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Showing posts from February, 2019

The keys to keeping your mouth healthy

A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come. There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible: – Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush – Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months – Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner – Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health. For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce

How orthodontic treatment could help you

Orthodontic treatment is the process of straightening out crooked and crowded teeth, often using appliances such as braces. Most dentists are trained to treat some minor orthodontic problems but, if they feel a patient needs specialist treatment, they will provide a referral to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. One of the main aims of orthodontics is to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment through braces, corrective procedures and other “appliances”. Braces are the most common appliance and there are two types: – Fixed, which are worn all the time and can only be removed by the dentist – Removable, which the patient can take out of the mouth Most patients wear braces for between one and three years, depending on what conditions need correcting. This is followed by a period of wearing a “retainer” that holds teeth in their new positions. There may be a little

Oral cancer: Why early detection is so important

Although thousands of Americans die every year from oral cancer, there is a high chance it can be cured if it is caught early enough. Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer and only half of those diagnosed survive more than five years. But nowadays, dentists have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. If it is caught early, there is a much higher chance that, with your dentist’s help, you could win a battle against oral cancer. The key is to know the early signs and see your dentist regularly. Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue or the palate. Other signs include: – A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal – A change in the color of the oral tissues – A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area – Pain, tenderne

Choosing the right mouthwash to meet your needs

These days many people like to use a mouthwash and there is a huge range of options to choose from. The key to choosing the right one for your needs is being clear about what you are using it for. Many people opt for mouthwash because they want to have fresh breath. But many mouthwashes contain alcohol which can cause the mouth to dry. It’s best to minimize the chances of suffering from dry mouth as it can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore if you want fresh breath, a breath spray or drops may meet your needs better. Another reason for using mouthwash is when you’ve been told you have a gum disease such as gingivitis. In this case, you’ll need to choose a mouthwash that contains ingredients known to kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis. If you like to use a mouthwash that improves your oral health, use one that contains fluoride. Read the directions of your mouthwash and make sure you spit it out. Don’t assume that the most expensive mouthw