Oral Health
The Right Brush
Must have soft bristles for effective cleaning without trauma or recession of gums or abrasion of teeth.
Nylon bristles cause less trauma, are easily cleaned, and dry quickly thus more resistant to bacteria & fungal accumulation.
Handle & size of head should correspond to person’s hands, size of mouth, and dexterity level. Specialty brushes as well as electric brushes still must have soft nylon bristles.
Remember: spend 2-3 minutes on a slow rotation motion to benefit your teeth not harm them.
Gel vs Paste – The Great Debate?
Must have fluoride. Fluoride is still important at age 99 as it is at age 1 at preventing dental decay.
Sensitive paste vs. Tartar control.
If your teeth are cold or hot sensitive because of receeded gums and exposed root surfaces, we recommend a variety of sensitive toothpaste & generally you should avoid tartar control pastes. All others can try tartar control!
Gel or Paste – No Debate.
The last “must have” is taste & texture. Whether it’s mint or bubblegum, white or sparkled, find your favorite flavor.
Remember: Brushing can be a fun, tasty experience.
Floss, Floss & Floss.
Approximately 1/3 of the surface of teeth are not being cleaned if you don’t floss, no matter how well you brush! Plaque build up between teeth cause cavities and periodontal disease. Floss is now available in many textures and flavors- some are made especially to glide between tight teeth, some are shred- resistant, and many have great flavors. Ask your dentist to recommend the best floss for you!
Remember: Everyone should floss – just find the right floss and/or floss aid!
Regular Check – Ups
A regular check- up includes a thorough examination with or without radiographs. Most people cannot feel small cavities, oral lesions, or periodontal disease until it’s too advanced to try to restore or salvage. A dentist is trained to see even the smallest lesions and can recommend preventive care.
Remember: Preventive care is always better!
Treatment doesn’t cost
An Ounce of prevention is worth a ton is gold
The new millennium is all about preventing Problems before they arise. People are more aware of the risk factors for heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, etc., and are changing their lifestyles to moderate these risks.
Are you aware of the risk factors of dental diseases? How about preventing them? The modifications are easy and as importantly, easy on the bankbooks.
Count the cost of routine check-ups
Most patients require check-ups and cleaning twice a year. For an adult, the average cost per visit is approximately $90-120.00(a little more if radiographs need to be taken.) Routine check-ups watch for early signs of gum disease, small cavities, and other potential problems.
Check-ups are really inexpensive when you consider that you eat three meals, snack, speak and smile all day long. Think about treating your hard-working teeth for a check-up and a cleaning the next time you treat yourself to a haircut, or a new pair of walking shoes!!
Count the cost of waiting until it hurts
The most common reason why people don’t schedule regular check-ups is because they don’t have any pain or any problems. They will go when it hurts. The truth is, if it hurts, it’s usually too late.
Most people are not sensitive to cavities, gum disease, or any other oral pathology until it is too far gone. Cavities, for example, may cause a slight sensitivity to hot or cold or sweet foods that is almost unnoticeable on a day to day basis, but can suddenly abscess to a throbbing pain.
Compare the cost of a filling a cavity (ranges from $ 60-200.00 depending on the size of the cavity) verses an abscessed tooth that will require root canal therapy, a filling, and a crown to replace lost tooth structure ($ 1500-2000.00) or losing the tooth altogether (priceless). In essence, it costs much more to play the “wait and see” game!!
Taking Care of False Teeth
Replacing lost teeth are now easier than before with even more choices than before! There are fixed bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, and then implant supported bridges and dentures! Costly dental work can be protected with these simple ways to keep your “false” teeth healthy and strong. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to check your remaining teeth and gums for early signs of changes or problems.
