happy teeth Dental Health Guide

Transcription

1 happy teeth Dental Health Guide

2 Poor oral hygiene can lead to health problems such as cavities, ulcers, and infections and even aggravate other existing health conditions. That s why it s important to take good care of your teeth throughout all stages of life.

3 Contents Oral Hygiene Preventing Dental Erosion...6 Brush, Brush, and Brush Some More!!...7 Choosing a Toothbrush...8 Four Steps to a Healthy Smile Dental Floss Toothpaste Take Care of Your Gums Teeth Sensitive? Mouthwash: An Important Aid Want White Teeth and a Dazzling Smile? It s Important to Set a Good Example Kids and Dental Floss Oral Piercings Tooth Development and Orthodontics Dental Care for Seniors Dentures Implants Dry Mouth About Mouth Cancer... 28

4 4 Oral Hygiene 101

5 Floss daily. Brush your teeth and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal or at least twice a day (in the morning and at night). See your dentist regularly. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Examine your mouth regularly, checking the palate, inner lips and cheeks, tongue, and under the tongue. Don t smoke. For most people, a check-up every six months is enough. However, your health professional may recommend more frequent visits depending on your individual needs. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth or by age one. Dental Health Guide 5

6 Preventing Dental Erosion The acids in some foods and beverages can harm your dental health. They weaken tooth enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to wear and sensitive to cold and heat an effect known as dental erosion. EXAMPLES OF ACIDIC FOODS AND BEVERAGES: Soft drinks Energy and sports drinks Fruit and vegetable juices Beer, cider, and wine Acidic fruits and vegetables (e.g., lemons, oranges, rhubarb) Acidic candies Tips for limiting dental erosion when consuming acidic foods: Rinse your mouth with water after eating acidic foods. Don t let acidic foods linger too long in your mouth. Use a straw to keep acidic drinks from coming into contact with teeth. Reduce acidity with neutralizing food or drinks such as cheese and milk. 6

7 Did you know that saliva helps protect tooth enamel against acidity? Avoid brushing teeth immediately after eating acidic foods so your saliva has time to neutralize the attack. Eat acidic foods at the end of a meal, when your mouth contains the most saliva. Eating fruit produces more saliva than drinking juice, so it s more tooth-friendly to eat an orange than to drink its juice. Brush, Brush, and Brush Some More! A worthwhile habit Brushing removes food particles and bacteria from tooth surfaces. It s best to brush your teeth for two to three minutes after every meal. If you can t always find time, brush at least once in the morning after breakfast and once at night before bed. And don t forget to brush your tongue to get rid of even more bacteria. The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, so it needs to be cleaned to banish bad breath. Bad breath (halitosis) can also originate from the throat or stomach. If you must constantly chew gum despite your good oral hygiene, you should have your mouth examined by your dentist. Dental Health Guide 7

8 Choosing a Toothbrush Go easy on your teeth! Choosing the right toothbrush can make the difference between a pleasant brushing experience and brushing being just another chore. The brush should be big enough and properly shaped to easily reach the front and back of each tooth, including molars. Choose a brush with soft, rounded bristles and avoid hard bristles, since they can damage your gums. Medium-bristled brushes should be used only on a dentist s recommendation. Your brushing technique is just as important as your choice of toothbrush and the amount of time you spend brushing. Your dental professional can show you the right technique for you, but here are the main points to remember: Use approximately 1 cm of toothpaste. Place your toothbrush at the base of the tooth at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush upwards from the gum using gentle strokes. Brush your tongue. Rinse the brush and let it dry. 8

9 Remember! Worn or frayed bristles are not as effective and can actually harm your gums. That s why you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months and after a cold or flu. Regular or electric? For most people, a regular toothbrush is fine, but depending on the anatomy of your mouth and the health of your gums, your dental care professional may recommend a specific type of brush. You should always follow their instructions. If you have reduced manual dexterity or tend to brush your teeth too vigorously, an electric toothbrush may make brushing easier. Its shape, which is usually rounded, is similar to the equipment used at the dentist s office, and its fun factor makes brushing time more appealing to kids and teens. When purchasing an electric toothbrush, look for one with a round head and soft bristles. And be careful not to apply too much pressure the bristles should move on their own. Dental Health Guide 9

