Teeth Cleansing

You would probably never dream of not bathing your body but give less thought to not brushing or flossing your teeth. When you have braces, it is incredibly important that you give as much attention to cleaning the braces as you do to cleaning the rest of your body.

The bands or bonded brackets on braces create small nooks and crannies where food and plaque (an invisible file of bacteria) can hide. If plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth for a long time, it can increase the likelihood of tooth decay. This same process can also cause permanent white lines and spots as enamel is dissolved by the acids.

Because of these problems, it is essential to brush after every meal and snack. You should also clean between your teeth and around each bracket daily. Brushing removes the food and plaque that forms on your teeth. When you brush, use a brush with soft and rounded bristles or a special orthodontic brush and also, use fluoride toothpaste. Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The Seal is awarded to products that have proven to be effective.

How should I brush?

A number of different tooth brushing methods are acceptable. Whichever method you use, take the time to brush thoroughly. Here’s an example of a method:

- Place a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.

- Move the brush back and forth in short strokes with a gentle scrubbing motion.

- Brush the inner, then outer, and finally the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

- Use the “toe” of the brush to reach the inner front tooth surfaces.

- Brush your tongue to help freshen your breath.

After brushing, rinse well. Then closely inspect your teeth and braces in a well-lighted mirror. You may have to brush and rinse several times before your teeth are clean.

Is flossing possible with braces?

Yes! But it can be a little tricky while wearing braces. A floss threader can help you slip the flow between the braces or under the arch-wire.

- Once the floss is in place, hold it between your forefingers, about an inch apart.

- Using a gentle sawing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Do not snap it in place.

- When the floss reaches the gum-line, cure it against the tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.

- When you feel resistance, gently rub the side of the tooth moving the floss away from the gum.

- Rinse your teeth to wash away food or other particles that you removed with the floss.

Are there other products that can help me clean my mouth?

There are several dental aids that can be helpful. Specially shaped brushes, the other interdental cleaners and oral irrigating devices can often help clean some of those hard-to-reach areas. After brushing prior to bedtime, an ADA accepted fluoride mouth-rinse should be used for added protection of the enamel surfaces of the teeth.

Interdental Cleaners

Interdental cleaning devices with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are specially shaped brushes or other implements that help remove plaque. They are usually made of wood, plastic or rubber and shaped to help clean between the teeth. They can be particularly useful for people who wear braces or who have trouble handling floss. Discuss the proper use of these devices with your dentist to avoid injuring your gums.

Oral Irrigators

These devices create a focused stream of water to remove particles of food from the surfaces around and between the teeth. They are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and may reduce gingivitis. They are especially helpful for people who have braces. Your dentist will tell you if you can benefit from using this device and provide instruction on proper use. Look for devices bearing the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Fluoride Mouth Rinse

Fluoride with the ADA Seal of Acceptance provides extra protection for your teeth. Is an element that combines with tooth enamel, strengthening it against decay. Fluoride can even repair microscopic cavities by helping mineral incorporate into the teeth. You may want to discuss with your dentist the need for additional fluoride products such as non-prescription mouth rinses for children in your family over the age of 6.

Dental aids can play an important role in cleaning those hard-to-reach areas, but your diligence in daily cleaning is really the key to good oral health. By watching your diet, practicing good oral hygiene and following your dentist instructions, you can be assured that your orthodontic treatment will be a success. Remember, it is even more important that you visit your general dentist every six months for routine cleanings and examination while you have braces.

Enamel Reshaping

What is Enamel Reshaping?

Enamel reshaping is a process of contouring natural teeth to improve their over all appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eyeteeth appear too long, enamel reshaping may be used to correct the flaw. This more conservative process cannot solve all problems though. Crowded teeth may need braces. If so, your dentist may provide treatment, or, refer you to a specialist in orthodontics.

How is Enamel Reshaping Done?

Enamel reshaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create harmony and balance in the mouth. Enamel reshaping, which is often combined with bonding, is usually quick and painless. No anesthesia is necessary when reshaping enamel, and the results can be seen immediately. It should be approached with caution, however, because enamel cannot be replaced.

Aftercare

After an enamel reshaping procedure, it is common to experience the following:

- You may experience some sensitivity

- You may feel a little rough for a while

- Avoid tea, coffee, and tobacco products

- Floss, brush, and regular visits to the dentist are recommended

Parental Responsibility

With your help, in combination with their own efforts and regular professional care, your daughters and sons can grow up cavity-free and keep their teeth all their lives.

It's not difficult to help your child maintain a healthy smile. Here are a few tips for good oral health:

- Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Ask your dentist how this should be done.

