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Smoking Effect On Teeth

How Does Smoking Lead to Gum Disease?

Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair blood flow to the gums – which may affect wound healing.

Do Pipe and Cigar Smoking Cause Dental Problems?

Yes, like cigarettes, pipes and cigars do lead to oral health problems. According to results of a 23-year long study published in the Journalof the American Dental Association, cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss (bone loss within the jawbone that anchors teeth) at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers also have a similar risk of tooth loss as cigarette smokers. Beyond these risks, pipe and cigar smokers are still at risk for oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers — even if they don’t inhale — and other oral consequences — bad breath, stained teeth, and increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

Are Smokeless Tobacco Products Safer?

No. Like cigars and cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products (for example, snuff and chewing tobacco) contain at least 28 chemicals that have been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer and cancer of the throat and esophagus. In fact, chewing tobacco contains higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, making it harder to quit than cigarettes. And one can of snuff delivers more nicotine than over 60 cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue, causing it to recede or pull away from your teeth. Once the gum tissue recedes, your teeth roots become exposed, creating an increased risk of tooth decay. Exposed roots are also more sensitive to hot and cold or other irritants, making eating and drinking uncomfortable.

In addition, sugars, which are often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, can increase your risk for tooth decay. A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that chewing tobacco users were four times more likely than nonusers to develop tooth decay.

Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth.

Kick the Tobacco Habit

Regardless of how long you have used tobacco products, quitting now can greatly reduce serious risks to your health. Eleven years after quitting, former smokers’ likelihood of having periodontal (gum) disease was not significantly different from people who never smoked.

Even reducing the amount you smoke appears to help. One study found that smokers who reduced their smoking habit to less than half a pack a day had only three times the risk of developing gum disease compared with nonsmokers, which was significantly lower than the six times higher risk seen in those who smoked more than a pack and a half per day. Another study published in the Journal of the AmericanDental Association found that the mouth lesion leukoplakia completely resolved within 6 weeks of quitting in 97.5% of patients who used smokeless tobacco products.

Some statistics from the American Cancer Society present some other sobering reasons to quit smoking. They state that:

  • About 90% of people with cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat use tobacco, and the risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount smoked or chewed and the duration of the habit. Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop these cancers.
  • About 37% of patients who persist in smoking after apparent cure of their cancer will develop second cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, compared with only 6% of those who stop smoking.

How Can I Quit Tobacco?

To stop using tobacco, your dentist or doctor may be able to help you calm nicotine cravings with medications, such as nicotine gum and patches. Some of these products can be purchased over the counter; others require a prescription. Other medications require a prescription.

Smoking cessation classes and support groups are often used in tandem with drug therapy. These programs are offered through local hospitals in your community and sometimes through your employer or health insurance company. Ask your doctor or dentist for information on similar programs they may be familiar with.

Herbal remedies, as well as hypnosis and acupuncture, are other treatments that may help you kick the habit.

11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

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Take care of your teeth

Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.

1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth

It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

Shop for toothbrushes online.

2. Brush properly

The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Un removed plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).

3. Don’t neglect your tongue

Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

4. Use a fluoride toothpaste

When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavours. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defence against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.

Purchase fluoride toothpaste here.

5. Treat flossing as important as brushing

Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. “Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth,” says Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.”

Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.

Here’s a selection of dental floss to try.

6. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you

Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.

7. Consider mouthwash

Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.”

Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.

Purchase mouthwash online.

8. Drink more water

Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”

10. Limit sugary and acidic foods

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.

11. See your dentist at least twice a year

Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flosses need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions. Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.

Types of Dentists: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

When you visit the dentist you might have noticed those three little letters listed after their name, DDS or DMD. That same dentist might have referred you to a dental specialist.  What’s the deal with all of these different types of dentists? How do you know what it all means and who you should visit? Not to worry, we’re here to help make sense of the different types of dentists what it means for you as a patient.

General Dentistry – DDS vs DMD

Most often when you go to the dentist, you are seeing your general dentist who is either a DDS or a DMD. A dentist with a DDS has earned their Doctor of Dental Surgery degree; one with a DMD earned their Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Both a DDS and a DMD has three or more years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of dental school to earn those credentials.  

And yes, they sound the same. The truth is, they are. Both a DDS and a DMD are types of dentists who have the same degrees – the difference in title is due to the university they attended and how that university recognizes the profession. Both must complete the same course studies, a written exam, and a licensing exam to practice dentistry.