10 Four Steps to a Healthy Smile Use a length of dental floss equivalent to the distance between your hand and shoulder. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers and hold it between the thumb and index finger of each hand. Slip the floss between your teeth and curve it around the base of your tooth to form a C shape. Gently slide the floss up and down from the edge of your gums 2 to 3 times. Clean both sides of each tooth thoroughly by manipulating the floss to reach the front and back of your teeth, including your molars. Brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes using a rolling motion beginning at the gum line. Use toothpaste and don t forget to brush your tongue, too! Source: Canadian Dental Association

11 Dental Floss Which is best? Some people will need to try several kinds of floss before finding the right one for them. If your teeth are tightly spaced, give waxed floss a try. Mint and cinnamon flavored flosses can make the job more pleasant. Types of Floss Waxed floss: slips easily between teeth without shredding or breaking. Extra-fine floss: best for tightly spaced teeth. Unwaxed floss: for people with no special needs. Dental tape: covers a wider surface. There are a variety of tools available to make flossing easier. You can purchase single-use, reusable, and even electric flossers. Flossing daily in addition to brushing helps get teeth squeaky clean and prevents cavities and gum disease. It also helps remove dental plaque that can harden and turn into tartar, which causes some types of gum disease. If you don t floss your teeth, you are leaving out 1/3 of each tooth s surface. Dental Health Guide 11

12 Toothpaste There are all sorts of toothpastes available on the market, including pastes, gels, and even paste/gel combinations. Not only does toothpaste help your toothbrush do its job, it has cosmetic, preventive, and therapeutic benefits, too. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which makes teeth more resistant to acids and helps remineralize tooth enamel. They also keep dental plaque causing bacteria at bay. When shopping for toothpaste, choose one with fluoride that has been approved by the Canadian Dental Association. Adults and teens should use about one centimeter (1/2 inch) of toothpaste per brushing. Toothpaste should not be swallowed, and it s important to rinse your mouth after brushing. Some toothpastes, such as whitening pastes, should only be used by people age 12 and older (see the manufacturer s note on the package). Children s toothpastes often have fruity, rather than refreshing, flavors. Certain ingredients in toothpaste help prevent tartar buildup (e.g., zinc chloride, zinc citrate, soluble pyrophosphate). However, they cannot remove preexisting tartar or tartar that lies between teeth or below the gum line. Some toothpastes also contain baking soda, and should be avoided if you are following a low sodium diet. La dent hypersensible? 12

13 Take Care of Your Gums Your gum health is just as important as your tooth health. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, and bad breath. It s usually caused by tartar and plaque buildup. Tartar is a hard deposit that forms from minerals in the saliva. Although good oral hygiene helps prevent tartar from accumulating, it can hide between the teeth and even under the gums. Tartar buildup combined with other factors such as smoking and diabetes can cause periodontitis, a disease of the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Symptoms include reduced bone support, which sometimes causes the teeth to loosen and become less stable. Periodontal disease is insidious it develops very slowly and may often go unnoticed. It can ultimately lead to aesthetic problems and tooth movement and loss. Like cavities, gum disease can be prevented by using dental floss, brushing properly at least twice a day, and adopting healthy eating habits. Dental Health Guide 13

14 Teeth Sensitive? If you experience tooth pain while eating or drinking, or if your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, you should talk to your dentist. If your dentist determines that your discomfort is due to sensitive teeth, he or she may recommend using desensitizing toothpaste. A wide range of toothpastes are formulated to reduce sensitivity. Some products can be applied directly on sensitive spots. Others are only available from the dentist, either to be applied in the dentist s office or for daily use at home. If tooth sensitivity persists, your dentist can help you find other solutions. If your dentist recommends using desensitizing toothpaste, apply one inch of toothpaste per brushing and brush twice daily for one minute. Unlike with regular toothpaste, you should not rinse your mouth after brushing. It may take a few days or even a week before you notice a difference. 14

15 Mouthwash: An Important Aid Most stores carry a wide selection of mouthwashes. Good quality mouthwashes that are approved by the Canadian Dental Association complement your regular flossing by fighting plaque and gingivitis. Rinsing with 20 ml of undiluted mouthwash for 30 seconds twice a day helps kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Mouthwashes with fluoride help prevent cavities and preserve tooth enamel. They should only be used on the advice of your dental professional. Mouthwashes that contain zinc chloride help slow tartar buildup. Others, which have a less pronounced taste, are great for killing the germs that cause bad breath. Whatever your needs, it s always a good idea to choose a mouthwash that s low in alcohol. Remember that only both brushing and flossing can remove the plaque that causes cavities and gum disease, and the use of mouthwash alone is not effective. Traveling by plane? Only containers of 100 ml or 100 g or less are permitted in your carry-on baggage. Though most standard toothpaste and mouthwash containers exceed these limits, many products also come in travel sizes. Don t forget to pack these items in a resealable plastic bag with a 1 L maximum capacity (6 x 9 ). Since you ll be asked to present your bag and its contents at the airport, be sure to keep it close at hand! Dental Health Guide 15

