Did you know February is Dental Health Month? KCC Orthodontics is here to educate you! Our main goal is to help you know how to take care of your teeth so that you donβt have to worry about poor oral health.
Dental Terminology
- Primary & Secondary Dentition: baby and adult teeth
- Baby teeth are temporary. Adult teeth are meant to be permanent!
- Plaque (Plak): βA sticky, colorless or pale yellow film that is constantly forming on your teethβ. – dentalcare.com.
- Cavity or Caries: Kids Health defines this as a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time.
It is natural for your teeth to form plaque. Over time, if not brushed off, plaque will harden. At this point, it can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. This is what causes the holes, or cavities.
If your dentist notices a cavity, itβs okay! They can take care of it. We want to catch it early if possible, which is why itβs important to visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Dental Visits
Katy ClearChoice Orthodontics recommends you visit your general dentist twice a year. The following is what you can expect at those visits:
- They will take photos and x-rays (panoramic and intraoral) of your teeth.
- The dental team will wear protective glasses, a mask, and gloves to prevent the spread of germs.
- To check the health of your teeth and gums, they will use a mirror and explorer. The team will also let you know if they detect any possible cavities.
- Your hygienist will use special toothpaste (itβs kind of gritty) to clean your teeth. He or she will use a water syringe and saliva suction. We like to call this suction βMr. Thirstyβ!
- We recommend speaking to your dentist about sealants. These cover the grooves in your teeth and are a great option to aid in preventing cavities.
At-Home Dental Care
Once you make caring for your teeth a daily habit, itβll be an easy part of your and your childβs routine. Itβs never too late to start caring for your dental health!
KCC Orthodontics recommends following this daily routine.
- Brush your teeth using a SOFT toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Brush at least twice a day – morning and night. (Especially at night!)
- Floss at least once a day, getting between each of your teeth.
- Use a mouth rinse to help kill harmful bacteria.
Regular dental health care will help ensure good oral health long term. For our braces patients, dental health is especially crucial! Weβve provided information on specific oral care with braces. For more questions, feel free to contact us anytime!
