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1.What Is Good Oral Hygiene?
Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:
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Your teeth are clean and free of debris |
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Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss |
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Bad breath is not a constant problem |
If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.
A dentist or hygienist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.
2. How can a balanced and healthy diet play a role in dental care?
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Good oral health begins with a well-balanced diet. |
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Eat more fibrous food such as raw vegetables, fruit etc which increases the saliva flow. |
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You should eat a variety of foods to maintain a well-balanced diet. Select items from each of the foods groups for your meals (breads, fruits, vegetables, meat and milk). |
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Discourage children from eating sticky food particularly between meals. |
3. Is There an Association Between Gum Disease and Diabetes?
Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
4. If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?
If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control.
5.What Can I Expect at My Checkup? Should I Tell My Dental Professional About My Diabetes?
People with diabetes have special needs and your dentist and hygienist are equipped to meet those needs – with your help. Keep your dentist and hygienist informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.
6.Can Medication Have an Effect on My Oral Health?
Yes, medications can have oral side effects — dry mouth being the most common. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications that you're taking, even medicines that you purchase without a prescription.
These are the types of medications that will often produce dry mouth:
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Antihistamines |
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Decongestants |
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Pain Killers |
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Diuretics |
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High Blood Pressure Medications |
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Antidepressants |
Other medications may cause abnormal bleeding when brushing or flossing, inflamed or ulcerated tissues, mouth burning, numbness or tingling, movement disorders and taste alteration. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a dentist or physician.
7. Can soda or soft drinks consumption do any harm to my teeth?
Yes, definitely. Soft drinks are hard on your teeth. By reducing the amount you drink, practicing good oral hygiene, and seeking help from your dentist and hygienist, you can counteract their effect and enjoy better oral health. Children, adolescents and adults can all benefit from reducing the number of soft drinks they consume, as well as from available oral care therapies.
8.What Is Halitosis or bad breath?
Halitosis simply means bad breath, a problem that many people experience at one time or another.
Many things can cause bad breath, including:
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Poor oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing properly) |
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Gum disease |
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Eating certain foods like onions or garlic |
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Tobacco and alcohol products |
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Dry mouth (caused by certain medications, medical disorders and by decreased saliva flow during sleep hence the term "morning breath") |
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Systemic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disorders. |
9. How Can I Help Prevent Halitosis?
In addition to avoiding foods that cause bad breath, you can reduce the chances of bad breath by
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Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles. Brushing your tongue will also help reduce bad breath |
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Removing dentures each night and cleaning them well before replacing them each morning. |
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Visiting your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings. |
If you have persistent bad breath that is not improved with brushing and flossing, see a dentist for a thorough dental examination as this could indicate a more serious problem. Only a dentist can tell if you have gum disease, dry mouth or excess plaque buildup as a possible cause of bad breath
10. How do I Know if I Have Gingivitis?
Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where plaque and food debris collect. Some people may experience recurring bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth, even if the disease is not advanced.
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