Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene: Answers to Common Questions

Can chewing gum contribute to cavities?

Actually, gum stimulates the production of saliva, which naturally washes the teeth and neutralizes some of the acid produced by bacteria. On the other hand, certain brands of gum contain some type of sweetener that can be harmful to your teeth if they are chewed too often or removed from your mouth too soon. Some studies suggest that gum containing sugar should be chewed for about 15-20 minutes to ensure that the sugar is gone and enough saliva is produced to rinse away some of the sugar residue. I recommend that if you chew gum - chew the sugarless brands.

I brush my teeth a number of times a day, but still have bad breath. What should I do?

Your best defense against bad breath is to practice excellent oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing and tongue-scraping. I advise my patients to gently brush their teeth, tongue and palate. If scrupulous oral hygiene does not help alleviate the problem, try some mouthwashes that include various ingredients such as zinc and chlorine dioxide that help fight bad breath. There are actually several sources that might contribute to bad breath, including mouth and tongue, nasal and sinus, lower respiratory tract and lung, gastrointestinal disorders, and ingestion of certain foods and medications. I recommend you get a complete examination by a dentist.

Cigars are all the rage and thankfully so since they are healthier than smoking cigarettes, right?

Don't be so quick to jump to that conclusion. Though cigar smoke is not usually inhaled like cigarette smoke, cigar smokers are still six times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to nonsmokers. Smoking cigars also increases the risk of developing lip, mouth and esophageal cancers.

I have heard that it's best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, but doesn't hard bristles remove more plaque?

Choosing the right toothbrush involves a couple considerations, but since the bristles are what comes in contact with the teeth, start there. While hard, medium and soft bristles all remove plaque, hard and medium bristles can cause damage to the gums, tongue and cheek. Studies have shown that soft-bristled toothbrushes remove plaque as effectively as hard or medium bristles. With that in mind, I recommend choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles.

I'm only 29 years old, yet I already have receding gums. My dentist suggested that I might be brushing my teeth too hard. He also mentioned something about using a soft-bristle toothbrush. What is your opinion on toothbrush bristles?

I highly recommend that my patients use soft-bristled toothbrushes. Soft-bristled brushes achieve the same level of cleanliness as medium- or hard-bristles but are much easier on your gums and teeth. Keep in mind, however, that gum recession can occur because you are using a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush and/or you may not be using the proper brushing technique. The proper brushing technique involves using light pressure. A circular motion is preferable to a back and forth, scrubbing motion. Do not avoid the gumline in an attempt to prevent recession.

Typically, I never get sick, but this season, I have had several bad colds. My mother suggested changing my toothbrush. Is it possible my toothbrush can make me sick?

Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria and viruses - but your brush is most likely to harbor germs if you share with another person or if the brush is not permitted to dry completely after each use. Try some of these tips to avoid bacteria-harboring brushes:

Never share or borrow a toothbrush.
Alternate between two or three toothbrushes to ensure each brush has time to dry properly.
Change your toothbrush at least every three months. It is easy to remember to change your brush if you do so at the beginning of each season.
Store your toothbrush in a dry, open-air location. Don't keep your brush in a cup or close to other toothbrushes.

I am 10 weeks pregnant and have noticed that my gums become swollen and irritated easily. This has never happened before. Is this something that will last the whole pregnancy or that will go away in due time?

It is common to have dental problems associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common - where the gums are usually red and swollen. They also can bleed easily and become very sore or sensitive. This increased inflammation is usually first detected around the second month of gestation and reaches its peak about the eighth month of pregnancy. The increase and decrease in gingival inflammation seems to be directly related to the levels of progesterone and estrogen in your body. The best way to alleviate your swelling and sensitivity is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least two times a day and carefully flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with mouthwash or warm salt water also may help - be careful not to swallow it.

Are whitening toothpastes safe and effective?

I question the effectiveness of whitening toothpastes. Mostly, the change in tooth color is due to variety in diet and tooth structure among people. Additionally, you should be careful when using a whitening toothpaste because they are abrasive to tooth enamel. Whitening toothpastes should be a part of your routine, but not every time you brush. If you are serious about whitening your teeth, you should discuss various options - like bleaching - with your dentist.