16 Want White Teeth and a Dazzling Smile? Did you know that teeth aren t naturally white? They are actually a shade of yellow or grey. A tooth s color depends on the thickness of the enamel that surrounds it. With age the enamel tends to thin, causing teeth to change color. Makeup and skin color can also affect how white teeth appear to be. Whitening toothpastes These toothpastes contain abrasives that remove stains from the surface of your teeth. They do not actually bleach teeth. 16

17 Whitening kits Whitening kits contain ingredients that stay on the teeth for a longer period of time and that have a bleaching effect. These products are available in a variety of forms, and may be applied with a brush, stick-on strips, and pre-filled whitening trays. The products contained in these kits tend to be weaker than those used by your dentist. However, they can still cause tooth sensitivity. In most cases this sensitivity fades quickly but, should you experience any discomfort, it s best to stop treatment for a few days and see your dentist. Whitening products must be used in moderation. The results vary from one person to another. Some stains can even become more noticeable after the treatment. Whitening products are not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Tips for white teeth Avoid beverages likely to stain your teeth such as tea, coffee, colas, and red wine, and don t smoke. Dental Health Guide 17

18 DENTAL CARE FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE! It s Important to Set a Good Example Even before cutting their first tooth, babies still require oral care. For young babies, place them in a comfortable position that lets you see inside their mouth. Using a damp cloth or baby brush, gently rub your baby s gums and any teeth that have come in. You won t need to use toothpaste until your baby actually has teeth. It s best to encourage children to brush their teeth from a young age, as children over age six tend to have a hard time adapting to this new routine. Small child = small toothbrush! Brushes with soft, rounded bristles are best for children. Some manufacturers even make different brush sizes that are appropriate for your child s age. Because kids can be hard on toothbrushes, you may need to replace them more often than every 3 to 4 months. Brushes with worn or frayed bristles should be replaced immediately because they may damage a child s teeth and gums. 18

19 Toothpaste for Kids Always use toothpaste approved by the Canadian Dental Association and teach your child not to swallow it. Many toothpastes come in fun flavors, with TV or movie character decals, or in tubes that play music or are covered in sparkles choose whatever makes brushing time fun for your child. Children age three and under should have their teeth brushed by an adult. When brushing their teeth, use a dab of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Children ages three to six should brush their teeth under adult supervision using a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste. Don t forget to rinse! What about pacifiers? It s normal for babies to use a pacifier, but they should no longer want one by age two or three. It s easier to get children age two or three to stop using a pacifier than it is to get them to stop sucking their thumb. If the habit persists for more than five or six years, there is a real risk of developing lasting dental and skeletal damage. Dental Health Guide 19

20 Kids and Dental Floss Children should floss daily, either alone or with help from an adult. For smaller children, a Y-shaped flosser may be best. Just like with toothpaste, there are many types of floss made especially for kids that feature fun colors or pictures of their favorite TV or movie characters. Some flosses even come in kid-approved flavors. Children s diets and their teeth Try not to put your baby or small child to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as these drinks contain sugars that can cause cavities. Choose snacks for school-age children carefully, since kids don t usually brush their teeth after eating. Healthy, low sugar snacks like cheese, nuts, and fresh vegetables are a tooth-friendly choice. 20

21 Oral Piercings The mouth is full of bacteria that can enter oral piercing sites and damage nerves and blood vessels. You may want to think twice about getting an oral piercing, since the consequences can be severe. The jewelry worn in oral piercings can also cause problems. Complications linked to oral piercings include broken teeth, premature tooth wear, receding gums due to friction from jewelry, and numbness from nerve damage. Lip piercings can cause permanent gum damage from the fastener rubbing against the inside of the mouth. Dental Health Guide 21

