Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone
Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth.
Regular Toothbrushing
Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total that is designed to keep your mouth clean and to fight germs.
Bacteria can flourish on your toothbrush as well. Change your toothbrush when it begins to look worn, according to American Dental Association. The American Dental Association recommends switching to a new brush about every three to four months. It is best to leave your bristles in the open air; a closed, moist environment can harbor more bacteria. Also, don't share brushes; it is possible to transfer mouth germs this way.
Don't Forget to Floss
Daily flossing is another important way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Flossing can help to remove plaque from places that your toothbrush can't reach. Slide your floss in between the teeth. Also clean at the base of each tooth, removing plaque and food debris from underneath the gum line.
Your Diet and Mouth Germs
What you eat can also help to support a healthy smile. Eating lots of sugary and starchy foods will increase the amount of sugars that are available for bacteria in your mouth to thrive upon. Try cutting back on sweet treats and snacking on fresh fruits and veggies instead. When eating grains, be sure to choose whole grains.
Take good care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Eat a balanced diet and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can check for signs of cavities and gum disease, the dental hygienist can also clean your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that is on your teeth. With excellent oral hygiene, mouth germs don't stand a chance!
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com
By following the information in this guide, you and your family can have healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime. As a parent, you can work with your children to help them understand why good oral care is important - and show them how to do it right!
Four Steps to a Bright Smile
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime.
- Floss every day.
- Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
It's easy to guide your family toward good oral health. All it takes is the right information and a little practice to keep them moving in the right direction!
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Infographics on how to brush
- Infographcis on how to floss
- A list of preventive dental care tips!
You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please note: This content is
for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified
health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)
Cold sores are fluid-filled
blisters that erupt on your lips, under your nose or around your chin caused by
a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you have them, you’re likely
to get them again. Extremely contagious, they can be passed to others from the
time you feel the first symptoms (like itching or tingling by your mouth) to
the time they heal completely. Cold sores are often red, yellow or gray and
usually heal within a week or two on their own. Your dentist can prescribe
antiviral drugs within the first few days of an outbreak to help it heal more
quickly. Over the counter drugs are available to help with pain, itching and
burning they might cause.
Cavities
One
in four adults has an untreated cavity, and according to the
CDC, nearly every adult
will have tooth decay at some point. You might have a cavity if you experience
pain, food gets caught in your tooth, your tooth feels rough to your tongue or
it hurts to eat something cold or sweet. Depending on their severity, cavities
can be treated with fillings, crowns or root canals. If the damage is too
extensive or involves nerve damage, the tooth may need to be removed. To reduce your
chance of developing cavities, brush twice a day, floss once a day, drink water with
fluoride,
use a fluoride toothpaste, stay away from sugary
food and drinks and see your dentist
regularly.
Chipped Tooth
If
you regularly chomp on hard foods like nuts
or ice cubes, grind your teeth or have a mouth piercing, you’re at a higher
risk for a chipped tooth. You might feel pain, depending on how much tooth has
been lost. You may also feel a rough edge when you run your tongue along it.
If this happens, see your dentist. A small chip might be able to be smoothed
down. Your dentist can use a tooth-colored filling, a veneer or crown to shape up your
smile after a larger chip.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding
your teeth (bruxism) is most likely to
happen when you’re sleeping, though it can occur anytime during the day if
you’re stressed, have a new filling or crown that’s higher than
the rest of your teeth or have an abnormal bite. Over a long period of time,
the surface of your teeth will become worn. You could experience toothaches,
dull headaches or earaches, and jaw pain (TMJ). Your teeth may also appear more yellow
because the white outer covering is worn away.
A custom mouthguard from your dentist can
protect your teeth during sleep and correct bite issues. If stress is the
cause, find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can help reduce
stress and anxiety (and the likelihood that you will grind your teeth).
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth.