 

- Brush and floss your child's teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone. Then encourage him or her to brush and floss.

- Take your child to see the dentist regularly, beginning at six months of age.

- Put only water in your child's nap time or bedtime bottle.

- Start cleaning your child's mouth daily.

- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.

In-home Bleaching

With in-home bleaching, the dentist makes an impression for a model of the teeth, fabricates a custom-fitted tray and prescribes a bleaching agent that comes in the form of a bleaching gel. The gel is placed in the custom-fitted tray and worn up to two hours daily or at night for about two weeks. The amount of time the custom-fitted tray is worn and the duration may vary according to a person’s individual need and the recommendations of the dentist. The dentist will monitor the entire process of in-home bleaching to assure its effectiveness and safety.

Over the counter products that are self-administered are not recommended, although they may appear to cost less. Bleaching treatment should be done under the supervision of a dentist following a proper exam and diagnosis. Whiteners with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have proven to be safe and effective.

Fluoride Supplements

The most effective way for your child to get fluoride’s protection is by drinking water containing the right amount of the mineral… about one part fluoride per million parts water. This is of special benefit to children, because fluoride is incorporated into enamel as teeth form. Children who, from birth, drink water containing fluoride have up to 40% fewer cavities. Many of them remain cavity-free through their teens.

Fluoride is one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth decay. This mineral combines with tooth enamel to strengthen it against decay. Fluoride may also actually reverse microscopic cavities by enhancing the process by which minerals, including calcium, are incorporated into the teeth.

Even though your regular water supply may be fluoridated, it is still important to discuss with your dentist any additional fluoride needs your child may have. Look for fluoride toothpastes and over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses that carry the ADA seal. They have been proven safe and effective for their intended use. The advertising claims for these products have been reviewed by the ADA so the claims are accurate and not misleading.

Your dentist may recommend various ways to get fluoride protection, including:

- Drinking fluoridated water at school.

- Taking prescribed fluoride tablets or drops.

- Brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after age two.

- Using a fluoride mouth rinse for children over age six.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

 

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

 

Baby bottle tooth decay is a form of decay than can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth. These teeth are critical to you child’s smile. Other teeth may also be affected by this condition.

 

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by frequent and long exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars. Milk, formula, fruit juices, and other sweetened liquids help to create this problem. The sugar in these liquids is used as an energy source by the bacteria in plaque.

Plaque is a thin, almost invisible film of bacteria and by-products that constantly form on everyone’s teeth. In the decay process, the bacteria produce acids which attach tooth enamel. The length of time these liquids are in contact with the teeth is critical. Longer and frequent exposures allow greater damage to occur.

Offering your child a bottle containing these liquids many times a day, as a pacifier, isn’t a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can cause serious harm and damage to your child’s teeth. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases. This allows the liquids in the nursing bottle to pool around your child’s teeth for long periods of time.

 

Prevention

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby’s teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the child’s teeth. You can prevent this from happening to your child’s teeth by learning how to protect them:

• After each feeding, wipe the child’s teeth and gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad, to remove plaque. Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Remember to continue cleaning and massaging the child’s gums in all other areas that remain toothless. Flossing should begin when all primary teeth have erupted, usually by age
• Never allow your child fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquid.
• If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, fill a nursing bottle with cool water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or pediatrician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweetened liquid.
• Avoid filling your child’s nursing bottle with any liquids such as sugar water, sweetened gelatin, and soft drinks.
• Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. If you are not sure that your local water supply contains the right amount of fluoride, ask your dentist about fluoride supplements.
• Start dental visits between six and twelve months of age. Make appointments regularly. If you suspect that your child has a dental problem, take the child to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Bridges

What is a Bridge?

A bridge is a replacement tooth that is supported and attached by a crown on either side of the space. The two side teeth or (anchor teeth) are prepared to provide support the bridge).

Taking Care of Your Bridge

A bridge is made of very strong materials, but nothing as strong as natural tooth structure. If normal care and precautions and care are taken, a bridge can last for many years.

- Brush and floss with great care to clean where the crowns meet the tooth.

- Flossing must be accomplished underneath the bridge on a daily basis.

- Avoid eating or chewing on hard objects, food, or ice.

- Make regular visits to your dentist to evaluate the condition of the crowns.

When are Bridges Needed?

To replace a missing tooth with a conventional three-unit bridge, teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared. The custom-made bridge is fitted and adjusted, appearance immediately after a tooth is lost. When a tooth is not replaced, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Aftercare

1. Must clean “under” as well as around the bridge
2. There are special tools to aid in cleaning
3. Floss once, and brush twice daily
4. Avoid chewing on hard objects, food and ice
5. Limit snacks