Tips for Healthy Teeth

Along with daily brushing and flossing, getting regular dental checkups and eating a good diet will help you keep your gums healthy and your teeth free of decay.

• See your dentist regularly to have your teeth and gums cleaned and checked.

• Get into a routine for brushing and flossing. Brush after meals, at bedtime, and floss at least once a day.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep the enamel hard and prevent decay.

• Avoid snacking on sugary foods, drinking soda-pop, and juices with a lot of sweetener.  Eat fruits and vegetables, sugar-free cereals and crackers instead.  Always brush well immediately following a sugar snack or meal.

Special Aids

Interdental brushes clean large spaces between teeth.

Electric toothbrushes are easier to hold, and move the brush for you.

Floss holders help people who have a difficulty flossing with their fingers or for young children.

Floss threaders help you get under braces or bridgework.

Special floss with a foam or gauze coating gets into tight spaces more easily.

Oral irrigators use water pressure to help flush out food and soft plaque.  This works well for braces and people with periodontal disease.

Interdental cleaners and dental picks help loosen food and plaque between teeth.
 

Gum stimulators help message and strengthen your gums.

 

How to Floss
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between the teeth and below the gums. Start at one place and work all the way around your mouth. Plaque that is left around the gum tissue will cause the tissue to become inflamed and bleed; which is called gingivitis.

1. Wrap 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers. Secure it with your index fingers and thumbs.

  2.  Ease the floss between your teeth using a back & forth motion. Press it against one side, then the other, to form a C-shape.

                                                             

                                                                  3.  Work the floss  up and down, going below the
                                                                        gum line where plaque collects.

   Note: If you have a bridge or wear braces, use a 
             floss threader to get the floss under the 
             bridge or the wires.
 

How to Brush
Brush after meals and at bedtime, using a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Start at one place and work all the way around your mouth. Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth as shown below.

1. Hold the brush at a 45^o angle and gently brush the outer surfaces, using a circular motion.
   
2. Brush the inner surfaces of the back teeth using the same circular motion.
   
   
3. Turn the brush and use the tip to clean the inner surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth.
   
   
   
   Clean the chewing surfaces using a scrubbing motion. Brush your tongue sweeping the plaque outwards, then rinse well.

Adults and Cavities
Recurrent or secondary decay around fillings represents a major dental problem. Surveys find that 40-50% of total adult fillings are done to replace existing fillings.

As we grow older, many of us suffer from gum recession. This means root surfaces become exposed. The incidence of root caries in the adult population is steadily increasing.

Fluoride treatments can be the answer for you. Research shows that properly applied fluoride blocks cavities by forming a more acid-resistant surface layer. It can even reverse (remineralize) early forming cavities (white spots).

Children and Cavities
Children often get cavities due to poor homecare habits. They forget to brush after breakfast or before bed and when they do brush, they rarely clear plaque from all tooth surfaces. Rarely will children floss effectively. Children wearing orthodontic appliances like braces face an additional burden to keeping their tooth surfaces cavity-free. Fortunately, the extra protection offered by fluoride treatments can counter these threats and reduce the risk a child will develop cavities.

• Post Surgical Rinse: Fluorides control bacteria and help tissue heal at the surgical site.

• Crown and Bridge Maintenance: Fluoride prevents recurring decay from occurring under the restoration.

• Implant Maintenance: Bacterial plaque is the number one cause of premature implant failure. Fluoride blocks plaque formulation around your implants.

• Dentures and Partials: Bad breath and irritation from dentures and partials can be controlled by fluoride rinses, without the drying effects of alcohol.

• Orthodontic Maintenance: Fluorides help control the two major problems associated with orthodontic treatment: gingivitis and decalcification.
• Root Surface Caries: Fluorides protect the exposed root surfaces not covered with enamel which make them.
• Sensitivity: Gum recession and natural wear on teeth can cause sensitivity. Fluorides coat and insulate the teeth from hot and cold.

• Side Effects from Medicine: Many prescription medications can affect saliva flow and increase a patient’s risk of dental infection. (Consult your dental professional regarding your specific medication.) Fluoride helps protect against decay.

Will Insurance Cover Sealants?
Many dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of sealants for children. Check with your insurance company for details.

Follow Up
The dentist or hygienist will look at the sealants at each regular dental checkup. Problems are rare and can almost always be corrected. Call the dentist if the sealants interfere with chewing or cause any sensitivity in your child’s mouth.  Avoiding hard candy and ice cubes will prolong the life of sealants.

Tips for Healthy Teeth

• Brush and floss daily to remove bacteria and plaque and help keep gums healthy.

• Get regular fluoride treatments. Along with fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated drinking water, fluoride treatments help protect the smooth surfaces of your child’s teeth from decay.

