What is this 'plaque' on teeth? How does it form?
Simply put, this `plaque` is a sticky, colorless film that sticks to the surface of our teeth. It contains `bacteria`. After we eat food, especially something sweet, these `bacteria` get to work. What they do is digest the sugars we eat and create `acids`. That `acid` is what gradually dissolves the protective covering on the top of our teeth, that is, `enamel`. That is when cavities form in our teeth, which we call `tooth decay.` This `plaque` not only causes tooth decay, but also something else. That is the development of a gum disease called `gingivitis`. Then the gums become red, swollen, and sometimes start bleeding when you brush your teeth. Has that happened to you too? So that's what it means to say that the work on the 'Plaque' has begun.So how do you remove this 'plaque'?
To avoid tooth decay, you need to remove this `plaque`. The two main things to do are brushing your teeth and flossing. Brushing your teeth: You should brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. This not only removes `plaque`, but it also stimulates the gums and helps them stay healthy. Flossing: You should floss at least once a day. We will talk about this in more detail in a bit. These two things are the most important things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use toothpaste with `fluoride`: It is very important to use a toothpaste that contains `fluoride` to prevent tooth decay. When you buy toothpaste, don't forget to check if it contains `fluoride`. Tartar: If `plaque` is left on the teeth for too long, it hardens and forms a hard substance. That's why it's called ` tartar`. This is harder to remove than `plaque` and is more damaging to the teeth. By using `anti-tartar` toothpastes and mouthwashes that reduce `tartar`, and by brushing the teeth near our salivary glands (specifically, the inner side of the lower teeth and the outer side of the upper teeth) a little more often, you can control the formation of new `tartar`. What can you do about the problem of tooth numbness?Some people have sensitive teeth (`sensitive teeth`) that become numb when they put something hot or cold in their mouth, or when they put a little pressure on a tooth. If that's the case for you, there are toothpastes specifically made for that (`toothpaste for sensitive teeth`).But, this is very important: You should first see your dentist and tell him about this. Because this numbness could be due to a tooth worm or a nerve problem. Otherwise, it is not a good idea to self-medicate.
What is the best way to brush your teeth?
Dentists say you should brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Okay, let's see how exactly to brush your teeth:- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush slowly, using short strokes about the width of one tooth.
- Remember this: Don't brush your teeth too vigorously. Brushing too vigorously can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and eventually loosening of your teeth. It's not good to brush your teeth too vigorously, like sweeping the floor.
- We need to brush the outside and inside of our teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. Don't forget to clean the little pits and crevices between our teeth, they need to be cleaned too.
- You can also gently clean your tongue.
- To get used to brushing for exactly two or three minutes, use a timer to see how long you can do it, or listen to your favorite music while brushing your teeth. That way, you won't even notice the time passing. Some electronic toothbrushes have a timer that will alert you when two minutes have passed.
Is flossing really necessary?
"Absolutely yes!" Many people think that brushing their teeth is enough. But that's not the truth. While brushing your teeth is very important, it doesn't remove the small pieces of plaque that are between the teeth, at the gumline. Flossing is important to clean those gaps. You should floss at least once a day. When flossing, be careful not to injure your gums. Try this:- Take a piece of floss and carefully place it between two teeth, moving it slowly back and forth.
- Slowly move the floss up to the gumline, but do not press it down hard.
- Then, wrap the floss around each tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and gently rub it up and down along the sides of each tooth.
- Do this between each tooth. It may feel a little difficult at first, but once you get used to it, it's very easy.
Can I whiten my teeth? How do I do it? (Teeth Whitening)
This is also a question that many people ask these days. There are some toothpastes that claim to `whiten teeth`. If those toothpastes contain `fluoride` and also have ingredients that work against `plaque` and `tartar`, there is nothing wrong with using them. If such a product has the `American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance`, it means that they have found that it works well and is safe to use. However, to be honest, most young people do not really need to whiten their teeth. Because teeth usually start to turn yellow as they age. But nowadays, young people are very interested in this.If you think your teeth are not white enough, you should definitely talk to a dentist before using over-the-counter whitening products. Some of them can be harsh on your gums and cause tooth sensitivity. Your doctor can also recommend a professional treatment that is more suitable for you and will give you better results than over-the-counter whitening products.
