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Good oral health involves more than having a beautiful smile; it is key if we are to enjoy food, feel confident about interacting with others and avoid oral pain. Statistics however show that many Americans could improve in this department. Over 90% of Americans have had at least one cavity, and one in four has untreated tooth decay. Meanwhile, around half of all adults above the age of 30 have gum disease – according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Oral Health report. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice daily, but for those with gum disease and frequent plaque build-up, one gadget that should be present on your bathroom countertop is a water flosser.

How does a Water Flosser Work?

Water flossers usually consist of a small nozzle that sprays pressurized water, connected to a water reservoir by a tube. Water flossers  clean teeth and gums through a combination of water pressure and pulsations, which remove food residue and plaque from teeth. They work similarly to dental floss, but the pressure means that tiny pieces of food you don’t even notice can be efficiently removed. Water flossers can reach areas that floss cannot get into; for instance, beneath the gum line at the front of teeth. Users can alter the pressure according to their needs. Therefore, those with sensitive gums may use a lower setting, while those after a power clean can set their flosser on high pressure.

Are Water Flossers Effective?

The effectiveness of water flossers was put to the test in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry. Participants in the study were assigned to one of two groups. Group One used a manual toothbrush plus a water flosser, while Group Two used a manual toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean between teeth. The results showed that the water floss group had a 74.4% reduction in whole mouth plaque and an 81.6% reduction in plaque between teeth. The dental floss group meanwhile, had a 57.7% and 63.45% reduction in plaque in these respective areas. The scientists noted that the water flosser was, therefore, a superior way to keep plaque at bay. It also indicates that dental floss is still a good way to improve oral health, even though it was less effective than the water flosser. 

When Might Your Dentist Recommend a Water Flosser?

Your dentist may recommend this method of daily cleaning if you have frequent plaque build-up or if your gums tend to become inflamed. If you have a condition like gingivitis, you may be recommended to wait until bleeding has stopped to use a water floss. However, a water flosser is not enough to treat more serious periodontal disease, and you should always consult with your dentist. You may be recommended a root scaling and planing treatment and perhaps later, a water flosser can play a role in the maintenance of your gum health. Water flossers also work well for teeth that are difficult to clean. For instance, if you have wisdom teeth that have not been removed, then teeth may be very tight and it may be very difficult to get dental floss in between then, but a water flosser may be a good alternative.

Because a water flosser cleans plaque and removes trapped food so effectively, it is ideal for teeth in odd positions, but it can also form part of a daily oral health routine for anyone wishing to obtain an optimal clean. Studies have shown that it is more effective than standard brushing and flossing, so if you are worried about decay and gum inflammation and disease, ask your dentist if a flosser is suitable for you. Flossers have removable tips, so one machine can be used by more than one family member.

Fallon, Jacqueline. “Is Water Flossing the Perfect Tool for Better Oral Health?”. The Dental Greek, 11 Dec 2018

Maintaining great personal hygiene has never been more important, given the current pandemic situation that many of us across the world find ourselves in.

Advice around how to do this is something that we all should take note of. Especially, regular handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer gel when this is not possible.

It is important to remember that being as hygienic as possible doesn’t just help protect you, but it also protects those around you.

The Oral Health Foundation has provided the following advice to help avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Do not share a toothbrush

You should never share your toothbrush with anybody else, no matter how close you are to them.

This is one way that viruses and blood-borne diseases can be caught from other people.

You should make sure that toothbrush heads are also kept apart from each other wherever you and the rest of your household store your toothbrushes.

Keep the toilet lid closed before you flush

If you store your toothbrush anywhere near your toilet, every time someone flushes, some of the toilet sprays will fly out and land on your toothbrush.

There has already been research conducted that suggests that the virus can be spread via faecal matter (poo).

Make sure you close the lid before you flush and keep your brush at a safe distance away from the toilet.

Change your toothbrush regularly

It’s important to change your toothbrush, or brush head, at least every three months. Perhaps even earlier if the bristles become frayed.

This helps to ensure you are brushing your teeth effectively. A worn brush can’t do the job it needs to.

Changing your brush regularly also helps prevent the spread of bacteria. 

Clean your bathroom regularly

Many of us store our toothbrushes, towels, flannels and other intimate items in our bathrooms.

Due to this reason, it is important to keep the bathroom clean at all times to ensure that there is no spreading of germs and viruses. 

Visiting the dentist

It is important to maintain regular visits to your dental team. It’s best to always call ahead before any appointments, especially during this period of uncertainty. You can ask about any special check-in procedures your dental office may have, or if they have any paperwork you can complete online before your visit.

