lifestyle

Back to School Oral Care Kits 

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With the school season always a focus for many parents, oral care is something that’s oftentimes not fully looked at, due to the flurry of haircuts, shopping, schedules, and even new seasons. When a child’s starting a new grade, putting together oral care kits for kids is perfect. That way, they’ll be able to walk into classrooms wearing the hottest accessories for the school year: bright, healthy smiles. Different kits vary based on age groups, and you’ll be able to experience your full journey with this. 

Planning these Kits

When putting together these kits, you want to get into good habits first and foremost, so that it sets up the family for success in the long term. 

While the weeks leading up to this feel like they’re forever, you should know that the health of a child is a critical part of starting this calendar. 

When you’re prepared for healthy routines, you’ll be able to kick things off in a strong manner. 

Taking time to schedule dental checkups a month before they begin, and even stocking up on oral hygiene and other items, and even good snacks is good.  It sets them up for a future of bright, healthy smiles. 

Now for kids ages 5 to 8, they probably don’t have a regimen down yet.  But don’t ferret, that’s normal. The simplest solution is to have reminders that’ll help them brush and get them to do this.  getting them to brush for 2 minutes, and then having them do this twice a day, especially before bed, is good. Sticker charts are a great way to keep one on track. 

These oral kits need to include: 

  • New toothbrushes of their choice.  You should make sure to change every quarter, as they are good for remembering to keep them clean 
  • Mild toothpaste with fluoride in them, so that they get a fun, exciting flavor 
  • Flavored floss or even flossing holders 

For kids 8 to 12 years old, they’re preteens, starting at new life stages, and teeth usually start to enter a new stage, which is the braces stage. It’s recommended that children get their first orthodontic checkup at the age of seven or so.  When setting this up, you can also ask your dentist for referrals to orthodontists if you’re worried about teeth alignment. 

When you put together a dental care kit, having these supplies in their gym bag, along with deodorant and shower gel, will help them stay on top of their oral health. 

Finally, you can get them an electric toothbrush. 

Their oral kit should contain: 

  • Battery powered toothbrushes for home, and a soft-bristle toothbrush on the go 
  • Fluoride toothpastes of choice 
  • Flavored floss and a flosser 
  • A small pouch to hold this 

Then at ages 12 to 18, you want to focus on the stress of teenagerhood.  They are definitely something that you’ll want to keep on hand.  You should give them a reminder either in their phone, or even notes. 

Adolescence is usually the best time to focus on keeping the cavities away, and brushing with fluoride types of toothpaste and treatment is good.  You want to make sure that you have good oral care, and also eat a diet that’s healthy and nutritious, in order to give teenagers healthier mouths. 

Their kit must include: 

  • Portable, manual toothbrushes that are good for their gym bags, or even a tongue cleaner 
  • An electric toothbrush that’s battery powered with different settings 
  • Travel mouthwash 
  • Fluoride toothpastes of their choice.  

These are all good for their bags to get them on the right path to oral health and success. 

Effective Ways for Removal of Biofilm 

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Biofilm is that technical term for the plaque that’s on top of the teeth, white and sticky. Removing this biofilm from the tissues and the gums is vital for one’s oral health, and here, we’ll give you the best ways to remove it.

What biofilm is 

This is a layer made up of bacteria that happens inside and outside of the body. It’s a plaque that forms on the teeth and gums, and when not treated, it causes cavities, gingivitis, and gum diseases. 

Plaque does need to be removed because it can create tartar if you’re not careful. This is calculus, which you’re unable to remove at home. So yes, get rid of it now to save your teeth at the dentist. 

With that said, here are some biofilm removal means to use right now! 

Brushing 

The most obvious, but you should brush with  a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes, two or three times a day for plaque removal. Most who don’t brush their teeth  are going to very superficially do this, so the biofilm will be there on the gumline and teeth.

Young woman patient at dentist’s office – Closeup picture taken with macro lens

After meals are good, and setting up the timer for two minutes is good. Brush with fluoride toothpaste so that you can reduce the plaque bacteria’s acids that are harmful. It also naturally injects minerals in there that are otherwise removed from your enamel.

When brushing, utilize some short back-and-forth little strokes or circles to clean these outer surfaces, inner parts, and chewing surfaces for all the teeth.

Remember to try to brush around the gumline on the back teeth. These are often skipped, so being diligent about it now will save you a massive headache later on.

Flossing 

Another habit that’s skipped and it should not be, because brushing does not remove everything, since it does build  up between the teeth areas, or underneath the gum line and other harder to reach areas that toothbrushes are limited too.

Flossing once a day with a flosser, interdental brushes, for a water flosser is good.

Some people may struggle with this, but you have to do this. if you’re still having issues, talk about other means, and ask for demonstrations to ensure you’re good. 

Pro cleanings 

Professional cleaners remove bacteria. 

