saving your smile ppts

Saving Your Smile

Flossing• Important Facts

– You floss before you brush.– Most cavities begin

between the teeth– The bristles of a toothbrush

do not reach between the teeth.

– You must remove plaque between the teeth once a day to keep the gums and teeth healthy.

• Process– Wind approx 18 in around

the middle fingers until 5 inched is left to work with.

– Pinch floss between thumb and index finger and leave about an inch.

– Gently glide floss between the teeth.

– Clean the surface of the tooth by using an up and down motion on both sides of the gum until it is clean.

Flossing

• Results– If the gums are infected

then they will bleed, but this is expected if you are a beginner.

– The bleeding should go away after a week of regular flossing.

• Facts– Floss aid are available if it’s

difficult to work with string.– Flossing is equally as

important as brushing.– Floss before you brush.

Flossing Properly

Brushing• Brush twice a day

– In the morning after breakfast– It is most important to brush at night before

you go to bed• Brush for two minutes • Change your toothbrush every 3 months

Brushing• Important Facts

– Use a toothbrush that you prefer, but make sure that it has soft bristles.

– Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride.

• Process– Brush in a circular pattern

at a 45 degree angle.– Brush each quadrant of the

mouth for 30 seconds.– Brush the tongue and the

roof of the mouth.– Run your toothbrush under

some water to remove all of the bacteria that was just removed from the mouth.

Brushing Properly

What happens when the teeth are not given the proper care?

• Gingivitis• Periodontal

disease• Bad breath

Gingivitis• Definition-The swelling or

discoloration of the gums.• Most people are unaware that

they have it because it is painless in most cases.

• It is very common• It is the mildest form of gum

disease and is reversible.• It is the beginning stage of

periodontal disease.

• Signs of gingivitis:– Redness where the

gums and teeth meet– Sore or swollen gums– Bleeding of the gums– Bad breath

Gingivitis

Periodontal Disease• Again most people are

unaware because it is painless in the early stages.

• Main cause: accumulation of plaque – the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth

• Plaque must be removed or it mineralizes to for tartar.

• Once tartar is formed, brushing and flossing cannot remove it and you must seek professional care to have it removed.

• Warning Signs:– Persistent bad breath– Bleeding gums when

brushing or flossing– Soft, swollen, or tender

gums– Gums that are shrinking

away from the teeth– Permanent teeth becoming

loose– Changes in the spaces

between the teeth, which reflect changes in the underlying bone

Periodontal Disease• Once bone is lost to periodontal disease, it

never comes back.• If too much bone is lost, the teeth COULD

become loose and have to be removed or they just fall out on their own.

Periodontal Disease

Bad Breath• Causes

– Strong foods such as garlic and onions

– Dry mouth which results form stress, smoking, and old age

– Improper and inconsistent dental home care

• Ways to Improve– Eliminate the bacteria

found on the tongue and gums by brushing

– Use a mouthwash like Listerine

• Listerine needs to be swished around in the mouth for 30

• Go as long as you can and build up to 30 sec

Conclusion• Brush your teeth

• Clean between your teeth by flossing

• And schedule regular dental visits for a healthy smile.

THE END