Who doesn’t want white and healthy teeth? In fact, healthy teeth enable you to chew the food properly and white teeth can increase the confidence level in a person. Unhealthy teeth can become a cause of various diseases. It is always better to go for teeth whitening treatment, in order to get rid off the yellowish stained teeth. Just think that how odd it looks that you are smiling with stained yellow teeth. In fact, this gives a very bad impression to the other person. If you are suffering from stained teeth, then bleach teeth can be your rescue plan.

To implement bleach teeth will not only remove the yellowish stains on your teeth, but also make it look better. Bleach teeth is a specialized treatment that makes use of a gel-like solution that is applied on the teeth with the help of mouth guard. Bleach used for teeth whitening usually contains peroxide materials. These peroxide materials help the patients to solve their problem of yellow and stained teeth. The treatment of bleach teeth helps to a great extent in leading a healthy life.

Well, no one is fortunate to have healthy and white teeth from the birth itself. It is not a god gifted thing. The concept and treatment of bleach teeth is becoming more and more important these days. People are becoming health conscious and have started taking care of their health more than ever before. At this point of time, you need a special dentist that will carry bleach teeth treatment on you. To be on a safer side, it is always better to contact a qualified and experienced dentist for carrying out this treatment.

Bleach teeth treatment can be carried out in two ways, either on the clinic of your dentist or at home. If you are planning to apply this teeth whitening bleach on your own, then you can buy bleach teeth kits from the qualified pharmacist. To apply the bleach, you will be required to wear trays that are filled with bleaching agents. You may be required to wear the trays for a longer period of time. This makes the process all the more tedious and problematic. In fact, it can turn out to be really messy for the patients. It is always better to go to a trained dentist for this.

In the clinic treatment of bleach teeth, the dentists apply the bleaching agents that have a high amount of peroxide contains. This is done in order to give better and faster results to the patients. After all, everyone needs to have quicker results in the mater of getting those whiter teeth. Isn’t it? Usually, it takes 2 or 3 sittings for a dentist to make your teeth white. Time taken in the laser teeth whitening treatment is even lesser than the usual one. With the help of this treatment, the yellowish stains can be lightened and they can look brighter. Bleach teeth is the best treatment that can be applied to get rid of yellowish stained teeth.

Henry Wilson has special interest in health related topics. He has been working for Rubinsteindmd since the last 2 Years. For more information about Cosmetic Dentistry,Restorative Dentist New York, Teeth Whitening and Dental Implants visit http://www.rubinsteindmd.com.

Maintaining good oral health seems to be something that more and more people aren’t paying attention to. With vending machines around every corner and strong messages through advertising tempting us to eat the latest taste-bud sensation dentists are becoming increasingly worried that many of us are not eating properly balanced diets and are filling up with foods like crisps, fizzy soda’s and sweetened fruit juices. The phrase, ‘You are what you eat’ springs to mind. A lot of snack food contains very little in nutritional value, and put us at risk of developing tooth decay and other dental problems. Who wants root canal? Certainly not me!

Children and teens are easily swayed to eat snacks that appear ‘hip’ or ‘cool’ but leaves there teeth looking anything but that. How does this tooth decay occur? Well when sugary and starch foods come into contact with plaque (bacteria) acid is produced. This acid attacks our teeth (for up to 20 minutes after eating) and can lead to tooth decay.

Tooth decay can be a major problem for people of any age. A small film of plaque constantly develops sticking to the teeth. This stickiness is what makes the acid so effective at attacking the enamel of the teeth. It keeps it in contact with the enamel. Once the enamel has been broken down, cavities begin to form. Brushing twice daily will remove the sticky plaque formed on the teeth but if the teeth aren’t brushed daily this plaque will harden into calculus or tartar. Gingivitis can occur, which is the early stage of gum disease, if the teeth aren’t brushed regularly. It also makes brushing less effective and can even cause the gums to bleed when brushing.

The foods that can cause tooth decay even include vegetables and milk as they contain sugars and starches. You may think that cutting them out of your diet would be the right thing to do. These foods, however, should not be removed from your daily diet as they contain other nutrients necessary that contribute to maintaining a healthy body. The ideal thing to do is read the labels on products that you buy and try to choose products that are low in added sugars. These are the same added sugars found in the types of foods mentioned above, such as crisps, candy, fizzy soda’s and cookies.

