Solution Dental

Removing plaque from your teeth and gums is what proper dental care is all about. Daily, you can handle this task on your own by brushing right and flossing. Twice a year, however, you should let a professional take a look inside your mouth.

When it comes to brushing your teeth, you’re probably going through the motions, but not actually brushing efficiently. In fact, you could be damaging your gums and/or leaving plaque behind. And if you’re not flossing to remove the plaque you missed while brushing, your teeth may slowly be decaying.

There are several ways you can brush your teeth and the one you choose should be based on your mouth and your age. The best place to turn when deciding on a tooth brushing method is your dental hygienist. In addition to advising you on the right method for your mouth, he or she can demonstrate proper brushing technique and answer any questions you may have.

Most people load up a toothbrush with toothpaste, stick the toothbrush inside the mouth, and aggressively brush the front teeth with a quick back and forth motion. They’ll do a bit of brushing on those hard to reach back teeth, spit, rinse and consider the job done, all in about 30 seconds. Is this what you do?

If so then realize that there are two problems with this method. First, harsh brushing back and forth along the gum line will damage this sensitive area. Such brushing can cause gums to begin receding and/or wear down over time. It might also cause root surfaces to become exposed. Second, this isn’t long enough! A thorough tooth brushing session should last 2 – 3 minutes!

There is a better way to brush teeth and gums. Brush using a circular or elliptical motion and brush just a few teeth at a time, on the outside and the inside surfaces. This technique will protect against gum damage and will ensure that all teeth get brushed. It’s also important to brush the surfaces of the teeth, especially your molars to remove trapped food particles. And don’t forget to brush your tongue! Bacteria live there too and when not brushed from the tongue, bacteria cause bad breath.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles made from nylon. It’ll be gentler on teeth and gums. The head of the brush should be about an inch long and the bristles should have rounded edges. And don’t use the same toothbrush for longer than 3 months. By that time, the bristles will begin to flare, making tooth brushing less efficient.

Brush morning and night and if possible, after eating lunch. But don’t brush more than this! Also, develop a tooth brushing routine. By repeating the same motions in the same order each time you brush, you’ll have a better chance of removing all plaque.

The brand or type of toothpaste doesn’t matter. What’s important is that it contains fluoride and that the package bears the seal of approval of the American Dental Association (ADA).

The dental visit - most people enjoy it but others dread it. Here’s an overview of the two most common types of dental visits: a dental checkup and a comprehensive dental examination.

As a preventative measure, twice a year you should schedule an appointment for a routine check-up. During this visit, the dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay and other potential dental issues. That way, if problems are discovered, the dentist can take measures before those problems become worse.

During your check-up your teeth will get a deep cleaning and the dental hygienist will use a special tool to remove tartar build-up. Your teeth will also get a polishing and an extra strength fluoride treatment. The hygienist might also take a few x-rays.

If you’ve never been to the dentist before or if you are visiting a new dentist for the first time, the dentist likely will perform a comprehensive dental exam. Such an examination is a good way for the dentist to get to know you, your overall state of health and the particulars of your dental health.

During this visit, a thorough examination will take place. The dentist will take a set of full mouth x-rays. These will stay on file and will also help identify abnormalities. In addition to a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth the dentist will look closely at your gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth. Redness or puffiness might indicate gum disease.

The dentist will also look at your face, neck and chin for swelling and other abnormalities. He or she will also feel your salivary glands and lymph nodes for the same purpose. You’ll be asked to open and close your mouth and to move it from one side to another. The reason for this is to make sure the temporomandibular joint is properly gliding your jaw as you move your mouth. The dentist will check your bite to ensure your teeth are in proper alignment.

The dentist will also want to know about any prescription medications you currently are taking. Either bring your bottles along or write everything down, including the dosage so your dentist can record this in your file. The dentist also will want to make note of any illnesses or diseases you have as some will have an impact on your teeth.

After either type of appointment, the dentist or dental hygienist will discuss with you ways you can improve your dental hygiene routine. He or she will also discuss any further treatments deemed necessary as a result of the examination.

Everybody knows that dental care is what helps keep our smiles white and our teeth bright. But the reasons why proper dental care is so important go much deeper than that. Proper dental care is crucial if you want to keep your teeth from decaying and possibly even falling out for good.

That may sound drastic but it is true. A cavity results from tooth decay and dentures or dental implants are the end result of teeth that have decayed beyond repair. Poor nutrition and lifestyle habits such as cigarette smoking can both contribute to tooth decay, but by far the most common reason these types of tooth problems develop is improper dental care. Teeth that aren’t cared for properly can also cause the dreaded ‘bad breath’, a foul odor that others shun.

It’s never too early to start learning about dental care. In fact, it’s a habit that should be taught very early in life. Teaching children to brush and floss their teeth regularly and to visit the dentist twice a year is something they’ll remember throughout life. A regular check up plus a cleaning by a dental hygienist is what’s going to help them take better care of and protect the teeth they have been given.

There is much more to a tooth than meets the eye. The part that is visible is referred to as the crown. Every tooth has another part called the root. A tooth’s root is below the gum line and extends into the jaw bone. The area where the crown meets the root is called the neck. These parts – the crown, the root and the neck – are the 3 basic parts of every tooth.

The crown consists of 3 layers: the enamel, the dentin and the pulp. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth, the part we brush, and it is actually translucent, not white. Enamel is what gives a tooth its strength but it is also the part of the tooth that will decay when not properly cared for. Below the enamel is a layer called the dentin. The majority of each tooth consists of this bone-like hard material that extends into the crown and below the gum line. Dentin is what’s responsible for a tooth’s coloring.

Within the dentin is a pulp cavity. This area contains pulp which is actually made up of connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels. The blood vessels carry important nutrients to the teeth and the nerves trigger hot and cold sensations.

What we refer to as our gums is actually called gingiva. Gingiva is the pink area that fits around each tooth and covers the jawbones.

Just as enamel surrounds the dentin in the crown area, cementum is a material that surrounds the roots. A layer of dentin also covers the cementum. Periodontal ligaments are what attach each tooth to the jaw. Craters, or more appropriately, alveolar sockets, form within the gum as each tooth pushes up through the gum. These sockets along with the alveolar process (the walls of the crater) also help keep teeth in place.