It's only fitting that after these last few months of food-intensive holidays, we devote a month to taking care of our teeth and gums. Without healthy gums, we lose our teeth, and that can take much of the enjoyment out of eating.
Dental hygiene is important for all of us. Regular brushing and flossing are vital to maintaining good dental health. Brushing is the best way to remove plaque from tooth surfaces and prevent tartar build-up.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that adheres to tooth surfaces and is the number one cause of tooth decay. Plaque can be easily removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it will harden into calculus, also known as tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing; you must see a dental professional who has the tools necessary to remove tartar.
Gingivitis has become a very common word in recent years. Gingivitis has become a very common word in recent years. Gingivitis is an inflamation of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque. If your gums bleed after brushing or flossing, you may have gingivitis, which is reversible with good dental hygiene.
Periodontal disease is gum disease that destroys the structures that support the teeth. Without this support, teeth can become loose and fall out. Periodontal disease is generally not reversible and requires treatment from a dental professional.
To reduce the chances of getting cavities, brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, eat balanced, nutritious meals, and see your dentist twice a year.
Dental hygiene is every bit as important for people with special needs, 
but sometimes it is difficult for them to brush or floss by themselves. If you are a caregiver of a special needs individual, here are some tips for helping them maintain good dental health.
If you are working with someone who is arthritic or physically challenged, you must determine their level of dexterity and help them choose the most suitable hygiene technique. They may find it easier to use brushes with larger handles (travel brushes, for example) and flossettes may be easier for them to use than regular string floss.
If you are working with a mentally challenged individual, you must
determine their level of comprehension, as well as their dexterity level. If they are unable to brush and floss their own teeth, it is up to you to do it for them.
To properly brush your (or your client's) teeth, you should use a soft-bristled brush that is the right size for your mouth. Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the bristles. It is important to brush all tooth surfaces, with the brush held at a 45° angle to the teeth. The bristles should contact your gums as well as your teeth. Gently brush teeth in groups of two-to-three, then move on to the next group until you have brushed all sides of all teeth. You should replace your toothbrush every three months or when bristles begin to spread.
For proper flossing, you should wrap about 18" of floss around your middle fingers. Hold floss tighly between forefingers and thumbs and gently glide it between teeth. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a "C" shape against one tooth. Gently scrape each side of every tooth by moving floss up and down five or six times on each side. Move to a clean area of floss after every one to two teeth. Rinse vigorously with water after flossing.
If you would like more information on dental hygiene, Darcee Dunkle has put together an excellent training session, from which much of the information in this article was obtained. Call Laura Christenson to register for a class near you.