Both of theses types of dentists are considered general dentists and are your primary provider who treats your overall oral health care needs. This includes diagnosing and treating problems such as gum disease, cavities, root canals, crowns, and bridges as well as preventative care, hopefully allowing you to avoid the need for our next types of dentists – the dental specialists.

Dental Specialists

Sometimes your oral health needs may require your general dentist to refer you to a dental specialist. Dental specialists have completed an additional two to four years of training that is focused on a specific side of dentistry. Here are the most common types of dental specialists.  

Orthodontist – A patient is referred to an orthodontist when a general dentist notices misalignments with the jaw and/or teeth of both children and adults. If there are extra teeth, missing teeth, or teeth are crowded, an orthodontist will treat the patient with solutions like braces, Invisalign, and/or retainers. Don’t be surprised if your child is referred to an orthodontist as early as the age of seven.

Pediatric Dentist – The types of dentists who work exclusively with children are called pediatric dentists or pedodontists.  Much of their additional training focuses on building a positive association between children and their dentist and is based in child psychology. They work with children to build a base line for good oral health care and many work with patients who have special needs.

Oral Surgeon – an oral surgeon specializes in the surgical treatment of disease, injuries and esthetic or functional areas of the mouth. They are the ones who remove wisdom teeth, handle dental implants, and biopsy suspicious spots in the mouth. They also have additional training in anesthesia to ensure the comfort of the patient when surgery is required.

Endodontist – these dental specialists have received training to help patients address tooth pain while saving their natural teeth by performing root canal treatment – a procedure that treats the infected tissues within a tooth. In fact, the word “endodontic” comes from the Greek word “endo” meaning “inside” and “odont” meaning tooth!

Periodontist – a periodontist is a dental specialist that focuses on caring for your gums and the supporting tissues and structure around your teeth. In most cases, a referral to a periodontist is made to help patients treat advanced periodontal (gum) disease. They also are trained to place dental implants.  

Prosthodontist – this dental specialist focuses on helping patients restore and/or replace lost or damaged teeth. Their goal is to look at all of the elements related to helping a patient achieve a functional, natural looking smile. Some of the treatment they perform can include dental implants, bridges & dentures.

While it may seem like an inconvenience to visit a dental specialist, it is in your best interest to to do so when referred. Just like you wouldn’t visit your primary care physician for knee replacement surgery, a specialist has the additional training and experience to provide you with specialized treatment to help you achieve optimal oral health.

So there you have it, the types of dentists explained. Remember, your general dentist will always be your primary point of contact to help you with your oral health care needs. Do you need a new general dentist? Think you need a referral to a dental specialist? Find a PERFECT TEETH dental office near you online for more information.

What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health

White Coating on Tongue
Your tongue is supposed to be a lovely shade of pink. If parts of your tongue appear to be coated with a white substance, this could be oral thrush, a yeast overgrowth that occurs inside the oral cavity. Of course, it could just be whitish from not brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You do that, don’t you? If the white brushes away, you’re good to go.

White Patches on Tongue
Leukoplakia is a condition that can happen if the tongue has been irritated, such as with smoking or tobacco use. Every medical professional will advise you to quit that tobacco habit, but it’s ultimately up to you. If you see white patches, though, book a dentist appointment to be on the safe side and to rule out oral cancer.

Overly Red Tongue
While an overly red tongue can be a symptom of a Kawasaki disease, it’s much more commonly associated with a vitamin deficiency, such as folic acid or B-12. The solution could be simply adding a vitamin supplement to your morning smoothie. That’s not so bad, right?

Irregular Red Bumpy Patches
If your tongue looks like a roughly drawn map of irregular red and bumpy patches, this isn’t a fortune-teller sign that you’ll be going on a trip soon. You might be suffering from a high fever, in which case, taking a long journey overseas is the last thing you should be doing!

Tender, Sore Tongue
If your tongue is overly sensitive in one spot or all over, you could have a food allergy or a developing canker sore. Don’t worry about it, unless it doesn’t go away for a time. After that, time to call in the dentist for a professional opinion!

Hairy Tongue
Yep, sounds strange, but sometimes a protein build-up can cause small bumps to become elongated trapping food resulting in what looks like strands of hair on your tongue. Usually a good brushing or tongue scraping will take care of it, but if it doesn’t, a trip to the dentist is in order.

Your dentist is the first line of defense against both serious and benign health concerns. So, stick out your tongue at the dentist and be ready for a comprehensive oral checkup. You never know what your tongue might be telling you about your health!

