It’s keeping

your teeth,
gums and
mouth
healthy !
 Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and
tartar from teeth.
 Indian medicine (Ayurveda) has used the neem tree,
or daatun, and its products to create teeth cleaning
twigs and similar products; a person chews one end of
the neem twig until it somewhat resembles the bristles
of a toothbrush, and then uses it to brush the teeth.
 Generally, dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned
professionally at least twice per year. Professional
cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth polishing, and,
if tartar has accumulated, debridement; this is
usually followed by a fluoride treatment.
 Plaque is a yellow sticky film that forms on the teeth
and gums can be seen at gum margins of teeth with a
food dye. The bacteria in plaque convert carbohydrates
in food (such as sugar) into acid that demineralises teeth,
eventually causing cavities. Daily brushing and flossing
removes plaque and can prevent tartar from forming on
the teeth.
 The use of dental floss is an important element of oral
hygiene, since it removes plaque and decaying food
remaining stuck between the teeth.
 Flossing for a proper inter-dental cleaning is
recommended at least once per day, preferably before
brushing so fluoride toothpaste has better access
between teeth to help remineralise teeth.
 Cleaning the tongue as part of daily oral hygiene
is essential, since it removes the white/yellow
bad-breath-generating coating of bacteria,
decaying food particles, fungi (such as Candida),
and dead cells from the dorsal area of the
tongue. Tongue cleaning also removes some of
the bacteria species which generate tooth decay
and gum problems.
 Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant
compounds that reduce plaque, cavities, and gum
disease. Green tea may also reduce bad breath and
strengthen the tooth enamel because of its high fluoride
content.
 Dairy foods are beneficial because of their low acidity,
which reduces wear and tear on teeth. Additionally, dairy
foods are high in calcium, the main component of teeth.
 Cheese contains calcium and phosphate, which help
balance pH in the mouth, preserves (and rebuilds) tooth
enamel, produces saliva, and kills bacteria that cause
cavities and disease.
 Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis contain
Vitamin C. This vitamin is considered the element that
holds cells together. If this vitamin is neglected, gum cells
can break down, making gums tender and susceptible to
disease.
 Vegetables: Vitamin A, found in pumpkins,
carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, is
necessary for the formation of tooth enamel.
Crunchy vegetables may also help clean gums.
 Onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds.
Tests show that onions kill various types of
bacteria, especially when eaten raw.[13]
 Celery protects teeth by producing saliva which
neutralizes acid that causes demineralization
and cavities. It also massages the teeth and
gums.
 Sesame seeds reduce plaque and help build
tooth enamel. They are also very high in
calcium.
 Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated
with cavities.
 Sugars from fruit and fruit juices, e.g., glucose,
fructose, and maltose seem equally likely to cause
cavities.
 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.
 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.
 Well !!!! The mouth is the gateway to the
body... good health begins with good
teeth. Tooth decay, infection and/or
gum disease can lead to a variety of
ailments and just generally ‘feeling bad.’

 Oral hygiene gives you a good :

-Appearance
-Chewing
-Helps in talking
Teeth are very important to
your appearance.

They not only make

a nice smile, but
they also shape
your face.
 Teeth are important to
chew food properly.

• The chewing of food

with your teeth is the
first step in the
digestion of food.
• If food cannot be
chewed properly, it can
cause problems with
digestion.
Teeth are important for speaking

