PLANS
   
 
   
 
   

 
     
  BENEFITS AT A GLANCE  
     
 
No charge for exams, x-rays or cleaning once every 6 months  
 
No deductibles!  
 
No waiting period to see a dentist!  
 
No claim forms!  
 
No annual maximums!  
 
No limitations on most pre-existing conditions!  
 
Adult and Children braces Include on Plans  
  ORAL HYGIENE
 
 
*Oral hygiene* is the practice of keeping the mouthand teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and bad breath
  *Contents*
 
  • Teeth cleaning
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  • Tongue cleaning
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  • Gum care
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  • Food and drink
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  • Beneficial foods
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  • Detrimental foods
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  • Other
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  • See also
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  • References
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  • External links
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  • Teeth Cleaning
  • Tongue Cleaning
  • Gum care
  • Food and Drink
  • Beneficial Foods
  • Detrimental Foods
  • Other
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    Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque>and tartar from teethin order to prevent cavities gingivitis and gum disease. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss. Generally, dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally at least twice per year. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth polishing , and, if too much tartar has built up, debridement. This is usually followed by a fluoride treatment for children. Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygieneis essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes the problems mentioned above. This is done by carefully and frequently brushing with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss to prevent accumulation of plaque on the teeth.[1]
    Dental specialists recommend cleaning the tongue using a tongue cleaner as part of ones's daily oral care routine, in order to remove the bacterial coating that generates bad breath and may affect the health of teeth and gums as well.
    Massaging gums is generally recommended for good oral health.
    Foods that help muscles and bones also help teeth and gums. Breads and cereals are rich in vitamin B while fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, both of which contribute to healthy gum tissue.(8) Lean meat, fish, and poultry provide magnesium and zinc for teeth. Some people recommend that teeth be brushed after every meal and at bedtime, and flossed at least once per day, preferably at night before sleep. For some people, flossing might be recommended after every meal.
    Beneficial Foods
    Some foods may protect against cavities. Fluoride is a primary protector against dental cavities. Fluoride makes the surface of teeth more resistant to acids during the process of remineralisation. Drinking fluoridated water is highly recommended by dental professionals. Milk and cheese are also rich in calcium and phosphate, and may also encourage remineralisation. All foods increase saliva production, and since saliva contains buffer chemicals this helps to stabilize the pH to near 7 (neutral) in the mouth. Foods high in fiber may also help to increase the flow of saliva. Sugar-free chewing gum stimulates saliva production, and helps to clean the surface of the teeth.(8)
    Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starches, e.g. crisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth, although to a much lesser degree. This is because starch is not an ideal food for the bacteria. It has to be converted by enzymes in saliva first.[2] Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with cavities, although glucose, fructose, and maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities. The amount of sugar consumed at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain sugar are consumed. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which point demineralisation occurs (below 5.5 for most people). It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to be repaired by remineralisation and fluoride. Limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities. Artificially refined sugar is not the only type that can promote dental cavities. There are also sugars found in fresh fruit and fruitjuices. In addition, these foods (oranges, lemons, limes, apples, etc.) also contain acids which lower the pH level. Soft drinks are unhealthy for the teeth, because of their lower pH and also because of their sugar content. Drinking sugared soft drinks throughout the day raises the risk of dental cavities tremendously. Another factor which affects the risk of developing cavities is the stickiness of foods. Some foods or sweets may stick to the teeth and so reduce the pH in the mouth for an extended time, particularly if they are sugary. It is important that teeth be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove any food sticking to the teeth. Regular brushing and the use of dental floss also removes the dental plaque coating the tooth surface. Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles, but for teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well.[3] [4]
    Smoking and chewing tobacco are both strongly linked with multiple dental diseases.[5] Regular vomiting, as seen in bulimics, also causes significant damage. Mouthwash or mouth rinse improve oral hygiene. Dental gums claim to improve dental health. Retainers can be cleaned in mouthwash or denture cleaning fluid. [6] Dental braces may be recommended by a dentist for best oral hygiene and health. Dentures, retainers, and other appliances must be kept extremely clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in a cleansing solution.[7] From a physiological point of view, oral hygiene is not merely aimed at dental and gum health. Oral hygiene practiced every morning, involving rubbing of the hard and soft palate, upper and lower [inner and outer aspects of] gums, inner aspects of cheek, undersurface and oversurface of tongue and the teeth [Cf. Superliving:Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar] with or without tooth powder or paste [by use of finger and thumb] probably 1. stimulates the large area of parietal cerbral cortical representation of mouth, tongue and other oral areas and thereby helps in getting rejuvenated, buoyant, alert, attentive and composed 2. stimulates undersurfaces of bony cavities surroundings the oral vaity called sinuses and thereby reduces the congestion or stagnation of circulation of blood and prevents or reduces the chances of infection 3. stimulates the salivary glands, ducts and ductal openings and thereby increases salivation and its beneficial actions/activites 4. stimulates the blood supply of the gums and the roots of teeth 5. stimulates the taste receptors and improves the taste sensation. Gargling with water probably cleans and stimulates the remaining oropharyngeal areas and their circulation. Use of different herbs [e.g. Emblica officinalis (Phyllanthus emblica), Acasia catachu, Acasia arabica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica etc.] in oral hygiene in different forms; though very important, requires extensive and thorugh discussion
     
     
     
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