Indications
Wearing dental braces - what to do after application
1. The first days after applying fixed braces are the most difficult. After the application of braces in the oral cavity, you may feel tension in the teeth and even pain in the first days. The pain is mild and is a normal phenomenon. If the pain is more intense, low-strength painkillers can be taken. To facilitate adaptation, we recommend you the following:
- Use protective wax on all areas of the braces that cause discomfort in your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
- If the tension felt in the first days is significant, you can take an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce pain (Nurofen, Algocalmin, Paracetamol).
CAUTION! DO NOT EXCEED THE INDICATED DAILY DOSE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! - Consume food with lower consistency, especially in the first days.
- Follow the hygiene instructions for braces and try to make them a routine.
2. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage the braces (toffees, peanuts, pistachios, bake rolls, pretzels, hard fruits). The consequences of not following these indications are a longer treatment period and higher financial costs.
3. Food mastication with the front teeth should be avoided - break or cut the food into pieces and chew on your rear teeth.
4. During some treatment stages, the dentist might recommend you to wear rubber bands - follow the instructions for their use and the number of daily hours of wear. Do not eat with the bands applied.
5. If a bracket comes off, the first step is to try locating it in front of the mirror. In most cases, it remains attached to the arch wire and all it can do is move between the two neighbouring brackets. There’s no need to worry. If it is caught with a wire ligature, there is no point in trying to remove it because it will be very difficult. We can best fix it to the arch wire with protective wax. If the connection or the elastic module has broken, you can try to remove it. For this, you have to move it between two neighbouring teeth; the space is larger there and it will be easier to remove it from the arch wire. However, if this manoeuvre seems difficult, the option is to fix it with wax.
If the last rear bracket came off, the needle might cause discomfort at its end. If this happens and you cannot get to the dental office soon or this happens during your vacation, and if it is absolutely necessary, you can cut the arch wire with a pair of scissors or better with a nail clippers just behind the last bracket that remained in place.
Caution!!! The protective wax received at the beginning of your treatment cannot be purchased in pharmacies or stores. Please make sure that you have enough at every check-up, and, in case of emergency, you can replace it with chewing gum or wax from a soft candle.
6. The end of the metal ligatures is usually twisted under the arch wire. If, during brushing, it moves and causes irritation to your cheek, try pushing it back with tweezers or toothpicks.
7. Especially at the beginning of treatment, the flexible and thin arch wires can move, and their end can cause discomfort. Try to move it back or, if this is not possible and happens during weekend or vacation, try to remove it with a pair of scissors or nail clippers.
Tips regarding the hygiene of fixed dental braces.
The spectacular results of orthodontic treatments can often be overshadowed by poor hygiene while wearing brackets. Thus, the deposition of bacterial plaque can lead to cavities or white areas of demineralization. These white spots are very difficult to remove, by successive remineralizations, not always successful. The only areas left affected are those protected by the presence of brackets.
1. Brushing your teeth is very important and must be done correctly and thoroughly (minimum 3 minutes).
2. Use a soft brush (SOFT or ULTRA SOFT). Brushing is recommended after each meal and, of course, in the morning and evening. When you don't have a toothbrush available after eating, you can rinse using mouthwash or at least regular water. Brush dental surfaces without braces as usual. The external face of the teeth where the brackets are placed and the brackets must be brushed with horizontal movements, insisting on the area between the bracket and the gum.
3. Use interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas (dental surfaces under the arch wire). Choose brushes with larger active part in order to be effective.
4. Even if it is more difficult to use, flossing is also recommended when wearing braces. Ask your doctor or nurse for help at the beginning.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us in advance. Our team is ready and willing to offer you advice, both during and after any dental treatment.
Dental treatments – temporary cementation
Until the final dental work completion, we recommend using a temporary solution. The trial period with temporary teeth has an important role in your accommodation with a new dental work.