Teeth work with

the lips, cheeks
and tongue,
allowing us to
pronounce
words.
 Visit your dentist regularly for
check-ups and cleaning.
 Visit an orthodontist for an
evaluation if you see any of the
early warning signs of orthodontic
problems.
 Have your child(ren) evaluated by
an orthodontist by age seven.
Many orthodontic problems can be
more easily corrected before tooth
and facial growth is complete.
 Brush your teeth at least twice
a day using a soft-bristled
toothbrush and a fluoride
toothpaste.
 Floss between your teeth at
least once a day, after dinner
and before bedtime. (Tip: Use
toothpaste on your floss for
extra fresh breath.)
 Rinse and gargle with the
mouthwash, ideally right
before bedtime.
 Don’t forget to clean behind your
back teeth.
 Don’t give mouthwash or fluoride
toothpaste to young children, as they
can swallow it.
 Don’t clean your tongue so hard that
it hurts.
 Don’t rely on mouthwash alone to
keep your teeth and gums clean and
your breath fresh.
 Don’t ignore your gums - you can
lose your teeth as well as have bad
breath.
 Don’t drink too much coffee.
For those wearing braces or other
orthodontic appliances, keeping teeth and
gums clean may be a bit more difficult,
but the resulting smile will be worth the
effort.

They could take help of following Do’s

and Don’ts.
 Brush after every meal. If you can’t
brush right away, rinse your mouth with
water.
 Floss every day.
 Your orthodontist can give you a floss
threader if you’re having difficulties.
 Call your orthodontist if anything is
loose or broken.
 Don’t miss your orthodontic
appointments. Missed or delayed
appointments mean you’ll have to wear
your braces longer.
 Don’t eat hard, sticky, chewy or
crunchy foods.
 Don’t chew on pens, pencils, ice,
fingernails or anything that might break
your braces.
#1
A visual exam.
A dentist will look at
your teeth, gums and
the way your teeth
come together when
you bite.
The dentist is looking
for tooth decay, gum
disease, mouth sores
& whether or not you
might need braces.
These x-rays will show
not only tooth decay,
but the roots of the
teeth and the bone
around them.

They will also show

any teeth that have
not come in yet, and
any extra teeth as
well.
#3
A Professional Cleaning

A dental hygienist will

remove any plaque or hard
deposits called calculus
from your teeth using
special instruments.

Your teeth will then be

polished with a special kind
of toothpaste. This will
make your teeth feel
smooth and clean.
#4
Fluoride Treatment

A flavored gel or foam will

be placed in a soft tray and
You will be asked to bite into
That tray for a few minutes.

or…
The fluoride may be painted on your teeth with a
small brush. This is called fluoride varnish.
#5 To prevent cavities from forming on the
chewing surfaces of your permanent molars, the
dentist might recommend dental sealants.

Sealants are a thin coating

of a plastic-like substance
that are painted on the
teeth.

When it hardens, this plastic

coating prevents food and germs
from getting down into the
grooves on the chewing surfaces of
your molars and prevents tooth
decay!
 Baby first teeth usually come in on the top front. They
start coming in when they are about 6 or 7 months old.
 A child will usually have 20 teeth by age 2.
 A child will usually lose it's first tooth when it is about 7.
 George Washington did not have teeth made out of
wood, but he did have teeth made out if hippopotamus
teeth. He also had teeth made out of ivory, lead, human
teeth, and cow and sheep's teeth.
 The hardest thing in your body is the enamel on your
teeth.
 Mammals have two types of teeth, the primary teeth and
the permanent teeth.
 Your teeth started forming before you were born.
 The real name for baby teeth is milk teeth.
 A Chinese dentist once built a tower out of 28,000
Got Braces? Are your teeth sore after you have your
braces adjusted? Try a sample recipe from “The Braces Cookbook
2” by Pamela Waterman and Amee Hoge.

Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Softies

 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
 ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt
 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg
 ½ teaspoon ground ginger 1(15 oz) can pumpkin puree
 ¾ cup light brown sugar packed 2 eggs
 ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 Tablespoons milk
 2 Tablespoons molasses 1(12oz) bag chocolate chips

 In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the first seven ingredients. In

a larger mixing bowl, with a mixer, combine the pumpkin, brown sugar,
eggs, oil, molasses and milk. Add the flour mixture slowly into the
pumpkin mixture until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
 The dough is very soft. Drop by heaping tablespoon on greased cookie
sheet. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Makes 36-40 cookies.
For about two minutes
and at least twice each
day.