{"id":518,"date":"2013-06-17T12:17:56","date_gmt":"2013-06-17T12:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamondcourtdental.co.uk\/?page_id=518"},"modified":"2019-04-30T10:27:14","modified_gmt":"2019-04-30T10:27:14","slug":"prevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondcourtdental.co.uk\/patient-information\/prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We have produced a number of guides for patients packed with information and 3d animations.<\/p>\n
Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn\u2019t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n
When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel can break down forming a hole or cavity.<\/p>\n
Plaque can harden into something called calculus (“tartar”). As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected.<\/p>\n
If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost. Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures, bridges or implants.<\/p>\n
It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected. If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist. It is important to keep up your regular appointments so<\/p>\n
that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.<\/p>\n
Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all. It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition.<\/p>\n
Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to recommend a toothbrush to you. However, adults should choose a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or \u2018filaments\u2019. The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where cleaning can be difficult. Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.<\/p>\n
You can now get more specialised toothbrushes. For instance, people with
\nsensitive teeth can now use softer bristled brushes. There are also smaller headed toothbrushes for those people
\nwith crooked or irregular teeth. Some people find it difficult to hold a toothbrush, for example because they have Parkinson\u2019s disease or a physical disability. There are now toothbrushes, which have large handles and angled heads to make them easier to use.<\/p>\n
Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums. It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the filaments become worn. When filaments become splayed, they do not clean properly.<\/p>\n
Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.
\nHere is one method of removing plaque:<\/p>\n
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Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if your dentist recommends it. If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing go to see your dentist about it.<\/p>\n
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It is a small brush that can be held between your thumb and your fingers. Interdental brushes are available in various sizes which enables you to choose which size is most suitable for you. You may need to use more than one size to enable you to effectively clean all spaces between your teeth.<\/p>\n
Over the course of a day, food and debris get lodged in between your teeth, and in any gaps you may have. If left, this debris can cause dental decay and gum disease. Removing food debris and plaque with an interdental brush will help keep your breath fresh. Cleaning in between your teeth makes sure that you are cleaning your mouth as thoroughly as possible.<\/p>\n
No. These small brushes should be used as part of your normal oral hygiene routine to be effective.<\/p>\n
You will know that there are certain places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with your normal brush. There are also some gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush will not be able to access.<\/p>\n
With its small filaments and tiny bottle type head, the brush can be moved between the teeth to remove debris and plaque that will not have been removed by your usual toothbrush. They are available in two textures, original and Soft giving an effective option for even the most sensitive gums and teeth.<\/p>\n
Select a suitable sized interdental brush. Never force the brush between the teeth. Between front teeth, use a finer brush, turning slightly to ease the brush comfortably between the teeth. Remove the brush by gently pulling thereby removing plaque and debris. Repeat the turning motion to re-insert and pull out several times until you are satisfied the space is clean. For larger spaces nearer the back of the mouth, a larger headed brush might be needed. To be as effective as possible, shape the head into a slight curve DO NOT bend at right angles. You will then be able to easily locate and clean the space effectively. Always rinse brush in clean water during and after use<\/p>\n
You need to clean between all your teeth at least once a day.<\/p>\n
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Tongue cleansing is a quick and efficient way to help achieve and sustain a healthy, fresh mouth.<\/p>\n
Recent scientific evidence supports the need to practise regular tongue cleansing to help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.<\/p>\n
The back of the tongue is the main focal point for the majority of micro-organisms in the mouth, which are a major source of bad breath, plaque-forming bacteria and those associated with gingivitis and tooth decay. It is therefore important to reduce these micro-organisms in all areas of the mouth, especially the tongue. A tongue cleanser is the ideal tool to use in conjunction with a toothbrush and floss\/interdental brushes to help achieve optimum oral cleanliness.<\/p>\n
The TongueDetox has been specially designed to maximise the effectiveness of tongue cleansing. It is made of lightweight, supple plastic with an ergonomically designed double handle and is impregnated with a pleasant mint aroma. It is safe and easy to use, minimising the gag reflex. The TongueDetox effectively removes dead cells, food debris and the plaque bacteria that are the most common cause of bad breath.<\/p>\n
Tongue cleansing will easily and effectively remove the extra thick brown coating which forms quite heavily on the tongue\u2019s surface which in turn will reduce \u201csmoker\u2019s breath\u201d.<\/p>\n