ental problems are increasing day by day. Dental health is matter of life-long concern. Your dental health is an important part of your general health. Right dental care can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Bacteria are always present in the mouth. When they are not removed by brushing and flossing they stick to the teeth and multiply into larger and larger colonies called plaque. Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and gums. If it is not brushed off after you eat, it combines with sugars present in food particles to produce acid which attack and harm your teeth. Plaque is the real villain behind both tooth decay and gum diseases. If you eat only at mealtimes, it takes about 24 hours for bacteria and acid to harm your teeth. It is time to brush the plaque off and to wash away the acid. If you eat a lot of between-meal snack, plaque builds up faster and you need to brush more often. Dental disease is preventable. You can keep all of our teeth by practising good home care and having regular professional checkups. Brush and floss regularly. Both tooth decay and gum diseases are the result of plaque.Prevention is better than cure :
*
Use a good toothpaste and toothbrush with bristles on an optimal sized head. Replace your toothbrush every month.
*
Use fluoride toothpaste, fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the harmful effects of plaque. Tartar control toothpaste may help slow the formation of hard plaque, but daily brushing with good toothpaste and flossing are the best tartar - control methods.
*
Place the brush at a 45 angle where the teeth meet the gums. Press firmly and gently rock the brush back and forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub if you have a stiff - bristled brush. Vigorous brushing can make the gums recede and scratch your tooth enamel.
*
Brush all surfaces: tongue side and cheek side. Pay special attention to the front teeth and behind the back teeth.
*
Brush the chewing surfaces vigorously with short back and forth strokes.
*
Brush the tongue. Plaque on the tongue can cause bad breath and is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
*
Regular flossing is the best way to remove plaque that forms between the teeth and below the gum line. Floss once a day. Dental floss is a piece of braided nylon cord. It is wrapped round the middle fingers and then gently cased between the teeth with the aid of forefinger and thumb. Plaque and food particles are removed by scraping the floss against the sides of the teeth. This should be done in such a manner that the gum does not get injured.
*
Message your gums with your fingers after brushing and gently brush your tongue too. Do not use metal tongue cleaners..
*
Parents should brush their children’s teeth for the first 4-5 years.
*
Eat foods that have vitamins and minerals. Take milk, fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish and meat. Crunchy fruits like apple and carrots also help to clean the teeth. Brush your teeth after every meal to remove plaque.
*
Don't eat sweets between meals. Bacteria love sugar. Don't give them a chance to bore holes in your teeth. Eat sweets only at the end of a meal so that your teeth get properly cleaned when you brush them after the meal.
*
Mouthwash does not remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.
*
In bleeding gums during brushing, toothache, bad breath, cavities, painful sensations, teeth growing out of order, consult your dentist.
Dr Anil Dheer