6 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

6 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

  • Gum disease
  • Floss
  • Get regular cleanings
  • Quit smoking
  • Brush twice a day
  • Use fluoride toothpaste
  • Use mouthwash

What’s so great about gums?

When it comes to your mouth’s health, it’s not all about how straight your teeth are or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget about your gums! Even if you’re cavity-free and have the pearliest chompers in town, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to gum disease. Since it’s usually painless, most people have no idea that anything is wrong with their gums.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become:

  • inflamed
  • tender
  • red
  • swollen
  • prone to bleeding

Fortunately, since the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place aren’t impacted, this damage is Reversible

You can also develop periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis impacts the bones that hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, it can ruin the gums, bones, and tissues connected to your teeth.

The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. This is when the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed. It can impact your bite, and teeth may need to be removed.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs that you might have gum disease include:

  • consistently bad taste or breath
  • separating or loose permanent teeth
  • gums that easily bleed
  • gums that are swollen, red, or tender
  • gums that have pulled away from your teeth

Gum disease is preventable. Here are a few ways you can help keep your gums healthy.

1. Floss

Floss at least once a day. This helps remove the plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach, according to the ADA. It doesn’t matter when you floss. Do it at night, do it in the morning, or do it after lunch… just do it!

2. Get regular dental cleanings

Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.

3. Quit smoking

Yet another reason for smokers to quit: Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Plus, smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.

4. Brush twice a day

Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrub your tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit in your mouth comfortably.

Consider a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. These can help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Swap toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste

As for toothpaste, store shelves are lined with brands that claim to reduce gingivitis, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. How do you know which one is best for healthy gums? Make sure to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. After that, the flavor and color is up to you!

You can purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride online.

6. Use a therapeutic mouthwash

Usually available over the counter, therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the speed that tarter develops, or a combination of these benefits, according to the ADA. Plus: A rinse helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, though it’s not a substitute for flossing or brushing. Look for the ADA seal, which means it’s been deemed effective and safe.

It doesn’t matter whether your brush, floss, or rinse first. Just do a good job and use the right products.

Importance of Brushing With Tooth Paste

Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. 

  • First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that cause cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. 
  • Second, toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. 
  • Third, special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpaste help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling.

What type of toothpaste should I use?

 As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand you buy really does not matter, neither does whether or not it is in the paste, gel or even powder form or containing a certain flavor. All fluoride toothpaste work effectively to fight plaque and cavities and clean and polish tooth enamel. Your toothpaste brand should bear the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials.

If your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold, consider trying a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These “desensitizing” toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, protect exposed dentin by blocking the tubes in the teeth that are connected to nerves. Desensitizing pastes must be used for at least one month before any therapeutic effects are felt.

Toothpaste containing baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide (which are both good cleansing agents) give the teeth and mouth a clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can offer an incentive to brush more, but fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth. Some prefer a tartar-control toothpaste containing pyrophosphates to prevent the build-up of soft calculus (tartar) deposits on their teeth. New pastes offer advanced whitening formulas aimed at safely removing stains to make teeth brighter and shinier, although they can’t nearly match the effectiveness of a professional bleaching formula administered or prescribed by a dentist.

How much should I use?

Contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the amount of paste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not have to be a heaping amount. Simply squeeze a pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush. If you brush correctly, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside and between your teeth, the paste should foam enough to cover all of your teeth. Children under age 6, however, should be given a very small, baby pea-sized dab of toothpaste on their brush.

Is brushing with toothpaste enough to fight cavities and gum disease?

No. Although brushing thoroughly after each meal helps, flossing your teeth every day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and at the gumline is just as important. Studies show that plaque will regrow on teeth that are completely clean within three to four hours of brushing.

8 Tips to Improve Dental Hygiene

A healthy mouth absolutely provides us nutrition for the physical body, but more importantly, it also improves our social interaction and encourages self-esteem. 

Our mouth serves as a “window” to the rest of the body, providing signals of general health diseases. For example, pale or bleeding gums can be a sign of blood disorders or low bone level in the lower jaw might be an early sign of osteoporosis. Poor oral health is significantly associated with major chronic diseases. 

Evidence from population-based studies significantly concludes a robust connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, oral cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, stomach ulcers, obesity and many more health diseases. 

