DENTAL HEALTH / PRECAUTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS - DR.BRIGHT
The first thing people notice about you is your teeth!
Don't let plaque ruin this moment!
1-INTRODUCTION
Cavities and gum disease are caused by bacteria that form whitish, often inconspicuous deposits on the surface of teeth and dentures (plaque). Some bacteria convert sugars in the diet into acids. These decalcify the enamel and gradually form a cavity (caries). Plaque bacteria can also cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). They are characterised by red and swollen gums that bleed at least on contact. If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the tissue that supports the tooth in the jawbone. The result is inflammation of the tissues supporting the tooth (periodontitis). The periodontium and the bone are attacked by the inflammatory process and are gradually reabsorbed. Untreated periodontitis can lead to teeth that move more and more and then to tooth loss.
Illustrations :
Dental Clinic for the Elderly and Disabled Centre for Oral Medicine and Orthodontics
Zurich University
Cavities and gum disease are preventable - here are the four basic steps to take:
Careful oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, pre-frequently after each main meal. This removes food leftovers and especially plaque.
Fluorides: Fluoridated toothpastes, jellies and rinsing solutions are indispensable.
for cavity prophylaxis. Fluorides strengthen the remineralisation of the enamel and make it more resistant to acids.
Diet: Prefer sugar-free foods and avoid sweets between main meals.
Regular check-ups: Have your teeth checked regularly by the dentist or dental hygienist for professional oral hygiene care and to detect any problems at an early stage and treat them in good time.
Although teeth and gums are in good condition, there are clearly abrasions on the sharp edges.
Sick teeth and gums
2-DENTAL PLATE
Dental plaque or "bacterial plaque" is a whitish, often inconspicuous deposit that adheres to teeth and dentures. Plaque consists mainly of bacteria and their metabolic products, as well as food remains, which form a dense substrate (also called biofilm).
Dental plaque is doubly dangerous:
- It causes cavities, as the bacteria in plaque can transform food sugars into acids!
- it causes inflammation of the gums and can even resorb the bone around the teeth thanks to the toxins released by the plaque bacteria.
Illustrations :
Dental clinic for the elderly and disabled Centre for Oral Medicine and Orthodontics
Zurich University
Root caries
Plaque and tartar, the gums are highly inflamed.
3- FOOD
A BALANCED DIET IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO ORAL HEALTH:
Protein Protéines
Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, tofu
Fats
Vegetable oils and oils with unsaturated fatty acids, butter
Carbohydrates
Little sugar and above all starchy foods: cereals (rice, pasta, bread), pulses, potatoes.
Vitamins, minerals, fibre and trace elements
Vegetables, fruits, cereals
Drinks
Unsweetened drinks or water to cover liquid and mineral requirements
Use only fluorinated cooking salt.
Frequent consumption of sugar increases the risk of cavities. Slow and repeated intake of products containing sugar is particularly dangerous. Pay special attention to hidden sugars: only a small proportion of the sugar consumed is taken consciously and in pure form (e.g. sweets containing sugar or honey). The most important part is contained in sweetened drinks and ready-made meals.
or restricting your sugar intake:
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks between meals or to make it easier to take
of medication.
2. Limiting the consumption of sweet products
and replace them with:
(a) fresh fruit,
(b) sugar substitutes and sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol, aspartam, acesulfam-K, saccharin). However, excessive consumption of these products may have a laxative effect.
Use products bearing the "sympadent" label. These products have been scientifically tested for their ability to be gentle on teeth; they contain sugar substitutes and sweeteners that cannot be converted by plaque bacteria into acids that are harmful to teeth.
4-Alarm signals
Daily oral care allows regular observation of the oral mucosa and possible pathological changes. Diseases of the oral mucosa are often the result of poor oral hygiene. Many general illnesses also have symptoms in the mouth. Early detection of a change can prevent it from getting worse or even diagnose a malignant tumour of the oral mucosa in time.
Every change in the oral mucosa must be taken seriously: it is essential that the following are taken into account
the precise diagnosis is made by a dentist or a doctor.
ILLUSTRATIONS ON THIS PAGE AND ON THE NEXT DOUBLE PAGE:
DENTAL CLINIC FOR THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED CENTRE FOR ORAL MEDICINE AND ORTHODONTICS
UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH
Plaque, inflamed gums with oedema.
4-SUITE ALARM SIGNALS
THE FOLLOWING POINTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN PERFORMING ORAL CARE :
Bleeding and inflammation of the mucous membranes or gums.
