1. How to Keep a Healthy Smile

2. Graduate of University of Michigan Dental School, 1997
GULAFSHAN MUNSHEY DDS
Graduate of University of Michigan Dental School, 1997

3. PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY What do we want to Prevent? Caries Periodontitis
Root canals
Extractions

4. CARIES (Tooth Decay) Caused by Bacteria
Poor or Inadequate Oral Hygiene
High Sugar/Starch diet
Frequent Snacking
Pop drinking

5. “SIP ALL DAY GEY DECAY”

6. CAVITIES

7. CAVITIES

8. Periodontitis (Gum Disease)
Caused by bacteria
Poor/Inadequate Oral Hygiene

9. GUM DISEASE

10. Plaque
Bone Loss

11. Abscess(tooth infection)
Treatment for abscess:
Root canal treatment (adults)
Pulpotomy & SS Crown
Extraction (pulling of the tooth)

13. Abscessed
Tooth
Treatment:
Pulpotomy &
SS Crown

14. How to Prevent Dental Problems from Occurring?
Brushing teeth twice a day, everyday
Flossing at least once a day, everyday
Use a mouthwash once a day, everyday
Healthy diet: Avoid sugary substances, pop, and frequent snacking
Regular 6 month check ups with a dentist/dental hygienist

15. TOOTHPASTE SELECTION

16. FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE Most contain Fluoride in varying concentration
The higher the content, the better at preventing plaque accumulation
Dark side of high content is tooth staining

17. TARTAR-CONTROL TOOTHPASTE
Active Ingr: SodiumPyrophosphate
Successfully reduces tartar buildup between regular 6 month checkups
May give a false sense of security
May mask signs of gum disease
Longterm use may cause sensitivity

18. SENSITIVITY TOOTHPASTE
Active Ingr: Potassium Nitrate or Strontium Chloride (ADA accepted)
Improvement noticed after 4-6 wks
Use only for 2-3 months

19. WHITENING TOOTHPASTE They DON’T work! Just removes surface stains!
All toothpastes contain abrasives that do that!
Absolutely no effect on color of teeth

20. PRESCIPTION TOOTHPASTE
Prevident 5000 plus
Fluoridex 5000 ppm
Renew (5000ppm + NovaMin for sensitivity) It is very new.
These are for people with highcaries rate.

21. OTHER TOOTHPASTES
“Triclosan”, for treating and preventing gingivitis – Colgate Total
Natural toothpastes, May contain Vit C, which increases level of acidity in mouth
Most natural toothpastes are missing Fluoride except tom’s and maines natural toothpaste.
Baking soda toothpaste, has no effect on periodontitis, if you like the taste and that improve compliance then Go ahead and use it!
Look for the ADA seal of acceptance.

22. MOUTHWASHES Does not replace brushing & flossing
Should be part of the daily regimen
Kinds of Mouthwashes
Fluoridated Mouthwashes
Antiseptic Mouthwashes
Anti-microbial mouthwashes
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

23. FLUORIDATED MOUTHWASH
Reduce caries/tooth decay
ADA recommends for kids over 6 yrs old
Swish a minute and spit, don’t rinse after.
Don’t eat or drink for 30 mins afterwards
Has the ADA seal of acceptance

24. ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH Most common OTC mouthwash
May contain high content of Alcohol
Can reduce plaque & gingivitis
Can mask bad breath for mins

25. ANTIMICROBIAL MOUTHWASH
Most commonly prescribed is Chlorhexidine mouthrinse
Can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth
Usually for people diagnosed with periodontitis.
Used for short period of time
Has side effects if used long term
Request an alcohol-free one.

26. MOUTHWASH FOR DRY MOUTH
Some people might experience xerostomia (dry mouth)
Biotene mouthwash used once a day to keep a good salivary flow

27. TOOTHBRUSHES Soft, rounded, nylon bristles
Small head is generally better
Size and color of handle is personal preference
Power brushes are nice!
Have a timer
Are more thorough

28. FLOSS Floss Daily Start at same spot and move clockwise
Used to reduce plaque between teeth
C-Shape
Kinds of floss
Waxed
Unwaxed
It doesn’t matter, JUST FLOSS!

29. Other “Gadgets” Interdental Brushes
To clean large spaces between teeth
Very effective
Water pik
Shoots water with pressure to get food out from teeth
Great for kids with braces
Tongue scraper
Excellent for cleaning the tongue
Toothpick
DO NOT USE

30. 6 Monthly Dental Checkup
Very Important
Identifies problem areas before they turn into “problems”
Yearly X-rays
Shows early carious areas
Infections on teeth
Missing, impacted teeth
Sealants for kids
In-office Fluoride treatment

31. 6 Monthly Dental Checkup
It sends the right message to the kids that “teeth are important”
Keeps them on top of their oral hygiene
And YES, if baby teeth have cavities, they need to be filled

32. SEALANTS Usually 1st & 2nd molars are sealed
Protects teeth from getting cavities
Usually done on kids between ages 6 & 14.
It seals the pits and fissures on the chewing surface of the molar

33. “On the side” Teeth are for chewing, smiling,
NOT for opening bottles, chip bags, cracking nuts OR Chewing on bones

34. Thank you for your time and attention!