• See the dentist regularly. Checkups every 6 months help detect any problems early.

• Eat a good diet. Your child needs plenty of protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Limiting foods that are high in sugar – such as soft drinks, cookies, and sweetened cereals – reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Rota-dent . . .The Professional Choice For Plaque Control

Available with clinical instruction only through Dental Professionals.

 Three Out Of Four People Have Warning Signs Of Periodontal Disease

• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Gums are red, swollen or tender
• Gums have pulled away (receded) from teeth
• Pus between teeth & gums when gums are pressed
• Permanent teeth are loose or separating
• Change in the way your teeth fit when biting
• Any changes in fit of partial dentures
• Persistent bad breath

Link found between Periodontal disease
and heart attacks.

Advanced Periodontitis

• Teeth may become mobile or loose
• Bad breath, bad taste are constant
• Roots may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold
• Severe horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray
• Pockets between teeth and gum now in excess of 6mm deep

              

Moderate Periodontitis

• Gum boils or abscesses may develop
• Teeth look longer as gums begin to recede
• Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces
• Bad breath, bad taste
• Both horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray
• Pockets between teeth and gum range from 4-6mm deep

              

 

Early Periodontitis

• Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth
• Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation more pronounced
• Bad breath and bad taste
• Slight loss of bone, horizontally on X-ray
• Pockets of 3-4mm between teeth and gums in one or more areas of the mouth

              

 

Gingivitis

• Gums bleed easily when you brush or when probed gently during examination
• Gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch
• Possible bad breath and bad taste
• Gums between teeth may look bluish-red in color

              

 

Keeping Your Mouth Clean
Your natural teeth and gums need good care, too. Clean your mouth of the bacteria and bits of food that lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth odor.  The natural teeth should be brushed at morning and night while the partial is removed.  Flossing of the teeth should be done at least once a day.  It is still very important to see your dentist for regular checkups.  At these checkups the dentist will check to see if your partial is loose, causes soreness, or is in need of repair.

  Never make adjustments yourself. Take good care of your partial and it will keep you looking great for many years to come.

 

Keeping Your Partial Clean

• Rinse your partial after eating to remove bits of food. Brush at least once daily over a sink full of water to prevent damage if you drop it.

• Use a soft denture brush and mild liquid soap or denture toothpaste. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive. Never use bleach to try to whiten the teeth.  Bleach will corrode any metal framework.

• Clean carefully around clasps to be sure you remove all bacteria and food. 

• A few times a week, soak it in denture cleaner to help prevent staining and odor.

              

Adjusting to Your Partial
Your dentist can make sure your partial fits properly. Follow the instructions that your dentist gives you to help your mouth adjust.  Your partial is a foreign object, there will be an adjustment period while learning to eat and speak.  Several visits to the dentist may be needed to be sure the partial fits properly. Your partial is custom-made for your mouth. Even so, it may require a few adjustments to ensure the fit of the partial.

Tips to Help During Adjustment
Try a few of these tips. They may help your mouth adjust faster and more easily.

• At first, eat soft foods and foods that have been cut into small pieces. Once you’re used to eating with the partial, you can eat almost anything you like. However, very sticky or hard foods may displace the partial.

• Practice reading out loud until you can talk comfortably with the partial in place.

• Practice putting the partial in and taking it out in front of a mirror. Never force it or bite down to try to get it into place.

Wearing Your Partial
Your dentist will recommend how long to wear the partial and when to remove it. At first, you might wear it all the time. Later on, you may be told to remove your partial at night to give your gums a rest.  Following removal, your partial, gums, and natural teeth will require proper care to keep your mouth healthy.

Bacteria in plaque have also been linked to:

• Inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels that is known to lead to constriction in the arteries.

• Infective endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease in which the sac around the heart becomes inflamed.

• Lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases.

• A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing and diminish a person’s response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.

• A higher risk of delivering premature, low birth weight infants.

• Tooth loss.

Mounting evidence relates gum disease to a variety of health concerns, some that are life threatening. By keeping regular recare appointments with your dental team, you help increase your chances for a long and happy life.

Your Rota-dent operates at home like the equipment your dental professional uses to clean and polish your teeth.

Gum Disease May Relate To Heart Attack Risk
Previous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with gum disease, but until recently no plausible cause had been suggested. Now studies indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape into the bloodstream, they are related to increased risk of heart attacks and other heart illnesses.

People with periodontal disease have an infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums. It is also a path for these bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

A recent study describes the association between heart disease and gum disease to be at least as strong as the linkage of heart disease to cholesterol, body weight, or smoking.