Even when you floss and brush on the regular, you cannot remove the bacteria fully. When that remains on the tooth area, you suffer from gum disease and oral health issues. 

In general, you should get cleaned every six months. They will look and remove the plaque and tartar that are above and below. That way, they can find the hidden plaque and get you cleaned up! 

Mouthwash 

Mouthwash contains a lot of ingredients designed to prevent or get rid of biofilm. Fluoride for example is a huge anti-plaque component, and is used for strengthening the enamel, and protection against your cavities. 

Do this once daily, after tooth brushing, so you don’t fully remove the fluoride added. 

Lifestyle and Diet 

Bacteria love sugars and starches. So yes, if you eat a lot of cake, soda, and candy, you’ll get these. The same goes for chips, crackers, and bread. 

Enjoy all of this in moderation. 

However, also be mindful of other types of harmful activities, such as smoking tobacco, because this messes up the bacteria, and restricts the flow of oxygen to the gums, and makes it easier for the plaque and bacteria to grow. If you’re smoking, try to quit, or use alternative means to help you get off the cigarettes. 

It can be removed. All biofilm has a chance to be gone, but it’s up to you to get rid of it. 

A Brief history of Dentistry 

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Dentistry has come a long way, and here, we’ll go over some of the different historical practices that were used, and what was done to take modern dentistry to where it is today.

Ancient Techniques 

Density is actually a very old medical practice, with it dating all the way back to 79000 BC, and seen in the Indus valley.   However, the descriptions of tooth decay were first seen in Sumerian texts. However, these were wrong, and they talked about tooth worms that caused tooth decay. Obviously, that isn’t the case.

However, Aristotle and Hippocrates did write about the treatment of decaying teeth. Back then they used fine-tooth combs, in order to ensure that their teeth were cleaned. These were made from the hair of animals. They also used toothpaste, but tit was a very abrasive product. 

The Middle Ages 

The middle ages saw some dentistry as well, except these were in the form of magic and myths, which have since been disproven.

Back then people thought that teeth were magical items.   They were also used to protect a child from fairies. 

The Europeans did believe that witches would curse people with their teeth, so they would dispose of them either through swallowing, burying, or even burning their teeth. Some fed them to rodents, or were even just thrown out. 

Tooth decay was again thought to be caused by a tooth worm, which they thought burrowed into a tooth like it did with wood.  Some of the remedies for this were interesting.   While some were more normal like burning candles made of eryngo seed and sheep suet near the teeth, others were quite interesting, such as kissing a donkey, as purported by Germanic legend. 

Some even said they should not clean their ears, as the practitioners did advise against cleaning up the ears to prevent this. obviously there was a lot of false information which would not be disproven for another few centuries. 

The Beginning of Modern Dentistry 

Remember the idea of tooth worms? Well that was thought to be a thing until the 1700s! However, in 1530 there was a little medicinal book that talked about the infirmities of the teeth, which was devoted to dentistry.

The first dentists were seen in the 1700s, with Pierre Fauchard in 1723, being the father of modern dental practices.   He wrote a whole comprehensive means for treating and caring for teeth. He was also the first to introduce fillings, and dental prosthesis. He also figured out that sugar and acids were what caused dental decay.

The first dental college was founded about a century later in 1840, and this was the Baltimore college of Dental Surgery, which was something that seemed to be popular back then.   The ADA was formed in the 1860s, 20 years before the first dental practice was founded in Alabama. 

Then of course, the first dental institution and university was the Harvard University Dental School, which they founded back in 1867. 

Colgate was the first to make modern toothpaste, which was made in 1873, and toothbrushes were founded a few years after that. 

The first x-ray was used in 1896, and more systems for crooked teeth developed here. Obviously, when we look at where it’s come today, we have a lot more to work with.

Various cleaning devices that get deep like the cavitron are popular. There’s also various technology to see directly any malicious tissues, such as cancers and growths.   With the evolution of dental care, we see how far it’s come, and how through this constant evolution, we are able to care for more people than ever before. 

What Dental Bonding is 

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Accidents happen, and there are tons of ways a tooth may get chipped, and a few ways to repair it. One of them is tooth bonding, or enamel bonding. It’s cost-effective, and good for minor problems that happen with broken teeth.If you have cracked, chipped, decayed, or problems with teeth coloring, bonding might be the best way to get your confidence, and a winning smile back.

What it’s used for 

Bonding is where you get some composite resin on the tooth’s surface to fix it. It’s simple, not expensive, and a cosmetic procedure that’s done in one visit. With lots of dental issues that bonding can fix, it’s good for discolored or chipped teeth.

It also may choose to close the larger spaces between one’s teeth, changing the shape and making them look longer. They are also used in metallic or amalgam fillings to protect the exposed rooted part with gums that are receded. 

