There are five basic steps to caring for teeth and gums:Brushing
Flossing
Eating right
Visiting the dentist
Rinsing
Tips for Brushing Teeth
Brush at least twice a day. If you can, brush after every meal. Ideally wait 30 minutes after eating, this will allow any enamel that softened from acid during eating to re-harden and not get brushed away. Brushing removes plaque, a film of bacteria that clings to teeth. When bacteria in plaque come into contact with food, they produce acids. These acids lead to cavities. To brush:
Place a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste on the head of the toothbrush. (Use a soft toothbrush.)
Place the toothbrush against the teeth at a 45-degree angle up to the gum line.
Move the brush across the teeth using a small circular motion. Continue with this motion cleaning one tooth at a time. Keep the tips of the bristles against the gum line. Avoid pressing so hard that the bristles lie flat against the teeth. (Only the tips of the toothbrush clean the teeth.) Let the bristles reach into spaces between teeth.
Brush across the top of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Make sure the bristles get into the grooves and crevices.
Use the same small circular motion to clean the backside of the upper and lower teeth - the side that faces the tongue.
To clean the inside of the bottom front teeth, angle the head in an up-and-down position toward the bottom inside of the mouth and move the toothbrush in a small circle.
For the inside of the top front teeth, angle the brush in an up-and-down position with the tip of the head pointing towards the roof of the mouth. Move the toothbrush in a small circle.
Give your tongue a few gentle brush strokes, brushing from the back of your tongue forward. Do not scrub. This helps remove bacteria and freshens your breath.
After brushing your teeth for two to three minutes, rinse your mouth with water.
Replace your toothbrush with a new one every three to four months.
Tips for Flossing Your Teeth
Floss teeth once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque stays between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dentist or hygienist. To floss:
Remove about an 18-inch strip of floss from the dispenser.
Wind the floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a 1-inch section open for flossing. Floss the top teeth first, then the bottom.
Place the floss in your mouth and use your index fingers to push the floss between the teeth. Be careful not to push too hard and injure the gums.
Move the floss up and down against the tooth and up and around the gum line. The floss should form a C-shape around the tooth as you floss.
Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth.
Use a clean section of floss as needed and take up used floss by winding it around the fingers
What You Can Do About Bad Breath
Who hasn't had a moment of less-than-lovely breath? Bad breath, or halitosis, can get in the way of your social life and make you self-conscious and embarrassed. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to get a fresh mouth
1 . Brush and floss more frequently.
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky buildup in your mouth that harbors bacteria. Food caught between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're concerned about your breath, brush and floss a little more often. But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can wear down enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.2 . Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can host foul-smelling bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. If it's too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a tongue scraper. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can't remove," says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of the American Dental Hygienists 'Association.3 . Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. Unfortunately, brushing after you eat them doesn't help. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out," says dentist Richard Price, a spokesman for the American Dental Association. The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them, especially before social or work occasions when you're mindful of your breath.4 . Kick the habit.
Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also makes you more likely to get oral cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.5 . Rinse your mouth out.
Besides freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, swishing your mouth with plain water also helps your breath by eliminating food particles.6 . Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. "Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth's natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath," Quinones says.7 . Keep your gums healthy.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, creating bad odors. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a periodontist, who specializes in treating this condition.8 . Moisten your mouth.
Lack of saliva promotes tooth decay and can cause bad breath. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy. Use a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house. If nothing helps, talk to your dentist or even your doctor. Some medications can cause cotton mouth.9 . See your doctor.
If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, see your doctor, who will check on whether it might be related to a medical condition
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky buildup in your mouth that harbors bacteria. Food caught between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're concerned about your breath, brush and floss a little more often. But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can wear down enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.2 . Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can host foul-smelling bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. If it's too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a tongue scraper. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can't remove," says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of the American Dental Hygienists 'Association.3 . Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. Unfortunately, brushing after you eat them doesn't help. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out," says dentist Richard Price, a spokesman for the American Dental Association. The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them, especially before social or work occasions when you're mindful of your breath.4 . Kick the habit.
Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also makes you more likely to get oral cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.5 . Rinse your mouth out.
Besides freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, swishing your mouth with plain water also helps your breath by eliminating food particles.6 . Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. "Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth's natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath," Quinones says.7 . Keep your gums healthy.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, creating bad odors. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a periodontist, who specializes in treating this condition.8 . Moisten your mouth.