Mastication: Avoid chewing for at least one hour after treatment, to allow complete setting (hardening) of the temporary cement. If local anaesthesia has been performed during the treatment session, avoid chewing until the effects of anaesthesia are completely gone. Avoid hard or sticky foods and chewing gum.
Teeth cleaning: Brush your teeth normally, including around the temporarily cemented area. Use dental floss with caution in the temporarily cemented area and remove the floss from the interdental spaces with horizontal movements. Depending on your specific situation, we will recommend special brushes or floss, as well as other cleaning means. If your teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures, consider using a desensitizing toothpaste.
Medication: It is normal for teeth or some areas of the oral cavity to be sensitive for a few days after surgery. However, please do not take any medication without your doctor's advice.
It is normal for small areas of the temporary work to wear out, fracture or become loose. In this case, please contact us.
Dental treatment – final cementation
For a faster healing process after the final cementation, please observe the following:
- If you had local anaesthesia, wait until its effects are completely gone.
- After the final cementation of the prosthetic works, a feeling of tension in the teeth or even some discomfort in the gums is normal. You might need a painkiller. Such discomfort will subside during the adjustment period with your new dental prosthetic treatment. If the unpleasant sensations persist for several days, please contact us.
- Continue cleaning your teeth as normal, also around the dental prosthetic treatment; you must continue using mouthwash and floss.
- Once the work cemented completely, you will benefit from all advantages of ceramics, i.e., aesthetics and resistance. Try to avoid thermal and mechanical shocks, thus protecting both the prosthetic works and your natural teeth.
- After the complete cementation, you are invited to the dental office for periodic examination of the work and for its cleaning. Such check-ups are a must.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us in advance. Our team is ready and willing to offer you advice both during and after your dental treatment.
Post-implant instructions: what to do after inserting the implant
No one wants complications or failure after the insertion of a dental implant. As a patient, you should do everything you can to avoid this. Compliance with the dentist’s post-implant instructions and long-term care are mandatory to keep the implants for as long as possible.
Post-implant haemorrhage management
A mild bleeding during the first 24 hours is normal. Do not take aspirin; because of its anticoagulant role, it may cause bleeding. Excessive bleeding (mouth fills quickly with blood) can be controlled by biting into a sterile compress (or a black tea bag) for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist.
Post-implant oedema
Post-surgical swelling is normal. To minimize this, apply an ice pack to your cheek, in the operated area. Apply ice repeatedly (10 minutes application with 15 minutes break), as much as possible during the first 24 hours. Oedema and skin changes may vary in extent, depending on how extensive the surgery was. These issues can be minimized by maintaining a higher position of the head during sleep. Do not lean or sleep on the operated side. Do not panic if a bruise (hematoma) occurs. Hematomas heal on their own in about 7-10 days. Their occurrence is possible especially if the intervention was more difficult or lasted longer, causing trauma to the soft parts or in case of wide flaps.
Post-implant diet
Avoid alcohol and smoking throughout the healing period. For the first 4-5 days, consume only soft foods, easy to chew and swallow. Avoid hot, spicy foods, which can cause irritation and burns around the intervention site. In addition, avoid carbonated drinks for 3-4 days. Avoid eating immediately after the intervention. When the effects of anaesthesia wear off, you may eat, but it is recommended to chew on the opposite side for at least 24-48 hours, to avoid contact of food with the intervention area. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids between meals. You can return to your normal diet when you deem it adequate. Avoid disturbing the intervention site with sharp objects (cutlery, toothpicks, fingers or other objects).
Post-implant pain management
To control pain, Ibuprofen 400 mg/12 h is recommended for 3 days after intervention. For your convenience, it is recommended to take painkillers as soon as you feel that the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. In case of administration of antibiotics, it is essential to respect the prescription.
