Difference between revisions of "Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Strong"
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| − | Sparkling smiles are attractive and infectious. When you smile with a big, healthy smile, it makes other people smile back at you. You can maintain a healthy smile by practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular preventative care.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?pg=1</ref><ref>http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Keepteethhealthy.aspx</ref> | + | Sparkling smiles are attractive and infectious. When you smile with a big, healthy smile, it makes other people smile back at you. You can maintain a healthy smile by practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular preventative care.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?pg=1</ref><ref name="rf2">http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Keepteethhealthy.aspx</ref> |
| − | [[Category:Teeth and Mouth]] | + | [[Category: Teeth and Mouth]] |
==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Keeping your Teeth Strong with Good Dental Hygiene=== | ===Keeping your Teeth Strong with Good Dental Hygiene=== | ||
| − | #Brush for at least two minutes. Do this in the morning and at night before you go to sleep. <ref | + | #Brush for at least two minutes. Do this in the morning and at night before you go to sleep. <ref name="rf1" /> The most important thing in maintaining a good oral hygiene is to adopt the correct brushing technique. Ask your dentist or hygienist to teach you how to correctly use the toothbrush and how to apply it to your gums and teeth. |
#* Brush with a soft bristled brush or an electric toothbrush. Brush all the surfaces of each tooth, including the chewing surface, the back and the front. | #* Brush with a soft bristled brush or an electric toothbrush. Brush all the surfaces of each tooth, including the chewing surface, the back and the front. | ||
#* Replace your toothbrush every three months. If you use an electric toothbrush, you should also replace the head every three months. | #* Replace your toothbrush every three months. If you use an electric toothbrush, you should also replace the head every three months. | ||
#* It also never hurts to brush your teeth in the middle of the day. | #* It also never hurts to brush your teeth in the middle of the day. | ||
| − | #* Wait about 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. After you eat, the acid produced by the food in your mouth causes your enamel to soften. Immediately after eating you can rinse your mouth with water, then after 30 minutes, you can brush.<ref>http://plus.healthyteeth.org/caring-for-natural-teeth/</ref> | + | #* Wait about 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. After you eat, the acid produced by the food in your mouth causes your enamel to soften. Immediately after eating you can rinse your mouth with water, then after 30 minutes, you can brush.<ref name="rf3">http://plus.healthyteeth.org/caring-for-natural-teeth/</ref> |
| − | #* Children should brush their baby teeth both to prevent cavities and to learn good oral hygiene habits.<ref>http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Careofkidsteeth.aspx</ref> | + | #* Children should brush their baby teeth both to prevent cavities and to learn good oral hygiene habits.<ref name="rf4">http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Careofkidsteeth.aspx</ref> |
| − | #Protect your teeth against decay by using a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the enamel coating on your teeth, making it less vulnerable to decay. Ideally, the toothpaste should have 1,350–1,500 ppm of fluoride in it. This is safe for children as long as an adult supervises them to make sure they don’t eat it.<ref | + | #Protect your teeth against decay by using a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the enamel coating on your teeth, making it less vulnerable to decay. Ideally, the toothpaste should have 1,350–1,500 ppm of fluoride in it. This is safe for children as long as an adult supervises them to make sure they don’t eat it.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#* If you use a lower strength toothpaste for a young child, make sure it has at least 1,000 ppm of fluoride. If it is lower, it won’t have enough to prevent tooth decay. | #* If you use a lower strength toothpaste for a young child, make sure it has at least 1,000 ppm of fluoride. If it is lower, it won’t have enough to prevent tooth decay. | ||
#* Use a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush. When you are finished brushing, spit it out. You can rinse your mouth with water, but only briefly. You don’t want to wash away all the fluoride! | #* Use a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush. When you are finished brushing, spit it out. You can rinse your mouth with water, but only briefly. You don’t want to wash away all the fluoride! | ||
| − | #Prevent tooth decay from occurring between your teeth by flossing. Flossing will remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that might be hiding between your teeth where the bristles of your brush can’t reach them.<ref | + | #Prevent tooth decay from occurring between your teeth by flossing. Flossing will remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that might be hiding between your teeth where the bristles of your brush can’t reach them.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Use about a foot-and-a-half of floss. Wind it around one finger of your dominant hand and one finger of your non-dominant hand. Then, with your dominant hand, insert the floss between your teeth and curve the floss around one of the teeth. Rub up and down, including going gently below the gum line. Then curve it around the other tooth and repeat. Use a mirror to help you see what you are doing. | #* Use about a foot-and-a-half of floss. Wind it around one finger of your dominant hand and one finger of your non-dominant hand. Then, with your dominant hand, insert the floss between your teeth and curve the floss around one of the teeth. Rub up and down, including going gently below the gum line. Then curve it around the other tooth and repeat. Use a mirror to help you see what you are doing. | ||
