How to Obtain a Healthy Mouth and Smile

#1 Goal= A healthy Mouth

Homecare is the #1 importance to keeping a healthy smile.

Your goal is to make your mouth as inhospitable as possible to the bacteria that produce plaque. To accomplish this, eliminate both the bacteria and the food it thrives on.

Steps to take…..#1

Buy the right toothpaste. There are so many brands of toothpaste out there, which ones are the best?

The best ones are the one with the American Dental Association Seal, this indicates that their was an effective evaluation for the product for effectiveness and safeness.

Step 2

Floss

Flossing is very important to keep your gums healthy and to remove the rest of the plaque that brushing cannot reach.

You are only cleaning 60% of your teeth with just brushing along.

If you do not floss you will get gingivitis which is the inflammation on the gums, which then can turn into periodontal disease.

Step 3

Use a mouth rinse

Listerine is the only mouthwash that has an ADA seal

This mouth rinse will kill the rest of the germs and the plaque that you have missed

Step 4

Visit you dentist every 6 months or as directed by your dental professional

This is very important for optimal health

You cannot remove the hard deposits that form on your teeth alone

This is a prevention step and can prevent a lot of costly procedures and save you from gum disease by visiting you dentist as needed.

Step 5

Get fluoride!

Importance:

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

When Is Fluoride Intake Most Critical?

It is certainly important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. This is the time frame during which the primary and permanent teeth come in

However, adults benefit from fluoride, too. New research indicates that topical fluoride from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.

Step 6

Quit Smoking!

According to the ADA, smoking increases your risk for tooth loss and gum disease, in addition to the general negative impact it has on your health. Smoking also stains the teeth, which can make your smile appear less healthy and less appealing.

Best Toothpastes

Colgate total-Experts recommend Colgate Total because of it's approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and contains both fluoride and triclosan, a broad-spectrum antibiotic which kills bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. A copolymer allows the triclosan to remain active between brushings, even after you eat or drink.

Toms of Maine is the only "natural" brand of toothpaste that's approved by the ADA. This toothpaste avoids the usual saccharin in favor of sweetening with xylitol, a natural sugar proven to combat harmful bacteria instead of feeding them.

Best Floss

Unwaxed floss- can be used for teeth that are not tightly together

Waxed floss- is more resistant to breaking than unwaxed floss

Glide floss- is easy to use to get between tight fitting teeth

Dental tape- can also be used with patients who do not have tight contacts

Super floss- can be used for patients who have braces or bridges and need a stiff end to go under the dental device

Floss picks- can make it easier for patients to get to back teeth and maneuver

Tufted floss- are better for patients that have spaces around their teeth or who have gum disease.

Sonicare Airfloss Microburst technology cleans at the touch of a button , angled nozzle for easy to reach even the hard-to-reach areas. I recommend this to patients who hate flossing, and have trouble with flossing like elderly patients or patients with braces.

Glide floss is the most common recommendation for patients, its easy to use and especially if you buy glide floss picks. As long as your doing the correct method and doing it once per day is of utmost importance.

Best toothbrush

Soft bristle toothbrushes help you not abrade your teeth and has same effectiveness so may be the best choice

Pick one that has the ADA seal

The patented dynamic cleaning action of a Sonicare electric toothbrush drives fluid deep between the teeth and along the gum line, for a difference you can see and feel.

It can remove up to 50% more plaque than your manual with a gentle cleaning

I usually recommend to patients who seem to have a hard time with removing plaque because it does all the work for you.

The best times to brush are morning and night time, at least 2x daily for optimal health. Technique is a big factor also.

How can I keep my toothbrush clean?

Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position to air dry.

Do not cover toothbrushes or put them in closed containers. A moist environment is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air.

Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months. The bristles become frayed and worn out with use which makes the cleanliness decrease.

Children’s toothbrushes often need to be replaced more frequently.

Correct brushing method

Correct Flossing Method

What could happen if you do not keep up with oral hygiene homecare?

Inflamed gums=Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a very common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling of your gums.

Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

Plaque Accumulation

Heavy plaque

Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It makes teeth feel fuzzy to the tongue and is most noticeable when teeth are not brushed.

Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth.

Decay

Active Decay

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates, such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Gum disease

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to gum disease, which means inflammation around the tooth. In gum disease, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called “pockets that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Oral Health linked to overall health

Recent studies suggest gum disease may contribute to or be warning signs of potentially life threatening conditions such as

Heart disease and stroke

Diabetes

Kidney disease

Preterm birth

Conclusion

A healthy smile is more critical than you think

You smile can affect the health of your body as well and can be linked to serious conditions

A healthy smile is important not just for your looks but for your overall health

References

Watson, S. (2010, November 15). Gum disease and your overall health. Retrieved from http://dentistry.about.com/od/issuesandemergencies/a/importantbrush.html

www.ada.org

eHowcontributor. (2012). How to maintain a healthy smile. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_2122365_maintain-healthy-smile.html

Toothpaste reviews. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.consumersearch.com/toothpaste