Post-implant oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for healing. The use of mouthwash is not recommended on the day of intervention. Mouthwash should be used at least twice the day after intervention, after breakfast and before bedtime. Rinse GENTLY for 60 seconds before spitting. Brushing your teeth and the intervention area is ok, as long as you are initially gentler around that area. For faster and safer healing, application of the “GINGIVAL” gel on the area where the intervention was performed is recommended, 3-4 times a day for 3-4 days. Apply by gently touching the area for 30-60 seconds.
Physical activity
Physical activity should be kept to a minimum on the day of surgery, otherwise there is a risk of palpitations and bleeding. Do not bend over or lift weights. Be aware of any dietary restrictions that limit your ability to exercise.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us in advance. Earlier intervention means less complications.
Is it sure?
This type of complete whitening is the most recommended because the prismatic structure of tooth enamel is not affected by the process (a fact demonstrated by electron microscopy studies).
Teeth whitening under dentist’s supervision has been proven safe in clinical trials over a long period of time. The active substance, carbamide peroxide, has been used to restore the bright smile of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
How does it work?
The dentist will take impressions of your teeth and make gutters which will be filled with whitening gel. These gutters with gel will be fixed to your teeth and you will wear them during sleep, for 2-8 hours, depending on the strength of substance you receive. During the whitening process, the tooth structure is not affected, and the tooth colour brightens.
What is the duration of treatment?
Results can often be seen after the first application session. The final colour of the teeth stabilizes after the process takes place for a period between one week and 10 days. The dentist will assess you, on a case-by-case basis.
How long does it last?
Duration of results mainly depends on you. With good oral hygiene and proper brushing, especially after consuming staining foods or drinks, the results last for several years (3-5 years). If you consume coffee, tobacco, red wine, one- or two-day whitening maintenance treatments will be needed every six months or the procedure should be resumed after a shorter period (2-3 years).
Indications for use
Brush your teeth. Fill the gutter with the whitening gel.
Fix the gutter to your teeth, press it gently, for the gel to be pressed a little and distributed evenly.
But be careful: if you press too hard, the gel may come out of the gutter.
Gently remove excess gel from the gum with a toothbrush or with your finger.
After positioning the gutters, it is recommended not to eat or drink, and avoid talking too much.
Contraindications:
Do not use teeth whitening substances if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not eat while wearing the gutters.
Do not use tobacco products while wearing the gutters. Do not smoke during treatment.
Do not expose the syringes to heat and / or sunlight.
Do not freeze the syringes, store them cold instead (in the refrigerator).
One of the main goals of dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. Every effort is worth making to preserve and maintain the teeth, because even one lost tooth can have a major impact on dental health, speech, bite, chewing and appearance. However, for various reasons, sometimes the patient ends up in a situation where extraction of a tooth is necessary.
Discomfort, bleeding and/or inflammation should be expected during the first 24 hours after extraction. Initial healing requires about a week to two. Gums heal in three to four weeks, while the complete bone healing takes place in about six months. As the extraction site heals, you can facilitate faster healing and avoid any complications by following these post-extraction instructions.
Recommendations to speed up healing and avoid post-extraction complications:
Do not disturb the extraction site. Otherwise, irritation, infection or bleeding might occur. The application of a compress is enough to control the bleeding and help the formation of a blood clot in the alveolus. The sutures can be removed in 5-6 days. If bleeding persists, see your dentist.
Do not smoke 48 to 72 hours after extraction. Smoking can interfere with the healing process, can cause bleeding and even alveolar infection. If you continue smoking after the first few days, healing is slowed down and your blood will no longer be able to fill the alveolus and form the clot needed for a healthy healing. Smoking can damage the bone around the alveolus, making healing even more difficult.
Use your toothbrush carefully. AA few days after extraction, it is very important to keep the area as clean as possible, to prevent infection and help with healing. Do not brush the extraction site directly for at least 3-4 days in order to prevent blood clot dislodging. During this time, you can carefully clean the teeth in the vicinity of the extraction site.
