  Other electric brushes like Oral-B and Rotadent have small heads that help you access hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.  This aspect is more important when you are talking about someone with orthodontic braces or a history of periodontal (gum) disease.

There are a few different causes of bad breath.  Ranging from stomach problems to diets and teeth problems, most of the causes can be found in the mouth.  They are:

 

1. Tongue (when bacteria grows in between the papilla)
2. Teeth cavities (especially when food particles get stuck in them)
3. Gum diseases
4. Extraction sites during healing
5. Dentures when not cleaned properly
6. Alcohol and tobacco

If you or someone you know is concerned about bad breath, the first step is a dental check up.  Your dentist will be able to confirm or rule out the source of bad breath.

When the cause is found, treatment will be determined and explained by your dentist.  If the source of the bad breath is your mouth, there is little chance that mouth washes or mints can treat the problem.  They usually mask the problem for a short period of time, and can sometimes exacerbate the situation (mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause dry mouth and usually make the bad breath worse).

These are a few other, non-dental reasons that cause bad breath:

1. Sore throat
2. Tonsillitis
3. Some food
4. Infection of air passages

Following a good oral hygiene routine and receiving regular dental check ups are the best ways to prevent bad breath.

Sugar is the main cause of dental decay when there are bacteria present.  More significant than the amount of sugar you eat is the frequency of consumption.

 

Probably the worst thing you can do to your teeth is to drink a soda and have a sip every few minutes over a long period of time.  The same is true for snacking.  It is recommended that if you want to have a snack, a soda, or juice – it is better to have it after food, as dessert, or have it all in one sitting.  Eating or drinking something sweet over an extended period of time creates a constant supply of sugar for bacteria that causes tooth decay!

It is important to be aware of all the sources of sugar that are out there.  It is not just everything that is sweet, but anything that can turn to sugar like pieces of bread.  Cutting down your sugar intake is good for cavity prevention, as well as your general health.

But what about when you have to have sugar?  The best way to avoid cavities is to prevent the sugar from staying next to your teeth.  Brushing after eating sugar, rinsing your mouth with a Fluoride mouth wash, or chewing sugarless gum can help.  However, nothing has the effect of avoiding sugar!

Is there any kind of food that prevents tooth decay?  Well, not really.  Some people believed that chewing foods like apples and carrots may have some plaque removal effect, but they still contain some sugar so any advantage is not clear.

Another group of food that causes significant damage to teeth structure is acidic foods.  If in frequent contact with teeth, things like lime, lemon, and grapefruit can cause serious irreversible damage (erosion) to your teeth.

Many years ago scientists started to notice that children who were born and raised in areas with natural fluoride in drinking water had fewer cavities than children in other areas.  Fluoride absorbed by your body when teeth were forming (during mother’s pregnancy to early childhood) integrates into the structure of enamel and makes it stronger.

After teeth eruption, fluoride found in your toothpaste, mouthwash, or in what your dentist places on your teeth still has a positive effect on your teeth.  It strengthens the enamel and reduces the chance of tooth decay.

If you have children and live in an area that has no fluoride in its drinking water, you should consult your dentist and physician about fluoride tablets that are available for children.

1)  Do not eat on your new filling for one hour and until your numbness is gone.

2)  If you are supervising children who had fillings done, make sure they don’t bite on their numb lips or tongue (it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue).

3)  Do not bite hard or chew on silver amalgam fillings for 24 hours.

4)  You may experience cold and heat sensitivity and some gum soreness – this usually subsides within a few days.

5)  Call our office if you experience pain or discomfort for more than a few days after the fillings, or if you have any questions.

1)  Crowns and bridges… usually take 2 or 3 appointments to complete.  On the first appointment, the tooth/teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed on your tooth/teeth.

2)  You may experience sensitivity, gum soreness, and slight discomfort on the tooth/teeth.  It should subside after the placement of the permanent crown(s).

3)  Whenever anesthesia is used, avoid chewing on your teeth until the numbness has worn off.

4)  A temporary crown is usually made of plastic-based material or soft metal.  It can break if too much pressure is placed on it.  The crown may also come off.  If it does, save the crown and call our office.  The temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and prevent other teeth from moving.  If it comes off it should be replaced as soon as possible.  To avoid losing your temporary, do not chew on sticky or hard food (chewing gum, ice).  Try to chew on the opposite side of the temporary as much as possible.

5)  Continue your normal brushing but be careful while flossing around the temporaries (remove the floss gently from the side).  If it is difficult to get the floss between the temporary and surrounding teeth, refrain from flossing until you receive your permanent crown.

6)  After the permanent restoration is placed you may feel slight pressure for a few days.  Also, the bite may feel different for a day or two. But if after 2-3 days the bite still feels uneven or if you feel discomfort when chewing on the tooth, call our office.  Delaying the necessary adjustments may damage the tooth permanently.

7)  Call our office if you are in pain or if you have any questions.

1)  You may experience moderate pain and sensitivity to pressure on your tooth.  Also, you may feel gum soreness for few days after your treatment.  The healing process may take several days but the pain and discomfort should subside gradually.

2)  Take any medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

3)  Usually a temporary filling has been placed on your tooth.  Do not bite on the tooth for one hour and while you are numb.  Also, until the permanent restoration is placed, be very gentle with the tooth.  Try to chew with the opposite side.

4)  Continue your brushing and flossing.

5)  Follow-up with the placement of your permanent restoration such as a crown – as you have been advised.  Any unnecessary delay in the placement of a final restoration may damage the tooth permanently.

6)  Call our office if you are in severe pain or experience swelling, or if you have any questions.

1)  You may experience some cold and heat sensitivity – especially after deep cleaning.

2)  If you have received anesthesia do not eat anything until the numbness has worn off.

3)  Continue your regular brushing and flossing.

4)  Some bleeding for a day or two after cleaning is normal, but if you experience any excessive bleeding – please call our office.

5)  Call our office if you are in pain or if you have any questions.

1)  You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding after the surgery.

2)  Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

3)  Apply an ice pack on your face over the surgical site on the day of surgery for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off.

4)  Keep your next appointment on time for removal of sutures and follow up checks.

5)  DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.

6)  DO NOT brush teeth near the surgical site.  Brush teeth in the rest of your mouth.

7)  There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.

8)  Do not smoke, spit, or use a straw on the day of the surgery.  Also avoid smoking for a few days after the surgery.

9)  Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office.  In case of serious emergencies call 911.

1)  You may experience some discomfort and bleeding the day of the surgery.

2)  Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

3)  Apply an ice bag on your face over the surgical site on the day of surgery for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off.

4)  Keep your next appointment on time for removal of sutures and follow up checks.

5)  DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.

6)  DO NOT brush teeth near the surgical site.  Brush teeth in the rest of your mouth.

7) There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.

8)  Do not smoke, spit, or use a straw on the day of the surgery.  Also avoid smoking for a few days after the surgery.

9)  Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office.  In case of serious emergencies call 911.

1)  You will experience some discomfort with any new denture for a few days.  All new dentures need several adjustments to completely and comfortably fit your mouth.

2)  You should take the dentures out every night and keep them in a clean container filled with water or denture cleaning solution.  Your gums need to rest and be without the dentures every day for a period of time.

3)  Clean dentures thoroughly with a brush and water before putting them back in your mouth.

4)  It may be difficult to talk normally with the new dentures for a few days.  One way to practice is to read a book or newspaper out loud for a period of time everyday.  Your tongue and muscles will get used to the new dentures and you will talk normally very soon.

5)  Call our office if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or if you have any questions.