One of the major causes of gum disease in adults is the lack of important nutrients which help the mouth fight or resist infection. This gum disease is known as periodontal disease, and is the major cause of loss of teeth in adults.

Author: Janie Jonah
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Gum disease believe it or not, can be avoided or at worst managed at a level where it doesn’t affect your quality of life. Take it from someone who has experienced gum disease at it’s worst, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day; it will be worth it in the long run!

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum or periodontal disease is described as the inflammation and infection of the gums. Plaque build up on the teeth becomes hard and is known as calculus. This is a real danger sign for people because left untreated, serious complications will arise over a period of time. Let me give you a "ball-by-ball" description of exactly what can happen:

- The bacteria in the plaque can damage the gums leading to gingivitis. Okay, it’s a nasty sounding description but the good news is that it can be treated.

- If left untreated, periodontitis, an advanced level of gum disease "will come knocking" and trust me, it’s not a friendly visitor. In fact, periodontitis just doesn’t visit but sets about to not only seriously damage both teeth and gums, but eats away at the bone supporting the teeth. Ouch!

- Over time, the inflammation gets worse, the infection more severe, gum pockets begin to form because of the receding bone line and worse still, the gums begin to back off from the teeth.

- If the above wasn’t bad enough, teeth begin to loosen, decay sets in, pain and discomfort becomes more frequent and it a nutshell, it becomes one hell of a mess. The end prognosis… a lot of teeth will be lost in the process which surprisingly can occur over a short period of time.

More Gum Nasties!

But that’s not all! Sure signs of gum disease include red, swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, abcesses which form between both teeth and gums and of course, teeth beginning to lose their solid foundations within the gums. What does this mean? Well, it means a lot of pain and discomfort, thousands and thousands of dollars in treatment and depending on how you look at it, usually a pretty happy dentist only in the fact that you are keeping him or her in business.

Your Dentist Is Your Greatest Ally

In all seriousness though, the dentist is your greatest ally in warding off the destruction of periodontitis. Forget the old wive’s tale that visiting a dentist usually results in a lot of pain both physically and financially. When it comes to severe gum disease, the dentist is like your "vampire slayer." Frequent examinations will involve thorough scanning of your teeth and gums. If there is any calculus build up present then it can be scraped away.

Remember, the calculus build up is ugly enough but it’s only the first step in the evolution of gum disease. Regular checks will keep calculus build up under control; ignoring regular dental check-ups is like putting up a neon light in your mouth inviting "Count" periodontitis to visit. Believe me, you do not want anything to do with it!

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Get the facts on gum disease and other infection related information including news and reviews at:http://www.yourinfectionsite.com

If no action is taken to maintain proper dental health care, acid will form and attack the tooth enamel, allowing tooth decay to penetrate into the softer tissue inside the tooth. If the decay is not treated in its early stages, it will progress to the tooth pulp, a soft tissue containing nerves, arteries, veins and lymph vessels. Eventually, an abscess will begin to form at the root - and unless endodontic (root canal) treatment is carried out, the tooth will be lost.

Plaque must be removed daily, if not, the irritants in plaque can cause swollen, red, bleeding gums. These conditions occur when plaque hardens and forms tartar (calculus) that collects around the tooth under the gum line, causing the gum to pull away from the tooth. Pockets form between the tooth and under the gum line. Plaque and its harmful by-products move down along the tooth towards the roots. When the bone is eaten away, the tooth, with little support, will become loose and fall out. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. However, if it is detected in time, it can be treated. Practising proper dental health care, you will be able to notice any warning signs of tooth decay.

Food is a huge contributing factor in causing plaque formation on teeth. Sticky, sugary foods are the traditional cause of tooth decay. However, over the past decade, scientific thinking about the connection between diet and tooth decay has changed quite appreciably. Dentists no longer talk about foods being good or bad for teeth. How often you eat and how long food remains in the mouth are considerations that are just as important as what you actually eat.

