How to Keep a Healthy Smile

Graduate of University of Michigan Dental School, 1997 GULAFSHAN MUNSHEY DDS Graduate of University of Michigan Dental School, 1997

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY What 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)

Abscessed Tooth Treatment: Pulpotomy & SS Crown

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-CONTROL TOOTHPASTE 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 Mouthwashes Fluoridated Mouthwashes Antiseptic Mouthwashes Anti-microbial mouthwashes Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

FLUORIDATED MOUTHWASH Reduce caries/tooth decay ADA recommends for kids over 6 yrs old Swish a minute and spit, don’t rinse after. Don’t eat or drink for 30 mins afterwards Has the ADA seal of acceptance

ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH Most common OTC mouthwash May contain high content of Alcohol Can reduce plaque & gingivitis Can mask bad breath for 15-20 mins

ANTIMICROBIAL MOUTHWASH Most commonly prescribed is Chlorhexidine mouthrinse Can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth Usually for people diagnosed with periodontitis. Used for short period of time Has side effects if used long term Request 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 bristles Small head is generally better Size and color of handle is personal preference Power brushes are nice! Have a timer Are 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 teeth Very effective Water pik Shoots water with pressure to get food out from teeth Great for kids with braces Tongue scraper Excellent for cleaning the tongue Toothpick DO NOT USE

6 Monthly Dental Checkup Very Important Identifies problem areas before they turn into “problems” Yearly X-rays Shows early carious areas Infections on teeth Missing, impacted teeth Sealants for kids In-office Fluoride treatment

6 Monthly Dental Checkup It 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

Thank you for your time and attention!