Healthy teeth and gums make it easy to eat well and enjoy good food. There is a unit variety of issues that will affect the health of the mouth, but careful care will keep teeth and gums strong.
Dental caries
The teeth are covered by a hard outer layer called enamel. Every day, a thin layer of bacteria called dental plaque forms on the teeth. The bacteria in the dental plaque produce acids that can begin to damage the enamel. Over time, acids can create holes in the enamel. These holes are known as caries. Brushing and flossing can protect against tooth decay, but once tooth decay forms, a dentist has to repair the damage.
You can protect your teeth against tooth decay using fluoride toothpaste. If you have a higher risk of developing tooth decay (for example, if you have a dry mouth due to medications you take), you may need more fluoride. Your dentist or dental hygienist can treat you with fluoride during an office visit or the dentist may suggest that you use a fluoride gel or mouthwash at home.
Gum disease
Gum disease begins when dental plaque forms along and below the gum line. This plaque causes infections that damage the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. Sometimes, gum disease causes the gums to become sensitive and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be solved by brushing your teeth and flossing daily.
A lot of severe variety of gum illness, called periodontitis, needs to be treated by a dentist. If left untreated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums and other tissues that support the teeth. Over time, you may have to remove your teeth.
To prevent gum disease:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss once a day.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease.
Cleaning the teeth and gums
- There is a correct way to brush your teeth and floss. Every day:
- Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Use small circular movements and short forward and backward movements.
For people that have an inflammatory disease or alternative conditions that limit hand movements, it can be difficult to hold and use a toothbrush.
- Use an electric or battery toothbrush.
- Place the rubber grip on the handle of a bicycle or a tube of foam material on the handle of the toothbrush.
- Buy a toothbrush with a larger handle.
- Keeps the toothbrush tied to your hand using a wide elastic band?
You also need to clean the area around your teeth with dental floss every day. Careful flossing will remove the dental plaque and food leftovers that a toothbrush cannot reach. Be sure to rinse your mouth after flossing your teeth.
Visit Liberty Village Dental Care if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or cause mouth pain. If you are having problems with dental floss, a special dental floss holder can help. Ask the dentist to teach you the correct way to floss.
Dentures
Sometimes it is necessary to use dentures (false teeth) to replace severely damaged teeth. Dentures may feel strange at first and your dentist may want to see you frequently to make sure the dentures fit. Over time, the shape of the gums will change and your dentures may require adjustment or replacement.
When you are learning to eat with dentures, it may be easier for you if:
- Start with soft and non-sticky foods.
- Cut your food into small pieces.
- Use both sides of the mouth for chewing slowly.
Be careful when wearing dentures because it may be more difficult for you to feel foods and drinks that are very hot or that you notice bones in the mouth.
Keep your dentures clean and free of foods that cause stains, bad breath or swollen gums. Brush dentures every day with a special cleaning product. Remove dentures at night and place them in water or a denture cleansing liquid.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth happens once there’s not enough spit to stay the mouth dampish. Many common medications can cause a dry mouth. That can make it difficult to eat, swallow, taste and even talk. A dry mouth can cause tooth decay and other infections of the mouth.
There are some things you can try that may help you with the problem of a dry mouth. Try sipping water or other sugar-free drinks. Do not smoke and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Sucking sugarless candies or chewing sugarless gum can help you. Your dentist or doctor may suggest that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist or they may have other ideas on how to treat a dry mouth.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer can develop anyplace within the mouth or throat. It is more likely to occur in people over 40 years. A dental check-up is a good opportunity for your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer Pain is sometimes not associate in nursing early symptom of the illness. The treatment works best before cancer spreads. Even if you have lost all of your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly to undergo oral cancer screening.
You can reduce the risk of getting oral cancer in several ways:
- Do not use tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, granulated tobacco, pipes or cigars).
- If you drink alcohol, consume it only in moderation.
- Use sunscreen lip balm.