A bacterial deposit (plaque) constantly forms on the tooth surfaces. The bacteria in plaque thrive on refined carbohydrates (especially sugar) that are converted into acid. This acid damages the tooth enamel and erodes it until a cavity (caries) forms. Dental scientists have found that these bacteria can use either natural or processed sugars. Sugar in an apple is as likely to cause tooth decay as sugar in a chocolate bar. Furthermore, the simple starches in foods such as bread, cake or cereals are broken down by salivary enzymes into the same kinds of sugars that generate the formation of acids. The main problem with sticky confectionery, such as toffee or dried fruit and with long-lasting boiled sweets, is that they remain in the mouth (and release sugar) for a long time, thereby increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. It is best, therefore, to eat sweets in moderation and to brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you must have sugary foods, restrict their consumption to immediately after meals, when increased saliva production makes them less harmful.

Another point often overlooked in dental health care for children is that children older than one year old should not be put to bed with feeding bottles containing fruit juice, sweetened tea, flavoured or sweetened milk, or even cows milk. The flow of saliva slows during sleep and the liquid can stagnate on the teeth. The sooner a mother starts cleaning a child’s teeth - even if it is breastfed - the less chance of it developing tooth decay from food and drinks.

Foods that promote dental health care and especially lessen plaque formation are raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, plain yoghurt and cheese. In fact, cheese is not only considered one of the best sources of calcium (a nutrient essential for healthy bones and teeth), but research has also shown that certain types - for example, aged Cheddar - protects the teeth against the acids that cause tooth decay.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Dental guide

Dental caries and periodontal disease can be prevented by a successful dental hygiene program. A good dental hygiene program should include the following:

1. Proper regular tooth brushing techniques.

2. Proper eating habits and good diet.

3. The use of fluoride water and other fluoride-containing substances like toothpastes and mouthwashes.

4. Regular visits to the dentist including a thorough dental check-up and prophylaxis.

All these can provide optimum oral health, free from dental caries and periodontal disease.

A well balanced diet and the limited consumption of foods that contribute to dental decay are the first steps to a successful dental hygiene program. Our mouth is naturally inhabited by acid forming bacteria. These bacteria feed on starches and sugars. Acid is formed when bacteria act on starch or sugar. The acid formed causes enamel degradation, which is the starting point of any dental caries. For this reason, it is important to minimize and if possible, avoid foods that are rich in sugar and starch. Examples of these foods are richly filled pastries, doughnuts and peanut butter. These foods are particularly harmful because these tend to stick in the tooth surfaces. Sweetened canned fruits with heavy syrup, citrus-flavored candies and sweetened fruit juices are also high in sugar content. Chewing gums, breath sweeteners and carbonated beverages are harmful not because they contain large amounts of sugar but because of the frequency with which they are ingested. Artificially sweetened foods, drinks and chewing gum are better options.

Regular brushing of the teeth using the proper techniques is the next step in following a good dental hygiene program. It is advised to brush the teeth two or three times a day but if you are keen on keeping to a good dental hygiene program, it is always better to brush after every meal and after taking any food in between. A good brushing technique will remove the food particles lodged in between the teeth and in the natural pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This can also remove the plaque that sticks to the teeth surfaces. Removing the food particles will also prevent foul breath or halitosis. Halitosis, however, can also be caused by several other factors including a badly decayed tooth, eating certain types of foods like garlic and onions and infections of the tonsils, sinuses or throat. Using dental floss to remove food particles trapped in between the teeth is also a very important part of a good dental hygiene program. Dental floss can remove food particles lodged in between the teeth that sometimes even a good tooth brushing technique cannot accomplish.

Sometimes ill fitting, old and worn out dental appliances like dentures, orthodontic appliances and bridges can be the source of gum irritation. These dental appliances should also be taken cared of in a similar way to natural teeth. All removable dental appliances should be removed after every meal or snack and should be cleaned with a special brush. Don’t let food particles accumulate in these appliances. Rinse the appliance with running water when it is impossible to clean it thoroughly with a brush so that food particles can be removed. Soak the appliance overnight once or twice a week in a solution of sodium hypochlorite. This solution helps remove stains on the dental appliance.

The use of fluoride water is another important factor in maintaining good dental hygiene. Most U.S. water systems today are already treated with fluoride. It has been observed that the use water treated with the right amount of fluoride can actually help prevent dental caries. Fluoride is found to strengthen the enamel. Fluoride can also be topically applied to the teeth to children ages 13 and below. There are also toothpastes and mouthwashes available in the market today that contains fluoride.