Lack of saliva promotes tooth decay and can cause bad breath. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy. Use a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house. If nothing helps, talk to your dentist or even your doctor. Some medications can cause cotton mouth.9 . See your doctor.
If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, see your doctor, who will check on whether it might be related to a medical condition
Tooth Decay - Topic Overview
This topic provides information on tooth decay and cavities. If you are looking for information on:
Gum disease, see the topic Gum Disease.
Toothaches, see the topic Toothache and Gum Problems.
Dental checkups and how to care for your teeth, see the topic Basic Dental Care.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
See pictures of a tooth and tooth decay.
You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.What causes tooth decay?
The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.What are the symptoms?
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this occurs, a toothache is the most common symptom.How is tooth decay diagnosed?
Your dentist diagnoses tooth decay by:
Asking questions about your past dental and medical problems and care.
Examining your teeth, using a pointed tool and a small mirror.
Taking X-rays of your teeth and mouth.
How is it treated?
Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is. You may be able to reverse slight tooth decay by using fluoride. To fix cavities caused by mild tooth decay, your dentist will fill the cavities with another substance (fillings). For more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, your dentist may have to remove the tooth
Gum disease, see the topic Gum Disease.
Toothaches, see the topic Toothache and Gum Problems.
Dental checkups and how to care for your teeth, see the topic Basic Dental Care.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
See pictures of a tooth and tooth decay.
You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.What causes tooth decay?
The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.What are the symptoms?
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this occurs, a toothache is the most common symptom.How is tooth decay diagnosed?
Your dentist diagnoses tooth decay by:
Asking questions about your past dental and medical problems and care.
Examining your teeth, using a pointed tool and a small mirror.
Taking X-rays of your teeth and mouth.
How is it treated?
Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is. You may be able to reverse slight tooth decay by using fluoride. To fix cavities caused by mild tooth decay, your dentist will fill the cavities with another substance (fillings). For more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, your dentist may have to remove the tooth
Dental Tips for Looking Younger
Your mouth is more than just a pretty smile. It's also a gateway to your overall health. Keeping that gateway clean may keep you healthier longer - and looking younger.
"Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look," says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry. "The adage 'long in the tooth,' used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result
"Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look," says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry. "The adage 'long in the tooth,' used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result
Keeping a youthful mouth comes down to two simple, proven, and practical steps:
Brush and floss daily
See your dentist every six months
"Taking the time to brush and floss is what's needed," says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the dentistry faculty at Canada's University of Manitoba, professor of restorative dentistry, and an American Dental Association spokesman. "Brushing, flossing , and going to the dentist is so easy to do, it's not expensive, and everyone should be doing it. "What's Stopping You?
"Folks don't take [oral health] seriously," says Samuel Low, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and professor emeritus of periodontology at the University of Florida.
"They take their looks seriously and the smile is a priority, but people don't think about their gums. Brushing takes time, and flossing is one of the most difficult habits. Only 25% of people floss and I don't think people see the benefits, "says Low, who estimates that it takes two to three minutes per day to floss properly, but" these days, people are crunched for time. "Low is a stockholder in Florida Probe Corporation, a dental technology company.
Looks aside, there's another reason to make time for dental care. If you don't, it could affect your health.Inflammation, Periodontal Disease
Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as bits of food, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body's response to such invaders. And if it happens over and over again, you could wind up with long-term (chronic) inflammation.
"The mouth is one of the major contributors to high levels of inflammation in the body," says Iacopino, who has consulted for Colgate and Johnson & Johnson.
Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. It's not clear if the inflammation causes those diseases or is a marker of some other cause. But either way, it's not a good sign.
Then there's periodontal disease, which affects 80% of Americans. It's caused by extensive bacterial buildup along the gums and teeth. Periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss.
Bacterial buildup, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease happen quietly and slowly. That's why so many people don't know it's happening.
When done consistently and correctly, brushing and flossing reduce bacteria or plaque buildup. That helps prevent inflammation and gum disease
Brush and floss daily
See your dentist every six months
"Taking the time to brush and floss is what's needed," says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the dentistry faculty at Canada's University of Manitoba, professor of restorative dentistry, and an American Dental Association spokesman. "Brushing, flossing , and going to the dentist is so easy to do, it's not expensive, and everyone should be doing it. "What's Stopping You?