Whitish, painful wounds caused by
the prosthesis in the edentulous maxillary or mandibular folds.
White, blue, black or brown colouring of the mucous membranes, gums or skin.
Dryness of the mouth, which makes it more vulnerable to decay and diseases of the mucous membranes.
Smooth, shiny tongue (a sign of possible vitamin deficiency).
White or red coating on the mucous membrane (sign of a fungal infection).
Whitish changes in the mucous membrane (risk of further development into oral cancer).
5-RISK FOR GENERAL HEALTH
Conditions of the dental support apparatus and certain general illnesses can influence each other. Oral hygiene is therefore not only important for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums, it also prevents the occurrence of certain diseases. If caries and periodontitis are not treated, chronic infection can occur at the root tips and in the gumline. Through the bloodstream, bacteria can then be transported from these infection sites to various organs (heart and joints), causing serious diseases (e.g. endocarditis and rheumatic fever).
Periodontal microorganisms can cause acute illness (pneumonia) or even chronic lung disease via the respiratory tract.
Cavities and periodontitis can cause pain or abscesses and even other infections near the oral sphere. Controlled studies have démontré́ that periodontitis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The interactions between diabetes and periodontitis have long been known. A poorly balanced diabetes can promote periodontitis because an increased blood sugar level stimulates inflammatory processes. Conversely, periodontitis influences the control of diabetes: in case of inflammation, insulin doses must be increased to balance blood sugar levels.
ILLUSTRATION: STEFFEN FAUST, BERLIN
6 MANUAL TOOTHBRUSHES
At marché́ you can find different toothbrushes for brushing your teeth.
Characteristics of a good toothbrush :
- the handle fits well in the hand, it does not slip,
- The hairs are made of synthetic material, fine and have rounded ends,
- the head is rounded and rather small.
To avoid gum injuries and tooth wear, choose soft bristle toothbrushes. After use, the toothbrush should be thoroughly rinsed and air-dried. The toothbrush should be changed at the latest after 8 weeks of use.
Our toothbrush : BRAWS™- Toothbrush made of bamboo
7 ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES
Two types of electric toothbrushes are known. Rotation/oscillation toothbrushes and sonic vibration toothbrushes. Sonic toothbrushes are particularly recommended for people with reduced mobility. Their hydrodynamic efficiency allows them to work right down to the gums and destroy the bacteria in the biofilm.
Sonic toothbrushes gently and completely remove soft bacterial plaque and small stains.
For dependent people, it is easier for caregivers to clean teeth with an electric toothbrush. In the case of electric toothbrushes for care-dependent people, sonic models are to be preferred.
Find our toothbrush for optimal cleaning: Proteen™ Electric Toothbrush
8 TOOTHBRUSHES ADAPTED TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
In case of decreased manual dexterity, individual adaptation may be indicated. It is recommandé́ to develop toothbrushes adapted to individual needs in collaboration with people specialized in physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
The grip of a commercially available toothbrush has been improved with the help of a rubber bicycle handlebar handle.
Increasing the volume of the handle of a toothbrush with a piece of insulating foam.
Toothbrush with a cut-off handle that serves as an extension to the individually adapted toothbrushes that can easily be fingered. For finger attachment a velcro ring has been glued on and can be made with modelling clay.
on the handle of the brush.
9-CLEANING THE TONGUE
The rough surface of the tongue is home to a large number of bacteria and malodorous food degradation products. This is the main cause of bad breath (halitosis). Cleaning the tongue should therefore be part of oral hygiene. It is strongly recommended to brush the tongue daily with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
TONGY™ TONGUE SCRAPER 100% MEDICAL STEEL
How to use: Grasp the tip of the tongue between thumb and forefinger and pass the tongue scraper back and forth. With light pressure, the tongue scraper is moved from back to front.
10-CLEANING THE INTERDENTAL SPACES
The toothbrush does not clean the spaces between the teeth (interdental spaces), which make up about 40% of the tooth surface. For this reason, it is recommended to use plastic toothpicks that are covered with textile at the end. When the interdental spaces are large enough, for example after the gums have receded, interdental brushes should be used. Spiral brushes of different sizes and mounted on handles of different shapes are suitable for this purpose. An effective aid can be provided by daily rinsing of the mouth with a fluoride solution.
When cleaning, the interdental brushes are carefully inserted into the interdental spaces. The brushes are used without toothpaste.
All the products in this article are available on the website: https://www.dr-bright-france.com.
Source: Oral Hygiene Manual
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