Denture Care Instructions

 

Your new denture care instructions:

Cleaning

Dentures need to be cleaned every morning and every evening. It is best to clean them over a sink full of water or a towel as this can prevent the denture from breaking if it slips out of your hands. Remove debris by brushing with a denture brush. Paste is not required, but if you choose to use it: do NOT use toothpaste, instead use a denture-paste or baking soda. Dentures also need to be rinsed after each meal. No matter how well a denture may fit, some food will get underneath the denture as you eat. If it is left there, it can irritate the tissue. So after each meal, remove the denture, rinse out your mouth, and then rinse the denture under running water. Do NOT rinse the denture in very hot or boiling water as this may cause distortion of the denture; instead use warm to cool water. Dentures should always be in one of two places: your mouth or a denture bath. The denture bath need only be filled with water or you can use a denture-soaking solution (i.e. Polident or Efferdent). Also, on occasion, you may use a vinegar solution (1 tsp vinegar in a cup of water) to help dissolve tartar. In addition to cleaning your dentures, it is important to continue to care for you gums and tongue. It is not necessary to use toothpaste, but simply brush the gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush each night. Every day it is important to remove the dentures in order to allow the gum tissues time to rest. This can be done overnight or for a 3-4 hour period during the day.

What to Expect with New Dentures

Eating Dentures are very different from your natural teeth; unlike your teeth, dentures are not anchored in bone, but instead rest on top of mobile tissue. This means that the denture, especially the lower denture, can and will move in your mouth when you eat and when you speak. Eating with your dentures will take some getting used, so to help do the following:

-Start with soft, easy to chew foods such as – fish, cheese, eggs, chopped meat, cooked vegetables, or ice cream

-Take small bites

-Chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time; this helps to stabilize the denture.

-Biting into food is difficult with dentures and will tend to dislodge the upper denture. Therefore, foods like apples and corn on the cob should be sliced before eating.

-Avoid very hot foods and drinks to prevent burns as dentures decrease temperature sensation.

Speaking It is common for patients to have some difficulty speaking with a new pair of dentures. A common pronunciation problem is with words containing “s” or “f” sounds. It is helpful to practice by reading aloud or speaking in front of a mirror. It may also be helpful to swallow before speaking to “set” the dentures in place. Soreness It is normal for dentures to cause sore spots and require adjustments. Typically, we will see you after 1 week to evaluate the gums and adjust the denture as necessary. Sometimes this is the only adjustment required, sometimes multiple adjustments are necessary before the dentures are comfortable. Saliva Saliva is very important to wearing dentures: it helps the denture adhere to the underlying tissue, cushions the gums from chewing pressures, and helps swallow food. When you first begin wearing dentures there may be excess saliva in your mouth – this is a natural reaction and will balance out in about a week. As with anything new, it will take time to adjust to wearing your dentures and requires patience.

When to Visit the Dentist

To help maintain your dentures and your oral health, annual dental visits are important. These visits will allow us to examine your oral tissues and the fit of your denture, which can change with time as the ridges supporting the dentures continue to change shape. It may be necessary to visit the dentist sooner if any of the following occur:

-Sore spots

-Chips

-Breaks – dentures do break; Do not try to repair the denture yourself. Place the broken pieces in a Ziploc bag and bring them to your appointment.

References:

http://horbaldds.com/files/Download/Denture%20Care%20Instructions.pdf
University of Illinois at Chicago: Complete Denture Home Care

Polident: What to Expect with New Dentures
Vicks Oral Health Group: Your New Dentures

تعليمات عامة عند إستلام طقم الأسنان لأول مرة

تعليمات عامة عند إستلام طقم الأسنان لأول مرة

 طقم الأسنان تركيبة صناعية، أي أنه جسم غريب على الفم وتلقائيا ستحاول عضلات الفم و اللسان التخلص منه و طرده خارج الفم، غير أنك ستشعر بزيادة في إفراز اللعاب و هذا شيء طبيعي و ربما تشعر بعدم قابلية لإستمرار هذا الشيء الغريب في فمك.