Do the things we eat and drink affect our teeth?
"Oh, yes! It really does!" You probably already know that sugar is a major cause of tooth decay. But it's not just the amount of sugar you eat, but also when and how you eat it. Think about it, if you eat sugary foods and drinks throughout the day, you're constantly feeding the bacteria in your mouth. The more food the bacteria get, the more likely they are to eat it. Sugary foods like gum, cough drops, and breath mints are especially bad because they dissolve in your mouth. Therefore, it's best to avoid eating sugary foods between meals. Sweet, starchy foods eaten with a meal are less damaging to your teeth than those eaten alone. The reason for this is that when we eat, we produce more saliva in our mouths, which washes away sugar and bacteria. Eating sweets before going to bed at night is the worst (especially if you don't brush your teeth afterwards). This is because saliva is produced much less when we are sleeping. So it's hard for everyone to completely stop eating sweets. So keep these things in mind:- Eat as many carbohydrates as possible - that is, sugars and starches - with meals.
- If you can't brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Or chew sugarless gum.
- Do not eat sweets during meals.
- If you eat something as a snack, cheese, popcorn, raw vegetables ,Eat something low in sugar, like yogurt .
When should you see a dentist?
Most people only go to the doctor when they are sick. But if you go to the dentist, you should go at least once every six months, and the main reason is for prevention. The goal is to detect and prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems that can threaten the health of your teeth and mouth. Your first visit will usually go like this: This may consist of three parts: 1. Dental and medical history: The doctor or dental hygienist will ask you about your dental care habits and any previous dental records. 2. Dental exam: Your teeth, gums, and other mouth tissues will be examined. 3. Professional cleaning: Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. What the doctor will look at: Your doctor will examine not only your teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth, but also the joints of your jaws. He or she will use a small mirror and a probe to look at the crown of each tooth, to see if there is plaque, loose teeth, or decay. He or she will also look at the way your teeth fit together, called your occlusion. Your gums should normally be firm and pink. They should not be soft, swollen, or red. The doctor (or an assistant) will use the probe to look at the depth of the sulcus. A sulcus is a small gap where the tooth meets the gum. If these gaps are deep, they are called `pockets` and can be a sign of gum disease. Sometimes the doctor may also take `X-rays` to see if the teeth are decayed, have `abscesses` - swollen areas of pus - or a problem with `wisdom teeth`. Teeth cleaning:A dental hygienist, who is specially trained and licensed to do this, will usually clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. After cleaning, the hygienist will polish your teeth. This will clean and smooth the surface of your teeth, remove stains, and reduce the risk of plaque re-adhering. Finally, your dentist may apply a fluoride or sealant to your teeth to prevent cavities. Your dentist may also recommend fillings for cavities. If you have braces or other problems, he or she may refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in orthodontics. In addition to going every six months, if you notice any pain in your teeth, gums, jaw, or anything else unusual , see a dentist immediately.So, here are the most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, we've talked about a lot now. In short, these are the best things you can do to keep your teeth healthy:- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste .
- Floss at least once a day. Cleanliness between the teeth is very important.
- Reduce sugary foods and drinks as much as possible, especially during meals.
- See a dentist every six months. Don't wait until there's a problem.
- If you feel anything unusual or painful in your teeth or gums, see a doctor immediately.
These little things will definitely help you maintain your beautiful smile and healthy teeth. Don't worry, if you do these things correctly, you can maintain healthy oral health ! You're in luck!
Dental health, brushing, flossing, tooth decay, gum disease, plaque, dentist, fluoride, tartar, teeth whitening, dental care, oral health
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