Avoid using mouthwash. Avoid rinsing with mouthwash during the first 24 hours after extraction. This is one of the main post-extraction requirement, necessary to help blood clot formation. Clot destruction can lead to bleeding, longer healing time and even infection. After the first 24 hours you should rinse that area with warm salt water or with chlorhexidine mouthwash (e.g., Parodontax). Rinse gently after each meal or snack, making sure the water reaches the extraction area. Rinsing removes food remnants and debris from the alveolus, aiding healing.
Do not spit or drink with a straw. Otherwise, bleeding and blood clot dislodging might occur.
Watch out for bleeding. After extraction, a compress is placed on the respective area, which you must change at intervals of approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on the bleeding severity. A mild bleed in the first 8-12 hours after extraction is normal. If bleeding continues, use gauze pads to stop it. If you need to use compresses at home, do not forget to roll them in the form of a "ball" large enough to cover the wound. Hold the compress on the extraction site by pressing (biting on it) for 30 minutes. This pressure helps reduce bleeding and blood clot formation. If the bleeding continues, moisten a tea bag (black tea is recommended), fold the bag in half and bite on it for 30 minutes. The tea contains tannic acid, which is a haemostatic.
Use only certain medications. During the post-extraction period, some discomfort is normal. You can take painkillers (Ketonal, Ketorol, Nurofen, or non-aspirin) every four hours or as recommended by your dentist. Prescribed medications should be taken in the first two to three days after extraction or as recommended by your dentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, strictly follow the relevant instructions.
Watch out for oedema. To prevent post operative oedema, apply ice or a cold towel on your face during the first 12–24 hours after extraction. Apply alternating with 10 to 20-minute breaks, for an hour or more, if necessary.
Be careful what you eat. Only consume soft foods during the first 24-48 hours post-extraction. Avoid HOT, spicy foods, which can cause irritation and burns in the extraction site. Carbonated drinks should be avoided 2-3 days post-extraction. Avoid eating immediately after extraction. When the effects of anaesthesia disappear, you may eat, but you should chew on the opposite side for at least 24-48 hours, to avoid the food from reaching the extraction site. It is important to drink plenty of fluids between meals. You should avoid disturbing the extraction site with sharp objects (cutlery, toothpicks, fingers or other objects). You can return to your normal diet when you deem it adequate.
Reduce activities. For the first 24-48 hours post-extraction you need to limit your activities, as strenuous effort can lead to increased bleeding. Do not bend or lift weights during the first 2-3 days after extraction.
Know the effects of anesthesia. When using local anaesthesia, the cheek, tongue and lip will be numb for a few hours after extraction. You will have a "strange" feeling under anaesthesia. During this period, be careful not to bite, chew and/or scratch that area, as this can cause severe trauma to the connective tissue.
Even if you follow all these post-extraction instructions, don't forget that long-term problems can occur. The lack of a tooth can lead to severe problems, such as: tooth mobility, difficulty when chewing or malocclusion, which can lead to problems with the TMJ (temporal-mandibular joint). You will need a fixed prosthetic work, implant, partial or total denture in this area to ensure long-term dental health.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us in advance. Faster intervention means less complications.
Root canal treatment
The root canal treatment is one stage in an entire process, the purpose of which is to keep your teeth in the oral cavity. This treatment is used when the tooth blood vessels or nerves are infected.
It is normal to feel discomfort for a few days after treatment, especially during chewing. Experience shows that, if pain was felt before treatment, it is very possible to persist to a lesser degree for a few days after treatment.
An endodontically treated and then restored tooth can last for a lifetime if you take care of it. Strictly follow your doctor's instructions, oral hygiene rules, and come for check-ups every 6 months or when you feel the slightest dental discomfort.
Root canal treatment - what to do after treatment
- Do not eat until the effects of anaesthesia completely wear off, as there is a risk of biting the soft parts of the oral cavity.
- If the tooth has not been reconstituted with a final filling, do not eat for an hour.
- During the first days after treatment, avoid hot or very cold foods, try to eat soft foods, and chew on the opposite side.
