Conservative procedures such as scaling and root planning are effective methods to control infections and could facilitate natural healing. Scaling removes the plaque and tartar below the gum line. Local anesthesia numbs the area to be treated. Root planning procedure removes the rough spots on the tooth’s root to help remove the bacteria. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. If the damage is too severe and the area is infected, surgery is usually recommended. This reshapes the damaged support structure around the tooth to eliminate the pockets. Prescription drugs maybe used with the treatment but cannot substitute for the surgery.

What is gingivitis? It is an oral disease that can make our gums inflamed. It usually appears to be shiny. The victims of this oral disease often have mouth sores though the gums may not feel the pain unless pressure is exerted. The accumulation of bacterial plaque in between a person’s teeth and gums can form tartar on the teeth that causes gingivitis. An individual who suffers from gingivitis usually experiences bleeding and itching of the gums. Gingivitis can be avoided through regular oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and flossing. Make it to a point to ask your dentist for advice.

Put sealants on teeth. Dental sealants are thin, plastic films painted on chewing surfaces of the back teeth that serve as a host to food debris and plaque build-up. They are highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth because it seals off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes the cavity. Sealants are especially beneficial for children because their newly erupted, permanent teeth are most susceptible to cavities, however patients of all ages can benefit from dental sealants.

Eat nutritious foods. What your child eats, and how often they eat, has a dramatic impact on their oral and overall health. Consuming foods high in sugar or starch feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Promote healthy eating habits in childhood and teen years to promote optimal health, growth and intellectual development into adulthood.

Floss daily. Begin flossing when your child is around 2 to 3 years old. Children generally need assistance with flossing until they are 8 to 10 years old. Flossing helps remove debris on teeth and gums in-between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces and controls bad breath. Flossing is most effective when done at least once a day for 2 to 3 minutes each time.
Schedule regular dental checkups. Experts recommend that children begin a routine of regular dental checkups beginning at 12 months of age. Their teeth should be examined twice a year for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other health problems.

Flossing is such an easy thing to do, but so hard to accomplish. Do you agree with me?

Flossing is one of the most important oral ritual that we must accomplish everyday yet some of us don’t even know how to properly do it.

First, cut a section of the dental floss. Take the floss and wrap one end around your middle finger of each hand. You will then use your index fingers to manipulate the floss. Slide the floss between your teeth all the way down to the gum line . Repeat this step on the next tooth. Pull the floss out and repeat this process between all of your teeth changing to a new clean section of floss as you go on and on. That’s it! We’re done!