Sore teeth do not threaten life. However, their treatment is a troublesome business, and is expensive. Therefore, learn to save your teeth from the youth. Dental diseases usually begin in childhood. Then steadily progress and eventually lead to irreversible damage to the teeth, pain and discomfort. If the process is not stopped, the tooth is completely destroyed.
Not everyone knows that the reason for these unpleasant phenomena - dental plaque. This specific formation on the surface of the tooth, formed as a result of the accumulation and growth of microorganisms. The plaque is attached to the surface of the tooth, it can not be washed off with water. Dental plaque bacteria convert sugar and food residues into the oral cavity into acids, which dissolve the enamel of the teeth. As a result, tooth decay begins. In addition, toxic substances released by bacteria cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), their bleeding. Inflammation can spread to the jawbones and a bunch holding teeth in the dental hole. Teeth lose stability, they begin to stagger.
How to avoid these unpleasant phenomena?
To save teeth from the youth, they should be cleaned 2 times a day: in the morning (after breakfast) and in the evening, as during the sleep the protective properties of saliva decrease. Give preference to toothbrushes of artificial bristles (nylon) of medium or soft stiffness. Synthetic fiber can be given firmness and elasticity, its ends are rounded and do not damage the mucous membrane of the gum. In addition, artificial brushes are more hygienic than brushes made from natural bristles. Buy only those toothbrushes that have a certificate of hygienic registration. The toothbrush should be sold in hermetically sealed packaging, which indicates its name, the degree of stiffness of the bristles, and information about the manufacturer. A new toothbrush should be rinsed thoroughly with warm running water. But do not treat it with boiling water, it spoils artificial bristles!
The size of a toothbrush is selected for each person individually. The working part should be the size of about 2-3 diameters of the tooth crowns: this will allow to easily clean out hard-to-reach areas without problems. The brush head is 22-28 mm long for adults, about 20 mm for children. Bristle tufts should be sparsely distributed. The shape of the toothbrush does not affect the cleaning efficiency. Change the toothbrush should be every 2-2.5 months, store cleanly washed, in a glass, head up. The child's brush should be soft, with a small, short head. The original shape and bright color of the brush will help make cleaning your teeth fun and attractive for children.
Toothpaste.
The paste usually consists of an antiseptic, surfactants, abrasive filler, perfume and binding agents. In the paste can be administered and therapeutic and preventive supplements. Depending on whether they are introduced or not, the pastes are divided into hygienic and therapeutic-preventive.
Toothpastes also must meet special requirements. They should be harmless, have polishing and cleaning properties. Also they should have a nice look, taste and smell. Have a cooling and disinfecting effect, have a therapeutic and preventive effect. Scientifically proved the important role of fluoride in the prevention of dental diseases. Therefore, preference should be given to fluorine-containing toothpastes . Fluorides are chemical compounds that, in specially selected dosages, reduce the risk of caries. They should help strengthen enamel, increase its resistance to the destructive effects of acids. More fluorides prevent the reproduction of microorganisms, do not allow them to attach to the surface of the tooth, inhibiting their reproduction. Thereby preventing the occurrence of plaque. When choosing a fluoride toothpaste, make sure that the package is hermetically sealed and the expiration date has not expired.
While learning to save teeth from the youth, remember that hygienic toothpastes are intended only for refreshing and cleaning the oral cavity. As a rule, therapeutic and prophylactic toothpaste should contain biologically active additives: infusions and extracts of medicinal plants, microelements, vitamins, and salts. Depending on what biologically active substances are included in their composition, toothpastes can be divided into 5 groups:
- anticaries paste;
- pastes with the content of plant components;
- Salt pastes;
- pastes containing various biologically active additives;
- Pastes containing enzymes.
Anti- caries paste helps strengthen the mineral tissue of the teeth and prevents the formation of plaque. This effect is achieved due to the introduction in their composition of compounds of calcium, phosphorus and fluorine. Toothpastes "Blend-a-med Complete" and "Blend-a-med Mineral Action" help to protect teeth against caries due to active fluorine in the "Fluoristat" system. For 1 minute of cleansing, they provide teeth with as much free fluoride as other toothpastes - in 10 minutes. "Dentavit Q10" contains coenzyme Q10, which has a healing effect on gums, and active fluoride in its composition protects teeth from caries. Toothpastes "Lacalut sensitive" and "Colgate sensitive" apply if you have increased sensitivity of tooth enamel to external stimuli. They should be selected if you have a painful reaction to cold, hot, sour, sweet.
