Hook Dental - Caring dentistry for all the family, Hook in Hampshire

Teeth are really important. They help us eat, chew and digest our food as
well as helping us to talk and pronounce our words. They help to give our
face its shape and healthy teeth look great when we smile.

There are two main problems which affect our teeth if we don't take care
of them:

1.Decay in teeth destroys their structure necessitating fillings and crowns to correct the problem.

2. Gum disease destroys the structures which support our teeth, the gums and bone of our jaws.

Both these problems are caused by the same substance - PLAQUE. Plaque is a thin sticky film of
bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. The plaque reacts with food and turns sugar into acid
which then attacks and destroys the enamel on our teeth. Because plaque contains millions of
bacteria it releases toxins which make our gums irritated and inflamed.

If the plaque is not removed regularly the gums begin to pull away from the teeth
and the spaces become infected. In time the boney support for the teeth is destroyed and the
teeth can become loose and may be lost. Plaque may also harden to form calculus or 'tartar'
which adheres to the tooth and becomes a constant irritant to the gums attracting further plaque
and accelerating the problem.

How do we keep our teeth and gums healthy
It's easy to keep your mouth clean and healthy. A simple regime of regular brushing good diet
and regular dental checks is all it takes to prevent most problems. As we said earlier the two
main dental problems are caused by plaque and the efficient and regular removal of plaque is
the most important factor in keeping our mouths healthy. Your dentist and hygienist especially
is trained to help you achieve a healthy mouth by efficient cleaning and eating a healthy diet.

Here below are a few simple rules and advice which we believe will set you on the right road to
good dental health:

Healthy gums don't bleed when we brush them. If your gums bleed you may have some
inflammation in your gums which can be the start of problems. Ask your dentist to check them.
They may recommend a visit to the hygienist who can treat the inflammation and help you to
prevent its reoccurrence.

Brushing your teeth with a good quality nylon filament tooth brush is the best way to remove
plaque. Your dentist and hygienist can recommend a suitable brush but in general brushes with
straight handles and bristles all the same length and orientation are best. Choose a small headed
brush. Usually, we all choose a brush that's got too big a head, so as a guide when you've chosen your brush put it back and take the next size smaller!! Brush at least twice a day ideally for
two minutes each time. It's best to brush after breakfast in the morning after lunch and before
you go to bed.

Consider using an electric toothbrush. Recent studies have
shown that the new generation of electric brushes can be
more effective at cleaning your teeth than a manual brush
and certainly our experience at the practice supports this.
Ask your dentist or hygienist what would be best for you.

Change your brush regularly. When the filaments are no
longer straight and have splayed your brush is not as
efficient at removing plaque. It is important to change your
brush every 2-3 months.

Use fluoride toothpaste. Any toothpaste will do as long as its got fluoride. It is the single most
important constituent of your toothpaste and since its introduction has had a marked effect in
reducing dental decay. There are many specialist toothpastes available which may be more
appropriate if you have particular problems. Your dentist or hygienist will advice you what's best
for you.

Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste on your brush. You don't need any more than this to
effectively clean and protect your teeth.

Take just a little extra time to clean between your teeth
using dental floss or interdental brushes. Your dentist or
hygienist will show you how to floss and recommend the
best inter-dental cleaning aids for your mouth. It really
will make a difference. Brushing alone cannot remove
plaque from between your teeth.

Eat a healthy diet. All processed foods and drinks contain added sugar which promotes decay so
eat as much natural fruit and vegetables as possible. Try to reduce your sugar and sweet intake
and eat less snacks between meals. The number of times a day you eat sweet things is much
more important than the amount you eat at one time. Fizzy drinks are causing a great deal of
acid erosion in young people's teeth so it is very important to drink these in moderation.

Crowns bridges and implants need just as much care as natural teeth and your hygienist can
show you special techniques to help keep clean and healthy.

Dentures should be cleaned as regularly as natural teeth outside the mouth by brushing them
physically clean with a tooth brush or denture brush under running water. Don't rely on cleaning
tablets or soaks alone to keep your denture clean. If possible remove your denture at night and
keep it in water to give your gums a rest.

Finally. Visit your dentist regularly, at least once a year.