PATENTED BRUSH TIPS DESIGNED FOR SPECIFIC CLEANING NEEDS

The Hollow Cup Brush Head
This brush cleans below the gum line, between the teeth, removes stain, and polishes your teeth. It is highly effective for cleaning dental implant posts and around single teeth where removable partials attach.

The Short Pointed Tip Brush Head
This tip is ideal for patients with braces, removable bridges, crowded teeth and implants. It cleans below the gum line and between the teeth.

The Elongated Tip Brush Head
This tip is especially useful in cases where large spaces occur between teeth, when roots are exposed, under fixed bridges, in certain areas around braces, and where extreme periodontal conditions exist.

REPLACEMENT BRUSH HEADS
Additional Brush Heads are available so that other family members may enjoy the benefits of Rota-dent.

RECOMMENDED BY DENTISTS AND HYGIENISTS
True rotary action and patented microfilament technology are the reasons the Rota-dent is more effective in plaque removal than a manual brush and twice as fast. Improved gear mechanisms in the neck allow the use of chlorhexidine, toothpaste, fluoride or other medicaments. The Rota-dent cleans well with or without toothpastes.

THE ROTA-DENT CLINICAL ADVANTAGE

In Between Teeth                             Orthodontic Braces
         

Crowns & Bridges                                       Implants              
         

The accumulation of plaque on teeth can lead to gingivitis or other conditions such as periodontitis.  The Rota-dent provides a choice of 3 different brush tips. Your dental professional will help you choose the specific one for you.

PERSONALIZED CLEANING TECHNIQUE

Because of the Rota-dent’s unique design, your dentist or hygienist can personalize your hygiene needs. Only the Rota-dent is capable of cleaning areas that are difficult, if not impossible, for conventional and other power assisted brushes.

Cosmetic Appearance

Plaque . . .The Invisible Enemy

Plaque is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film containing bacteria that constantly forms in your mouth.  This bacteria is the cause of both tooth decay and periodontal disease.  Some form of periodontal disease affects 3 of 4 adults.

The bacteria in plaque is the main cause of tooth caries (decay) and periodontal (or gum) diseases. Periodontal diseases affect approximately 75 to 85 percent of the adult population.

Many clinical studies show the value of the Rota-dent in controlling dental plaque, reducing stains, reducing bleeding, and cleaning braces and implants. Clinical studies also show that the Rota-dent helps control dental plaque and inflammation associated with gingivitis.

These studies have proven that the Rota-dent is effective in removing plaque and controlling gum disease. Therefore, the Rota-dent will help prevent premature failure of crowns, bridges, and partials.

PLAQUE REMOVAL IS ESSENTIAL FOR A HEALTHY SMILE

 

Crest Whitestrips Supreme Includes

• 14% hydrogen peroxide
• 21-day supply used twice daily for 30 minutes
• Crest Dual Action Whitening Toothpaste
• Crest SpinBrush

EMERGENCY CARE
We recognize that emergency situations do arise and we will do everything in our power to respond to your problem as quickly as possible.  If an emergency arises while the office is closed, call 965-3603, leave a detailed message and Dr. Kirke will respond as soon as possible.  If an emergency arises while the office is open, please call the office as early as possible.  This will allow our office staff to schedule you at the earliest possible time.

TELEPHONE CALLS
We encourage you to call with questions you may have concerning dental problems; however, it would be unfair to other patients if the doctor were to disrupt treatment to answer every phone call.  Our staff is trained to answer most questions.  If your call requires that the doctor speak with you, please leave a message and the doctor will return your call at the earliest opportunity.

RECALL VISITS
We believe in the benefits of regular preventative care, and therefore, encourage all of our patients to return for periodic recall visits.  We will reserve any appointment times as needed to complete any necessary treatment.  These appointments will be followed up with a phone call reminder and a recall card as needed,  If you are unable to keep this appointment, please call promptly to reschedule.  At the time of recall visits, please advise the receptionist of any change in your:

                       * Health and medication being taken              * Marital Status
                       * Address or telephone numbers                    * Employment and insurance coverage

When to Call the Dentist

• If an adult tooth is loose, call your dentist. If a tooth is knocked out, get emergency dental care. Don’t wash the tooth. Put it in milk until it can be put back in place.

• If you notice brown or black spots on your child’s teeth

The Tooth Chart
A Child’s first teeth are called primary (baby) teeth. These teeth start to come in between 4 and 18 months of age. In most children, all baby teeth are in place by age 3. Around age 6, the baby teeth begin to be replaced by permanent (adult) teeth. Most adult teeth are all erupted by their early teens.

 
 

Visiting the Dentist
Your child’s first dental visit should be at around age 3. Before this first checkup, a "practice" visit can be arranged to help your child get used to the dental office. A checkup and cleaning is then needed about twice a year.