- Do not chew hard on the tooth until it is completely reconstituted, as there is a risk to fracture it.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and physical exertion.
- To relieve pain, take the painkillers recommended by your doctor.
- If you have a prescription for antibiotics, follow it strictly even if the symptoms and signs of infection have disappeared. In case of allergic reactions, stop the treatment immediately.
Root Canal treatment - what to do during temporary filling
Temporary filling protects your tooth until permanent restoration is applied. Sometimes, pieces of it come off. This is not a problem, but it is good to be prevented by following the instructions below:
- avoid chewing gum, sticky or hard foods;
- if possible, chew on the opposite side;
- continue using normal brushing;
- use dental floss carefully.
After completion of the endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) and final crown reconstruction, with the disappearance of postoperative discomfort, the tooth should be covered as soon as possible (within a maximum of one month after completion of the endodontic treatment)
Indications during endodontic treatment
Endodontic treatment - what it means
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of the part of the tooth (root) that is not visible in the oral cavity. The endodontic treatment of a tooth is a stage in an entire process, the purpose of which is to save and preserve the tooth in the oral cavity.
We used anaesthetic during treatment. The teeth, lips and tongue may feel numb for several hours. Don't bite your lips! Don't bite your tongue! Avoid chewing until the effects of anaesthesia are completely gone.
The canal(s) inside the root(s) has/have been cleaned, irrigated and permanently blocked. The opening through which the treatment was conducted was blocked as well. Delaying the final filling/applying the final crown can lead to fracture and possibly tooth loss.
Endodontic treatment - what recommendations should be followed
Temporary filling protects your tooth until permanent restoration is applied. Sometimes, pieces of it might come off. This is not a problem, but it is good to be prevented by following the instructions below:
- avoid chewing gum, sticky or hard foods
- if possible, chew on the opposite side
- continue using normal brushing
- use dental floss carefully
It is normal to feel discomfort for a few days after treatment, especially during chewing. Experience shows that, if pain was felt before treatment, it is very possible to persist to a lesser degree for a few days after treatment. To alleviate pain, take the painkillers recommended by your doctor. If you have a prescription for antibiotics, follow it strictly, even if the symptoms and signs of infection have disappeared. In case of allergic reactions, stop treatment immediately.
To alleviate pain and help with oedema, rinse 3 times a day with a solution of salt dissolved in lukewarm water (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water). Ice bags applied for 10-15 minutes every hour on the day of treatment help reduce inflammation.
During the first two days after treatment avoid hot or very cold foods and try to eat soft foods. Also, avoid smoking, alcohol and exercise.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us in advance. Our team is ready and willing to offer you advice, both during and after your dental treatments.
Instructions for at-home teeth whitening
For whom and when is at-home teeth whitening indicated?
At-home teeth whitening is indicated for everyone who wants to have a bright and attractive smile. In general, the best results are obtained in case of light-to-medium staining of the teeth, the degree of whitening depending on the tooth structure and the type of staining agents to which teeth are frequently exposed. Pronounced staining requires whitening treatment for a longer period, and the results vary from case to case.
The whitening process only works on natural teeth, not on fillings, veneers, crowns or dental bridges, so they usually require replacement after completion of treatment.
Teeth whitening under dentist’s supervision has proven safe in clinical trials over a long period of time. The active substance, carbamide peroxide, has been used to restore the bright smile of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Teeth whitening performed at home, but under the guidance of the dentist, is the most recommended method for a complete whitening. At-home teeth whitening affects less the tooth enamel structure (compared to that performed in a dental office). This was demonstrated by many electron-microscopy studies.
How is teeth whitening done at home?
At-home teeth whitening should be performed carefully, following a few simple steps:
- Brush your teeth.
- Fill the mouth gutters with whitening gel, as explained by your dentist.
- Fix the gutter on your teeth and press it gently; this will press the gel a little and distribute it evenly. But be careful: if you press too hard, the gel can come out of the gutter!
