A rechargeable electric toothbrush (also known as a “power” toothbrush) can help you do more to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Many Oral-B rechargeable toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating technology to provide better oral health results than regular manual toothbrushes. This brushing action is very different from that of regular manual toothbrushes, as it provides the movement, while you need only guide it.

For that reason, some people may find brushing with an electric toothbrush easier once they learn how to do it properly. Just remember that the key to brushing well with an electric toothbrush is to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth.

Before You Begin

Before you begin brushing, be sure to ask your dental professional for recommendations on technique. It also might be helpful to refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your electric toothbrush.

To start, apply a fluoride toothpaste to the brush head (and by the way, remember to replace the brush head on your power toothbrush every three months).

Two Minutes, Twice a Day

To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Most rechargeable electric toothbrushes have built-in two-minute timers, and some even have professional timers that parse out 30 seconds for each quadrant to help you keep track.

Positioning The Electric Toothbrush

When using a rechargeable electric toothbrush, it isn’t necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply guide the brush while it provides the brushing action. In fact, some electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B ProfessionalCare 5000 with Wireless SmartGuide,TM have pressure sensors that alert you when you’re brushing too hard.

Step 1: Make sure your toothbrush is charged. Many electric toothbrushes have charge level indicator lights, so you can actually see when the toothbrush is charged.

Step 2: Start with the outside surfaces of the teeth. Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, holding the brush head in place for a few seconds against each tooth before moving on to the next one. Follow along with the shape of each tooth and the curve of the gums.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 on the inside surfaces of the teeth.

Step 4: Repeat Step 2 on the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as behind the back teeth.

Step 5: Direct the brush head along the gum line and upon the gums. Again, do not press hard or scrub.

Step 6: Try grazing the brush head along your tongue and the roof of your mouth, back to front, to help freshen your breath.

With proper brushing technique with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, a little practice every day will help make it feel like second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be brushing with confidence knowing you’re using the clinically proven technology of a rechargeable electric toothbrush to clean your teeth.

Info courtesy OralB

I’ve had Cindy, my short legged Jack Russell, for nearly two years now. She was a rescued dog from the Humane Society and to put it kindly, she has some special needs problems. She is a food thief, so as you will notice she is a bit over weight. She has a hole in her palate which leaves her like a snooty nose two year old, every thing that makes her difficult is out weighted by her personality and bazaar habits. She has become much loved and now we have shorted out some of her other problems our attention turned to her teeth.

One of the signs that a dogs teeth are not in great shape is the smell!! Our little Cindy had noticeably bad breath!!

One of the things about my job as a dental hygienist is I get to meet a lot of great people and one of my patients is Dr Robert Visser, from JB Visser Vets in Morrinsville, Waikato, NZ.  We got chatting about veterinary care and cleaning teeth for cats and dogs. Turns out, that the type of up-to-date equipment used now, isn’t that much different  from the type of equipment I use. Robert had the latest in sonic cleaning equipment for animals and as the only training available was oversea’s, I could help him with the techniques for using this system; and Cindy was to be the lucky patient.

Dog’s get gum disease just like humans do, and just like humans they can loose their teeth because of it. I had no real idea how bad her gum disease was gong to be, just that it really smelt!! just the same as a lot of people with gum disease do. You will notice in the photos above that Cindy was put to sleep to have her teeth done, the anesthetics is the most dangerous part of the procedure. The actual cleaning is relatively straight forward, but you don’t want to scare your pet half to death, so sleep is the best option. I didn’t think to take some photos at the beginning to show you what Cindy’s mouth looked like so I have found some examples of other dogs which will give you a good idea of what things can look like.

The first photo isn’t Cindy but it is close to what she looked like at the start. The before and after photos are just a good example of the difference a good clean can make. These are the only photo’s that aren’t of my little fat girl.

The remainder of the clean went smoothly and although the close up one looks uncomfortable for Cindy,it isn’t, it is just a little spring loaded device that holds her mouth open while she sleeps. If you click on the photo’s they will enlarge, if you have a look at the close up one, you might be able to see the last two teeth to be cleaned? It was great to see that Cindy’s mouth was in pretty good shape. Although she started with a reasonable amount of tartar on her back teeth, there was little to no damage with the supporting structures that hold the teeth in.

I would recommend that you have your dogs teeth checked at there yearly Vet check up. If you haven’t, and their breath stinks, it could be a good time to get them checked out! Cindy slept most of the remaining day away and was in full form by the next morning. We all appreciate her fresh breath now and I know her teeth will be safe until they are checked again next year. Not to mention that teeth for a food thief is essential!!

Recaldent, with the technical name casein phosphopeptide – amorphous calcium phosphate, or CPP-ACP

Is a milk derived product that strengthens and remineralises teeth and helps prevent dental caries (tooth decay). Casein phosphopeptides (CPP) from the major protein of milk have the remarkable ability to stabilize calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions as water soluble amorphous complexes that provide bioavailable calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions to the tooth. These complexes of amorphous calcium phosphate and amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate stabilized by the CPP have been demonstrated to repair (remineralise) early stages of tooth decay by replacing the calcium and phosphate ions lost due to decay.

Controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy of CPP-ACP in slowing the progression of dental caries and in regressing (repairing) early stages of tooth decay.  Other studys showed that CPP and calcium carbonate in a toothpaste formulation, which would spontaneously form CPP-ACP in saliva, significantly reduced caries experience in children compared with a placebo toothpaste.

Watch this video to see how CPP-ACP in GC Tooth Mousse acts on the tooth.

Recaldent (CPP-ACP) can be delivered to the teeth by sugar-free gum (Recaldent gum which has twice the amount of CPP-ACP), professional tooth crème (GC’s Tooth Mousse, GC Tooth Mousse Plus).

Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.

In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red mark this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms.

Bone loss is associated with both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Research is being done to determine whether the two are related. Women considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help fight osteoporosis should note that this may help protect their teeth as well as other parts of the body.

Steps to Protect Oral Health

Careful periodontal monitoring and excellent oral hygiene is especially important for women who may be noticing changes in their mouths during times of hormonal fluctuation. To help ensure good oral (and overall) health, be sure to:

• See a dental professional for cleaning at least twice a year.
• See a periodontist in your area if you or your dentist notice problems with your gum tissue. Problems may include:
  • Bleeding gums during brushing
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • A change in the fit of your dentures
• Keep your dental professionals informed about any medications you are taking and any changes in your health history.
• Brush and floss properly every day. Review your techniques with a dental professional.

healthy_mouth

Getting off to a Good Start with Children’s Oral Health

When it comes to oral care for children, getting off to a good start is essential.  Teeth play an important role in jaw development, eating and speech. They need to be healthy and well-cared for from the beginning. In New Zealand tooth decay is a significant problem, with almost half our children having cavities by the time they reach five years of age.

To give children the best chance of good oral health, pregnant women need to take care of their own oral health and eat a healthy diet with plenty of folic acid and calcium. This provides the essential building blocks their babies need for forming strong, healthy teeth; a process that begins in the womb. Nutrition plays a key role in oral health throughout a person’s life.

Care of baby teeth

If you are bottle-feeding your baby, put only breast or formula milk in the bottle. When given by bottle, fruit juices or other sweetened drinks bathe your baby’s teeth in bacteria-feeding sugars for a long period of time.

Always feed your baby while holding him. Never put him down with a bottle.

If you give your baby a dummy don’t sweeten it first (for example with honey or syrup), as this coats the teeth with sugar and holds it there to decay teeth.

As soon as the first baby tooth comes through you need to start cleaning it. Use a damp cloth or a soft baby toothbrush and either water or a speck of baby toothpaste. A good way to do this is to sit baby on your lap, with you both facing the same way.

Be on the look out for spots or stains on your child’s teeth right from the start. By lifting your child’s lip up you will be able to see if there are signs of early decay on the front teeth. See a family or paediatric dentist or dental therapist at the first sign of any discolouration.

Also watch for signs of gum disease (gingivitis); red, swollen areas that bleed easily when brushed. Gingivitis in children can be quickly treated by a dentist.

Toddlers and oral care

Toddlers are more independent and often will want to brush their own teeth. By all means let them have a go, but it is important to then ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned by brushing them yourself as well. Most toddlers and young children can’t yet manoeuvre their toothbrush to reach all surfaces of their teeth.

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head that can reach to the back of the mouth. Change the toothbrush regularly, whenever it begins to look worn-out, or at least every three months.

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a small dot of fluoride toothpaste.

A good way to brush is in front of the mirror, both facing it. Crouch behind your toddler, or sit him on your knee. Positioning the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, brush all surfaces of every tooth back and forth in small, tooth-wide strokes.

Brushing should take two minutes and is best done after breakfast and last thing at night.

Encourage your child to spit out but not to rinse.

Children’s dental hygiene

Children should start to floss from age four. At first parents will probably need to do this for their child.

Around six years of age your child will get his first adult molars behind his baby teeth. These, and his other teeth, will benefit from a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste each time you brush his teeth.

Until your child is at least eight or nine years old, you should continue to help him brush his teeth. By this age, he should have developed the dexterity and understanding required to do a thorough job.

Tooth-friendly foods

A diet of sugary snacks allows the bacteria and acids that create tooth decay to thrive in your child’s mouth. The New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends the following foods, with no added sugar, salt or fat, as appropriate snacks:

• whole wheat breads, crackers, muffins
• raw vegetables and fruits, unsweetened canned or frozen fruits, vegetable juices
• milk, plain yoghurt, cheese, cottage cheese
• egg, seafood, lean meat and chicken
• nuts, seeds and legumes.