At what age should parents start brushing their child's teeth?

Parents should start brushing their children's teeth as soon as they appear in their child's mouth. As long as teeth are present, tooth decay is a concern. Flossing should be started after two teeth have erupted next to each other to prevent cavities between these teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush children's teeth.

I have two children, ages seven and four. I still brush both their teeth for them - at what age should they brush their own teeth?

There is no set age at which a child should take over brushing and flossing responsibilities from you. Basically, it depends on the maturity level of the child and how well they can physically handle the brush and floss. Watch them brush or examine their mouths after brushing to see how well they are removing plaque. An excellent aid in helping to detect how effectively they have removed plaque is a "disclosing tablet" - available either in your local drug store or from your dentist. Once your children have brushed their teeth, have them chew the tablet and swish the saliva around their mouth for about a minute. Have them spit out the saliva in the sink and examine their teeth and gums. Any plaque not removed by brushing and flossing will be stained red. You or your child should then brush and floss again until the plaque is removed. I also recommend that your dentist and/or hygienist demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques with your children as they tend to listen attentively to these "authority" figures.

I am 17 years old and want to get my tongue pierced. My doctor said it might cause infection, but I think that's only if it's not one properly. What do you think?

Certainly any time jewelry is inserted through the oral soft tissues, infection is a possibility. Additionally, if the metal is not pure, allergic reactions might also occur. But there are more risks to tongue piercing other than infection. Jewelry pierced through the tongue, lip or cheek can lead to chipped teeth, difficulty eating and difficulty speaking clearly. It is not uncommon for the tongue to swell for several days after the piercing procedure. Also, there are many nerve endings in the tongue and lip that can make the procedure painful. The tongue also has distinct areas where different taste buds sense spicy, bitter, sweet and other tastes. Some people report that food tastes different after their tongue has been pierced. Having your tongue pierced is a very personal decision, and I applaud your researching the procedure. If you do decide to have the procedure, please be certain that it is done at a sterile, reputable and safe establishment.

Do pediatric dentists have special training over dentists?

Pediatric dentists do have some post-graduate training over a general dentist. This is not to say, however, that a general dentist is not qualified to treat children. In the extra years of training pediatric dentists receive, they are given more training on how to deal with difficult children, and sedation techniques for these cases.

What is the difference between a DDS and DMD?

You are not alone in your question about the difference between the two degrees. However, it's as simple as some schools granting DDS and others preferring to award DMD. The training the dentists receive is very similar, but the degree granted is different. Here are the details: Ancient medicine was divided into two groups: 1. the surgery group that dealt with treating diseases and injuries using instruments; and 2. the medicine group that dealt with healing diseases using internal remedies. Originally, there was only the DDS degree, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. This all changed in 1867 when Harvard University added a dental school. Harvard University only grants degrees in Latin and the Latin translation of "DDS" was "Chirurgae Dentium Doctoris" - or CDD. When the people at Harvard thought CDD was too cumbersome, a Latin scholar was consulted and suggested "Medicinae Doctor" be prefixed with "Dentariae." This is how the DMD, or "Dentariae Medicinae Doctor" degree was started.

I have had porcelain veneers put on my teeth a number of years ago. I would like to have the veneers be even whiter, and am considering having them replaced. Before I do this, however, is there a less expensive way to whiten veneers?

It isn't possible to bleach or lighten veneers through any tooth whitening process. These processes work on natural tooth structure only. If you truly want whiter veneers, the best method will be to replace them. You will be pleased to find that the techniques and materials for porcelain veneers have greatly improved over the past several years.

I am a professional actor who is considering veneering about eight of my front teeth. I have healthy teeth - they just happen to be a little small and my bite doesn't lend itself to a "toothy" smile. When I asked my dentist if doing this work would make my healthy teeth more susceptible to problems, he said "no," but I'm not convinced. What are your thoughts?

Before undertaking any oral procedure, careful treatment planning must take place to ensure that your expectations can be met and the results will be long-lasting. Once these criteria are met, both you and the dentist will be satisfied.


