Oral hygiene

There are two important factors to consider with tooth cleaning.

• Bleeding gums are almost always a sign that there are bacteria present. Therefore, when your gums bleed in a certain spot, or generally, it is not a signal to avoid the area, but just the opposite. This is your body’s way of telling you that there are persistent bacteria present and that they are causing continual inflammation of your gums. Get rid of the bacteria and the bleeding will disappear. If it doesn’t’ contact us as there are probably other factors contributing to the problem
• Bacteria on teeth are held in a tacky, slimy layer called plaque. Therefore, to get it off, you need to use some force or positive pressure from your brush or floss. If you don’t, you will never removed it. As long as you do not use a horizontal scrubbing motion, you will not do damage to your teeth or gums.

Brushing

Teeth should be brushed twice daily. The most important factor in this process is the brush and not so much the toothpaste. Always opt for a soft bristle brush and aim for a brush head that is smaller and simple in design. There are two techniques in brushing, the Bass technique (ie flick away from the gum) or a small circular motion with the brush angles at about 45 degrees to the gum-line. Either technique will be effective, but it is important to:

• keep positive pressure on the tooth from the brush,
• keep movements small (ie small circles)
• avoid horizontal (sideways) motion (especially if you are using the circular technique)

Note that with brushing, keep the toothpaste used to a manageable amount, for an adult about the size of a large pea, a child about the size of a small pea.
Electric toothbrushes are excellent, especially in people where there is diminished dexterity (eg, young children, arthritis sufferers).
Interdental cleaning. Cleaning between your teeth is essential because this is where most dental disease (whether it be tooth decay or periodontal “gum”) disease occurs. There are two techniques to clean between your teeth: dental floss or interdental brushes.

Grinding & Clenching

These habits can damage teeth and lead to muscle and joint soreness. While grinding at night can occur, damage can also be caused by daytime clenching. While many people do it to some degree, most are unaware. The damaging effects of night time grinding can be prevented by wearing a splint

Accelerated tooth wear results from a grinding habit or other abnormal movement of the teeth against each other (eg. fingernail biting). However, a significant component of the loss of tooth mass can be due to the erosion of the tooth surface from an acidic environment (eg. from foods, drinks, lack of hydration etc).

Temporo mandibular joint dysfunction

This is a condition which affects the joint of the jaw and the supporting muscles. It can result in a number of symptoms from either the joint and or the supporting muscles. The symptoms associated with this condition are as follows:

• Headache,
• Earache
• Jaw pain
• Neck ache
• Noise from the joint like clicking, popping and grating.
• Abnormal jaw opening: like deviation, limitations and locking on opening

These conditions can be treated effectively with a number of strategies. This practice uses the latest CAD CAM technology to fabricate high quality splints which can ease symptoms and protect teeth.

The practice also works closely with a number of physiotherapy and osteopathic practices to who can treat symptoms effectively with musculoskeletal manipulation.

Full Dentures.

Ideally take them out at night. If you do so, gently clean them with an old toothbrush or denture brush. Never use toothpaste with it, only water or if you have stains, then soap. Do not store them in water, leave them out dry. To clean them, once a week while you shower or bathe, let them sit in a glass of water with a couple of drops of white vinegar.

Partial Dentures.

Same cleaning regimen applies, except that it is important to remove them before you brush your teeth and it is ideal to not wear them when sleeping.

Medical Conditions

Dental Disease

Periodontal disease, which is a destructive form of gum disease, has been shown to be associated with some health conditions. An association has been found between the presence of periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. However the nature of the relationship is not known. Diabetes, however has been shown to be associated with a greater predisposition to periodontal disease.

Impact on oral health

Any condition which has a negative effect on manual dexterity (eg arthritis and Parkinson’s disease) will have a negative impact of ability to carry out oral hygiene procedures. In such cases, use of electric toothbrushes, high fluoride toothpastes or gels and tooth mousse can be of preventive assistance.

Medications

Such as those to treat high blood pressure and depression can have the effect to reduce salivary flow in the mouth. This has the effect to cause a dry mouth which increases the risk of tooth decay. In these situations, hydration is important as well as controlling diet. Using high fluoride toothpaste, or gels as well as tooth mousse can be a great preventive aid.

Smoking

Has a number of negative effects on teeth and the structures of the mouth.

• It  causes cancer of the mouth, tongue, lips and cheeks
• It increases the risk and severity of periodontal disease.
• It has obvious negative effects on the appearance of teeth.