Pastes, containing as additives, herbal preparations , help improve mucosal metabolism, stimulate healing of small lesions, reduce bleeding gums, and have excellent deodorizing properties. Their phytoformulas contain extracts of green tea, St. John's wort, sage and other plant components.
Salt toothpastes contain various mineral components. Minerals can improve blood circulation, stimulate metabolic processes in the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth, cause an increased outflow of tissue fluid from the inflamed gums. Salt toothpastes are famous for their analgesic effect, they prevent the formation of soft plaque.
Toothpastes containing various biologically active additives have a healing and anti-inflammatory effect. They are used to treat periodontitis, gingivitis and other diseases of the oral mucosa.
Enzyme-containing toothpastes cleans tooth enamel well. They dissolve nicotine plaque, soft dental plaque, and also remove the remains of food between the teeth. Such experts recommend the use of the paste for the treatment of the oral mucosa and periodontal diseases during their exacerbations. Recently on sale there were no abrasive cleaners and gel-like transparent toothpastes. Gel toothpastes are especially effective for the restoration of enamel.
To select a toothpaste for a child should be a dentist with due regard for the age and condition of the teeth. Children of preschool age are better to use slightly foaming paste. Children's toothpastes Vitosha F, Putzi, Drakosha contain calcium and fluoride compounds that strengthen the tooth enamel. The content of fluoride in children's toothpastes is 2-3 times less than in pastes intended for adults. This ensures the safety of the baby in case he accidentally swallows some amount of toothpaste during brushing.
Other means of prevention.
Dental threads are used to remove plaque from the contact surfaces of the teeth. For the same purpose, toothpicks are also used. In recent years, physicians have actively investigated the effect of chewing gum on the incidence of teeth and gums. Scientists have proved: chewing gum reduces the amount of deposits on the teeth. If you introduce therapeutic and prophylactic additives into it, it can have a preventive effect. "Gum" increases the rate of salivation in 3-10 times. Neutralizes the action of acid in the mouth. Promotes the penetration of saliva into hard-to-reach spaces between teeth. Helps to remove the remains of food from there. However, it should be remembered: chewing gum can not replace regular brushing of teeth.
The main purpose of dental elixirs is deodorization of the oral cavity. They are used to rinse after brushing teeth or after eating. If you add therapeutic and prophylactic additives to the elixirs, this will allow using them as additional preventive drugs.
Proper nutrition.
Fluorine compounds enter the body with water and food. For example, with tea, mineral water, sea kale, sea fish. But this is not enough. To replenish the stock of fluoride compounds it is necessary to use fluorinated salt, fluorine-containing drugs and toothpastes. For the prevention of dental diseases it is important to follow certain rules of nutrition. In between the main meals should not eat foods high in sugar. Especially lollipops and flour products (biscuits, crackers, cakes), the remains of which are retained for a long time on the teeth. The constant presence of sugar in the mouth stimulates the production of microorganisms by the acid, which gradually destroys the enamel. The consumption of sweet carbonated drinks, sweets more than five times a day, increases the risk of caries by 40%.
To have a beautiful snow-white smile, observe the following rules:
- instead of sweets eat more raw fruits, vegetables, nuts;
- thoroughly chew hard raw vegetables. For example, carrots and celery;
- instead of nectars or fizzy drinks with a high sugar content, drink unsweetened drinks, natural juices, partially skimmed milk;
- Eat dairy products and green vegetables. They contain calcium, which strengthens hard tissues of the teeth;
use fluoride toothpastes;
- brush your teeth twice a day, while observing the correct technique; at least once a day, use dental floss, apply toothpicks;
- rinse your mouth with water or a tooth elixir after each meal;
- Visit the dentist twice a year. The doctor will give recommendations on oral hygiene, promptly identify the problems that have arisen;
Observing these simple rules of hygiene, you will protect your teeth healthy and beautiful. And also do not forget to teach how to properly care for the teeth and mouth of your children.