"Folks don't take [oral health] seriously," says Samuel Low, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and professor emeritus of periodontology at the University of Florida.
"They take their looks seriously and the smile is a priority, but people don't think about their gums. Brushing takes time, and flossing is one of the most difficult habits. Only 25% of people floss and I don't think people see the benefits, "says Low, who estimates that it takes two to three minutes per day to floss properly, but" these days, people are crunched for time. "Low is a stockholder in Florida Probe Corporation, a dental technology company.
Looks aside, there's another reason to make time for dental care. If you don't, it could affect your health.Inflammation, Periodontal Disease
Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as bits of food, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body's response to such invaders. And if it happens over and over again, you could wind up with long-term (chronic) inflammation.
"The mouth is one of the major contributors to high levels of inflammation in the body," says Iacopino, who has consulted for Colgate and Johnson & Johnson.
Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. It's not clear if the inflammation causes those diseases or is a marker of some other cause. But either way, it's not a good sign.
Then there's periodontal disease, which affects 80% of Americans. It's caused by extensive bacterial buildup along the gums and teeth. Periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss.
Bacterial buildup, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease happen quietly and slowly. That's why so many people don't know it's happening.
When done consistently and correctly, brushing and flossing reduce bacteria or plaque buildup. That helps prevent inflammation and gum disease
Ways to Protect Your Child's Oral Health 8
When should you start brushing your kid's teeth? As soon as they appear. Start cleaning out a baby's mouth even before any teeth appear using a wet washcloth. Tooth
decay - although largely preventable with good care - is one of the
most common chronic diseases of children and teens ages 6 to 19. By kindergarten, more than 40% of kids have cavities.
Neglecting baby teeth isn't the only misstep parents can make. Here's an 8-step game plan for good oral health.Start Early
Your child should see a dentist by his first birthday. Early preventive care saves money in the long run. A CDC report found that dental care costs were nearly 40% lower over a 5-year period for children who saw a dentist by age 5.Teach Good Habits
Brushing is crucial from the get-go. Even before your baby has teeth, you can gently brush her gums. Use water on a baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth.
"A lot of people think they don't have to brush baby teeth," says Beverly Largent, a Paducah, KY, dentist and past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "If there's just one tooth, you can use gauze."
When teeth appear, brush twice daily with an infant toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Start flossing when two teeth touch each other. Ask your dentist about techniques and schedules, Largent says.
Brush and floss just before bedtime. No food or drink, except water, until the next morning.
Your dentist can recommend when to start using mouthwash. "I advise parents to wait until the child can definitely spit the mouthwash out," says Mary Hayes, a pediatric dentist in Chicago. "Mouthwash is a rinse and not a beverage."Avoid 'Baby Bottle Decay'
Don't put your infant or older child down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula, or milk. Sugary liquids cling to baby's teeth, feeding bacteria that can trigger tooth decay. If you must give your child a bottle to take to bed, make sure it contains only water.Skip the Juice
Many parents think juice is a healthy daylong choice for a beverage, but that's not the case. It has been linked to childhood obesity and tooth decay.
Limit kids to no more than 4 ounces a day of 100% fruit juice, and restrict sugary drinks and foods to mealtimes. Use juice as a treat, Hayes says.Control the Sippy Cup
A sippy cup helps kids move from a bottle to a regular cup. Many kids keep the cup with them all day. "Prolonged use of a sippy cup," Largent says, "can cause decay on the back of the front teeth," if the beverages are sugary.Ditch the Binky by 2 or 3
Pacifiers used in the first year of life may actually help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a pacifier when putting your infant to sleep but not reinserting once baby drifts off. Long-term use can affect how the top and bottom teeth line up (the "bite") or can affect the shape of the mouth.
"Pacifiers are for infants, not for toddlers," Largent says. She discourages long-term use of even the "orthodontically correct" pacifiers and recommends stopping their use by age 2. Talk to your doctor if the habit continues beyond age 3
Neglecting baby teeth isn't the only misstep parents can make. Here's an 8-step game plan for good oral health.Start Early
Your child should see a dentist by his first birthday. Early preventive care saves money in the long run. A CDC report found that dental care costs were nearly 40% lower over a 5-year period for children who saw a dentist by age 5.Teach Good Habits
Brushing is crucial from the get-go. Even before your baby has teeth, you can gently brush her gums. Use water on a baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth.
