Dental Care – Adolescence

Tooth decay and gum infection are caused by plaque, a sticky mixture of bacteria and food. Plaque starts to build-up on teeth within a few minutes after eating. If teeth are not cleaned each day properly, plaque will cause tooth decay or gum disease. If you do not remove plaque completely, it changes to a hard deposit called calculus (tartar).

Bacteria and the toxins they make cause the gums to become:

• Infected
• Swollen
• Tender

By maintaining your teeth and gums, you can assist prevent issues such as tooth decay (caries) and gum infection (gingivitis or periodontitis). It is important to teach your children how to brush and floss from an early age to enable them to protect their teeth.

Plaque and tartar lead to several problems:

• Cavities are holes that spoil the structure of teeth.
• Gingivitis is red, inflamed, and bleeding gums,
• Periodontitis is the disease of ligaments and bones that sustain the teeth, often leading to tooth loss.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Abscesses, pain, inability to use your teeth.
• Other health problems outside the mouth range from preterm labour to heart disease.

Information

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH

Healthy teeth have no cavities. Healthy gums are pink and flat and do not bleed. To sustain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps:

• Floss at least once per day. It is most helpful to floss after brushing. Flossing vacates plaque left-back after brushing from between the teeth and on the gums.
• Brush your teeth twice a daytime with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least 3 minutes per time.
• Use fluoride toothpaste—the fluoride assists in strengthening tooth enamel and supports controlling tooth decay.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if required. A worn-out toothbrush will not clean your teeth properly and might damage your gum. If you utilize an electric toothbrush, replace the heads every 3 to 4 months.
• Eat a nutritious diet. You are less likely to acquire gum disease if you eat healthy foods.
• Ingesting and consuming a lot of sweets increases your chance of cavities. If you do eat or drink sweets, brush your teeth shortly after.
• Do not smoke. Smokers have more teeth and gum issues than non-smokers.
• Keep dentures, retainerand other appliances clean. It includes brushing them regularly. You may also require to wash them in a special solution.
• Schedule frequent check-ups with your dentist. Many dentists recommend professionally cleansing the teeth every 3-4 months for preventing of gum diseases and for optimal oral health.

A professional teeth cleaning removes calculus and plaque that forms regularly, even with good brushing and flossing.

It cleans the areas that are hard to reach by yourself. Professional cleaning contains scaling and polishing. This method uses instruments to loosen and remove tartar/ deposits from the teeth.

Routine exams usually include some dental x-rays. Your dentist can catch problems early, before it becomes more severe and expensive to fix.

Ask your dentist:

• What kind of toothbrush should you use and how to brush/floss your teeth? Overly vigorous or improper flossing may harm the gums.
• Whether you need any medication or mouth rinse to improve your condition?

WHEN TO CALL THE DENTIST

Call your dentist if you have signs of a cavity that contains:

• Pain/discomfort of the tooth that happens for no reason
• Sensitiveness to sweets, hot or cold.

Get early therapy for gum disease. Call your dentist if you have signs of gum disease that include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding by flossing
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Drifting teeth