rbaba
Age: 124
Total Posts: 249
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Location:
Singapore, Singapore
What are good brushing and flossing?
Good brushing and flossing are important parts of your dental care. To do these actions well, make them part of your daily routine and:
Brush after each meal, snack, and before you go to bed. When you brush, use a fluoride toothpaste. Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control, which may help slow the formation of hard mineral buildup (tartar) on the teeth. Keep a toothbrush at your workplace.
Floss at least once a day. Try to floss right after eating foods that easily stick between the teeth, such as sticky or gummy candies, corn on the cob, or potato chips.
Use disclosing tablets periodically to see whether any plaque is left on the teeth. Disclosing tablets are chewable and will color any plaque left on the teeth after you brush. You can buy them at most drugstores.
rbaba
Age: 124
6648 days old here
Total Posts: 249
Points: 0
Location:
Singapore, Singapore
Why are brushing and flossing important?
Regular brushing and flossing can help you:
Prevent tooth decay and cavities. Tooth decay can lead to more serious problems, such as infection.
Prevent gum (periodontal) disease, which can damage gum tissue and the bones that support the teeth, and can ultimately cause you to lose teeth.
Make it possible that your teeth will last a lifetime.
Shorten the time you spend with the dentist and hygienist and make the trip more pleasant.
Save money. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures.
Prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Keep your teeth white by preventing staining from food, drinks, and tobacco.
Improve your overall health.
rbaba
Age: 124
6648 days old here
Total Posts: 249
Points: 0
Location:
Singapore, Singapore
Plaque: What It Is
People used to think that as you got older you naturally lost your teeth. We now know that's not true. By following easy steps for keeping your teeth and gums -- healthy plus seeing your dentist regularly -- you can have your teeth for a lifetime!
Plaque: What is it?
Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth.
Some types of plaque cause tooth decay.
Other types of plaque cause gum disease.
Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, the tissues holding the teeth in place are destroyed and the teeth are eventually lost.
Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it's stained, You can stain plaque by chewing red "disclosing tablets," found at grocery stores and drug stores, or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring on your teeth. The red or green color left on the teeth will show you where there is still plaque -- and where you have to brush again to remove it. Stain and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing all plaque. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if your plaque removal techniques are o.k.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6602 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
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Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
More kissing equals fewer cavities
It may not be as effective as flossing and brushing, but kissing increases saliva flow, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Kissing is nature’s natural cleansing process. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, kissing stimulates saliva, which washes out the mouth and helps remove the cavity-causing food particles that accumulate after eating. Saliva’s mineral ions can even promote repair of small lesions in tooth enamel.
Of course, more than a good-night kiss is needed to protect teeth — keep up your daily dental hygiene regimen. And always brush and floss before going to bed, since sleep slows the production of saliva.
No one to kiss? Get saliva flowing by chewing sugarless gum.