The last step in maintaining good oral hygiene is the regular visits to the dentist. This should start around the age of three. A visit to the dentist after every six months is recommended. Your dentist will have all the knowledge on how you can maintain good oral hygiene. He or she will be able to recommend to you any steps or procedures necessary to maintain and continue enjoying good dental health.

Michael Russell Your Independent Dental guide

Have you lost your self confidence because of a swollen gum or a wobbly tooth that seems to come off as you speak? Dental hygiene plays a vital role in keeping the vitality of your teeth and the surrounding tissues. Dental hygiene refers to the care of the teeth and other mouth tissues, keeping them healthy and devoid of disease. The gums and the periodontium or the tissue that immediately surrounds each tooth and attaches it to the underlying bone are the other tissues of the mouth that benefit from good dental hygiene. There are various diseases and disorders that can affect the teeth, gums and periodontium. The most prevalent of these diseases are dental decay and periodontal disease.

Dental decay or dental caries affects more than 95% of the total population of the United States alone and is probably the most common human disorder. Dental decay is due to the acid formed by the bacteria that are naturally present in the human oral environment. The bacterial interaction with sugar and starch forms acid that causes enamel degradation. Refined sugar and starch are two of the most common substances in a human diet where the acid forming bacteria thrive. Colonies of these oral bacteria often concentrate themselves in the gap between the teeth and in natural pits and fissures of the teeth. These are also often found in dental plaque, the yellowish sticky film that attaches to the tooth surface. Once the acid dissolves the enamel, the hard protective covering of the teeth, the development of dental decay becomes faster as it penetrates into the softer layer of dentin. Dentin is the organic inner portion of the teeth.

Periodontal disease is a result of a chronic irritation in the gums and the periodontal tissues. Pyorrhea, the advanced form of periodontal disease, is the main cause of tooth loss among adults. The accumulation of dental plaque on the teeth surfaces is pinpointed as the main causative factor in the development of periodontal disease. Dental plaque, when left on the teeth even after brushing and flossing, will calcify or harden and will eventually become dental calculus or dental tartar. Unlike dental plaque that can be removed through adequate tooth brushing and proper dental floss techniques, dental tartar requires professional removal by a dentist or a dental hygienist. Dental tartar harbors bacteria so that oral prophylaxis is important in order to remove the accumulated dental tartar in the teeth. Aside from dental plaque, other factors may lead to periodontal disease. Factors including broken teeth, large decayed areas of the teeth, bruxism or teeth grinding, the bad habit of biting on hard objects such as pencils, pipe stems, bobby pins and bottle caps. In many cases, old and worn-out dentures, poorly fitting dentures and defective crowns and fillings can cause periodontal disease as well. A regular visit to the dentist is very necessary especially if you have any of these dental appliances so that these can be checked for fit and proper function.

Adequate knowledge about the importance of oral hygiene and how to keep the oral cavity clean and healthy through proper brushing and flossing techniques is necessary in order to maintain a good and healthy oral environment. These, together with a regular visit to the dentist, will ensure you a good functioning set of teeth with healthy and well kept mouth tissues.

Michael Russell Your Independent Dental guide

You use your mouth for many different things. You eat with them, you show emotion with them, and you also do some bad things with them. Dr. Howard Glazer, the president of the Academy of General Dentistry explains that bad habits such as biting non-food objects can cause breaking and chipping of teeth. Over time this could lead to lost teeth or expensive tooth repair. Other habits that can cause problems include excessive digestion of juices and fruits that contain citric acid. An old wife’s tale suggests sucking on lemons to prevent colds, or to drink a lot of juice to stay healthy during the flu season. While the benefits of vitamin c is not disputed, the effect of long term exposure of acid on the teeth do cause damage. Over time, the teeth’s outer covering, the enamel, dissolves from the acid and appears caulky and can lead to not only excessively worn or chipped teeth , but also sensitive teeth. It makes sense that without the outer protective layer of enamel, teeth are more sensitive to hot, cold , and sweets. The teeth will also be more prone to cavities. Drinking excess soda can also do this since soda contains acid. If you are drinking juices or soda, limit to a few seconds the time you hold the drink in your mouth and make sure to rinse your mouth afterwards. You can also drink through a straw which will help avoid excess exposure of the teeth to the acid in the drink.

