Teeth

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Gum disease may lead to premature birth, heart disease and/or diabetes

To help prevent tooth disease:

• Floss at least once a day
• Brush at least twice a day
• Limit between-meal snacks, especially snacks high in sugar
• Brush and floss as soon as possible after eating (don’t wait until bedtime)
• Avoid using bleaching or whitening kits

At least every 3-4 months:

• Start using a new toothbrush

At least twice a year:

• Get regular check-ups from a dentist

Brushing:

Before:

• Use a toothbrush which has dried out since last being used or was soaked in hydrogen peroxide to reduce risk of bacteria
• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth avoid abrasive toothpastes claiming to whiten teeth, which could wear down linings of teeth and gums
• Avoid sticking bristles into tube of toothpaste to minimize spread of bacteria
• Use just a pea-size amount of toothpaste for each brushing the brushing action is more important than the toothpaste
• Wipe off opening of toothpaste tube after dispensing to minimize spread of bacteria

During:

• Turn off the water as much as possible
• Keep your back straight
• Place the toothbrush at your gum line
• Brush in small gentle circles
• Brush one or two teeth at a time
• Brush the outside of your teeth
• Brush the inside of your teeth
• Brush your chewing surfaces with a firm back-and-forth motion
• Brush for at least 2-3 minutes
• Rinse your mouth with water (don’t drink the water)

After:

• Place bristle end of toothbrush into hydrogen peroxide to minimize spread of bacteria
• Spray bristle end of toothbrush with an antiseptic spray to minimize spread of bacteria
• Rinse with mouthwash

Flossing:

• It’s more important to floss than to brush

After flossing between two teeth:

• Get floss out by pulling one end out to the side, vice pulling both ends straight up or down, especially next to crowns/caps

Stains:

To minimize staining:

• Avoid:
  • Red wine
  • Grape juice
  • Cranberry juice
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • White wine
  • Cola

Bleaching:

• Don’t do it if you’re pregnant or nursing

If you knock out a tooth, either:

• Wash it off and put it back in its place until you can get to a dentist, or,
• Place it in a cup of water or milk

Then:

• Rush to a dentist

If you lose a filling:

• Chew up some sugarless gum
• will reduce discomfort until the filling is replaced

If braces are recommended:

• Ask your dentist/orthodontist about Viazis braces (triangular and smaller than traditional braces) which appear to move the teeth faster

If in a foreign country:

To help prevent traveler’s diarrhea:

• Use only bottled water for brushing your teeth

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