Oral Health Myths—Busted!

WE’VE ALL HEARD VARIOUS “FACTS” when it comes to our oral health—different ways to clean our teeth and gums, what is good or bad for them, etc. As your trusted dental professionals, we’re here to set the record straight about some of the most common oral health myths.

Myth #1: “If my teeth don’t hurt, they are healthy.”

In reality, many dental problems don’t hurt in their beginning stages, such as chronic gum disease and cavities. When they have progressed, however, to where treatment is quite extensive and expensive, you may begin to feel discomfort. Preventing a problem is always better than treating one. Visiting your dentist as frequently as recommended is key in maintaining a healthy body and mouth.

Myth #2: “Bleeding gums are normal.”

When you wash your body, does it bleed? No! It’s not normal for your gums either. In fact, bleeding gums are the first sign of infection. Gums will bleed because plaque accumulates where toothbrushes cannot reach to remove it. This is why flossing daily is so important! Flossing will help reach these plaque-ridden areas, which adds up to about 35 percent of your tooth surface. To heal bleeding gums, consistently brush and floss gently twice a day. If bleeding continues, come see us so we can evaluate your gums for possible gum disease.

Myth #3: “Always rinse your mouth out with water after brushing.”

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Spit, don’t rinse”? Keep this tip in mind while brushing. Toothpaste contains fluoride which helps protect our teeth from dental decay, strengthens tooth enamel, and even reduces the amount of cavity-causing acid that bacteria produce. So, when brushing, spit out excess toothpaste, but refrain from rinsing your mouth out with water. This will help your teeth remain protected far longer throughout the day!

Myth #4: “Mouthwash will solve my bad breath.”

There can be many causes for bad breath and mouthwash alone is not the solution. Bad breath can be caused by certain medications, illnesses, foods, and poor dental hygiene. The most effective way to fight bad breath is through regular brushing, daily flossing, and especially tongue scraping. Tongue scraping gets rid of any remaining bacteria on your tongue, which is the real culprit behind bad breath.

Myth #5: “Brush your teeth immediately after eating.”

We may think that brushing right after eating is good because it gets any food particles that are left behind in our teeth. But brushing within 30 minutes of finishing a meal can actually weaken tooth enamel, especially if you’ve consumed anything sugary or acidic, such as citrus. After a meal, it is best to thoroughly rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production. After about 30 minutes, however, brush away!

Busted!

We’ve loved busting these oral health myths so that you have the best and most accurate information out there. If you have any questions, call or come in to see us!

Thank you for reading our blog and placing your trust in our practice!

FLOSSING BASICS

The American Dental Association advises that flossing your teeth thoroughly be done once or more per day. Overly vigorous or incorrect flossing can result in damage to the gum tissues therefore this article will provide some basics on flossing.

What is flossing?

Dental floss is made of either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic that is indicated for plaque and debris removal in areas where teeth contact with each other. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close to the gums. An alternative tool to achieve the same effect is the interdental brush, which is more helpful in areas where the gums have receded in between the teeth.  The two frequently used dental flossing methods are the spool method and the circle, or loop, method. Control of the floss and ease of handling can be seen in both methods.  Flossing of teeth is a complex skill, so until children develop adequate dexterity (which is usually around the age of 10 to 12 years), an adult should perform flossing on the child. Younger children whose teeth still exhibit primate spaces (where there is no contact between adjacent teeth) will not require flossing.

The spool method

The spool method is particularly suited for teenagers and adults who have acquired the necessary coordination required to use floss. When using the spool method, a piece of floss approximately 18 inches long is used. The bulk of the floss is lightly wound around the middle finger. Space should be left between wraps to avoid impairing circulation to the fingers. The rest of the floss is similarly wound around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger can wind, or “take up,” the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed to permit access to an unused portion. The last three fingers are clenched and the hands are moved apart, pulling the floss taut, thus leaving the thumb and index finger of each hand free. The floss is then secured with the index finger and thumb of each hand by grasping a section three quarters to 1 inch long between the hands.

