If brushing is a problem, try an electric toothbrush. This will clean the
teeth more efficiently. When the twelve-year molars or wisdom teeth are erupting
(coming in), use a toothbrush with a longer tuft of bristles at the end. This
longer tuft of bristles will reach the newly erupting teeth that are at a lower
level than the other teeth. Twelve-year molars should be sealed with a dental
sealant as soon as they are fully erupted.
Tartar or calculus usually occurs on the tongue side of the bottom incisors
(front teeth). This is the result of food not being adequately brushed away.
Some people have a tendency to form calculus and others do not. The end tuft is
good for cleaning this area too.
Use a fluoride mouthrinse (usually found in stores by the mouthwash) if one
is having a problem with decay. The teeth should be brushed thoroughly before
rinsing with the fluoride. It will not penetrate plaque. Use this at night just
before going to bed. Do not rinse with water after using the fluoride rinse.
Do not use a mouthwash with a high alcohol content on a daily basis. This
practice could predispose one to oral cancer.
The best cure for halitosis (bad breath) is to keep the mouth clean. Brush
the roof of the mouth and the tongue. Tongue scrapers, which can be purchased in
the toothbrush and toothpaste section of a store, are very helpful. A certain
kind of bacteria may grow on the back of the tongue near the throat. These
bacteria produce sulfide, a gas that causes halitosis. Large indentations in
tonsils can catch food. If the food is not rinsed away, an odor may occur.
Gargling with water may help to dislodge these food particles. A sinus infection
with postnasal drip, dieting, or stomach problems could also be the cause of
halitosis.
If gums bleed with flossing, or the corners of the mouth are sore and
cracking, a vitamin supplement may help. Try a multi-vitamin with meals.
Bleeding with flossing may also mean one needs to floss more! Hormonal
changes may cause gums to be red and swollen at certain times. Constant effort
at keeping teeth clean is the best way to avoid bleeding and discomfort.
Ulcers in the mouth (apthous ulcers) can be very painful. These may occur
more often during orthodontic treatment, stress, or with trauma. There is no
quick cure. One way to decrease the pain and shorten the duration of the ulcer
is to use vitamin E. Pierce the end of a capsule of vitamin E and squeeze the
vitamin over the ulcer. Do this often through the day and at bedtime.
Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and sugar. Try to drink through a straw
and do not swish soft drinks through the teeth. Lemons are very acidic. Frequent
sucking on lemons will erode (wear away) the enamel layer of teeth. Enamel will
not grow back.
Chewing tobacco should be completely avoided. There is a very high incidence
of oral cancer with the use of any chewing tobacco.
Chewing gum does stimulate the flow of saliva, and that is good for the
teeth. But problems may occur with excessive gum chewing. The cusp tips of the
molars are being worn away and decay is occurring in the teens. Once the enamel
layer is worn down, the second layer is exposed. This layer, the dentin, decays
easily. Chewing gum for more than three hours each day may result in discomfort
or tenderness of the muscles in the jaws or popping or clicking in the joints of
the jaws (temporomandibular joints or TMJ).
Xylitol and sorbitol sweeteners in chewing gum have been shown to reduce the
incidence of dental decay.
Leaning the head on the palm of the hand continuously and crushing ice with
the teeth has also been shown to result in TMJ symptoms and jaw muscle
tenderness.
Do not share water bottles. The herpes virus causes a cold sore and it is
very contagious.
The bacteria that cause tooth decay can also be spread from one person to
another in the saliva.
Change toothbrushes as soon as the bristles are frayed or bent. Bacteria and
viruses grow on toothbrushes. Toothbrushes should be rinsed thoroughly before
and after brushing. Change to a new toothbrush after an illness, especially
strep. Reinfection can occur with a toothbrush that is covered with strep.
Strep can also grow on acrylic orthodontic appliances. Clean them thoroughly
during a strep infection.
Mouthguards work. They should be worn for most sports. After orthodontic
treatment is completed, or all of the permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth)
are erupted, a custom made mouthguard will provide the best protection. Have a
dentist check the fit of the "boil-and-bite" mouthguard. A proper fit is very
important. During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will recommend an
appropriate mouthguard.
The presence and position of wisdom teeth should be evaluated around fifteen
years of age.
And, finally ... what teeth do you have to brush and floss? Only the ones
you want to keep!