How it’s Done

Luckily, bonding is a very simple procedure that requires just one appointment. 

A composite resin made from plastic is placed on the tooth. It’s perfect to mold there, so if you’ve got a newer tooth, it will fit with the smile. 

Here’s the steps that go with the dental bonding procedure. 

  1. First the dentist will clean the tooth in order to create the best bonding surface possible. 
  2. They apply the resin and then shape that bonding material. 
  3. The bonding is then dried with UV light, and shaping takes place 
  4. It’s polished for a natural look, and then they floss it to make sure that it’s smooth. 
  5. It usually takes thirty minutes to an hour to fix this. but if there’s multiple teeth, it takes multiple visits. Most tooth bonding doesn’t require any anesthesia, so you’ll return to daily activities right after the appointment. 

Risks to Bonding  

There are a few risks to this. The main downside is that it will never be as strong naturally as natural teeth, so there is a chance that these can break off, or chip completely. If you’re going in for tooth bonding procedures, it may be time to kick those habits, including biting fingernails, chewing on pen caps, and ice, as they will impact the resin.

Care for bonded Teeth 

How long your bonding lasts depends on what you need done, and habits orally, so it’s vital to give the teeth that are bonded with as much care and attention as the natural teeth might.

Bonding material is very prone to staining, so make sure that you watch how much you consume coffee, tea, wine, and cigarettes. 

Avoid these foods for up to 48 hours after any procedure. If you do have some sharp edges on the teeth, or they feel weird when you bite down. if they fall off or completely chip, contact the dentist immediately. 

How long they last can be anywhere from three to ten years before needing to be repaired or replaced. If you brush your teeth twice daily and interdental flossing, it does extend that dental bonding effectiveness.

These regular visits also keep the mouth healthy, ensuring that the dental bonding is functional. 

Try to avoid eating hard, chewy candies, and don’t pick at the bonding.   When playing sports, protect your teeth with a mouth guard. If you do grind your teeth at night, try to prevent the grinding and damage with a night guard. 

Tooth bonding is pretty affordable, and usually only requires a single appointment. It’s pretty cheap and is usually under a grand. It’s great to get the confidence that you need. 

Natural Remedies to Prevent Cavities 

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There are a lot of ways to prevent cavities. Eating well, drinking water, and the like.  Natural ways to prevent tooth decay is important, sometimes almost more important than the natural ways. 

Here are some natural remedies that will allow you to prevent those cavities. We’re going to explore food that you should eat, various herbal remedies worth looking at, and finally, actions you can take in order to prevent cavities. 

Foods for Cavity Prevention 

The first is foods that you have to prevent cavities. Now, because of this, we’re not saying they will automatically prevent this, but they strengthen your enamel in order to prevent further cavities in the future.   

The first is dairy. This is because of the calcium, which is used to strengthen bones and teeth. Very good for strengthening your enamel, and overall preventing tooth decay.

Leafy greens are another. Leafy greens contain B and D vitamins, which are good for prevention of tooth decay.

Nuts are a third one.  Nuts offer a lot of unique vitamins, proteins, and the like. It keeps you full too, so you’re not over here trying to eat something bad. Sugary foods are definitely something to avoid, since in a lot of cases, it can be something that will cause more decay.

Many people eat too much sugar. Sugar is the natural killer, and it’s why a lot of people are having tooth issues. This is because of their teeth, and not taking care of them.   but, when you eat right, you’ll be able to prevent this. 

Herbal remedies. 

Herbal remedies are another. The basis for this is that they do naturally fight bacteria. They are anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial, which is used to kill the bad bacteria, writing them in its place. These remedies are a little bit divided if they work, but they are something which, for many people, is a good way to fight cavities. 

Oil pulling 

Finally, there is oil pulling. This is where you take oil and swish it around in your mouth. While it might seem silly, this actually helps with tooth decay because it pulls all of the germs away from your mouth. When everything’s pulled it then gets rid of a lot of the decay.  You spit it out, and the oil then gets rid of those germs. 

Baking soda as well is used with this. Baking soda is also good for a lot of tooth decay preventative measures. This is because baking soda is abrasive, and is good for cleaning even the worst stains. Bear in mind that if you do use this, try not to overuse the item, because the abrasiveness will wear away the enamel that’s there. 

Overall, this is not the only way to prevent tooth decay, but it is a measure you can take, in order to improve your oral health. 

Complement, not Replace 

All of these natural remedies are complements for your oral health care routine. No, do not replace your oral care routine with this. 

You want to make sure that you still go to the dentist for check ups multiple times a year, and also brush your teeth every day, and floss your teeth as well. a healthy diet and regular oil pulling, however, can work to keep your teeth looking nice and shiny. Knowing this, you’ll be able to have the best oral health that you can, and in turn, make sure that you’ve got a bright smile that will last a long time!