| − | #* Floss at least once per day. If you find the floss difficult to handle, you can use an interdental cleaner which has a small handle with a brush, pick, or stick that helps you get between your teeth.<ref>http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners</ref> | + | #* Floss at least once per day. If you find the floss difficult to handle, you can use an interdental cleaner which has a small handle with a brush, pick, or stick that helps you get between your teeth.<ref name="rf5">http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners</ref> |
#* If you floss before brushing, this will help the fluoride in your toothpaste get between your teeth and provide antibacterial protection. | #* If you floss before brushing, this will help the fluoride in your toothpaste get between your teeth and provide antibacterial protection. | ||
| − | #Use mouthwash. You can reduce the amount of bacteria floating around your mouth by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash or or salt solution. If you use a mouthwash, look for one with fluoride in it.<ref>http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-breath/Pages/Treatment.aspx</ref><ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/treatment/con-20014939</ref> | + | #Use mouthwash. You can reduce the amount of bacteria floating around your mouth by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash or or salt solution. If you use a mouthwash, look for one with fluoride in it.<ref name="rf6">http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-breath/Pages/Treatment.aspx</ref><ref name="rf7">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/treatment/con-20014939</ref> |
#*A good mouthwash should also have chlorhexidine in a small concentration, such as 0.02%. Avoid products that contain alcohol | #*A good mouthwash should also have chlorhexidine in a small concentration, such as 0.02%. Avoid products that contain alcohol | ||
| − | #* To make a salt solution, dissolve salt into a cup of warm water. As you add salt, taste it to make sure it isn't so salty that you won't be able to stand it.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403</ref> If it's too salty, add more water. | + | #* To make a salt solution, dissolve salt into a cup of warm water. As you add salt, taste it to make sure it isn't so salty that you won't be able to stand it.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403</ref> If it's too salty, add more water. |
#* Swish the mouthwash or salt solution in your mouth for about two minutes. Move it around as much as possible so that it will coat all areas of your teeth. Then tip your head back and gargle. Spit the mixture out afterwards. Don’t swallow it. Gargling might not be appropriate for children who are too young to safely do so without choking. | #* Swish the mouthwash or salt solution in your mouth for about two minutes. Move it around as much as possible so that it will coat all areas of your teeth. Then tip your head back and gargle. Spit the mixture out afterwards. Don’t swallow it. Gargling might not be appropriate for children who are too young to safely do so without choking. | ||
| − | #Scrape bacteria off your tongue with a scraper or by brushing it. The roughness of your tongue traps food particles and bacteria, which may contribute to tooth decay.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/causes/con-20014939</ref> | + | #Scrape bacteria off your tongue with a scraper or by brushing it. The roughness of your tongue traps food particles and bacteria, which may contribute to tooth decay.<ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/causes/con-20014939</ref> |
#* Don't press so hard it hurts or bleeds. You should be able to see a film of saliva and debris on the scraper by just moving it gently. Go from back to front. | #* Don't press so hard it hurts or bleeds. You should be able to see a film of saliva and debris on the scraper by just moving it gently. Go from back to front. | ||
#* Some toothbrushes have tongue scrapers on the back of them. Look to see if yours has a rough little pad. | #* Some toothbrushes have tongue scrapers on the back of them. Look to see if yours has a rough little pad. | ||
| − | #Don’t smoke. Smoking will stain your teeth yellow, give you bad breath, and make you more likely to get gum disease and mouth cancers. <ref> http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Keepteethhealthy.aspx</ref> | + | #Don’t smoke. Smoking will stain your teeth yellow, give you bad breath, and make you more likely to get gum disease and mouth cancers. <ref name="rf10"> http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Keepteethhealthy.aspx</ref> |
#* If you already smoke, you can greatly increase your overall health and the health of your teeth by [[Quit Smoking|quitting]]. | #* If you already smoke, you can greatly increase your overall health and the health of your teeth by [[Quit Smoking|quitting]]. | ||
===Eating a Healthy Diet for Healthy Teeth=== | ===Eating a Healthy Diet for Healthy Teeth=== | ||
