1. Removes plaque and food: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food that may be stuck between your teeth and along the gumline, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Prevents bad breath: Flossing helps to remove bacteria and food that can cause bad breath.
3. Protects against gum disease: Flossing helps to prevent gum disease by removing plaque that can irritate the gums and cause inflammation.
4. Prevents cavities: Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
5. Improves overall oral health: Flossing is a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine and helps to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
6. Reduces the risk of other health problems: Poor oral health has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Flossing regularly can help reduce the risk of these health problems.
1. Ribs: Ribs are tough and can be difficult to chew and cause damage to braces if biting into the bone.
2. Corn on the cob: Corn on the cob can be hard to eat with braces and may get stuck in between brackets and wires. Brackets can break or the wire if you accidentally bite into the cob.
3. Sticky or chewy foods: Foods like caramel or taffy can easily get stuck in and break the braces.
4. Hard breads and rolls: Bread that is too crispy or tough can be difficult to eat with braces and will cause damage.
5. Tough cuts of meat: Steaks or other tough cuts of meat can be challenging to chew with braces and may also cause damage. Cut into very tiny pieces if you eat steak.
6. Hard fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and other hard fruits and vegetables can be difficult to bite into with braces and may cause brackets to break so it is very important to cut produce into small slices.
7. Nuts and seeds: Small, hard foods like nuts and seeds can easily get lodged in braces and be difficult to remove.
While it may seem like a small and insignificant detail, the type of toothbrush you use can actually have a big impact on the health of your teeth and gums. One type of toothbrush that is often recommended by dentists is a soft bristle toothbrush.
Why are soft bristle toothbrushes recommended?
•gentle on your teeth and gums, making them a great choice for those with sensitive gums or teeth.
•The soft bristles are less likely to cause irritation or damage to your enamel, making them a safer option for those with sensitive mouths.
•less of a chance for gum recession from brushing your teeth
•effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth. The bristles are able to reach into the crevices and tight spaces between your teeth, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
•can help to prevent enamel erosion. Harder bristle toothbrushes can be too rough on your enamel, causing it to wear away over time. Soft bristles are much gentler on your enamel, helping to protect it and keep your teeth healthy.
When brushing, it's important to remember to brush gently and in a circular motion. Avoid using too much pressure, as this can cause damage to your gums and enamel. It's also important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Dental instruments are typically sterilized using heat or chemical processes.
1. Autoclaving: This is the most common method of sterilizing dental instruments. The instruments are placed in a special autoclave machine which uses steam and pressure to kill bacteria, viruses, etc. Autoclaving is effective in sterilizing both metal and heat-resistant plastic instruments.
2. Dry heat sterilization: Some instruments, such as metal handpieces, may be sterilized using dry heat ovens. The instruments are heated to high temperatures for a set amount of time to kill bacteria and such from the instruments.
3. Cold sterilization: Some dental instruments may be sterilized using a cold chemical solutions such as glutaraldehyde. These chemicals can effectively kill bacteria and viruses on instruments that cannot withstand high heat.
4. Ultrasonic cleaning: Before sterilization, dental instruments are often cleaned using ultrasonic machines. These machines use high-frequency sound waves to remove debris and contaminants from the instruments.
It is important for dental offices to follow strict sterilization protocols to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of patients and staff. Instruments should be properly cleaned, packaged, and sterilized before each use. Regular monitoring and testing of sterilization equipment are also done weekly to ensure that the instruments are being properly sterilized.