Local school and community dental services

Dental care is free for New Zealand children and young people up to the end of their year eight (form two) at school.

It is a good idea to enrol your child in your local community-based dental service before their first birthday. This allows for problems to be prevented, detected and addressed early. It also helps your child develop a positive association with dental visits, rather than an aversion to them.

To find your local community dental service, contact your local school dental clinic or District Health Board, your GP, Plunket nurse or WellChild provider.

Children’s Oral Health Brochure-Oral B

For more information on premature or low weight babies

Keep mouth and lips moist:

• Rinse mouth with water frequently (every 2 hrs while awake & when awake during the night). May add salt or baking soda (1/2 to 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water).

• Biotene^® products can be purchased without a prescription.  Products available for treating dry mouth are; mouthwash, toothpaste, as well as, chewing gum that has the pH of saliva.

• GC Mouth Gel is a clear pH neutral gel that assists in relieving the symptoms of dry mouth.
• Apply lip moisturizer often (i.e. Chapstick^®).
• Suck on tart hard candies (lemon drops, Jolly Ranchers^®). Watch sugar content with candy – can produce cavities.

• Use cool mist room humidifier at night in the bedroom.  A humidifier on the furnace doesn’t  provide enough humidity for treating dry mouth.

Keep mouth & teeth clean

• Use soft-bristle toothbrush (can soften even more by placing brush in very warm water), cotton swabs, mouth swabs (popsicle stick covered with gauze) to clean teeth after each meal and at bedtime.  (3 or more times a day).

• Clean dentures and/or bridge after eating. Leave out dentures if experiencing any discomfort caused by xerostomia.

• Floss gently with unwaxed floss (if platelet count not too low).

• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol base.  Use non-alcohol based mouthwashes.

• Avoid lemon glycerin swabs  – contribute to dryness.

Increase fluids:

• Drink plenty of liquids at least 8-12 glasses of fluid a day, unless advised not to by your doctor.  This helps to thin and loosen mucous.
• Carry a water bottle with you and sip frequently during the day to help alleviate dry mouth.
• Limit coffee, tea and alcohol.  These contribute to dry mouth.  Caffeine products as coffee, tea and colas act as diuretics.
• Try Ovaltine^® and Postum^® drinks – each has calories and vitamins – as a substitute for tea and coffee.

Diet:

• Eat a soft, high protein moist diet.
• Substitute moist fish, eggs, cheese for red meat.
• Serve food lukewarm, hot food can burn mouth.
• Avoid dry foods (bread, dry meat, pastries, toast and crackers, snack foods that are dry and salty).
• Soak bread and or rolls in milk or sauces.
• Eat moistened casseroles and meats with gravies, sauces, soups, stews.
• Use sour cream, and half & half cream as sauce bases (adds calories).
• Avoid citric foods, juices such as tomato, orange, grapefruit based products and sauces.
• Blenderize food and drink.
• Yogurt, fresh fruit, powdered milk
• Fruit slushies
• Milk shakes with or without fresh fruit.
• Avoid sodas that are fizzy.  May try letting the soda go flat and then drink.
• Milk is high in protein but may produce thick saliva.  If this is true for you try soy or rice milk.

GC Mousse Brochure-In depth

A comparison GC Tooth Mousse with 5000ppm Fluoride Toothpaste

If symptoms persist or you are concerned, we recommend contacting your GP.

Dry Mouth

Other terms for dry mouth: xerostomia

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be a troubling side effect and can be caused by a number of factors that persons being treated for cancer can be exposed to such as:

• Medications:  Chemotherapy, pain medications, anti-depressants, diuretics (water pills).

• Radiation therapy can cause dry mouth when the salivary glands have been exposed to radiation.  The salivary glands produce saliva – the moisture in your mouth or spit.   Sometimes, over a period of time, the salivary glands will start to work again but they rarely return to normal function.  Dry mouth caused by radiation to the salivary glands can be a life long problem.

• Conditions such as dehydration, or fungal infection of the mouth (candiasis) may lead to xerostomia.

Treating dry mouth may be treating the underlying cause such as dehydration or infection.  In cases where medications that can cause dry mouth and the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the side effects – measures to relieve the dry mouth symptom are used.  Dry mouth caused by damage to the salivary gland may be a life long problem and requires patience for treating.  There are many treatments that may assist in alleviating xerostomia and many of these can be tried on your own.

Saliva plays an important role in reducing the risk of tooth decay and helps remineralize teeth. Saliva neutralizes the acidity your mouth, provides calcium and phosphate to aid in the  process of remineralization.

Saliva is capable of storing and releasing fluoride to inhibit the production of bacterial acid, and hardens teeth so they are less soluble.

Whilst chewing sugar-free gum is helpful, it is not an adequate replacement for brushing you teeth twice a day. Chewing gum that contains sugar will nourish oral bacteria and increases tooth decay.

Rose Carr

Senior Nutritionist

New Zealand Health Guide

Issue 67, pg 20