Be prepared for your appointment to either be delayed or canceled. This is for the safety of both staff and patients. Emergency treatment may still be available but other, more routine procedures, may be postponed for the foreseeable future. Communicate with your dentist about your needs to make sure you receive essential care, without putting yourself or others at unnecessary risk.

Don’t forget the basics

Our oral health should always be a priority. In addition to visiting your local dental team when possible, don’t forget the simple day-to-day habits that will help you keep a healthy mouth.

Brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.

Cut down on how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks and drink plenty of water. 

Consider using a mouthwash and clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss. 

Bushel, George. “COVID-19: our guide to looking after yourselves and others through better oral hygiene”. Oral Health Foundation, 23 Mar 2020 https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/covid-19-our-guide-to-looking-after-yourselves-and-others-through-better-oral-hygiene

You’ve probably heard someone tell you about getting wisdom teeth removed irrespective of whether you are an adolescent, parent, or grown adult.

If your wisdom teeth haven’t been removed yet, you’re probably wondering the following:

Do I really need my wisdom tooth removed?

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom tooth extracted. There are specific reasons why a wisdom tooth needs to be removed and this article will explain them. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth get their name because they usually come in when you are older and you can expect these teeth around the ages of 17 to 21.

These teeth are located in the very back of your mouth. You can expect two on the top and two on the bottom although, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Wisdom teeth are molars and complete your set of 32 adult teeth. These molars are the toughest of them all, used to grind food, which is why they are wide and also cause a lot of problems.

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Here are the four main reasons why your dentist may say you need your wisdom teeth removed:

1. They are impacted: This means your wisdom teeth cannot come in properly and can cause a lot of pain. Most often they lie horizontally and remain below the gumline instead of being upright. 
2. They come in at the wrong angle: Wisdom teeth can push against and damage your surrounding teeth if they don’t come in straight and upright. 
3. Your mouth isn’t big enough: Some people have smaller jaws that do not have enough room for an extra set of molars. 
4. You can’t maintain optimal oral health: You are going to be more susceptible to cavities and gum disease, If you can’t reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush and floss

Common wisdom teeth problems

Over 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States every year.

Watch out for these common problems associated with a Wisdom tooth:

• They can cause pain and bite problems: If your extra set of molars do not grow in properly, they can push your other teeth, causing mouth pain and bite problems. 
• Jaw damage: Cysts can form around unsuitable wisdom teeth. If left untreated, they can destroy bones, roots, and nerves. If a cyst turns into a tumor, you may require surgery.
• Sinus pain: Wisdom teeth in your upper jaw can push against your sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion.
• Cavities and gum disease: Inflamed gums can be hard to clean. As pockets between the teeth and gums form, bacteria can grow, which can cause cavities and gum disease 

When should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

The earlier the better.

Your bones become harder as you become older which can make the removal and recovery process more difficult.

Your dentist will use x-rays to determine:

• If you have wisdom teeth – you may not even know if they are hidden
• If you need to have wisdom teeth removed
• How many wisdom teeth need to be removed
• When you should have your wisdom teeth removed
  

Do you need to get your wisdom teeth removed?
You don’t need to get your wisdom teeth removed just because you have them. Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment or bring it up at your next six-month cleaning.

Getting braces is not anymore a symbol of awkwardness captured forever in high school yearbooks. Getting braces has turned into a fun right of passage for middle schoolers with the introduction of colors, hashtags, etc 

The stigma once associated with adults getting braces has diminished with the advances in orthodontic technology like clear braces aligners. 

Here are a few things you should know before getting braces.

What do you need to know before getting braces?

Braces are not just about the look of the smile.
Braces can help to correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment issues and ultimately improve oral health.

You’ll need to get your dental work done first
Before getting braces, you’ll need to have teeth cleaning and have all other dental work completed. This may include having wisdom teeth removed so they don’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Adjustments to diet
It is a good idea to eliminate certain foods from your diet before getting the braces. It takes some time getting used to a brace and trying to change your diet after the braces have been put can be a challenge.
Some of the foods that can be removed from the diet are sticky or gummy food or food that requires heavy chewing. 

Brushing your teeth regularly

Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep breath fresh.
Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. 

Mouthguards for athletes
Mouthguards can prevent potential contact of the braces with the mouth which can result in an injury during sports.

Regular Orthodontist appointments.
Most patients will need to see their orthodontists every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing properly and to have adjustments made. 

Mild Pain.
Patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened. You can work with your dentist to identify suitable pain medication to help with the pain.