| − | #Reduce your sugar intake. When the bacteria in your mouth break down sugars, it produces acids which dissolve the protective enamel coating on your teeth. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay.<ref> https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/diet</ref> You can limit you sugar intake by:<ref | + | #Reduce your sugar intake. When the bacteria in your mouth break down sugars, it produces acids which dissolve the protective enamel coating on your teeth. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay.<ref name="rf11"> https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/diet</ref> You can limit you sugar intake by:<ref name="rf10" /> |
#* Not eating desserts like candy, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, pastries | #* Not eating desserts like candy, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, pastries | ||
#* Not adding sugar to your tea or coffee | #* Not adding sugar to your tea or coffee | ||
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#* Avoiding sugary sodas and soft drinks | #* Avoiding sugary sodas and soft drinks | ||
#* Drinking only one glass of fruit juice per day. Even unsweetened fruit juice is sugary. | #* Drinking only one glass of fruit juice per day. Even unsweetened fruit juice is sugary. | ||
| − | #Avoid drinks that stain your teeth. The following food are very common causes of yellow, unhealthy looking teeth:<ref | + | #Avoid drinks that stain your teeth. The following food are very common causes of yellow, unhealthy looking teeth:<ref name="rf10" /> |
#* Wine | #* Wine | ||
#*Tea | #*Tea | ||
#* Coffee | #* Coffee | ||
| − | #Cut down your alcohol consumption. Alcohol wears away the protective enamel coating on your teeth. Prolonged consumption of high amounts can lead to cavities and tissue dehydration, making the the tissue in your mouth weaker and more vulnerable to bacterial aggression.<ref | + | #Cut down your alcohol consumption. Alcohol wears away the protective enamel coating on your teeth. Prolonged consumption of high amounts can lead to cavities and tissue dehydration, making the the tissue in your mouth weaker and more vulnerable to bacterial aggression.<ref name="rf10" /> |
#* People who both drink and smoke are at a higher risk of mouth cancers. | #* People who both drink and smoke are at a higher risk of mouth cancers. | ||
| − | #Eat extra crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables. These foods will help scrape your teeth clean as you eat them. And they are good for you! Options include:<ref>http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/7-natural-remedies-for-bad-breath</ref> | + | #Eat extra crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables. These foods will help scrape your teeth clean as you eat them. And they are good for you! Options include:<ref name="rf12">http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/7-natural-remedies-for-bad-breath</ref> |
#* Apples | #* Apples | ||
#* Celery | #* Celery | ||
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#* Lettuce | #* Lettuce | ||
#* Broccoli | #* Broccoli | ||
| − | #Reduce the amounts of sticky foods you eat. They are more likely to leave sugary films that will lead to tooth decay between your teeth. Examples include:<ref> http://plus.healthyteeth.org/caring-for-natural-teeth/</ref> | + | #Reduce the amounts of sticky foods you eat. They are more likely to leave sugary films that will lead to tooth decay between your teeth. Examples include:<ref name="rf13"> http://plus.healthyteeth.org/caring-for-natural-teeth/</ref> |
#* Granola bars | #* Granola bars | ||
#* Dried fruit like raisins | #* Dried fruit like raisins | ||
#* Gummy candies or taffies | #* Gummy candies or taffies | ||
| − | #Limit the amount of highly acidic foods and drinks you consume. Acid can dissolve the enamel on your teeth and make the more vulnerable to decay. Highly acidic foods and drinks include:<ref>https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/diet</ref> | + | #Limit the amount of highly acidic foods and drinks you consume. Acid can dissolve the enamel on your teeth and make the more vulnerable to decay. Highly acidic foods and drinks include:<ref name="rf14">https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/diet</ref> |
#* Orange juice | #* Orange juice | ||
#* Grape fruit juice | #* Grape fruit juice | ||
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#* Wine | #* Wine | ||
#* Vinegar salad dressings | #* Vinegar salad dressings | ||
| − | #Drink extra water. Water will help prevent food from getting stuck in your teeth.<ref | + | #Drink extra water. Water will help prevent food from getting stuck in your teeth.<ref name="rf6" /><ref name="rf15">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms/con-20030056</ref><ref name="rf9" /> |
#* If your [[Prevent Dry Mouth|mouth is dry]], you are probably not drinking enough water. The quantity of water you need will vary daily based on the weather, your activity level, and the proper functioning of your salivary glands. | #* If your [[Prevent Dry Mouth|mouth is dry]], you are probably not drinking enough water. The quantity of water you need will vary daily based on the weather, your activity level, and the proper functioning of your salivary glands. | ||
#* The first sign of dehydration is thirst. So if you are thirsty, help yourself to a tall glass of water. | #* The first sign of dehydration is thirst. So if you are thirsty, help yourself to a tall glass of water. | ||
| − | #Chew sugar-free gum after eating. Gum will make the saliva flow, which will help breakdown any remaining pieces of food.<ref | + | #Chew sugar-free gum after eating. Gum will make the saliva flow, which will help breakdown any remaining pieces of food.<ref name="rf6" /><ref name="rf11" /> |
#* It is important that the gum be sugar-free, otherwise you are coating your teeth in sugar and increasing the chances of tooth decay. | #* It is important that the gum be sugar-free, otherwise you are coating your teeth in sugar and increasing the chances of tooth decay. | ||
