We all grow 2 sets of teeth. The first set is baby teeth while the second set is the set that appears after all the baby teeth are gone.
Dentists call baby or milk tooth "deciduous tooth" and adult tooth "permanent tooth".
The chisel-looking front teeth are called incisors and canines while the ones at the back are the flat, broad premolars and molars.
A complete set of adult teeth consists of 12 molars, 8 premolars, 4 caniers and 8 incisors.
A tooth is made of a crown covered with a thin coating called enamel. Beneath the crown lies a yellow substance known as dentine that surrounds the center portion of the tooth called pulp cavity. This cavity is filled with a soft tissue called pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels.
When not decayed, enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body. Even stronger than the bones.
A tooth has 5 visible sides: top, 2 sides, front and back.
A basic routine includes brushing and flossing. Every side of the tooth and the gums should be kept clean. Healthy gums should not bleed when brushing or flossing.
Brushing
Brush at least twice a day; once in the morning, after meals or before going to bed.
Use a soft toothbrush. A hard one may scratch the enamel.
Hold brush with bristles at an angle of 45 degrees against the gum line.
Brush for at least 2 minutes to ensure thorough removal of plaque. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria that must be removed daily or else it becomes a trouble-maker, leaving you with tooth decay and gum disease.
Never press your brush hard on the teeth and gums. Be firm yet gentle.
Practise systematic brushing strokes: start from top then proceed to the bottom. Do not ignore the gums.
Change toothbrush when bristles are worn out.
Flossing
With such a wide variety of floss available, there must be one suitable and comfortable for you to use.
Flossing is definitely neccessary because it can remove plaque from in between teeth and no toothbrush (for now?) can do that.
Floss gently.
If gums are weak and start to bleed just as you are flossing, do not stop, continue flossing. It should improve some days later, if not do see a dentist.
Rinsing
Another good way to get rid of those bacteria lingering between teeth and gums. Choose a rinse that is alcohol-free because alcohol dries the mouth.
Like dentures, braces also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Clean regularly with a normal soft toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush (if braces are not removable). Pay attention to those areas where the plastic touches the tooth surface.
Cut food into smaller pieces before chewing. This exerts less pressure on braces.
Avoid eating candies or foodstuff that is sticky and hard such as peanut butter, toffee, nuts and gum.
If you experience pain or discomfort with your braces, go back to your dentist.
BAD BREATH Also called halitosis. Usually caused by food particles found in-between teeth, poor oral hygiene, stress and sulphur (forms a yellowish white film on the tongue). Good oral hygiene habits should settle this problem if not, discuss with your dentist what are the other oral treatments available at present.
CAVITIES Caused by acid producing bacteria and sugar attacking the tooth. The enamel is first dissolved away before the bacteria proceeds deeper into the tooth resulting in decay.
The sensible thing to do in order to prevent cavities is to brush and floss after meals, or perhaps rinse. Keep away from sugary foods.
GINGIVITIS Caused by plaque, it makes gums swell and bleed.
Gingivitis ranges from mild to more serious conditions. When faced with mild gingvitis, the practice of good oral hygiene will solve the problem. Severe gingivitis has been linked to menopause, leukemia, diabetes and premature births which calls for a dentist's attention.
US researchers found that daily intakes of vitamin C (2000mg) and calcium (1000mg) promote healthy gums.
MERCURY Toxic mercury vapor is released from mercury amalgam and it can cause foetal abnormalities and dementia. However studies conducted by medical councils worldwide and the World Health Organization found that the amount of mercury released into the body is so little that it is not a cause for concern. In fact, we are exposed to more mercury from the air, water and food.
Nevertheless if you wish to avoid mercury fillings, there are other options which you need to consult your dentist.
TITANIUM Used in implants where a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone and made to hold the fake tooth. It's rare to be allergic to titanium. Still, practise good oral hygiene.
DISCOLORING Place a teaspoon of baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide on a toothbrush then brush for about 3 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Perhaps, you can also try rubbing fresh sage leaves to remove stains or some even say brushing with squashed strawberries is effective too!
Refrain from staining culprits like smoking, tea and coffee.
MOUTH ULCER Occurs when tissue found on the mouth's lining is irritated or injured. It appears white in color because of the dead cells inside the ulcer.
Try rinsing with noni juice before drinking it or apply fresh aloe vera gel on the ulcer. Taking 150mg of zinc daily could hasten the healing of an ulcer.
Harmless ulcers should heal within 2 weeks, if not, consult a dentist.
FLUORIDE Helps fight against tooth decay but it has been said that excess amounts of fluoride is toxic causing discoloration and blotching on the tooth.
MECURY Used in making amalgams, the question still to be answered is whether or not mercury's toxic vapors entering the human body does cause serious harm.
The British Dental Association Find answers to questions like
"Are amalgam fillings safe?", "Is tongue-piercing safe?" & "Does chewing gum help keep my mouth healthy?".