- Gently remove excess gel from the gum with a toothbrush, compress or finger.
- Due to a lower strength of the whitening substance, the gutters can be kept for 4-6 hours in the oral cavity (for 15% strength).
- After removing the mouth gutter, brush your teeth. Be careful not to swallow.
- Clean the mouth guards with cold water and a soft toothbrush. Please store them in the special containers received from your dentist.
Caution: in case of spontaneous or induced dental sensitivity, temporarily stop the treatment until the symptoms disappear completely. The teeth whitening benefits are not "lost" during this period, and the subsequent resumption of treatment does not change the efficacy and results of teeth whitening.
What are the results and how long do they last?
Results can often be seen after the first application session. The final tooth colour stabilizes after the process takes place for a period between one week and 10 days. The dentist will assess the time required for whitening, on a case-by-case basis.
Duration of results mainly depends on you. With good oral hygiene and proper brushing, especially after consuming staining foods or drinks, the results can last for several years (3-5 years). If you consume coffee, tobacco, red wine, you will need one- or two-day whitening maintenance treatments every six months, or the procedure must be resumed after a shorter period (2-3 years).
Contraindications
Like any other treatment applied to the teeth, at-home teeth whitening should be performed upon recommendation and as directed by your dentist. For lasting results, we recommend the following:
- Do not use teeth whitening agents if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not eat while wearing gutters. Carbonated drinks can cause tooth sensitivity during whitening, so they should be avoided.
- Do not use tobacco products while wearing the mouth gutters. Do not smoke during treatment.
- Do not expose the syringes to heat and / or sunlight.
- Do not freeze syringes, store them in the refrigerator.
During the initial adaptation period:
- do not remove the prosthesis (denture) from your mouth for the first 24 hours, as your dentist will schedule you the day immediately after the prosthesis is ready;
- the feeling of "full mouth" and increased salivation are normal and will pass over time;
- the feeling of nausea usually disappears if you eat a hard candy;
- painful areas may appear in the oral cavity during this period;
- if the food feels tasteless, consume hot foods or drinks, with more fragrant flavours and smells (spicier).
How to eat with the prosthesis (denture):
- cut the food into small pieces with a knife;
- try chewing on both sides at the same time;
- if you bite with your front teeth, the prostheses will move and the gums will be affected as well;
- avoid delicious food;
- learning to eat with dentures takes some time. It will never be as good as it is with natural teeth, so you have to be patient;
- the muscles need to be retrained, so that, in the end, they will also help holding the prosthesis;
- the tongue will eventually find its place.
Talking with the new prostheses (dentures):
- getting used to dentures takes time - read aloud to shorten this period;
- repeat the words you say with difficulty.
Mouth and prosthesis (denture) cleaning:
- clean and massage your gums with a soft brush daily;
- rub the dentures with a harder brush and regular shampoo;
- never use toothpaste to clean the dentures because it is too abrasive;
- keep the dentures above a water bowl during cleaning. If the dentures slip, the water will cushion the fall;
- leave your prostheses (dentures) overnight (2-3 times a week) in one of the following solutions: a commercially available denture cleaning solution or a solution made from a teaspoon of vinegar and a glass of water.
Remove mild staining, food debris and germs from the surface of the prosthesis (denture) by placing it in a solution obtained by dissolving an effervescent tablet in a glass of water, which has a chemical and mechanical action.
DOs and DON’Ts:
- do not wear prostheses at night if your doctor expressly recommends this;
- use adhesives (Corega® - Block Drug Company, Fixodent® - Procter & Gamble) only if recommended by the dentist;
- when coughing or sneezing the dentures can come off, which can be embarrassing; avoid this by covering your mouth with a handkerchief or hand;
- never try to adapt or repair the dentures by yourself;
- see your doctor regularly for a routine check-up (AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR).
