CARE OF YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

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A proper brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of our teeth . The following are the steps one should follow for effective removal and food debris.

BRUSHING THE CORRECT WAY

  1. Hold the tooth brush just under the gum line at an angle of 450. Gently move the brush in tiny circles over the teeth and gums. Repeat for each tooth.

  2. Use the tip of your tooth brush to brush behind each front teeth, both top and bottom.

  3. Brush the inside of each tooth by moving the brush in tiny circles as you did in step 1.

  4. For the chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion. Finally, massage your gums with your fingers after brushing and gently brush your tongue. Do not use metal tongue cleaners.

INJURIOUS HABITS AND DENTAL HEALTH

The habits which we acquire in our early years of life, will become a part and parcel of our later life. When we grow older even if we want to give up these habits we cannot do so.

For example, the children who have acquired the habit of thumb sucking, nail biting, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, eating too many sweets and consuming tobacco products will have deleterious effects not only on teeth and their surrounding structures (gums), but also on the general health. Now let us study these habits one by one.


Thumb sucking


Lip biting


Tongue thrusting


Mouth breathing

Thumb sucking

Thumb/finger sucking is a natural occurrence seen in many babies and newborns as it gives them satisfaction. During the very first years of life , thumb sucking is not abnormal. If thumb sucking continues beyond 4 to 5 years of age, it is better to consult your dentist. If the habits is allowed to continue, it can lead to the upper front teeth being push forward, and lower front teeth inwards, towards the tongue.

Mouth Breathing

Children who breathe through the mouth should consult their family doctors. Mouth breathing may be due to a small growth or some obstruction in the nose. It should corrected as early as possible or otherwise it may lead to protrusion of upper front teeth and also spacing between the upper teeth.

Other habits like nail biting and tongue thrusting cause the protrusion of upper front teeth and also spacing between the upper and lower front teeth.

Eating Habits? Importance of Balanced Diet

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is one which contains a variety of food in such quantities and proportions that the need for energy, proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates (sugar) and other nutrients are adequately met for maintaining health and general well being.

Select Food Wisely

A well balanced diet is the key to oral health as well as general health. So it is important that you choose a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals. These vital nutrients and minerals can be found in four basic foods. They are fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat and fish.

Crunching of vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples help in cleaning our teeth and are also rich in vitamins and minerals.

So remember your four basic food groups would help in building up strong teeth and a healthy and active body.

Don't eat sweets or sticky foods in between meals.

In addition to types of food you eat, when and how you eat them can also affect your dental health. To decrease the chances of cavities ( tooth decay) and plaque formation, limit the frequency of your snacks especially of food rich in sugar content like breads, cakes, cookies, chocolates, Toffees and drinks etc.

A REMINDER

  • Good dental health depends on more factors than diet alone. Don't forget to do the other things necessary to maintain health of your teeth and gums.

  • Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.

  • Visit your dentist regularly . It will help in professional cleaning of your teeth when necessary and the early identification and treatment of any dental problems.

  • By taking these measures you can help yourself to good dental health today, tomorrow and for the rest of your life.

EXERCISE

  1. What are the injurious habits that affect dental health?

  2. What is the effect of continuous thumb sucking?

  3. What are the causes of mouth breathing?

  4. Name the habits that cause our upper front teeth to protrude?

  5. What food stuffs cause tooth decay (cavities)?

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