Problems to Watch For
Problems with  teeth at any age can harm your child’s growing smile. Watch for signs of decay. 

Tooth Decay
Never put your child to sleep with a bottle unless it is just water.  Juice and milk contain sugars that can quickly cause tooth decay. Don’t let your child drink or snack without brushing afterward.

 

---

     Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

Sucking on a thumb or pacifier is common and normal for a baby. If this habit continues it may lead to tooth or jaw problems.  An orthopaedic pacifier is best for your child.

 

Don’t Forget Flossing
Flossing removes bacteria and plaque that brushing 
can’t reach. Floss your child’s teeth daily. A floss holder may be
easiest for you and your child.

 

What About Fluoride?
To help prevent cavities fluoride is used to strengthen the enamel.  Most city water supplies contain low amounts of fluoride, if you have well water ask your dentist about fluoride supplements.  At regular checkups your dentist will apply a fluoride treatment on children. 

Help from Sealants
Sealants are also used in the prevention of cavities.  They are safe, painless, and low-cost.  A thin plastic coating is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars.  Sealants form a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the pits and  grooves of the teeth.

While patients are most interested in the attractive quality of the final result and the time-saving approach, health professionals laud the conservative treatment plans made possible by CEREC^®. Advanced bonding techniques and precise restoration design allow me to salvage more of the healthy tooth material, creating a stronger, more natural result.

                      Before
          

                        After
         

 

Now You Have A Choice.
Many adults believe braces are the only way to correct ma/positioned teeth.  Due to improvements in technology and materials, your dentist can now skillfully and quickly change your crooked teeth into a beautiful smile.  Cosmetic dentistry can also be performed on the back teeth. Those old silver fillings that have made your back teeth dark and unattractive can now be replaced with state-of-the-art materials that will make your teeth stronger, healthier and much more attractive.  To attain the smile you have always wanted, as how cosmetic dentistry can be attained in your mouth.

.         
Before                            After

         
Before                            After
           Silver Filings        Tooth Colored Material

 

  Brushing
  Brush after each meal. Brush the surfaces and sides of   
  your bridge as well as the rest of your teeth. Use an 
  interdental brush or a pointed tip brush to remove plaque and debris between large spaces.

Flossing
Floss at least once a day to clean food and bacteria from between teeth and around the gumline. Special thick floss or using floss threaders allows you to slide the floss under a fixed bridge and will help maintain healthy tissue.

Dental Visits
See your dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and checkup. These dental visits help keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from buildup. Your dentist can also check to be sure there are no problems with your bridge. If you do notice a problem, especially if your bridge is loose, call your dentist right away. Never try to fix your bridge yourself.

Living with Your New Smile
Your bridge can help make chewing comfortable again. It can also let you feel confident about your smile. Take the time to care for your restored teeth. Keep your mouth healthy and your teeth will stay looking and feeling good.

The Procedure
It will take two or more dental visits to prepare and fit your bridge.  These visits are based on the difficulty of the restoration being placed.

Preparing Your Teeth
For a conventional bridge, the teeth on either side of the space to be filled must be reshaped. These reshaped teeth hold crowns that support the bridge. Limited reshaping is also necessary with the Maryland Bridge. For either bridge, impressions of your teeth are taken. These impressions are used to make your bridge. This process takes about two to three weeks. During this time, you may have a temporary bridge to protect your reshaped teeth.

Fitting Your Bridge
When your new bridge is ready, your dentist places it on your teeth and adjusts the fit until it feels right. The bridge is then cemented or bonded into place. If you have any problems over the next few days, call your dentist. He or she can advise you what to do or make any other adjustments that may be needed.

Caring for Your Bridge
Your bridge depends on the health of the surrounding teeth, gums and bone for support. Thorough brushing and flossing is important to maintain the life of your bridge. Ask your dentist or hygienist whether special cleaning aids for bridges would be necessary.

What is a Fixed Bridge?
A fixed bridge is one or more replacement teeth attached to the natural teeth next to them. The bridge is permanent and can not be removed by the patient.. This type of restoration can be made of metal, tooth-colored porcelain, or a combination of the two. The selection of restoration material is based on the expectations of the patient and the function that is required in the mouth. There are two main types of bridges: conventional and Maryland.

A conventional bridge has replacement teeth that are attached to crowns. The adjacent teeth are reshaped to accept crowns.  These crowns will then hold the replacement teeth in place.

 

A Maryland bridge has replacement teeth that are attached to the back of nearby natural teeth using a metal strip. This type of bridge may be an option if the teeth next to the bridge are in good condition.  There are limitations to where this bridge can be used.  It is most common in the front of the mouth.