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Proper Brushing Techniques
First, put a little fluoridated toothpaste on the brush. Toothpaste has
several functions: it contains fluoride to prevent caries, it is a cleaning
substance, and it has a fresh taste.
Next, Spread the toothpaste over the chewing surface of the teeth, so that
it is evenly spread across the mouth.
Finally, brush the outside and inside area of the teeth. Let the child close
his or her mouth. Then, turn the brush a little upwards when brushing the
top teeth and downwards when brushing the lower teeth.
 Brush
with a movement to and from in a longitudinal direction of the brush. Also
remember to brush with short movements so that the bristles of the brush are
able to reach between the teeth.
That's right! Even the gums are touched!
You don't need to go all the way over the gums.
Even the inside can be brushed in a right way.
And in a wrong way. The lower portion of the tooth isn't touched. The
bristles don't reach the gums.
We
end where we started. The chewing surface of the teeth is the last
side to be brushed. To finish, let the child brush his or her teeth.
You will often see that the brushing method isn't adequate.
 In
this photo, you can see that the border between the teeth and the gums is
not touched. And it is precisely that border where most plaque accumulates!
Sealants
 Dental
sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing
bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of
the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.
How does a sealant help prevent decay?
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing
surfaces of the back teeth--premolars and molars. This plastic resin
bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing
surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting
enamel from plaque and acids.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from
smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the
way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque.
Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.
 Is
sealant application a complicated procedure?
Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes
to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned.
Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the
sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then "painted" onto the tooth
enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a
special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected
from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and
usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your
regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants
and reapply them when necessary.
Sealants are just for kids, right?
The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so
children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from
sealants as well.
Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth
are twice daily brushing with an ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste; cleaning
between the teeth daily with floss or inter-dental cleaners; eating a
balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask
your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power behind your
prevention program. |
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