QUANTUM LEAP Posted January 28, 2004 Well I just thought since almost every somali man or woman I meet tends to have some kinda stains on their teeth or rather holes/gaps for the unfortunate ones, I thought some advice on how to keep your teeth intact and look after could be in order here: Below are afew things you can do to keep your teeth. Your teeth. Keeping them is a good idea. Oral hygiene and health is an important part of every family's health needs. The care of you and your family's teeth begins with a mother's dairy-rich diet during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, parents should wipe the baby's gums with a clean damp cloth after feeding to avoid baby bottle tooth decay from liquids containing sugar. Mothers with toddlers should take special care to supervise toothbrushing so that children over two use only a tiny dab (about the size of a pea) of paste and that they don't swallow it after brushing. Your children will probably be able to brush without your supervision when they're six or seven years old. In addition to brushing, cleaning between the teeth with dental floss is just as important. The whole family needs to brush twice a day and floss between the teeth every day. This regimen is absolutely necessary to rid the mouth of plaque, which constantly forms on teeth and can harden into calculus (tartar). If your family is less than diligent in following this oral hygiene regimen any one of you could have periodontal disease (gum disease), which includes gingivitis and various degrees of periodontitis. Gum disease occurs when the tissue around teeth becomes infected and it can cause tooth loss. If you want to keep all your teeth for a bright and lifelong smile stick to the brushing and flossing regimen, as well as a balanced diet and regular dental visits. According to the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association you should see your dentist about gum disease if you have any of the following: gums that bleed when you brush your teeth red, swollen or tender gums gums that have pulled away from teeth, or teeth that look longer persistent bad breath pus between your teeth and gums or spaces between your teeth loose teeth a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite a change in the fit of partial dentures Gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease, can be successfully treated without tooth loss if you see your dentist and use proper dental hygiene. Below are a few tips to keep your family's smiles bright. Brush your teeth twice a day Use a soft-bristled brush in good condition Use a fluoride toothpaste Floss or use another type of cleaner (special brushes, picks or sticks) Visit your dentist regularly Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks Look for the BDA/ADA Seal of Acceptance on oral hygiene products Make sure your children if any are receiving enough fluoride from drinking water and toothpastes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
