MYTH: If tooth enamel is white, the tooth must be considered healthy

This is absolutely not true! A tooth can look healthy and white, but, at the same time, it can have cavities, problems with the root or other abnormalities that require treatment.

Using a sugarless chewing gum with xylitol after meal can replace brushing and have the same effect

Not really, but if you can not brush your teeth after every meal, you can use a sugarless chewing gum to clean your teeth and refresh your breath. Do not chew it for more than 10 minutes.

MYTH: There is no need in seeing dentist if there is no visible problem with my teeth

You must see your dentist twice a year, no matter in what condition your teeth are at the moment. Sometimes, only a dentist can see possible problem, and it is always better to start treatment on the earliest stages.

MYTH: Expensive toothpastes are always better than cheap ones

It is not always true, and some moderately expensive toothpastes can be very effective. Ask your dentist about the toothpastes that can be good for your particular dental situation.

MYTH: Brushing my teeth several times a day harms the enamel.

This is partially true. Usually, it is enough to brush your teeth two times a day, but if you have an opportunity to brush your teeth more frequently (for example, after every meal), use a soft or extra soft toothbrush.

What is the best way for me to prevent cavities in myself and in my children?

There are some very simple steps that you can take in the prevention of cavities that can save you much pain and money in the long run. Here are a few of the major ones.

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily when brushing.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. Limit the amount of sugars you and your children eat.
• Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of preventive resin restorations (stronger than sealants) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

Calm a Canker Sore

Canker sores are ulcers that form inside the mouth that can make eating and drinking painful.

The American Dental Association suggests how to help heal a canker sore:

    Apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic to numb the sore.
    Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
    Avoid foods that may irritate the sore, especially anything spicy, hot or acidic.
    See your dentist if the sore doesn't heal without treatment after two weeks.
    Use an antibiotic and/or bandage as recommended by your dentist, to help reduce the risk of infection.

Keys to Healthy, Thriving Gums

If you've ever worried about what to do to keep healthy gums, try taking some action. Keeping your mouth healthy and clean literally only takes a few minutes set aside every day. In the grande scheme of the week, the minutes taken to actually clean your gums is fractional. It's time to motivate yourself to ensure healthy gums.
Our mouth is the main organ of the body that has the most bacteria growing in it. The enzymes in our saliva cannot break down all of this bacteria and we have to take some initiative to make sure our mouth doesn't rot. There are many tips to enusring that your mouth stays healthy. If we just pay attention to some or all of these tips we won't be reaping the consequences later in life.

Gingivitis

The most common cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup from inadequate brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Certain ADA-accepted mouth rinses or toothpastes may also help fight plaque, as may using a dental pick and/or an electric toothbrush. In addition, it is helpful to eat a healthy, balanced diet and see a dental professional on a regular basis for cleaning and exams.

If plaque stays on the teeth for more than a few days, it hardens into tartar and is much more difficult to remove by yourself. Your dentist or hygienist can help remove tartar to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist may also recommend brushing and flossing after every meal, although cleaning your teeth too vigorously may make the inflammation worse. Finally, severe gingivitis may require treatment with an oral antibiotic.

Sometimes other habits or medical conditions may cause gingivitis. These include smoking or chewing tobacco, diabetes, problems with the immune system, hormonal changes (such as from puberty, pregnancy, menopause or oral contraceptives), an infection in the mouth, an impacted tooth, a vitamin deficiency (such as of vitamin C or niacin), or the use of some medications that treat seizures, high blood pressure and other conditions.

If your gum inflammation continues, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor and your dentist to figure out the best way to treat it for your own situation.

How to Reverse Gum Disease

If it's beyond the preventative stage, see your dentist. Unfortunately, there isn't a home remedy for established gum disease.

Your dentist will do a deep cleaning, which involves scaling (scraping off the tartar) and root planing (smoothing out rough spots on the tooth where bacteria tends to gather). The more tartar has built up, the more uncomfortable the procedure.

For serious cases, your dentist may prescribe medication to fight the bacteria and/or the bacteria's effects. Medication can come as mouthwash, pills, or gels, as well as in other forms.

In very serious cases where there is extensive bone or tissue loss, surgery may be required.