 مع مرور الوقت و الإستعمال ستتعود العضلات و اللسان على وجود هذا الشيء بل أيضاً ستساعد على تثبيته و الإمساك به في مكانه بدلا من طرده خارج الفم.

 إذاً لابد من الصبر و سوف تزول أي مضايقات أو قلق تدريجياً خلال أسابيع وفقاً لدرجة حساسية و تقبل كل فرد دون الآخر.

 ستجد في البداية صعوبة في الكلام حيث أن اللسان أصبح يتحرك في حيز صغير و سوف يزول هذا الشعور بالتدريج، و يمكن التغلب عليه بالتدريب المستمر على الكلام أمام المرآه خلا الأسبوع الأول.

 وضع الطقم في الفم أكثر فترة ممكنة طوال اليوم عدا الأكل في أول أسبوع، و أثناء النوم يوضع في كوب من الماء (يتغير الماء يوميا) بعد غسله بفرشاة ناعمة.

 بعد الأسبوع الأول تناول الأطعمة الخفيفة مع أخذ الوقت الكافي في مضغ الأكل دون تسرع، و عندما تشعر بالتعود على الأكل ابدأ في أكل كل أنواع الأطعمة.

 تحدث في الأيام الأولى بعد التقرحات و الإلتهابات في اللثة، لذا يجب التردد على الطبيب حتى تزول هذه الأعراض.

 مادة الطقم قابلة للكسر فيجب التعامل معه بعناية شديدة
.

المصدر: الهيئة العامة للتأمين الصحي

رائحة الفم الكريهة

 

 

يعاني ملايين البشر حول العالم من رائحة الفم الكريهة, وهي مشكلة تحمل كثيرين على تجنب المحادثات القريبة وتسبب إحباطاً للبعض لاسيما الذين يحرصون على الحفاظ على أسنان صحية ونظيفة. لكن كثيرين يجهلون أن رائحة الفم سببها الرئيس صحة اللسان وليس الأسنان.

ورائحة الفم الكريهة في أغلب الأحيان لا يلاحظها الشخص نفسه لأن الدماغ يتأقلم مع رائحة الفرد الشخصية. لكن هناك طرقاً للتشخيص الذاتي, أولها اختبار اللسان، من خلال تحديد لونه.

فإذا كان وردياً ولامعاً, فذلك يشير إلى نفس جيد، أما إذا كان اللسان أبيض ومتقشراً يشير إلى رائحة فم كريهة. ويتم الاختبار الثاني يكون بلعق الجزء الخلفي من اليد، وتركها تجف لبضع ثوان، ثم يقوم الشخص بشم رائحة المكان ذاته.

ورائحة الفم الكريهة ليست عادة دليلاً على صحة الأسنان. فصحة اللسان تلعب الدور الأبرز في هذه المشكلة علماً بأن معدل أنواع البكتيريا في فم الإنسان تناهز الـ600.

ويعتبر جفاف الفم أهم أسباب تكاثر البكتيريا عليه. لأن اللعاب فيه أوكسجين وهو ما يجعله العدو الطبيعي للبكتيريا كريهة الرائحة التي لا يمكنها العيش بوجوده.

ومن الممكن أن يتم التغلب على المشكلة عبر شرب الماء وحتى مضغ العلكة الخالية من السكر ما سينتج اللعاب بشكل طبيعي. كما يمكن أيضاً استخدام حبوب النعناع الخالية من السكر أو غسول الفم. ولكن هذه الحلول مؤقتة تحجب الرائحة لكنها لا تقتل البكتيريا.

كما يحتوي الشاي الأخضر على خصائص تتيح التغلب على مشكلة رائحة الفم، لكون تلك الخصائص مضادة للبكتيريا ويمكن إضافة قليل من القرفة إليه ففيها زيوت أساسية تقتل عدداً من أنواع بكتيريا الفم.

