Info about Dentists
Teeth
The foundations of good teeth laid early in pregnancy. Most of the new baby's teeth are already formed in the gums at birth, which is why an expectant mother needs a balanced diet rich in the vitamins and minerals that provide building materials for her baby's teeth. These are found in all dairy products, especially milk, fish and fresh fruit and vegetables.
There is no set rule for when a baby should start teething; it could be a time between three months and nine months. Usually baby cuts his first tooth at six months, has between eight and twelve teeth at one year, his full set of baby teeth at 2 ½ years.
Decayed baby teeth can lead to gum trouble in adult life, so even before the first tooth appears, baby should be given a selection of hard foods to chew on.
These can include small pieces of raw apple, raw carrot, crispy bacon, rusks and hard crusts of bread. Avoid too many sloppy or sweetened foods.
Although it is impossible to eliminate tooth decay and gum disease entirely they can be controlled by good dental hygiene habits.
Tooth decay is mainly caused by bacteria (germs) which live on tiny particles of food clinging to the surface of the teeth, and in the crevices between them.
The acids of the bacteria eat their way through the enamel coating of a tooth, and then attack the dentine which forms the main body of the tooth. Once the decay reaches the nerve, it is difficult to save the tooth.
The most common type of severe gum disease is pyorrhea caused by germs sticking in the crease where the gum meets the tooth. The gums lose their grip on the teeth as a result.
For healthy white teeth:
• Brush your teeth regularly, if possible after every meal.
• Brush your teeth properly.
• Eat as few sweets, pastries and syrups as possible.
• Go to your dentist regularly, every six months for check-ups and early treatment of troubles which can develop without your knowing about them.
lf you cannot clean your teeth after every meal, brush them after breakfast and last thing at night. Concentrate on cleaning each tooth separately. Brush from the gum to the biting edge of the tooth, getting the tufts of the bristle between the teeth to dislodge food particles. Repeat each brush stroke six times. Brush teeth with en up-and-down movement to dislodge food particles between the teeth.
Regular gum massage is also important for healthy teeth. This stimulates blood circulation in the gums, and helps prevent tartar forming in the small hollows where the teeth meet gums, the place where pyorrhea usually starts.
For adults, the toothbrush should have a head between 1.25 inch and 1.75 inch long and a third of an inch wide. For young children the brush head should be about 1.25 inch long.
Do not continue using a toothbrush after its tufts have lost their firmness. To do its job of cleaning your teeth properly, your toothbrush must be in good condition. Toothpaste's main job is to clean your teeth safely and effectively while whitening your teeth and refreshing your mouth. The toothpaste should not be too harsh; it should polish your teeth, but not damage them. In addition, toothpaste should neutralize mouth acids and be antiseptic.