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Dr. Henry Ward

plaque

What is Scaling and Root Planing

There are 64 million adults that have gum disease in America. Scaling and root planing is a common treatment that dentists use to treat gum disease.

When you don’t remove plaque and tartar with daily cleaning and dental hygiene, the bacteria can multiply which creates more plaque and tartar, and more bacteria, ad infinitum. This can eventually lead to sensitive gums that bleed when brushing and flossing. This is considered the very beginning sign of gum disease. If not properly treated, the plaque and tartar start to form pockets under the gum line which can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.

So, what is scaling and root planing you ask? This is also known as non-surgical periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning. It is the process of removing dental plaque, bacteria, and calculus. Scaling is the process of removing calculus and plaque attached to the tooth, it targets below the gum line, and along the root. Plaque is more likely to stick to uneven surfaces, so your dentist smooths the irregular surfaces on the root of the tooth and removes any remaining calculus, this is called root planing.

Be sure to brush and floss to avoid the need for this procedure. And ensure that you see the dentist for your six month check up and regular cleaning.

How Does Sugar Affect Dental Health?

Your diet can greatly effect the health of your teeth. There are many studies that show if you consume large amounts of sugar-filled foods and sweetened drinks, this can have a negative effect on the teeth. Specifically it promotes cavities and provides more opportunity for cavities to occur.

The most common oral diseases are cavities and periodontal diseases. Both have a very direct connection to the build up of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria feed on sugar. The more sugar you consume, the more fuel the bacteria in your mouth have, and thus the bacteria can multiply much faster. Plaque is made up of bacteria. It is literally defined as a biofilm or mass of bacteria that grows on surfaces within the mouth. So, the more sugar you eat, the more the plaque can grow in your mouth!

Of course, it is not necessary to cut all sugar out of the diet. But it should be borne in mind that the more sugar you eat, the more this bacteria in your mouth can grow and cause problems. The proper cleaning of the mouth is imperative to anyone who eats food period. You should see your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning to ensure that you do not build up to much bacteria and plaque in the mouth.

What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use?

ToothbrushWe have all heard that brushing your teeth twice a day is very important for dental health. But, how do you know what kind of toothbrush to use? There are so many to choose from and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Most dental professionals agree that a toothbrush that is soft-bristled is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Also, if the head of the brush is small, it can reach all areas of the mouth easier, even the hard-to-reach back teeth.

As far as the other details of the brush, type of handle, shape of the head, and style of bristles, you should just chose whichever is most comfortable for you. The best toothbrush for you is the one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth.

There is also the question of how often should you get a new toothbrush. You should replace your toothbrush when it starts to show wear or every three months, whichever comes first. You should also replace your toothbrush after you have had a cold as the bristles can accumulate germs that could cause future problems.

How to Combat Bad Breath

Almost any person you ask has had bad breath at one point or another in their lives. In fact around 90 million people in America suffer from this very thing. This can range from the all too common “morning breath” to the more severe cases where the condition is chronic. Some people experience bad breath throughout the day which can lend itself to some awkward and unpleasant social and professional situations.

Here are some obvious and some not-so-obvious reasons for bad breath:

1. Brushing and Flossing

One of the more obvious causes of bad breath is improper brushing and flossing. Proper brushing and flossing will get rid of the plaque build up that occurs on a day to day basis. Plaque contains bacteria which can contribute to bad breath. For optimum results, brush at least twice a day, and floss once each day. Be sure to practice proper dental hygiene at home.

2. Clean your Tongue

Your tongue can be home to many food particles and bacteria as it has a rough surface which can easily collect such things. Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can help get rid of some of this debris. You can also use a tongue cleaner in order to clean it more thoroughly.

3. Drink More Water

One of the reasons why most people wake up with morning breath is because when you sleep you don’t produce as much saliva. When your mouth gets dry, bacteria thrive. So, the first thing in the morning, your breath tends to smell the worst.

Drinking water throughout the day helps keep the mouth clean, wash out food particles, and encourages the production of saliva. Try to keep hydrated to avoid a dry mouth and bad breath.

4. Regular Dental Visits

Last but not least, you need to go to the dentist regularly! Whether it is for a regular cleaning, or to fill a cavity, regular visits to the dentist will help prevent bad breath. During a regular cleaning, the tartar that has built up on your teeth is removed. Tartar, like plaque, contains bacteria and can have a foul smell, so getting rid of it is important. Also, ridding the mouth of any tooth decay will help get rid of excess bacteria in the mouth.

These tips should help any case of bad breath. Try them and see for yourself!

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