When I was a child, my mother gave me a hard tooth brush and told me to brush my teeth thoroughly. I began to brush my teeth as hard as I could thinking that by doing this I would make my teeth extra clean. Over the years, I began to see the gums recede and teeth wear. When I entered dental school, I learned that hard brushing and the use of a hard or even medium toothbrush can harm the teeth and gums and eventually cause damaged gums and exposed nerves. Proper brushing is more gentle almost massage-like involving circular strokes with a soft toothbrush. Start below the gumline keeping the brush at a angle and move the brush in a circular pattern while rolling your wrist. Studies have shown that brushing with a soft toothbrush works as well as a harder toothbrush, but with less damage to the tooth. The down side is that you need to replace soft toothbrushes more often, usually once a month. Do you suffer from pain and soreness in your facial muscles or joints in the mourning? If so , you may be clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep. Leaning on your jaw while you are watching T.V., excessive gum chewing, or opening your mouth too wide when you eat can also result in undo pain and strain. These habits can lead to problems with your TMJ (temperomandibular joint). You may be surprised to learn that the following habits can also lead to joint, gum, or orthodontic problems: Nail Biting- Localized gum infections can occur when slivers of fingernail get stuck between your teeth or lodged under your gum. Tooth-pick use- Be cautious with toothpicks; they can damage the gum tissue bewtween your teeth by splintering or cause dental problems if you chew on them for long periods of time. Tongue thrusting- Many children develop the habit of thrusting their teeth against their teeth when they swallow or of sucking a thumb or finger. Not only can the teeth be pushed out of alignment, but normal development of the jawbone can be disturbed. Will power on your part and a few suggestion from us may help you exchange harmful habits for good dental exhibits.

Find out more information at: http://www.drmagner.com http://www.212smiling.com http://www.drsmile.net

The dental system is a very crucial part of the human body. Your mouth is a very eventful place and having many bacteria performing one role or the other therein is not very strange. While some of these bacteria are harmful, others are helpful.

The following tips are necessary for a good set of teeth.
1. Regular brushing. This is best done after each meal. Depending on your choice you may do this before breakfast and after dinner each day.
2. It is advisable to always brush the teeth after taking sweetened food or sugary drink to avoid teeth decay and to lessen damage from acid.
3. Adopt good and safe brushing method. This can best be done by selecting a perfect brush and good toothpaste for your teeth. This will save you the horror of tooth decay, gum diseases, tooth loss and bad breath.
4. Ensure that your choice of toothpaste will supply necessary FLOURIDE which will provide necessary resistance to decay, and aids in repairing early decay of the tooth enamel.
5. If you are plagued with mouth odor contact your doctor for treatment.
6. In selecting your toothpaste and toothbrush you might consult your dentist for counsel. However, we have a wide range from which you can select from.
7. Apart from the selection of the brushing materials, the art of brushing itself must be carefully done to protect both the teeth and the gum from damage. When you are brushing the teeth, do it at a 45 degree angle, directing the motion of the brush towards the gum line. Ensure that both the front and back of your teeth are properly brushed.
8. Avoid rushing this very important daily exercise. It must be done thoroughly and diligently. A stitch in time saves nine. If it is properly done, it will save you a lot of problem now and when old age is setting in.
9. When you are teaching your child the art of brushing, use smaller amount of toothpaste and use toothbrush specifically designed for children. It is advisable to visit your dentist when you want to introduce a child to tooth-brushing.
10. In selecting your toothbrush, those with smaller heads are more effective since it will reach every corner of the mouth. The choice of either smaller handle or a bigger one is at your choice.

James Ojo is a prolific writer and a classic author. http://www.hothomebizonline.com http://pharmaceuticals.hothomebizonline.com

Teeth health begins with proper eating habits and not necessarily with the avoidance of sweets, including chocolate candy, candy cane, candy bar or hard candy, but the clue is getting the balance right. When it comes to choosing the food for your kids, consider sweet candy as part of their diet, teaching them to keep healthy teeth.

Caring for teeth requires your children brush their teeth twice a day, no matter if they eat chocolate candy or just other types of foods during the day. A Candy cane is not a tool to clean their teeth, as many kids believe playing with it in their mouth. Anyone who eats foods high in sugar is required to brush daily.

