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Rich Sprague

This is the first article in a 3-part series to help you take care of your dental health.


Dr. Mike Acasio and Dr. Derek Carson

Overview.


As dentists, we take our profession and responsibility seriously. We are well prepared to take care of a patient’s dental health needs, no matter how simple or difficult they are.


On the other hand, all things considered, we firmly believe that people’s overall health is paramount. We further believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure which is where the content of this article comes into play.


Your mouth, gums and teeth  are essential to one enjoying life. From smiling to speaking, eating delicious, healthy and tasty foods, to sharing your feelings with an infectious smile … all of these things depend on good oral health.


Who, then, wouldn’t want to keep their natural teeth forever? And avoid many unnecessary trips to visit us.


Self-care.


It all starts with you or your child and continues through every phase and season of you or your children's lives.


Brushing.


Young girl brushing her teeth

We recommend that you should start brushing your children’s teeth when the first tooth pops through somewhere between 6 and 14 months of age. Brushing teeth is a routine which should be taught to children, much like toilet training. You should assist your children with brushing until about age 8.

One needs to brush teeth regularly … at least twice a day.


The first step is to choose the device which you will use to clean your teeth and mouth. There are many choices from a typical bristle toothbrush, to an electric type toothbrush, to a combination electric toothbrush and water flosser. Electric toothbrushes either come with a vibrating or spinning head. What devices you choose to brush with is a personal preference, but your choice can be influenced by the condition of your mouth and teeth, including orthodontics.


Our dentists and staff can help you choose. We do offer some products at our locations.


Healthy teeth require the removal of dental plaque which is sticky bacteria that can build up on the surface of your teeth and cause decay and gum disease.


Disclosing tablets

Because dental plaque is hard to see, there are “disclosing tablets” which you can chew or you can brush with special disclosing toothpaste. This process will show where teeth still have plaque and can be very helpful in teaching children how to do a good job brushing their teeth.




Brushing tips:

  • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride protects teeth from decay by strengthening the tooth’s enamel surface.

  • Make sure to angle the bristles towards the gumline to clean the gums and the teeth.

  • Brush gently using a circular motion if using a manual toothbrush.

  • Brush all the tooth surfaces: top, inside and outside.

  • Brush your tongue, too.


Flossing.


Clean between your teeth.


When chewing, food particles  easily get caught between your teeth. That food can harbor bacteria, turn into plaque, then harden below the gum line and irritate the gums which can become red, swollen and easily bleed. This is the first sign of gum disease (gingivitis). This stage of gum disease can usually be remedied with daily brushing and flossing.


Once the plaque remains on your teeth for some time, it hardens and becomes tartar or calculus. At this point, you will need a professional cleaning, even a deep cleaning, by one of our hygienists. Without proper care, the gingivitis can worsen and lead to periodontal disease and much more serious health issues.


As the disease advances, gum disease can cause sore and bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, loose or broken teeth, and even tooth loss.


Flossing tips (there are several different floss favors to choose from):


Dental string floss

Use a string of floss about two feet long. Wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Grip the floss between the thumb and index finger of each hand. Ease the floss gently until it reaches the gumline … don’t force the floss so you can avoid damaging the gums. Slide the floss up and down under the gum.



Dental piks

If you don’t like this method, you can always use a floss pick or water flosser, or water flosser and electronic toothbrush combo device.








Rinsing.


Dental rinse

Mouthwash or oral rinse can be used to swish around your mouth which promotes oral hygiene. They can help reduce plaque and tooth decay, fight bad breath, helps in healing after dental procedures, and address dry mouth (dry mouth increases the possibility of tooth decay).



Notes and cautions:

  • Choose an alcohol-free wash.

  • Don’t offer children under 6 washes as they might swallow too much of the rinse.

  • There are several different flavored washes to choose from.

  • For those without a wash, a warm water saltwater rinse is a good substitute.

  • An oral rinse can wash away fluoride. Some rinses include fluoride.


Other tips.


  • Visit us every 6 months for routine check-ups and professional cleaning.

  • Drink fluoridated water

    • You can learn more about fluoride in water here:

    • Some of the water brands containing fluoride can be found at this link or researched on Amazon.

    • If one is opposed to drinking fluoridated water, there are other options to using this crucial mineral for maintaining good teeth including toothpaste, mouth rinses, dietary supplements, professional treatments, and certain foods and beverages.

    • Note: There are differences of opinion about whether or not one should drink fluoridated water. The amount of fluoride contained in water is strictly controlled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • Avoid cigarette smoking

  • Don’t vape for many reasons.

    • Dry mouth: Vaping can reduce saliva production, which can lead to cavities. 

    • Gum disease: Vaping can cause gum inflammation, bleeding gums, and bad breath. 

    • Tooth decay: Vaping can increase the risk of tooth decay. 

    • Tooth sensitivity: Vaping can irritate the gums, which can lead to receding gums and teeth sensitivity. 

    • Teeth grinding: Vaping can worsen teeth grinding, which can damage tooth enamel. 

    • Discolored teeth: Vaping can discolor teeth. 

    • Longer healing time: Vaping can slow down the healing process after oral procedures. 

  • If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, have a dental check-up. Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women have a higher risk of developing gingivitis and have swollen gums which can easily bleed.

  • Eat well. Keep sugars at a minimum … especially sweets and sodas.


Look for part 2 of this article which will address the importance of routine cleanings.


Young man smiling with beautiful teeth

Whatever you think your dental needs are, you should give us a call for a free consultation. Our practice in Oxnard is Carson & Acasio Dentistry (805) 987-1711. In Camarillo, we do business as Spanish Hills Dentistry (805) 983-0717.


 
Author, Marketing Consultant, Web & Graphic Designer Rich Sprague

RICH SPRAGUE

Rich is our Marketing Services Manager. He’s responsible for our business rebrand, including the design of our new logo, the production of our marketing materials, and the development of our new website. He is extremely passionate towards the complete marketing and sales process. In addition to his Master’s Degree in Web Design & New Media, he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and has been writing articles since high school. Rich's email is rich@richsprague.com.

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