Download Bright Smiles - Health EDventure

You go to the dentist each year for a checkup. You make sure your teeth are super white. You were glad to
finally get those braces off. Your wisdom teeth have shown up or are on their way in. You may have had a
cavity or two filled. Other than that, how much thought do you really give to your teeth? The teeth you have
now are the only ones you will get. It’s time for a Dental Care 101 course!
1. Teeth Cleaning
Cleaning your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is important. It is also important
to visit your dentist once each year for a checkup and a professional cleaning referred to in medical terms
as “dental prophylaxis.” Even if a person does a good job of getting rid of the plaque that forms on their
teeth, some still remains. Our bodies produce plaque or “dental biofilm” continuously. Plaque that is left on
teeth, hardens and turns to calculus or tarter. The only way that tarter can be removed is by a professional
cleaning using dental tools. Plaque and tarter build up could lead to gingivitis, a disease of the gums.
2. X Rays
Dental Radiographs, or x-rays, are a tool used by dentists to check for tooth and mouth damage as
well as disease. Children and teens require x-rays more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are
still changing and developing. Dental x-rays are safe; however they do cause exposure to a small amount of
radiation. For protection, you will be covered with a leaded apron and sometimes a collar to cover your
neck.
3. Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating painted on teeth to prevent tooth decay. Younger children
and teens are recommended for this type of protection, as this age group is the most susceptible to cavities
and poor brushing habits. Sealants can last for up to 10 years. Since they can chip or crack, sealants should
be checked each year as part of a regular dental checkup.
4. Malocclusion
Malocclusion (poor bite) occurs when the teeth are not aligned correctly. This condition is often
hereditary and can result from a different size upper and lower jaw or a difference in the size of teeth.
Thumb sucking as a young child is a common contributor to this condition.
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There are three categories of malocclusion:
Class 1 - The most common type where the upper teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth.
Class 2 - Called retrognathism or overbite and occurs when the upper jaw and teeth greatly overlap
the bottom jaw and teeth.
Class 3 - Called prognathism or under bite and occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward causing
the lower jaw and teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.
If you have one of these conditions your dentist will refer you to a specialist, called on orthodontist.
Many malocclusion conditions are treated by applying braces to straighten the teeth. Other treatments
include retainers, surgery or tooth removal.
5. Cosmetic Dentistry – Tooth Whitening
Teeth can become discolored or stained over time. There are several types of whitening products that
can be purchased over the counter such as special toothpastes or whitening strips to restore the “white
and bright” to your teeth. Teeth whitening procedures can also be performed at a dental office using
several different methods. The most common method is chemical whitening or teeth bleaching. A
whitening gel that includes hydrogen peroxide is applied directly to your teeth. A laser light then activates
the gel to speed up the whitening process which lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. One to three follow
up treatments are usually required.
For whitening at home, your dentist will make a mouth tray custom fitted to your teeth. You fill the
tray with whitening gel provided by the dentist and wear the appliance for several hours each day. The
process can take anywhere from one to four weeks depending on the level of “whiteness” desired.
6. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is common, especially in adults. These diseases range from simple
gum inflammation to major damage in supporting bone and tissue. Gum inflammation or gingivitis is
caused when the bacteria in your mouth forms plaque on teeth. The longer plaque and tarter are on teeth,
the more damage they cause. Plaque that is not removed by brushing hardens and forms tarter that can
only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. The bacteria also cause inflammation of the gums
resulting in gingivitis. Teens can get this mild form of gum disease as well as adults.
Gingivitis can be reversed with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings at a dental office. If
left untreated it can lead to periodontitis, a condition where the gums and bone pull away from the teeth
and cause pockets which can become infected.
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7. Tooth Decay Contributors
According to the Centers for Disease Control, dental decay is the most common chronic disease for
teenagers. There are many reasons that teens are cavity prone:
 Regular dental checkups are missed.
 The average male teen drinks 868 cans of soda a year. This is equal to consuming 540 cups of sugar.
 Teens have decreased their intake of milk and other calcium rich drinks by 30%.
 Molars are cavity prone and are missed during the brushing process.
 Teens snack often throughout the day. Each time we eat, the bacteria produce acids that attack our
teeth for the next 20 minutes. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
 Drinking bottled water instead of tap water takes away fluoride needed for tooth enamel to fight
bacteria.
 Braces worn by many teens make it harder to brush and floss.
8. Oral Piercings
Lip and tongue piercings may cause tooth loss. The constant contact between the jewelry and gums
causes damage to the gum. Permanent results can include: receding gums, chipped teeth, nerve damage,
and periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth
causing loose teeth.
9. Daily Care
To keep your teeth healthy and white, follow this simple formula:
 Brush twice each day for 2 minutes each time.
 Floss once each day.
 Use mouth rinse twice each day.
 Visit your dentist at least once each year.
10. Health Connections
Research has proven that poor teeth can lead to poor health. It is important to have your teeth fixed
at the first sign of trouble. Leaving them as they are can be painful and can result in health complications
such as periodontal disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, clogged arteries, arthritis and joint pain.
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