Two main diseases which affect our Oral Health are Dental Caries (bacterial invasion of the tooth which demineralizes its surface and results in holes) and Gum Disease(bacterial invasion along the gum line causing an inflammatory response damaging the tissues and bones that support the teeth.) 

8 Tips to prevent tooth decay and gum disease: 

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day.

Don’t underestimate its importance. This is a simple step that should never be overlooked. Brushing your teeth in the morning and more importantly again at night is important to remove plaque build-up and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The Modifies Bass technique where you should hold the brush head at 45 degrees angle, partly on the gums, and gently move the brush in tiny circular motions or small horizontal strokes 20 times on each tooth shall improve your oral hygiene significantly. Note: Do not brush too vigorously as it can damage your gums and teeth. 

2. Floss daily.

Your brushing is not complete without flossing. Floss can reach the crevices too small for your brush bristles, so it’s a necessary step for a clean mouth. 

3. Oral Irrigators.

These are newer cleaning aids which pump water in a steady or pulsating manner and flushing out food and bacterial byproducts. 

4. Skip the sugar.

Sugary and starchy foods cause are action in your mouth that leads to tooth decay. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in your saliva to form an acid that erodes your tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth.

5. Swish with mouthwash.

For an added boost to your oral hygiene routine, rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash which is prescribed by your dentist. 

6. Use fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel to combat tooth decay.

7. Brush your tongue.

Don’t neglect your tongue! Your tongue harbour’s bacteria too, so use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to give it a cleaning.

8. Pay attention to your mouth and gums.

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 Note when your gums look inflamed or if you spot blood while brushing. Don’t ignore aches and pains. Consult your dentist to make sure it’s not a symptom of something serious.

Parents play a very important role in making sure that oral hygiene practices are taught early in childhood. Restrict bottle feeding to meal times. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle. The milk or juice that pools in the mouth will bathe teeth in the sugars on which bacteria feed. Before their teeth grow in, get your baby accustomed to regular oral care by wiping their gums twice per day with a clean, soft, thin cloth, such as a handkerchief. 

After your baby’s teeth erupt, switch to a baby toothbrush moistened with water. Don’t use toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out. Swallowing toothpaste while their teeth are developing can cause a condition called fluorosis, which occurs from absorbing too much fluoride and causes their teeth to look mottled or grainy. Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Good Oral Health changes far more than your outward appearance. It renews your confidence. It changes the way you view yourself. What’s more? it changes the way others see you.

Symptoms of Infected Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to break through the gums. They grow at the very back of a person’s mouth. There are normally four wisdom teeth in total, with one in each of the furthest corners of the top and bottom gums.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Jaw pain
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • An unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

Prevention

You can’t keep an impaction from occurring, but keeping regular six-month dental appointments for cleaning and checkups enables your dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays may indicate impacted wisdom teeth before any symptoms develop.

Treatment for wisdom teeth infection

Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated:

  • by improving oral hygiene in the area
  • by having the area cleaned by a dentist
  • sometimes, by the prescription of antibiotics 

However, the infection may keep coming back if problem teeth are not removed. People who have other health problems, especially people with lower immunity, may have complications from these infections.

Some Facts About Proper Tooth Brushing

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important daily routines that you perform. But most of the time, we do not know how to brush properly. We often neglect the importance of proper brushing.

The duration, frequency, and technique of brushing determine your overall oral health, and hence it is crucial that you get it right. Brushing techniques like Sulcular, Charter, and Stillman are advised. It is also vital to know what kind of toothpaste and toothbrush are good for our teeth. Here are some of the brushing techniques, the type of toothbrush and toothpaste you must use, and how long you should brush for. Brushing Techniques More than the toothbrush and toothpaste you use, the technique you use for brushing has a more significant impact on your oral health. There are different brushing techniques, some for regular users and special ones for kids, or those with a recession. Regardless of what method you use, brushing for 2 minutes is recommended.

1. Sulcular Technique: This is a commonly advised technique. It is considered useful as it removes the debris from your teeth before it hardens to tartar.  Hold the brush at an angle of 45° to the teeth, with the bristles at the neck of the tooth below the gums. Direct the bristles towards the gums. Apply gentle force, without exerting too much pressure on the tooth and use back and forth strokes to brush two-three teeth at a time. Before you move to the next set of teeth, you should have made at least 10-15 strokes. Alternatively, you can also use a circular motion. Repeat this same process for all the teeth. As much attention you give to the front portion of your teeth, it is equally essential to brush the inner surfaces, called the lingual side. Hold the brush vertically while cleaning the lingual side. It is difficult to reach the posterior teeth, especially if you are using a larger sized toothbrush. But since maximum chewing happens with your molars, it is essential to focus on cleaning them. This technique, also called the bass technique can be modified by guiding the bristles towards the incisal or occlusal surfaces of the teeth. 