Sweet candy plays a part in tooth decay. The best way to keep smiling is using fluoride toothpastes. Help children develop a teeth brushing routine, limiting candy bars and hard candy intake during the day, and never after brushing their teeth at bedtime to avoid microorganisms working on their mouth by night.

The American Dental Association has animations and games online aimed to teach children how to brush and other fundamentals of oral health care. They teach kids to be aware of the damage that chocolate candy, candy cane, candy bar, hard candy and other sweet candy may cause in the long run if cleaning regularly is practiced.

The best way to encourage kids’ dental hygiene is by providing them with flavored fluoride toothpaste to make brushing a more enjoyable experience. In fact, many dentists recommend changing the taste and appearance of toothpaste on a regular basis for better results.

Research has found children who like to brush twice each day, do it for longer periods of time when the toothpaste is flavored because they associate the taste with sweet candy. Appropriate brushing prevents gum disease, cavities and other dental health issues caused by the consumption of a candy bar or chewable hard candy.

Kid’s age 6 or less should brush using no more than a pea-sized dab of toothpaste to remove plaque. This simple action is enough to provide the necessary fluoride protection against chocolate candy, candy cane and regular food that is stuck to teeth during the day.

Healthy eating habits contribute to healthy teeth, because the snacks that kids eat are basically made of sweet candy, the more they eat the more risk of leading to formation of cavities. Limit your children’s snacks is not a good idea because they need food for energy, but substituting candies for nutritious foods such as vegetables sticks are best.

Natalie Aranda writes on family, health and child education. Sweet candy plays a part in tooth decay. The best way to keep smiling is using fluoride toothpastes. Help children develop a teeth brushing routine, limiting candy bars and hard candy intake during the day, and never after brushing their teeth at bedtime to avoid microorganisms working on their mouth by night.

Did you know that much of the treatment that dentists provide can be directly or indirectly related to your tooth brushing? Few dental awareness programmes ever give this information or explain the dangers of the toothbrush.

First off, let me say that the idea of using a toothbrush as part of a hygiene programme to keep the mouth clean and healthy is undoubtedly a good idea. Without reservation, I support and advocate the concept. There has been, however, a tendency to promote the toothbrush to the position of Supreme Dental Product. The notion of the toothbrush as a dental cure-all has been allowed to take root unchallenged in the minds of people. This has led to all manner of problems not least of which is the sense of let down and disappointment that committed and enthusiastic brushers feel when they are told that they need fillings.

The Toothbrush Does Not Prevent Decay, - Hello!

“How can I have cavities when I brush my teeth not once but at least three or four times daily?” is a question that I am often asked. When I tell people that brushing has little effect, if any, on tooth decay, the reaction is often shock and disbelief. They have genuinely believed that tooth brushing would keep them safe from all cavities and are devastated to be told of, perhaps, the presence of a very large cavity that may require root canal treatment or extraction.

Just in case you, the reader, are experiencing that same state of shock and disbelief at these words, let me explain the facts clearly. Tooth decay, for the most part happens in specific areas of the tooth anatomy. The most common site for decay is in the nooks and crannies of the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The second most common site is between the teeth at a point just below where a tooth touches its neighbour. What these sites have in common is their inaccessibility to the bristles of your toothbrush. These sites are known as stagnation areas by virtue of their inaccessibility and could be termed the major ‘at-risk’ sites for decay. This is very simply why tooth brushing has little or no effect on tooth decay. The bristles are simply too large to access the at-risk areas!!

But What Is This Toothbrush Damage?

I like to call toothbrush damage the condition of those who care too much. As always, to really understand, we must look first to the mind. This problem arises from the notion/belief that the ‘harder’ one works at brushing, the better the job will be done. We are motivated and eager to produce the best possible result. However, lurking behind this gung-ho outward show there is a nagging fear that we will not succeed at producing the ‘good job’ and we will lose our teeth. In fact, we are deeply afraid of not being good enough. This fear of not being good enough at the job is a manifestation of the broader fear of failure.

If Hard Is Good, Then Harder Must Be Better?