"A lot of people think they don't have to brush baby teeth," says Beverly Largent, a Paducah, KY, dentist and past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "If there's just one tooth, you can use gauze."
When teeth appear, brush twice daily with an infant toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Start flossing when two teeth touch each other. Ask your dentist about techniques and schedules, Largent says.
Brush and floss just before bedtime. No food or drink, except water, until the next morning.
Your dentist can recommend when to start using mouthwash. "I advise parents to wait until the child can definitely spit the mouthwash out," says Mary Hayes, a pediatric dentist in Chicago. "Mouthwash is a rinse and not a beverage."Avoid 'Baby Bottle Decay'
Don't put your infant or older child down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula, or milk. Sugary liquids cling to baby's teeth, feeding bacteria that can trigger tooth decay. If you must give your child a bottle to take to bed, make sure it contains only water.Skip the Juice
Many parents think juice is a healthy daylong choice for a beverage, but that's not the case. It has been linked to childhood obesity and tooth decay.
Limit kids to no more than 4 ounces a day of 100% fruit juice, and restrict sugary drinks and foods to mealtimes. Use juice as a treat, Hayes says.Control the Sippy Cup
A sippy cup helps kids move from a bottle to a regular cup. Many kids keep the cup with them all day. "Prolonged use of a sippy cup," Largent says, "can cause decay on the back of the front teeth," if the beverages are sugary.Ditch the Binky by 2 or 3
Pacifiers used in the first year of life may actually help prevent sudden infant death syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a pacifier when putting your infant to sleep but not reinserting once baby drifts off. Long-term use can affect how the top and bottom teeth line up (the "bite") or can affect the shape of the mouth.
"Pacifiers are for infants, not for toddlers," Largent says. She discourages long-term use of even the "orthodontically correct" pacifiers and recommends stopping their use by age 2. Talk to your doctor if the habit continues beyond age 3
Get the Most Out of Your Dental Visit
Dental visits aren't just for cavities and teeth cleaning anymore. During a check-up, your dental hygienist and dentist assess the overall health of your mouth and gums. "A
dentist check-up is an essential part of preventive care," says Leslie
Seldin, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Here are five ways to get more out of your next visit to the dentist
Make a Checklist of Questions or Concerns 1
Be prepared with questions you'd like to ask your dentist or hygienist. Be sure to mention any of the following problems:
Bleeding when you brush. Bleeding is a common symptom of gum disease. The earlier the disease is caught, the easier it is to treat.
Pain or sensitivity. Tooth pain or unusual sensitivity when biting down or eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cracked teeth, broken fillings, or cavities.
Sores inside your mouth that don't heal normally. Sores that don't heal may be an early warning sign of oral cancer. Early detection is crucial to find oral cancer when it's more easily treated.
Problems with flossing or brushing. A jagged tooth or broken filling can make it difficult to floss. Arthritis or other medical conditions may make it hard to brush. Your dental team can help find the source of the problem and offer solutions.
Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. Many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth, especially at night. Over time, grinding and clenching can wear teeth down, damaging the enamel and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Talk to your dentist if you think you grind your teeth.
2 . Update Your Medical History
Make sure your dentist and dental hygienist know your complete medical history. Common conditions like diabetes can affect the health of your gums and teeth. Some medical problems can lead to dry mouth, which increases your risk of cavities. Alert your doctor to any changes in your health since your previous visit. The more your dentist knows about your overall health, the better able he or she will be to give you personalized care.3 . List All Medicines, Vitamins, and Supplements You Take
Certain prescription drugs for allergies, high blood pressure, or depression can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Some medications and dietary supplements can thin your blood, increasing the risk of bleeding when you have dental work done. It's very important for your dental team to know about all the pills you take, including supplements that you may not think of as serious medicine.4 . If Money Is Tight, Ask About Low-Cost Options
When household budgets are strained, some people put off dental visits. That can lead to problems that are far more expensive than preventive care. If you are having trouble paying for dental care, talk to your dentist about low-cost options or extended payment plans.5 . Find Out What You Can Do Better
The field of dental health is constantly changing. New products continue to come along that make oral hygiene easier and more effective. New research provides insights into the best ways to keep teeth and gums healthy. Ask your dentist about anything you should be doing to improve your oral health
Be prepared with questions you'd like to ask your dentist or hygienist. Be sure to mention any of the following problems:
Bleeding when you brush. Bleeding is a common symptom of gum disease. The earlier the disease is caught, the easier it is to treat.
