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Resources
Today's Dental Definition |
Here is a variety of dental care information that you might find useful. However, you should seek the advice of a dental professional regarding your particular situation. The information provided here is not designed to replace the relationship that exists between and your dental professional.
When you eat, bits of food, some too small for you to see, remain in your mouth. They feed bacteria that grow in a sticky film on your teeth. This film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing your teeth after meals and snacks not only gets rid of food particles, it removes plaque from your teeth. Using a fluoride toothpaste is important because the fluoride can help kill bacteria, as well as make your teeth stronger.
Ask your dentist to recommend the best toothbrush for you. Generally, a brush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles is less likely to injure gum tissue. The size and shape of the brush should allow you to reach every tooth. Children may need smaller brushes than those designed for adults. Remember: worn-out toothbrushes cannot properly clean your teeth and may injure your gums. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months.
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can not reach. Because tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas, it is important to clean them thoroughly on a daily basis.
Flossing is a skill that needs to be learned. Do not be discouraged if you find it difficult at first. With practice, you will find that flossing takes only a few minutes of your time each day.
If used as directed, in addition to brushing and flossing, mouthrinses and mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay.
If possible, you should visit your dentist every six months for a preventive check and cleaning. Infants should see a dentist at about 12 months of age.
Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked out, forced out of position (extruded) or broken (fractured). Sometimes lips, gums or cheeks have cuts. Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
When a tooth is knocked out you should:
If the tooth is pushed out of place (inward or outward), it should be repositioned to its normal alignment with very light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into the socket. Hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue or gauze. Again, it is vital that the injured individual be seen by a dentist within 30 minutes.
How a fractured tooth is treated will depend on how badly it is broken. Regardless of the damage, treatment should always be determined by a dentist.
Minor Fracture -- Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist with a sandpaper disc or simply left alone. Another option is to restore the tooth with a composite restoration. In either case, you should treat the tooth with care for several days.
Moderate Fracture -- Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin, and/or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, the tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown. If pulpal damage does occur further dental treatment will be required.
Severe Fracture -- Severe fractures often mean a traumatized tooth with a slim chance of recovery.
Injuries to the inside of the mouth include tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. The wound should be cleaned right away and the injured person taken to the emergency room for the necessary suturing and wound repair.
Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound area.
| Reference | |
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What to do for toothaches, broken tooth, broken braces and more. (MyPediatricDentist.com) |
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A comprehensive A-to-Z listing of information and resources about various issues related to you and your family's oral health care. (Dental Review Online) |
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A comprehensive A-to-Z listing of information and resources about various issues related to you and your family's oral health care. (American Dental Association) |
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Brochure-quality pages on a variety of dental care topics: Baby's First Teeth, Dental Emergency Procedures, Oral Piercing & Health, and much more. (American Dental Association) |
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In case of a dental emergency, knowing what to look for when seeking dental care in a foreign country can help a traveler avoid unnecessary risks. (Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures) |
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OnlineHealthResources.com a comprehensive directory of health related websites. |
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| On-line Tools | |
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Get answers to your questions on general dental care as well as a variety of specialties from Dentistry.com's team of consultants. Consultants respond via personal e-mail. (Dentistry.com) |
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Is your dentist safe? Has he or she made improper sexual contact with patients? Find your dentists credentials and see if he has been disciplined by your state licensing board. (4dds.org) |
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| Parents' Resources | |
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A parent's guide to healthy smiles. The Dental Zone provides you with complete information to protect your children's teeth and ensure that their smiles last a lifetime. (Dental Zone) |
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Have a question about child dental care. Find your answer here.(Dental Zone) |
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Print this free calendar to help your child develop good brushing and flossing habits by keeping track every day. (The Twooth Timer Company) |
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| Kid Stuff | |
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Here you'll find interactive games, information sheets, and answers to many questions you might have about your oral health. (American Dental Association) |
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A world of fun and games! Color the animals, create funny faces, track your brushing, learn how to floss, score at pinball and much more! (Colgate) |
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