All About Dental Hygiene
Professional teeth cleaning is one of those activities that no one talks about enough. But, as we have said in the past, dental hygiene has a high impact on both dental health and overall health. Nothing boosts dental health more quickly than professional cleaning.
Because plaque and tartar buildup have no symptoms, the resulting changes to teeth and gums may not be readily apparent. But, the slow accumulation of deposits leads to both decay and periodontal disease. Also, the resulting gum infection can invade the body in subtle ways. Gum inflammation or bad breath can be indicative of diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, kidney disease, as well as several cancers. The patient may not even be aware of any of these changes. A professional dental cleaning can bring them into focus, providing the potential to sway the tide in the other direction.
Cleaning and polishing
Professional dental cleaning is performed with an ultrasonic tool, which sends ultrasonic waves into a small tip, causing it to vibrate at a supersonic speed. The vibration breaks up the food remnants and tartar deposits on the tooth surface.
The final result of this cleaning leaves the tooth surfaces rough, so a high-speed brush and polishing paste are used to polish the teeth and make them shiny. The absence of plaque makes it easier for the patient to keep their newly cleaned teeth cleaner. This is similar to the way a very dirty cookie sheet can become exponentially dirtier with every batch.
How often should a person have their teeth professionally cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors. First, the average person should have a professional dental cleaning every six months to a year. But, there are exceptions to the rule. First, some people are genetically predisposed to tartar buildup. Also, the shape of a person's teeth can be structured in such a way that more tartar buildup is possible. As people age, they become more prone to problems like receding gums and bone loss, which makes them good candidates for more frequent cleaning. Finally, some diseases affect oral health. Diabetes, for example, makes saliva richer in glucose and gives the person with diabetes a very dry mouth. The result is a high preponderance of tartar buildup. So, people with diabetes should consider more frequent cleaning.
Periodontal charting
During the cleaning visit, your dentist or hygienist may start poking at the gums around each tooth and calling out numbers. This is called periodontal charting. Each tooth has six numbers, and these numbers are a significant part of a patient's oral health and, consequently, will influence any proposed treatment plan.
Each number represents the depth of the gum pockets around the tooth. A gum pocket between one and three millimeters is a healthy depth. A gum pocket deeper than three millimeters and up to five millimeters is a sign that there is some gum disease. A gum pocket higher than five millimeters is a sign there is some gum disease and possibly more severe consequences such as tissue damage or bone loss.
Those patients who have gum pockets that are deeper than three millimeters should seriously consider having a professional dental cleaning every three to four months. Also, they should re-evaluate their home dental care and talk to their dentist about various options that might improve their home health care.
Because home oral practices are widely misunderstood, many patients may be brushing or flossing incorrectly and not even be aware of it. Also, toothpaste commercials lend damaging credence to the idea that a long stripe of toothpaste across the length of the toothbrush is typical. This is not only inaccurate but will have a negative impact on oral health.
How much toothpaste?
This excessive amount of toothpaste will cause an overabundance of foam and incorrect brushing. A pea-sized amount is enough!
The long swirl of toothpaste seen in toothpaste ads and commercials will greatly benefit toothpaste sales but is detrimental for real brushing. A pea-sized amount on the brush is more than adequate. A more substantial amount will create excessive foam during the brushing process. The patient is likely to brush for less than the requisite two minutes and is also likely to brush incorrectly to compensate for the profusion of foam, as it interferes with the gentle circular brushing required. Using too much toothpaste on a regular basis can also lead to Fluorosis, white streaks along the teeth which are cosmetically undesirable.
Flossing
Flossing is another activity that does get the press it deserves. Because dental floss, when correctly used, can reach debris beneath the gum line, it has a hugely important role that no other tool can fill. While some people are fans of water flossers, others reach for the waxed dental floss as their go-to. Still, others manage their way with floss picks and interdental brushes.
The 'correct' type of floss to use is the one the patient will reach for diligently. Failure to floss will yield pockets of bacteria beneath the gum line and bad breath. If you're using a particular type of floss and it doesn't appear to be getting the job done, a different type might be in order. Some people like to switch their means of flossing around for variety. Flossing can be difficult because the best time to floss is right before bed. As a society, we are somewhat exhausted, and exhaustion can be a poor proponent of diligent dental care.
Treating other dental problems
As part of the cleaning, your dentist may give you an exam and recommend the treatment of any cavities or other issues. Some issues may be a 'wait and see' situation. If a dentist tells a patient that they're going to keep an eye on something, the patient knows that they need to be diligent about returning to their dentist for regular visits in case the situation doesn't resolve itself, or it gets worse.
After a cleaning
Following a successful cleaning, a patient may notice that the absence of tartar has left open spaces. Most people, if they notice it, will feel it along the base of the bottom teeth on the inside surfaces. After a few days of proper home care, the gums will once again seal against the teeth. Another possibility is that the teeth may be sensitive for a few days after the cleaning. A patient can limit their intake of extremely hot or cold food and drinks. But it's worth it! Your teeth have been given the dental version of a 'factory reset.'