Pain or sensitivity. Tooth pain or unusual sensitivity when biting down or eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cracked teeth, broken fillings, or cavities.
Sores inside your mouth that don't heal normally. Sores that don't heal may be an early warning sign of oral cancer. Early detection is crucial to find oral cancer when it's more easily treated.
Problems with flossing or brushing. A jagged tooth or broken filling can make it difficult to floss. Arthritis or other medical conditions may make it hard to brush. Your dental team can help find the source of the problem and offer solutions.
Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. Many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth, especially at night. Over time, grinding and clenching can wear teeth down, damaging the enamel and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Talk to your dentist if you think you grind your teeth.
2 . Update Your Medical History
Make sure your dentist and dental hygienist know your complete medical history. Common conditions like diabetes can affect the health of your gums and teeth. Some medical problems can lead to dry mouth, which increases your risk of cavities. Alert your doctor to any changes in your health since your previous visit. The more your dentist knows about your overall health, the better able he or she will be to give you personalized care.3 . List All Medicines, Vitamins, and Supplements You Take
Certain prescription drugs for allergies, high blood pressure, or depression can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Some medications and dietary supplements can thin your blood, increasing the risk of bleeding when you have dental work done. It's very important for your dental team to know about all the pills you take, including supplements that you may not think of as serious medicine.4 . If Money Is Tight, Ask About Low-Cost Options
When household budgets are strained, some people put off dental visits. That can lead to problems that are far more expensive than preventive care. If you are having trouble paying for dental care, talk to your dentist about low-cost options or extended payment plans.5 . Find Out What You Can Do Better
The field of dental health is constantly changing. New products continue to come along that make oral hygiene easier and more effective. New research provides insights into the best ways to keep teeth and gums healthy. Ask your dentist about anything you should be doing to improve your oral health
What You Can Do About Bad Breath
Who hasn't had a moment of less-than-lovely breath? Bad breath, or halitosis, can get in the way of your social life and make you self-conscious and embarrassed. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to get a fresh mouth
1 . Brush and floss more frequently.
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky buildup in your mouth that harbors bacteria. Food caught between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're concerned about your breath, brush and floss a little more often. But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can wear down enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.2 . Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can host foul-smelling bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. If it's too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a tongue scraper. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can't remove," says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of the American Dental Hygienists 'Association.3 . Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. Unfortunately, brushing after you eat them doesn't help. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out," says dentist Richard Price, a spokesman for the American Dental Association. The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them, especially before social or work occasions when you're mindful of your breath.4 . Kick the habit.
Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also makes you more likely to get oral cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.5 . Rinse your mouth out.
Besides freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, swishing your mouth with plain water also helps your breath by eliminating food particles.6 . Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. "Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth's natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath," Quinones says.7 . Keep your gums healthy.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, creating bad odors. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a periodontist, who specializes in treating this condition.8 . Moisten your mouth.
Lack of saliva promotes tooth decay and can cause bad breath. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy. Use a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house. If nothing helps, talk to your dentist or even your doctor. Some medications can cause cotton mouth.9 . See your doctor.
If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, see your doctor, who will check on whether it might be related to a medical condition
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky buildup in your mouth that harbors bacteria. Food caught between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're concerned about your breath, brush and floss a little more often. But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can wear down enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.2 . Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can host foul-smelling bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. If it's too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a tongue scraper. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can't remove," says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of the American Dental Hygienists 'Association.3 . Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. Unfortunately, brushing after you eat them doesn't help. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out," says dentist Richard Price, a spokesman for the American Dental Association. The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them, especially before social or work occasions when you're mindful of your breath.4 . Kick the habit.
Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also makes you more likely to get oral cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.5 . Rinse your mouth out.
Besides freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, swishing your mouth with plain water also helps your breath by eliminating food particles.6 . Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. "Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth's natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath," Quinones says.7 . Keep your gums healthy.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, creating bad odors. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a periodontist, who specializes in treating this condition.8 . Moisten your mouth.
Lack of saliva promotes tooth decay and can cause bad breath. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy. Use a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house. If nothing helps, talk to your dentist or even your doctor. Some medications can cause cotton mouth.9 . See your doctor.
If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, see your doctor, who will check on whether it might be related to a medical condition
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