وينصح الأطباء أخيراً بتناول الفاكهة والخضراوات لاحتوائها على فوائد إيجابية ومزدوجة، ففضلاً عن غناها بمواد تكافح رائحة الفم الكريهة, ينتج مضغ المزيد منها كمية أكبر من اللعاب

المصدر   http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/15/137768.html  .

Bad breath (Halitosis)

Bad Breath.

Bad Breath

More than 70% of teens say bad breath is an instant turnoff. About 85% believe it's the most important thing to avoid when meeting someone for the first time. And while bad breath can be treated and avoided, you often don't even know that you have it!

Bad breath (called halitosis) is a common problem not only for teens, but also for everyone. So what exactly is it, what causes it, and, most importantly, how can you get rid of it?

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath has a variety of causes, including:

• Bacterial infections
• Medications and medical conditions
• Post-nasal drip
• Poor hygiene (yep, you have to brush teeth more frequently)

In most cases, bad breath comes from the gums and tongue. Some bacteria in your mouth may produce compounds that result in an odor.

Certain foods, like garlic and onions, not only leave lasting odors in your mouth, but are also absorbed into the bloodstream. The odors are then expelled from the lungs. Until these foods are eliminated from the body, mouthwash, chewing gum, and toothpaste can only mask the odors on the breath.

For some people, a dry mouth causes bad breath. Dry mouth can result from taking antihistamines for allergies or a cold, or from antidepressants. It can also result from localized infections, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or liver or kidney ailments.

The post-nasal drip that streams down the back of your throat during colds, allergies, or sinus infections can result in bad breath. Sometimes, tiny food nuggets lodge in the crypts of your tonsils or on the tongue and cause a foul odor.

But most bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene. Basically, that means you don't brush or floss frequently enough. How many times have you heard that from your dentist?

Bacteria that build up on the back of your tongue or in between your teeth are the main culprits. Certain types of bacteria love to breed on the tongue, in the crevices between your teeth, or in untreated cavities.

Finally -- yet most important -- tobacco products cause bad breath. If you smoke tobacco or chew smokeless tobacco, ask you dentist or your primary health care professional for tips on kicking the habit.

How Can I Tell If I Have Bad Breath?

Believe it or not, the most common method doesn't work to diagnose your own bad breath. Many teens think that they can blow into their hands and smell their breath. That simply doesn't work.

Instead, do this. Lick the back of your hand, let the saliva dry, then take a whiff. What you smell there is your true breath.

Another good way? If you have a trusted friend, ask them to smell your breath. Parents can also tell you if you ask.

How Do I Control My Bad Breath?

Here are some tips for controlling bad breath.

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss after every meal, or at least twice a day. Proper brushing also involves brushing your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes bacteria, plaque, and food particles that may be trapped between teeth. Many dentists and dental hygienists also recommend cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds up on the tongue. Mouthwashes and rinses can also temporarily relieve bad breath.
• Remember your retainer. If you wear a retainer or have some kind of removable appliance, clean it thoroughly each time you brush. If you have braces, take extra time and care to clean all the nooks and crannies. Your orthodontist is a good source of information about keeping your braces clean.
• Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva. This helps cleanse the teeth and gums and prevents dry mouth.
• Stop using tobacco. Get help and kick the habit.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Gargling once or twice a day is good for teeth and gums and kills bad-breath bacteria in your mouth.

Where Does My Dentist Fit In?

While there is no dental specialty that deals just with bad breath, your family dentist should be able to address your concerns about oral hygiene.

If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, he or she may refer you to a general physician or a specialist to determine the cause of your bad breath. Your doctor can tell you if you are taking medications that can cause dry mouth, or if you have other medical conditions that may make you more likely to have dry mouth and bad breath.

Seeing your dentist regularly (at least every six months) and following his or her advice will reduce or eliminate any bad breath problems you may have. Then you won't have to worry about those potential "close encounters."

Reference: http://teens.webmd.com/bad-breath-exposed

صحة الأسنان وطحن الأسنان

صحة الأسنان وطحن الأسنان.