Prostheses (dentures) are not eternal. Changes continue to occur in the bones and gums. If you have one of the following problems:
- difficult chewing the food;
- repeated movement of the cheek;
- speech difficulties;
- red and inflamed gums;
- discomfort caused by wearing prostheses (dentures);
- cracks in the corner of the lips.
We all believe that we know how to brush our teeth correctly, but is this true?
Statistics clearly show that dental diseases rank first among all diseases of the human body. Cavities are found in over 90% of the population, while over 60% exhibit dento-maxillary anomalies and over 60% of the population over 35 years suffer from gum and periodontal diseases.
It is important for all of us to know the importance of caring for our teeth, the symptoms of oral diseases and how they cause other diseases in the body. By understanding this, we can advance from “finding out” to “understand and be aware” of how we can prevent.
Proper and regular tooth brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque and significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Simple rules for proper oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth properly, at least twice a day for a minimum of 3 minutes.
- Allow at least 10 seconds during each brushing, to clean the tongue and inner side of the cheeks.
- Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months.
- Use additional oral hygiene means (mouthwash, dental floss, mouth shower), as directed by the dentist. The mouth shower is a device that removes bacterial plaque with a jet of water or mouthwash. It is recommended to those with gingival and periodontal diseases, with orthodontic appliances, for patients with prosthetic works (involving teeth or implants), and for those who want complete hygiene.
- See our dentist regularly (at least once every 6 months) to prevent or treat oral conditions.
- Seek the advice of your dentist on the most suitable oral care products, depending on the specifics of the oral conditions you need to prevent or treat.
- Use oral hygiene products that contain fluoride, which effectively fights cavities.
As incredible as it may seem, there are statistics claiming that people who rinse their mouths with plain water regularly (several times a day, especially after meals or after consuming sweets or sweet drinks), have fewer cavities. The explanation is natural: the water does not allow the level of acidity to increase and keeps a truly natural balance in the mouth.
The importance of oral hygiene during pregnancy
The pregnancy period is very emotional and intense. Your body goes through many changes and mouth is no exception. Proper oral hygiene is particularly important during pregnancy as the increasing hormone levels can intensify dental problems. One of the most common problems associated with pregnancy is a condition called pregnancy gingivitis that usually occurs in the first trimester. The usual symptoms of this condition are bleeding, swollen, red and sensitive gums.
Proper oral hygiene during pregnancy is also important for the foetus. Research found that late stages of gingivitis, such as periodontal disease, may contribute to the risk of premature birth, low weight at birth, preterm contractions or even infection of the new-born. All this can occur because the bacteria in the mother's mouth can be transmitted through the blood and then through the amniotic fluid to the foetus in the womb.
There is evidence that proper oral hygiene, based on a few simple rules, can have major implications for the health of people and their babies, helping to reduce the incidence of unknown complications during pregnancy and for new-borns.
A study was carried out at the University of London during which the stomach contents of 57 new-borns were analysed; 46 different species of bacteria were discovered in the samples collected. Most bacteria found in samples come from the vagina, but 2 of these species have been recognized to come from the human mouth and are not commonly found elsewhere in the body. These two types of bacteria, Granulicatella elegans and Streptococcus sinensis, are known to be able to infiltrate the bloodstream and have been associated in the past with infections located far from the mouth area, such as infectious endocarditis.
In order to maintain proper oral hygiene during pregnancy:
- See your dentist for routine check-ups and to clean your teeth. This is one of the best methods for quality oral hygiene
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque.
- Use dental floss every day. This will remove food debris between the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach.
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash as it helps preventing gingivitis.
- Brush your tongue daily to remove some of the bacteria.
- And, last but not least, eat nutritious food and healthy snacks.
As a conclusion, as mentioned in these paragraphs, proper oral hygiene is achieved by following simple rules, which once known and applied prevent the occurrence of oral and dental diseases, regardless of age or stages we go through. And, of course, don't forget: regular dental check-ups are essential in preventing or treating oral conditions.