Knowing and caring for the teeth
Tooth Chart
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Click thumbnail to view full-sizeLet us talk about Oral hygiene and health
Like we wash our hands, our eyes and body, so should we clean our mouth. Most of the oral hygiene and health requirements can be performed at home. A clean sink, toothbrush, tooth paste, salt, dental floss, mouth wash and running water are needed. Find time to brush twice a day and floss at least two times in a week.
The over arching strategies of tooth care are: preventing cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancers ( http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/).
The reasons why one should regularly brush and make sure the visit to the dental health care worker is to: monitor oral diseases, such as dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal infections (gum disease). One cannot do these at home.
The immediate dangers of not caring for our mouth, tongue and teeth may lead to gums, teeth, throat, tongue and cheeks to get infection. There are bacteria which live in the mouth. These may grow in bigger numbers if one does not brush or floss. They in turn can be ingested and cause stomach upsets and diarrhea. The teeth may fall out and the person may not be able to chew food. By this time the mouth is so sore. It is like an open wound in which one is putting salt. Chewing helps to break down the food into smaller parts that are further digested by enzymes. This may be impossible. The person may dislike feeding for fear of the pain. The mouth may develop a foul smell. This person may choose to avoid people. The isolation may drive the person to where there is no food. This may lead to hunger that is continuous, in turn lose of weight and eventual death.
There is an integral relationship between oral health and general health, including chronic oral infections and diabetes, osteoporosis, heart and lung conditions, and certain adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Remember these practical tips (http://teethreview.com/dental-care/techniques-for-good-oral-care-and-a-healthy-mouth/):
Your teeth can remain healthy and strong. The toothpaste you use must include fluoride to your dental care is helpful. If the water from your tap does not contain fluoride, you and everyone in your household will be more prone to tooth decay. One choice is brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride. You can also use mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Some foods are more harmful to your teeth. Sweets should only be eaten in moderation. You should avoid drinks that are too hot or too cold. If you’re looking to keep your teeth white, avoid drinking coffee. Drink through a straw to minimize the damage on your teeth. But when using a straw make sure you do not chew on it or injure your gums. Straws are plastics that can be razor sharp if twisted. Use them as for drinking alone.
Visit a dentist two times a year. This ensures timely management of any problems that may arise. This early treatment you may get stops further problems that may arise in case one does not get professional attention. At these visits your dentist will check for tooth decay and tartar buildup.
When tooth enamel becomes weak, cavities result. Bacteria causes this weakening, and the end result is a cavity. Having your teeth cleaned by your dentist twice a year greatly reduces your risk of getting cavities. Your dentist will check for any oral problems with an x-ray.
The point of brushing your teeth at least twice daily, cannot be over stressed. But, sometimes even that is not enough. One can efficiently prevent tooth decay from appearing if one brushes teeth anytime one eats snacks rich in sugar or drink some soda.
Try using dental cleaners on your teeth to keep them healthy. These are small brushes that come in plastic pouches, and you can use them to clean your teeth outside of regular brushes. Some of these are sold under the names Sulcabrush, Oral-B Interdental Brush and Stim-U-Dent.
Do not forget: Visit your dentist twice a year. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, you can prevent many serious dental problems before they happen. Frequent visits also help make sure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
I have a commitment to brush my teeth
Which is the best time to brush one's teeth?
Oral care best practices
1. Find time to brush your teeth twice a day. The best time should be after meals.
2. Use mouth wash after flossing at least once a week.
3. Arrange to visit the dental clinic at least two times a year or as advised by your care worker.
A simple oral care plan
Daily activity
| 2 times a year activity
| Cautions
|
---|---|---|
Brushing after meals
| Checking with dental care worker
| Floss regularly
|
Avoid too sweet foods
| ||
Avoid Injuries to gums
| ||
Avoid Smoking
|