Transcript Saving Your Smile

Saving Your Smile
Flossing
• Important Facts
– You floss before you brush.
– Most cavities begin
between the teeth
– The bristles of a toothbrush
do not reach between the
teeth.
– You must remove plaque
between the teeth once a
day to keep the gums and
teeth healthy.
• Process
– Wind approx 18 in around
the middle fingers until 5
inched is left to work with.
– Pinch floss between thumb
and index finger and leave
about an inch.
– Gently glide floss between
the teeth.
– Clean the surface of the
tooth by using an up and
down motion on both sides
of the gum until it is clean.
Flossing
• Results
– If the gums are infected
then they will bleed, but
this is expected if you are a
beginner.
– The bleeding should go
away after a week of
regular flossing.
• Facts
– Floss aid are available if it’s
difficult to work with string.
– Flossing is equally as
important as brushing.
– Floss before you brush.
Flossing Properly
Brushing
• Brush twice a day
– In the morning after breakfast
– It is most important to brush at night before
you go to bed
• Brush for two minutes
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months
Brushing
• Important Facts
– Use a toothbrush that you
prefer, but make sure that it
has soft bristles.
– Use a pea sized amount of
toothpaste with fluoride.
• Process
– Brush in a circular pattern
at a 45 degree angle.
– Brush each quadrant of the
mouth for 30 seconds.
– Brush the tongue and the
roof of the mouth.
– Run your toothbrush under
some water to remove all
of the bacteria that was just
removed from the mouth.
Brushing Properly
What happens when the teeth are
not given the proper care?
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal
disease
• Bad breath
Gingivitis
• Definition-The swelling or
discoloration of the gums.
• Most people are unaware that
they have it because it is
painless in most cases.
• It is very common
• It is the mildest form of gum
disease and is reversible.
• It is the beginning stage of
periodontal disease.
• Signs of gingivitis:
– Redness where the
gums and teeth meet
– Sore or swollen gums
– Bleeding of the gums
– Bad breath
Gingivitis
Periodontal Disease
• Again most people are
unaware because it is painless
in the early stages.
• Main cause: accumulation of
plaque – the sticky film of food
and bacteria that forms
constantly on your teeth
• Plaque must be removed or it
mineralizes to for tartar.
• Once tartar is formed, brushing
and flossing cannot remove it
and you must seek
professional care to have it
removed.
• Warning Signs:
– Persistent bad breath
– Bleeding gums when
brushing or flossing
– Soft, swollen, or tender
gums
– Gums that are shrinking
away from the teeth
– Permanent teeth becoming
loose
– Changes in the spaces
between the teeth, which
reflect changes in the
underlying bone
Periodontal Disease
• Once bone is lost to periodontal disease, it
never comes back.
• If too much bone is lost, the teeth COULD
become loose and have to be removed or
they just fall out on their own.
Periodontal Disease
Bad Breath
• Causes
– Strong foods such as garlic
and onions
– Dry mouth which results
form stress, smoking, and
old age
– Improper and inconsistent
dental home care
• Ways to Improve
– Eliminate the bacteria
found on the tongue and
gums by brushing
– Use a mouthwash like
Listerine
• Listerine needs to be
swished around in the
mouth for 30
• Go as long as you can
and build up to 30 sec
Conclusion
• Brush your teeth
• Clean between your
teeth by flossing
• And schedule regular
dental visits for a
healthy smile.
THE END