This is when the crazy logic takes over in the fearful mind. If one bottle of beer is good, then ten bottles of beer must be ten times better! So in order not to fail, - in order to make sure that we will be good enough, we pull out all the stops and go at it with hammer and tongs. We scrub like crazy with a ‘good’ hard bristled brush. By golly, we will get these teeth clean!! The harder we go at it, the better we will do. And we so want to do well!

Is it any wonder then that when I advise these people to change to a soft brush they will invariably tell me that they don’t feel that they could possibly do a good job with a soft brush. Often they will continue with the hard brush despite the advice. This is because changing your mind is much more difficult than changing your brush and is also the reason why being advised to change your toothbrush is simply not enough to change the behaviour. Behaviour is an outcome, - the effect of a belief. The belief is the cause, the behaviour the effect. No change can happen in behaviour (effect) without a change in belief (cause)

Crazy Logic Brings Crazy Results

The damage caused by this behaviour is very common and affects the hard tissues of the tooth and the soft tissue of the gum. It affects young and old and in between. The earliest signs of damage involve the loss of gum tissue at the neck of the tooth and this can cause the tooth/teeth affected to look longer than unaffected neighbouring teeth. At the same time there appears a wear mark in the shape of a tiny notch in the dentine, again at the neck of the tooth. Sometimes this notch will be discovered because of the fact that it can be extremely sensitive to touch. An exploring fingernail might inadvertently touch against the notch and trigger a sudden electric shock of pain through the tooth.

Not surprisingly, the damage increases with time. More and more soft tissue is destroyed and the wear mark widens and deepens into the structure of the tooth. Furthermore, because there is no enamel protection over this exposed root surface, there is now a greater risk of tooth decay at the site. More often than not these damaged areas require porcelain filling/restoration as treatment. This requirement may be a cosmetic one, where a person feels that appearance is compromised by the damage. The damaged areas are often the most visible areas at the sides and front of the mouth. Other times sensitivity in the damaged area dictates the need for restoration. Other times again, tooth decay sets in to the damaged dentine and again restoration is needed. The damage done in extreme cases may result in the need for a root canal treatment or even extraction. Remember, all of this can happen as a result of a seemingly perfectly genuine and honest desire to do the best job possible. How do we solve the problem?

Gentleness Is A Requirement, Not An Optional Extra

The solution is gentleness. And with the realisation that the forcefulness and aggressiveness brings about the very thing you sought to avoid, you lay it aside and choose gentleness instead. You have changed your mind because the outcomes that you were producing were not the ones you sought. Having changed your mind the behavioural change easily follows. The soft brush and gentle but thorough approach gets the results you want. Instead of following the frantic antics of fearing failure, the soft steady strokes of calm caring guide you to sure and certain success.

In a Nutshell

Brush Clever

Understanding toothbrush damage saves you trouble and saves you money. It is very common but seldom highlighted. The fear of failure is at the root of the problem. We think we can ‘motivate’ using fear and we teach our children that failure is fatal. We cultivate the notion that it is hard to succeed and so in order to succeed we must push ourselves harder. This promotes the aggressive approach the consequence of aggression is always damage (Ask George Bush). In this case the damage is to our own tissues. The intention or reason behind the behaviour is actually good (desire to do well) but the motivation is the fear of disease rather than the love of health.

The Easy Solution

Stand back and look carefully at the cause (fearful belief) and the effect (damaging behaviour). Seeing through the gentle light of understanding, we can change our minds and our behaviour.

Remember
Use a Soft Brush
Use a Gentle Technique
Use enough time to give Thorough Loving Care to all surfaces of all teeth.

My name is Philip Christie. I qualified as a Dental Surgeon at Trinity College, Dublin (Ireland) in 1980 and completed a Master’s Programme in Dental Science, again at Trinity College Dublin, by research in 1995. I have been working full time in dental care either in general or specialist practice since qualification. My main interest is and always has been prevention.

My real qualification is 23 years experience in dealing with real people and their problems face to face, as a clinical practitioner. I am the author of "Something To Chew On: A Mouth Map To Health." It is a Health Manual with a difference. Different because it is designed for the future and for success. Different because it gives the power back where it belongs, - to the person’s own self. Different because it demonstrates the Mouth as the Mirror of the body and by tackling problems at source saves huge expense!

philip.christie3@ntlworld.ie
http://www.peopleaspartnersinmedicine.com