Dental Health
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People used to think that as you got
older you naturally lost your teeth. We
now know that’s not true. By following
easy steps for keeping your teeth and
gums –healthy plus seeing your dentist
regularly—you can have your teeth for a
lifetime!
Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth
and stick to the teeth.
- Some types of plaque cause tooth decay.
- Other types of plaque cause gum disease.
Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease. If gum disease
is not treated, the tissues holding the teeth in place are destroyed and the
teeth are eventually lost.
Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it’s stained, You can stain
plaque by chewing red “disclosing tablets,” found at grocery stores
and drug stores, or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring on
your teeth. The red or green color left on the teeth will show you where there
is still plaque—and where you have to brush again to remove it. Stain
and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing all plaque.
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if your plaque removal techniques are o.k.
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Use floss to remove germs and food particles between
teeth. Rinse.
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Holding floss. |
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Using floss between upper teeth. |
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Using floss between lower teeth. |
NOTE! Ease the floss into place gently. Do not snap it into place—this
could harm your gums.
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Use any tooth brushing method that is comfortable, but do not scrub
hard back and forth. Small
circular motions and short back and forth motions work well. Rinse.
To prevent decay, it’s what’s on the toothbrush that counts. Use
fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is
what protects teeth from decay.
Brush the tongue for a fresh feeling! Rinse again.
Remember: Food residues, especially sweets, provide nutrients for the germs
that cause tooth
decay, as well as those that cause gum disease. That’s why it is important
to remove all food
residues, as well as plaque, from teeth. Remove plaque at least once a day—twice
a day is
better. If you brush and floss once daily, do it before going to bed.
Another way of removing plaque between teeth is to use a
dental pick—a thin plastic or wooden stick. These picks can be purchased
at drug stores and grocery stores.
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