						Oral Hygiene: Answers to Common Questions *Can chewing* *gum contribute to cavities?* Actually, gum stimulates the production of saliva, which naturally washes the teeth and neutralizes some of the acid produced by bacteria. On the other hand, certain brands of gum contain some type of sweetener that can be harmful to your teeth if they are chewed too often or removed from your mouth too soon. Some studies suggest that gum containing sugar should be chewed for about 15-20 minutes to ensure that the sugar is gone and enough saliva is produced to rinse away some of the sugar residue. I recommend that if you chew gum - chew the sugarless brands. *I brush my teeth a number of times a day, but still have bad breath. What should I do?* Your best defense against bad breath is to practice excellent oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing and tongue-scraping. I advise my patients to gently brush their teeth, tongue and palate. If scrupulous oral hygiene does not help alleviate the problem, try some mouthwashes that include various ingredients such as zinc and chlorine dioxide that help fight bad breath. There are actually several sources that might contribute to bad breath, including mouth and tongue, nasal and sinus, lower respiratory tract and lung, gastrointestinal disorders, and ingestion of certain foods and medications. I recommend you get a complete examination by a dentist. *Cigars are all the rage and thankfully so since they are healthier than smoking cigarettes, right?* Don't be so quick to jump to that conclusion. Though cigar smoke is not usually inhaled like cigarette smoke, cigar smokers are still six times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to nonsmokers. Smoking cigars also increases the risk of developing lip, mouth and esophageal cancers. *I have heard that it's best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, but doesn't hard bristles remove more plaque?* Choosing the right toothbrush involves a couple considerations, but since the bristles are what comes in contact with the teeth, start there. While hard, medium and soft bristles all remove plaque, hard and medium bristles can cause damage to the gums, tongue and cheek. Studies have shown that soft-bristled toothbrushes remove plaque as effectively as hard or medium bristles. With that in mind, I recommend choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles. I'm only 29 years old, yet I already have receding gums. My dentist suggested that I might be brushing my teeth too hard. He also mentioned something about using a soft-bristle toothbrush. What is your opinion on toothbrush bristles? I highly recommend that my patients use soft-bristled toothbrushes. Soft-bristled brushes achieve the same level of cleanliness as medium- or hard-bristles but are much easier on your gums and teeth. Keep in mind, however, that gum recession can occur because you are using a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush and/or you may not be using the proper brushing technique. The proper brushing technique involves using light pressure. A circular motion is preferable to a back and forth, scrubbing motion. Do not avoid the gumline in an attempt to prevent recession. Typically, I never get sick, but this season, I have had several bad colds. My mother suggested changing my toothbrush. Is it possible my toothbrush can make me sick? Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria and viruses - but your brush is most likely to harbor germs if you share with another person or if the brush is not permitted to dry completely after each use. Try some of these tips to avoid bacteria-harboring brushes: Never share or borrow a toothbrush. Alternate between two or three toothbrushes to ensure each brush has time to dry properly. Change your toothbrush at least every three months. It is easy to remember to change your brush if you do so at the beginning of each season. Store your toothbrush in a dry, open-air location. Don't keep your brush in a cup or close to other toothbrushes. I am 10 weeks pregnant and have noticed that my gums become swollen and irritated easily. This has never happened before. Is this something that will last the whole pregnancy or that will go away in due time? It is common to have dental problems associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common - where the gums are usually red and swollen. They also can bleed easily and become very sore or sensitive. This increased inflammation is usually first detected around the second month of gestation and reaches its peak about the eighth month of pregnancy. The increase and decrease in gingival inflammation seems to be directly related to the levels of progesterone and estrogen in your body. The best way to alleviate your swelling and sensitivity is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least two times a day and carefully flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with mouthwash or warm salt water also may help - be careful not to swallow it. *Are whitening toothpastes safe and effective?* I question the effectiveness of whitening toothpastes. Mostly, the change in tooth color is due to variety in diet and tooth structure among people. Additionally, you should be careful when using a whitening toothpaste because they are abrasive to tooth enamel. Whitening toothpastes should be a part of your routine, but not every time you brush. If you are serious about whitening your teeth, you should discuss various options - like bleaching - with your dentist. *At what age should parents start brushing their child's teeth?