The loop method

The loop method is suited for children as well as adults with less nimble hands or physical limitations caused by conditions such as poor muscular coordination or arthritis. For the loop method, the ends of the 18-inch piece of floss are tied in a knot. All of the fingers, but not the thumbs of the two hands are placed close to one another within the loop. Whether using the spool or the loop method of flossing, the same basic procedures are followed. The thumb and index finger of each hand are used in various combinations to guide the floss between the teeth.  When inserting, floss, it is gently eased between the teeth with a seesaw motion at the contact point. The gentle seesaw motion flattens the floss, making it possible to ease through the contact point and prevent snapping it through, thus avoiding trauma to the gums in between the teeth. Once past the contact point between teeth, the floss is adapted to each approximating surface by creating a C-shape. The floss is then directed downwards towards the gumline and back to the contact area (up-and-down against the side of the tooth) several times or until the tooth surface is clean. The procedure is repeated on the adjacent tooth in the proximal area, using care to prevent damage to the gums in between while readapting to the adjacent tooth. A clean, unused portion should be used for each area between teeth. 

In general, Teeth flossing is best performed by cleaning each tooth in succession, including the back surface of the last tooth in each quadrant. Incorrect flossing can often be detected through observation of the gums and the technique. Signs that suggest incorrect use of dental floss include cuts on the gums, bleeding gums, indentation on the soft tissues of the mouth, and wear on tooth surfaces and gumline. If flossing trauma is evident, further instruction should be given until the individual has become adept. Proper instruction and practice allows most motivated adults to master either the spool or loop method of flossing. In certain circumstances, the use of a floss holder, floss threader, variable-thickness floss, or pre-cut floss strands with a stiff end may be more effective.

It is important to note that a flossing habit has traditionally been difficult for people to embrace. In reality, only a very small proportion of individuals practice daily flossing. Floss may be superior to other interproximal (the area between teeth) cleaning methods, but for those who have not or will not adopt a flossing behavior another interproximal device may be more effective than no interproximal cleaning. A less effective device used on a regular basis is superior to irregular use of a more effective device.
(Source: http://www.intelligentdental.com)

Periodontitis (advanced gum disease)

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease. 

The two stages of gum disease are called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is mild gum disease that affects only the gums, the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontitis is gum disease that gets worse and spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

• Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when the teeth are brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people don't get the treatment they need.
• Periodontitis develops if gum disease gets worse. The gums pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where germs called bacteria can grow and damage the bone that supports the teeth. Gums can also shrink back from the teeth. This can make the teeth look longer. Teeth may become loose, fall out, or have to be pulled out by a dentist.

What causes gum disease?

Your mouth constantly makes a clear, sticky substance called plque that contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque make poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don't do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

You are more likely to get gum disease if you:

• Do not clean your teeth well.
• Smoke or chew tobacco.
• Have someone in your family who has gum disease.
• Have a condition that makes it harder for your body to fight infection, such as:
• Uncontrolled  diabetes, AIDS, or leukemia.
• A high level of stress.
• A poor diet that’s low in nutrients.

What are the symptoms?

It may be hard to tell if you have a mild case of gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, fit snugly around the teeth, and do not bleed easily. But mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) cause:

• Gums that are red, swollen, and tender.
• Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.

As gum disease gets worse (periodontitis), the symptoms are easier to see, such as:

• Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth.
• Bad breath that won't go away.
• Pus coming from the gums.
• A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Loose teeth.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

To find out if you have gum disease, your dentist will do an exam to look for:

• Bleeding gums.
• Hard buildups of plaque and tartar above and below the gums.
• Areas where your gums are pulling away or shrinking from your teeth.
• Pockets that have grown between your teeth and gums.

Your dentist or dental hygienist may take X-rays of your teeth to look for bone damage and other problems.

How is it treated?

If you have a mild case of gum disease, you will probably be able to take care of it by brushing and flossing your teeth every day and getting regular cleanings at your dentist's office.

If your gum disease has become worse and you have periodontitis, your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a method called root planing and scaling. This removes the plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line.  If your gum disease is severe, you may need to have surgery.

How can you prevent gum disease?

Gum disease is most common in adults, but it can affect anyone, even children. These good dental habits are important throughout your life:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime, with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth at least once each day.
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning.
• Don't use tobacco products.

If you think you have a mild case of gum disease, make sure to take care of it before it gets worse. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and getting regular checkups can keep the disease from getting worse.  Dr. Faddis and his team of Hygienists perform a thorough periodontal screening on every patient, at every routine visit. Call our office to schedule your visit today. We will review with you the findings and explain any concerns or treatment that might be needed.