Oral Health Info
Caring for your smile
Good oral health starts with knowledge. Here are some important topics to help you take better care of your teeth and gums.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.
Symptoms
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this occurs, a toothache is the most common symptom.
Treatment
Treatment depends on severity. You may be able to reverse slight tooth decay by using fluoride. For cavities caused by mild decay, your dentist will use dental fillings. More severe decay may require a root canal and a crown. In hopeless cases, the tooth may need to be removed.
What is TMJ Disorder?
A group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw area (the Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ) and nearby muscles.
Symptoms
- Face pain in jaw area, ear and nearby areas
- Inability to open mouth comfortably
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in jaw area
- Headaches, shoulder and back pain
- Swelling in the side of face
- Ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness
Treatments
According to the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, TMJ treatments should be reversible when possible:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
- Gentle jaw stretching and relaxation exercises
- Stabilization splint (bite plate / night guard)
How Should I Care for My Teeth and Gums?
There are four basic steps to caring for teeth and gums:
1. Brushing
Brush at least twice or three times a day. Brushing removes plaque, a film of bacteria that sticks to teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles.
- Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush
- Place at a 45-degree angle to the gum line
- Use a small circular motion, one tooth at a time
- Brush chewing and inner surfaces of teeth
- Gently brush your tongue from back to front
- Brush for two to three minutes, then rinse
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
2. Flossing
Floss once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Remove about an 18-inch strip of floss
- Wind around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a 1-inch section open
- Floss upper teeth first, then lower
- Gently push between the teeth and move up and down against the tooth and around the gum line
3. Eating Right
Eat fewer foods that contain sugars and starches. These foods produce the most acids in the mouth and the longer they stay, the more they can damage teeth. Avoid snacking on:
- Candies, cookies, cakes and pie
- Sugary gum
- Crackers, breadsticks and chips
- Dried fruits and raisins
4. Dental Check-Ups
Visit your dentist at least once every six months. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
When should my child start seeing a dentist?
By the time your child is 6 months of age or before their 1st birthday. After the first visit, schedule regular visits every 6 months. Experts recommend that dental care start at 12 months of age.
Have questions about your oral health?
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