#* Sugar-free gums are widely available at local grocery stores and drug stores. | #* Sugar-free gums are widely available at local grocery stores and drug stores. | ||
===Visiting the Dentist=== | ===Visiting the Dentist=== | ||
| − | #Go to a dentist if you notice symptoms suggesting that you are having problems with your teeth. At the early stages, it might not hurt, so it may be tempting to put off going to the dentist. But once the problem is more severe, it will be harder to treat. Schedule a cleaning and dental exam if you have:<ref> http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?pg=2</ref> | + | #Go to a dentist if you notice symptoms suggesting that you are having problems with your teeth. At the early stages, it might not hurt, so it may be tempting to put off going to the dentist. But once the problem is more severe, it will be harder to treat. Schedule a cleaning and dental exam if you have:<ref name="rf16"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?pg=2</ref> |
#*Red, swollen, or painful gums | #*Red, swollen, or painful gums | ||
#* Bleeding when you brush and floss | #* Bleeding when you brush and floss | ||
| Line 78: | Line 78: | ||
#* Swelling in your jaw | #* Swelling in your jaw | ||
#* Headaches | #* Headaches | ||
| − | #Discuss treatment options with your dentist. If you have tooth or mouth pain, you may need treatment for:<ref> https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth</ref><ref>https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003058.htm</ref><ref | + | #Discuss treatment options with your dentist. If you have tooth or mouth pain, you may need treatment for:<ref name="rf17"> https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth</ref><ref name="rf18">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003058.htm</ref><ref name="rf7" /> |
#* Cavities | #* Cavities | ||
#* An abscessed tooth | #* An abscessed tooth | ||
#* An impacted tooth | #* An impacted tooth | ||
#* Gum disease | #* Gum disease | ||
| − | #Get a professional teeth cleaning. It is best to get your teeth cleaned and get an exam every six months. Children should start seeing a dentist as soon as they begin getting baby teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will:<ref | + | #Get a professional teeth cleaning. It is best to get your teeth cleaned and get an exam every six months. Children should start seeing a dentist as soon as they begin getting baby teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will:<ref name="rf4" /> |
#* Thoroughly clean your teeth | #* Thoroughly clean your teeth | ||
#*Removing any of the hard plaques that often develop in hard to clean places | #*Removing any of the hard plaques that often develop in hard to clean places | ||
| Line 89: | Line 89: | ||
#* Check the health of your gums | #* Check the health of your gums | ||
#* Show you the proper technique for brushing and flossing | #* Show you the proper technique for brushing and flossing | ||
| − | #Talk to your dentist about protective treatments for your teeth. Two common and effective ones are fluoride varnish and fissure sealants. Both are suitable for adults and children.<ref | + | #Talk to your dentist about protective treatments for your teeth. Two common and effective ones are fluoride varnish and fissure sealants. Both are suitable for adults and children.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#* Fluoride varnish is a treatment where a strong fluoride is applied to the teeth to make the enamel stronger and less vulnerable to decay. This can be done every six months on both baby and permanent teeth. | #* Fluoride varnish is a treatment where a strong fluoride is applied to the teeth to make the enamel stronger and less vulnerable to decay. This can be done every six months on both baby and permanent teeth. | ||
#* A fissure sealant is a plastic or resin-based composite coating that is applied to the crevices of the teeth to protect them from bacteria and food that might get stuck in them. This is applied to permanent teeth and can last up to 10 years. | #* A fissure sealant is a plastic or resin-based composite coating that is applied to the crevices of the teeth to protect them from bacteria and food that might get stuck in them. This is applied to permanent teeth and can last up to 10 years. | ||
| − | #Find affordable dental care. Dental care can be expensive and many health insurance plans may not cover it. You can look for low cost dental care by:<ref>https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth</ref> | + | #Find affordable dental care. Dental care can be expensive and many health insurance plans may not cover it. You can look for low cost dental care by:<ref name="rf19">https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth</ref> |
#* Contacting dentistry and dental hygiene schools to see if they offer low cost treatment to help students get experience. This will be supervised by an experienced dentist or hygienist. You can search online at the websites of organizations like the American Dental Association or the American Dental Hygienists Association. | #* Contacting dentistry and dental hygiene schools to see if they offer low cost treatment to help students get experience. This will be supervised by an experienced dentist or hygienist. You can search online at the websites of organizations like the American Dental Association or the American Dental Hygienists Association. | ||
#* Calling or searching the websites of your community health center, county or state health department, and the US Health Resources and Services Administration to find clinics in your area that charge based on income. | #* Calling or searching the websites of your community health center, county or state health department, and the US Health Resources and Services Administration to find clinics in your area that charge based on income. | ||