طحن الأسنان العرضي من وقت لآخر لا يتسبب عادة في ضرر ،لكن طحن الأسنان بشكل منتظم يمكن أن يتلف الأسنان وغيرها من المضاعفات الصحية.


لماذا يطحن الناس أسنانهم؟

على الرغم من أن طحن الأسنان يمكن أن يكون بسبب التوتر والقلق ، فإنه غالبا ما يحدث أثناء النوم وعلى الأرجح نتيجة لأسنان مفقودة أو ملتوية


كيف يمكنني معرفة إذا كنت أطحن أسناني؟

إذا كان هناك صداع مستمر أو التهاب و ألم بالفك عند القيام من النوم لأنه يحدث كثيراً أثناء النوم و لكن لا يشعر الإنسان..و قد يعلمه من ينام بجواره

هل طحن الأسنان ضار؟

يمكن أن يؤدى طحن الأسنان المزمن إلى كسور خفيفة في الأسنان و قد تحتاج إلى علاج للجذور أو علاج للثة و قد تخلع الأسنان و نضطر لعمل طقم للأسنان.

أيضاً التهاب الفك خطير جداً و يمكن أن يؤدي إلى عمليات جراحية.

ما الذي يمكنني القيام به لوقف طحن أسناني؟

يمكن أن يقوم طبيب أسنانك تركيبة للفم لحماية أسنانك من الطحن أثناء النوم..

إذا كان الإجهاد العضلي هو السبب فعلى طبيب الأسنان نصح المريض بإتباع نظام رياضي و صحي

نصائح أخرى لمساعدتك على التوقف عن طحن الأسنان.

تجنب أو تقليص الأطعمة والمشروبات التي تحتوي على الكافيين ، مثل الكولا و الشوكولاتة ، والقهوة
تجنب المشروبات الكحولية
تجنب العلكة لأنها تجعل عضلات الفك أقوى ويجعلك أكثر عرضة لطحن الأسنان

لا تمضغ على أقلام الرصاص أو أقلام أو أي شيء غير الغذاء

و ضع منشفة مبللة بماء دافئ على الفك.. إذا كنت لاحظت طحن الأسنان خلال النهار ، ضع طرف لسانك بين أسنانك

هل الأطفال يطحنون أسنانهم؟
حوالي من 15% إلى 33% من الأطفال يقومون بطحن الأسنان و هذا يشكل خطورة على الأسنان الدائمة فيما بعد.

لا أحد يعرف بالضبط لماذا يطحن الأطفال أسنانهم ولكن في الغالب بسبب عدم انتظام الأسنان و عدم التماثل في حجم الفك العلوي و السفلي...بالإضافة إلى بعض العوامل الأخرى (مثل نقص التغذية، والحساسية ، واضطرابات الغدد الصماء) ، والعوامل النفسية بما في ذلك القلق والتوتر. .



نصائح لمساعدة الطفل وقف طحن أسنانه أو لها ما يلي :

*تقليل الضغوط على طفلك ، خاصة قبل النوم.
تدريبات تدليك وتمتد العضلات للاسترخاء
تأكدي من أن طفلك يشرب الماء لأن الجفاف سبب في ذلك
استشارة طبيب الأسنان من وقت لآخر

ومع ذلك ، قد يحتاج الأطفال الأكبر سنا تيجان مؤقتة أو أساليب أخرى ، مثل التركيبة المضادة للطحن للوقاية.


المرجع : http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism

Dental Health and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Dental Health and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.

Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing loss, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your face.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.

Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:

• Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee.
• Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
• Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
• Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
• Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
• 
  

Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.

Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult your dentist if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.

Specific tips to help a child stop grinding his or her teeth include:

• Decrease your child's stress, especially just before bed.
• Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.
• Make sure your child's diet includes plenty of water. Dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding.
• Ask your dentist to monitor your child's teeth if he or she is a grinder.

No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding.

Reference: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism