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.
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.
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