22 Tooth Development and Orthodontics Did you know? The 20 baby teeth have usually all come in by age two or three. It s not a good idea to give your baby teething biscuits to soothe its sore gums. Instead, rub the gums and apply a cold teething ring or cloth. Avoid hard objects that might break teeth. If discomfort persists, your health professional may recommend a teething medication. Teething does not cause sickness or fever, so if your baby has a high or prolonged fever, do not disregard it talk to your health professional. It s normal and even desirable for spaces to form between baby teeth, in order to leave more room for adult teeth. Between age five and seven, the baby teeth will fall out and the first adult teeth will appear. During these years, your dentist will be able to tell you whether to expect the teeth to come in properly. In some cases, it may be possible to prevent or lessen a teeth-positioning problem by treating it before adolescence. The first permanent molars appear in the back of the mouth and do not replace baby teeth. 22

23 Adult teeth are normally darker than baby teeth, and they do not settle into their final position until the mid-teens. Wisdom teeth (third molars) are not fully formed until between the ages of 20 and 25. They often do not have enough room to grow in normally, so the dentist may want to check their position well before the age of 20. What about chewing gum? Remember that xylitol is the only natural sugar substitute that cannot be digested by mouth bacteria, which means it does not cause cavities. It tastes as sweet as sucrose but has fewer calories and leaves the mouth feeling refreshed. It is used in some chewing gum. People who chew gum too often can develop jaw joint problems. Denture wearers should avoid gum because it leaves sticky deposits behind. Dental Health Guide 23

24 Dental Care for Seniors Teeth for life Due to motor skill loss, fatigue, or forgetfulness, seniors may have trouble maintaining good oral hygiene. However, because of their more exposed roots, loss of saliva (often caused by medication) and sometimes unhealthy diet, they are more susceptible to cavities. In addition, getting to the dentist is often complicated, so early screening and subsequent treatment is often not possible. That s why it s important to make sure as often as possible that your senior family members get the help they need to maintain their oral hygiene. 24

25 Dentures It s just as important to take care of dentures as it is natural teeth. Some dentures are permanent and cannot be removed, while others are removable and can be taken out for cleaning. Dentures must be cleaned every day because, just like natural teeth, they are prone to plaque and tartar buildup. The teeth and gums should be cleaned using a soft-bristled brush, ideally without toothpaste because it is abrasive on dentures. Removable dentures should be soaked overnight in a special solution. By taking them out and letting them soak at night, you will prevent irritation and reduce the risk of cavities in the remaining teeth. A warm half-water/half-vinegar solution may also do the trick. Some dentures should only be soaked in warm water, so check with your dental professional to be sure. Denture wearers and even those with no teeth must get an occasional check-up to ensure that their gums, tongue, and mucous membranes are in good health. Your dentist can also tell you if your dentures are still a good fit your gums and supporting bone can change over time. Denture adhesives can help keep your dentures in place. You should not use large quantites of these products continuously because of the risk of ingestion. If your dentures move or fall, it may be a sign they should be changed as they no longer fit your mouth. Poorly fitted dentures can also cause dental injuries and other oral health problems. Dental Health Guide 25

26 Implants You should care for an implant just as you would a natural tooth. Be careful not to brush or floss too vigorously, or you may damage the implant they are more fragile than natural teeth. Water flossers can be very useful for cleaning around dental implants. Special dental floss with stiff ends can also be used. Like teeth, dental implants must also be regularly cleaned by a dental professional. If you find it difficult to care for your teeth or implant, you may require (and appreciate) some assistance. 26

27 Dry Mouth Many factors can lead to a chronic dry mouth. It is a common side effect of many drugs. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional to identify the cause. Reduced saliva can result in more cavities, gum problems, bad breath, difficulty eating and swallowing, a change in the sense of taste, discomfort when speaking, and loose dentures. Special mouthwashes, toothpaste, and sprays can provide temporary relief. Chewing sugar-free gum may stimulate saliva production in some cases. Some prescription drugs may also be a good solution. Although not a saliva-related problem, your lips can get dry and crack when exposed to cold, wind, and sun. It s important to protect not only your skin but also your lips with sunscreen. Dental Health Guide 27

28 About Mouth Cancer Did you know? Early detection of mouth cancer greatly increases treatment success. Mouth cancer is more common in men than women and it appears generally after 40. Smoking, alcohol abuse, and HPV infection increase the risk. You should check your mouth every day for any of the following symptoms: Change of color inside the cheeks and/or on the tongue (red or white) Persistent ulcer Injury that does not heal Change in texture Lump During your dental exam, your dentist will look for any signs of oral cancer. 28

29 Dentist s appointments

30 notes

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32 Only pharmacists are responsible for pharmacy practice. They provide related services only on behalf of a pharmacist/owner and use various tools such as the PSST! (Plan to Stay in Shape Today) program tools. Printed in Québec October 2014/016991