Taking Care of Your Teeth

Leo Wang, DDS, has run a dental clinic for several years in the great Vancouver area. He answered the frequent asked questions of teeth care on Apr.4 2006.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.

Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.

Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That's why brushing and flossing every day - and regular trips to the dentist - are so important.

Tips on Proper Brushing

Dr. Wang said that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly:

* Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth.

* Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.

* To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.

* To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums.

* Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places.