* Parents should start brushing their children's teeth as soon as they appear in their child's mouth. As long as teeth are present, tooth decay is a concern. Flossing should be started after two teeth have erupted next to each other to prevent cavities between these teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush children's teeth. I have two children, ages seven and four. I still brush both their teeth for them - at what age should they brush their own teeth? There is no set age at which a child should take over brushing and flossing responsibilities from you. Basically, it depends on the maturity level of the child and how well they can physically handle the brush and floss. Watch them brush or examine their mouths after brushing to see how well they are removing plaque. An excellent aid in helping to detect how effectively they have removed plaque is a "disclosing tablet" - available either in your local drug store or from your dentist. Once your children have brushed their teeth, have them chew the tablet and swish the saliva around their mouth for about a minute. Have them spit out the saliva in the sink and examine their teeth and gums. Any plaque not removed by brushing and flossing will be stained red. You or your child should then brush and floss again until the plaque is removed. I also recommend that your dentist and/or hygienist demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques with your children as they tend to listen attentively to these "authority" figures. I am 17 years old and want to get my tongue pierced. My doctor said it might cause infection, but I think that's only if it's not one properly. What do you think? Certainly any time jewelry is inserted through the oral soft tissues, infection is a possibility. Additionally, if the metal is not pure, allergic reactions might also occur. But there are more risks to tongue piercing other than infection. Jewelry pierced through the tongue, lip or cheek can lead to chipped teeth, difficulty eating and difficulty speaking clearly. It is not uncommon for the tongue to swell for several days after the piercing procedure. Also, there are many nerve endings in the tongue and lip that can make the procedure painful. The tongue also has distinct areas where different taste buds sense spicy, bitter, sweet and other tastes. Some people report that food tastes different after their tongue has been pierced. Having your tongue pierced is a very personal decision, and I applaud your researching the procedure. If you do decide to have the procedure, please be certain that it is done at a sterile, reputable and safe establishment. *Do pediatric dentists have special training over dentists?* Pediatric dentists do have some post-graduate training over a general dentist. This is not to say, however, that a general dentist is not qualified to treat children. In the extra years of training pediatric dentists receive, they are given more training on how to deal with difficult children, and sedation techniques for these cases. *What is the difference between a DDS and DMD?* You are not alone in your question about the difference between the two degrees. However, it's as simple as some schools granting DDS and others preferring to award DMD. The training the dentists receive is very similar, but the degree granted is different. Here are the details: Ancient medicine was divided into two groups: 1. the surgery group that dealt with treating diseases and injuries using instruments; and 2. the medicine group that dealt with healing diseases using internal remedies. Originally, there was only the DDS degree, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. This all changed in 1867 when Harvard University added a dental school. Harvard University only grants degrees in Latin and the Latin translation of "DDS" was "Chirurgae Dentium Doctoris" - or CDD. When the people at Harvard thought CDD was too cumbersome, a Latin scholar was consulted and suggested "Medicinae Doctor" be prefixed with "Dentariae." This is how the DMD, or "Dentariae Medicinae Doctor" degree was started. I have had porcelain veneers put on my teeth a number of years ago. I would like to have the veneers be even whiter, and am considering having them replaced. Before I do this, however, is there a less expensive way to whiten veneers? It isn't possible to bleach or lighten veneers through any tooth whitening process. These processes work on natural tooth structure only. If you truly want whiter veneers, the best method will be to replace them. You will be pleased to find that the techniques and materials for porcelain veneers have greatly improved over the past several years. I am a professional actor who is considering veneering about eight of my front teeth. I have healthy teeth - they just happen to be a little small and my bite doesn't lend itself to a "toothy" smile. When I asked my dentist if doing this work would make my healthy teeth more susceptible to problems, he said "no," but I'm not convinced. What are your thoughts? Before undertaking any oral procedure, careful treatment planning must take place to ensure that your expectations can be met and the results will be long-lasting. Once these criteria are met, both you and the dentist will be satisfied.






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