Professional cleaning is one of the most affordable ways to maintain oral health. A cleaning can help avoid cavities near the gum line that tartar can produce. Catching problems while they are small is also a hallmark bonus of regular cleanings and checkups. A dental cleaning is cheaper than filling a cavity. If a patient does require a filling, the filling is less expensive than waiting until the tooth needs a crown. A crown is cheaper than a root canal. It's easy to see how this 'Farmer in the Dell' mentality of dental care can create an incentive for the patient to stick to frequent cleanings, rather than deal with the effects of dental issues.
Food choices
Another aspect of oral health that can have a significant impact is good food choices. Sweets and starches that mix with saliva to become sugars will feed the bacteria in the mouth. But, sugars aren't just hard on the teeth while they're in the mouth. These bacteria trigger inflammation, which is your body's town immune response to bacteria and infection. Foods high in sugar and fat can trigger gum inflammation, which is why a healthy diet is such an essential part of overall health. These same foods alter the body's blood sugar and raise a person's BMI. Making these healthy choices helps your body fight disease on more than one front.
The importance of water on oral hygiene
Water: the magic elixir of dental health
Water, particularly water that contains fluoride, has a significant impact on oral health. First, water helps rinse away sugars and debris that can exacerbate the activity of bacteria in the mouth. Water also prevents dry mouth, which produces a higher yield of bacteria. Also, the fluoride in water protects teeth against cavities. Those who drink more water are also less likely to drink sweet beverages, nudging oral hygiene in a better direction because it's a satisfying substitute. The body responds well to water, meaning lower calories and less fat combat systemic diseases like obesity and diabetes. While seemingly innocuous, water plays a vital role in overall dental hygiene and oral health. Last but not least, drinking more water is a practice that can begin immediately and will have lasting and long-reaching effects. **
Inflammation
One of the more positive aspects of good oral health is that it minimizes inflammation. It is becoming more and more apparent that inflammation from gum disease, while it is a local infection, can sway other functions. Thus, research has shown a correlation between periodontal disease and a variety of other disorders. Some of these include heart disease. The Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden recently concluded in a study that people with gum disease had a 28% higher chance of having a heart attack. Since 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease every year, oral care has a much more far-reaching effect on health than previously believed.
Research continues
While it seems a stretch to say that not maintaining good oral health can lead to a heart attack, what is readily apparent is that different parts of the body are much more interactive than has previously been understood. Until more research can solidify our understanding of how and why these seemingly unconnected systems are so in sync, we can maximize our potential prevention through oral care. One thing that is confirmed is that oral care, itself, including careful brushing twice a day, flossing every tooth every day, and oral irrigation can all contribute to reducing inflammation. By reducing gum inflammation, researchers believe a patient can contribute to heart health, but even if they're wrong, the worst possible outcome is healthier teeth and gums.
The emotional impact of oral hygiene
Oral hygiene impacts a person's health, but it can also affect their relationships and their self-esteem. Some patients, for example, complain about bad breath during their dental visit. Studies show that many times, people with bad breath engage in too-vigorous tooth brushing techniques, which can damage enamel and sensitive gums, which breed bacteria and inflammation, causing even more problems. Tooth loss can also have emotional consequences: we all know of people who have had tooth loss that resulted in their reluctance to smile, speak in public, or eat certain foods. Even denture wearers who lack confidence in their dentures tend to be less sociable. So, it seems that oral hygiene practices can affect the body, but also the mind.
Social standing
Thanks to the myriad of ads, stars, and social media websites, perfect-looking teeth are the new norm. Whiteners, invisible dental alignment enhancers, and veneers have made it possible for everyone to have a movie star smile if they have the fiscal resources — those who don't often feel physically inadequate and socially awkward. But, even when a patient is limited to basic care, diligent commitment to oral hygiene will help them look their best, even without a so-called perfect smile.
Children and oral hygiene
Because oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment, the earlier a parent gets a child started on the path to diligent home care, the more likely a child is to continue that path and take his oral hygiene seriously as a matter of course.
Because children can be cruel, the child who lacks necessary oral hygiene skills may be avoided because of halitosis or even ridiculed for having dirty or yellow teeth. While we realize those baby teeth can have a kind of 'practice teeth' mentality, they should still be regarded with care, as they're essential for the spacing required as newly permanent teeth emerge. The loss of a tooth due to decay or damage can have an impact on the permanent teeth.
In conclusion, oral hygiene is an often neglected, poorly understood part of a person's overall health, attractiveness, self-esteem, and social standing. A good dentist can help their patients navigate the frequency of professional cleanings, give them tips on oral products and processes, and keep them informed of their dental health and options. A patient who is diligent about their dental care, food choices, and professional visits will find they will have a healthier mouth and gums, spend less on dental problems, and are happier overall.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call our office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
**Addendum. The water in our Valley has been deemed safe to drink, but the smell and taste may not be up to a patient's standards. Rather than buying handy but expensive and pollutive single-serving bottles of water, patients are encouraged to buy a personal-sized bottle with a filter in it, a filter pitcher, a faucet filter, or refill gallon or five-gallon containers and conveniently located kiosks. While we realize that any of these measures may take a certain amount of time and money, the patient should perhaps focus on how much time and money he will save on the fillings that he won't require as a result of eschewing sugary beverages.