2. Charter Technique: The Charter technique of brushing is a technique meant for patients with gum problems. If your gums are receded, exposing the root surfaces, this technique is ideal. People with a prosthesis or braces also benefit from this technique. Unlike the Sulcular method, place the bristles in the direction of the occlusal surface, at an angle of 45 degrees. The rest of the technique is almost similar to the Charter technique where you can use circular or back and forth strokes to brush.Cover all the surfaces of all the teeth and do not miss the inner surfaces of all teeth.

3. Stillman Technique: For interdental plaque removal, the Stillman technique is effective. This can be considered an extension of the Bass technique. After you clean the area around the gums with back and forth strokes, move your brush towards the occlusal or incisal surface and repeat the back and forth strokes. 

TOOTHBRUSH

Most dentists recommend that you use a soft bristled toothbrush. This is because a toothbrush will hard bristles will be abrasive for the tooth enamel, and also for your gums. Strictly do not share your toothbrush with anyone, even your spouse or a close family member. Your mouth has millions of bacteria which will travel through your toothbrush. After every cycle of brushing, clean and rinse your brush correctly. Keep your toothbrush in an upright position and allow air-drying. Microbes are more likely to grow and flourish in a moist environment.So, if you store a toothbrush without drying, it is expected to be more contaminated.Just like most other objects, the efficacy of a toothbrush reduces as with usage. Change your toothbrush every three months, or even earlier if the bristles begin to show fraying.There are ways to keep the toothbrush bacteria free or at least reduce the microbial population in your toothbrush. One such method is soaking the brush in Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide solution (2.5%- 3%).You should never put your brush in a microwave or any other heating device to kill the microbes. Such high temperatures will damage the bristles. FDA approved toothbrush sanitizers are also available.

 Toothpaste 

Any fluoridated toothpaste is okay for you as long as you use it in the right quantity and with the proper brushing technique. The amount that is just enough for you is the size of a pea. For children, the amount equivalent to a rice grain is enough. People have toothpaste preferences of a specific flavor, brand or price range.If you have some specific issues like sensitivity, gingivitis or exposed root surfaces, your dentist will prescribe a special toothpaste for you.  Other supplements to brushing In addition to brushing, there are other aids that you can use to enhance your oral hygiene status. You must also clean your tongue with a brush or a tongue cleaning aid to keep it bacteria and odor free. Dental floss, mouthwash, interdental cleaning aids, plaque disclosing agents – these are all examples of additional cleaning aids.

GENERAL PROCEDURE OF DISIMPACTION

1. DISIMPACTION is initiated by administration of local or general anesthetic as decided by dentist with patient’s consent.

2. Once anesthetized, In second step, the gums are incised and underlying bone is partially removed by surgical instruments to gain access to the impacted tooth.

3. In third step, it is decided by dental surgeon whether to remove the tooth as single structure or whether to split in multiple sections. 

4.Now after ensuring  the complete removal of all the pieces of wisdom tooth, the gum is approximated and sutures (stitches) are placed. The number of suture is decided by the dentist and depends on the size of incision.  5.Once the removal is completed, the dentist gives particular set of instructions to the patient so that the patient  can recover quickly along with the help of antibiotics and pain killers.

Generally the instructions are

1. Instructions for 1st  24 hours

(a) Patient is advised not to

  • Spit
  • Gargle
  • Brush

(b)Patient should be on liquid or semisolid diet preferably ice-creams, curds, lassi etc.

2. Instructions for remaining 3-5 days

  • Usually the patient is asked,
  • Not to have hot, hard and spicy
  • Not to use straw
  • Must clean the mouth specially the extraction area using warm water with salt
  • Not to miss any dosage of medication / prescription 
  • Not to open the mouth very wide
  • To come back for follow up after medication are over.

Usually in 3-5 days the primary healing may be completed, but for completion of healing of jaw bone it may take up to 4 weeks.However the patient will be able to continue his/ her daily activities without any trouble within third day of the surgery.As the surgical procedure is painless and while recovery the pain is controlled by medicines. However, patients cooperation to keep the surgical site clean after having food is of utmost importance.