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How to Keep a Healthy Smile

+GULAFSHAN MUNSHEY DDS

Graduate of University of Michigan Dental School, 1997

+PREVENTIVE DENTISTRYWhat do we want to Prevent?

Caries

Periodontitis

Root canals

Extractions

+CARIES (Tooth Decay)

Caused by Bacteria

Poor or Inadequate Oral Hygiene

High Sugar/Starch diet

Frequent Snacking

Pop drinking

+“SIP ALL DAY GEY DECAY”

+CAVITIES

+CAVITIES

+Periodontitis (Gum Disease)

Caused by bacteria

Poor/Inadequate Oral Hygiene

+GUM DISEASE

+Plaque

Bone Loss

+Abscess(tooth infection)Treatment for abscess:

Root canal treatment (adults)

Pulpotomy & SS Crown

Extraction (pulling of the tooth)

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Abscessed Tooth

Pulpotomy &

SS Crown

Treatment:

+ How to Prevent Dental Problems from

Occurring?Brushing teeth twice a day, everyday

Flossing at least once a day, everyday

Use a mouthwash once a day, everyday

Healthy diet: Avoid sugary substances, pop, and frequent snacking

Regular 6 month check ups with a dentist/dental hygienist

+TOOTHPASTE SELECTION

+FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE

Most contain Fluoride in varying concentration

The higher the content, the better at preventing plaque accumulation

Dark side of high content is tooth staining

+TARTAR-CONTROLTOOTHPASTE

Active Ingr: SodiumPyrophosphate

Successfully reduces tartar buildup between regular 6 month checkups

May give a false sense of security

May mask signs of gum disease

Longterm use may cause sensitivity

+SENSITIVITY TOOTHPASTE Active Ingr: Potassium Nitrate or Strontium Chloride (ADA accepted)

Improvement noticed after 4-6 wks

Use only for 2-3 months

+WHITENING TOOTHPASTE They DON’T work!

Just removes surface stains!

All toothpastes contain abrasives that do that!

Absolutely no effect on color of teeth

+PRESCIPTION TOOTHPASTE

Prevident 5000 plus

Fluoridex 5000 ppm

Renew (5000ppm + NovaMin for sensitivity) It is very new.

These are for people with highcaries rate.

+OTHER TOOTHPASTES“Triclosan”, for treating and preventing

gingivitis – Colgate Total

Natural toothpastes, May contain Vit C, which increases level of acidity in mouth

Most natural toothpastes are missing Fluoride except tom’s and maines natural toothpaste.

Baking soda toothpaste, has no effect on periodontitis, if you like the taste and that improve compliance then Go ahead and use it!

Look for the ADA seal of acceptance.

+MOUTHWASHES

Does not replace brushing & flossing

Should be part of the daily regimen

Kinds of MouthwashesoFluoridated MouthwashesoAntiseptic MouthwashesoAnti-microbial mouthwashes

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

+FLUORIDATED MOUTHWASH

Reduce caries/tooth decayADA recommends for kids over 6 yrs

oldSwish a minute and spit, don’t rinse

after.Don’t eat or drink for 30 mins

afterwardsHas the ADA seal of acceptance

+ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASHMost common OTC mouthwash

May contain high content of Alcohol

Can reduce plaque & gingivitis

Can mask bad breath for 15-20 mins

+ANTIMICROBIAL MOUTHWASHMost commonly prescribed is

Chlorhexidine mouthrinseCan reduce the number of bacteria in

the mouthUsually for people diagnosed with

periodontitis.Used for short period of timeHas side effects if used long termRequest an alcohol-free one.

+MOUTHWASH FOR DRY MOUTH

Some people might experience xerostomia (dry mouth)

Biotene mouthwash used once a day to keep a good salivary flow

+TOOTHBRUSHES

Soft, rounded, nylon bristlesSmall head is generally betterSize and color of handle is personal preference

Power brushes are nice!oHave a timeroAre more thorough

+FLOSS

Floss Daily Start at same spot and move clockwise Used to reduce plaque between teeth C-Shape Kinds of floss

• Waxed• Unwaxed

It doesn’t matter, JUST FLOSS!

+Other “Gadgets”Interdental Brushes

To clean large spaces between teethVery effective

Water pikShoots water with pressure to get food out from teeth

Great for kids with bracesTongue scraper

Excellent for cleaning the tongueToothpick

DO NOT USE

+6 Monthly Dental CheckupVery ImportantIdentifies problem areas before they turn into “problems”

Yearly X-rays Shows early carious areasInfections on teethMissing, impacted teeth

Sealants for kidsIn-office Fluoride treatment

+6 Monthly Dental CheckupIt sends the right message to the kids that “teeth are important”

Keeps them on top of their oral hygiene

And YES, if baby teeth have cavities, they need to be filled

+SEALANTS

Usually 1st & 2nd molars are sealed

Protects teeth from getting cavities

Usually done on kids between ages 6 & 14.

It seals the pits and fissures on the chewing surface of the molar

+“On the side”

Teeth are for chewing, smiling,

NOT for opening bottles, chip bags, cracking nuts OR Chewing on bones

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Thank you for your time and

attention!