What is it?
What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film or slime that forms on your teeth all the time.
How are cavities created?
By the bacteria in our mouth that sticks to your teeth.
How many times a day should you brush your teeth?
2 times a day or if possible after every meal
How often should you change your toothbrush/ toothbrush head
Every 3 months
Gingivitis is the result of what buildup on the teeth?
Plaque
What does Fluoride do?
Helps protect the enamel on the teeth
Why is saliva important when it comes to cavities?
Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel.
How often should you visit a dentist?
At least twice a year for cleanings and checkups
How do we keep the bad bacteria in our mouths away?
Good nutrition and oral hygiene keeps the bad bacteria away.
What is the term used for when cavities are left untreated?
Tooth Decay
Why is oral health important?
It impacts our overall health, and the mouth is the entry to the digestive and respiratory tracks.
Name two symptoms of a cavity.
Pain and Sensitivity
How long should you brush your teeth for?
2 minutes
Name one health condition that can affect oral health.
Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, pregnancy and birth complications, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, endocarditis
Which is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth? Gum disease or Periodontal disease
Gum disease
What is tartar?
The plaque buildup that hardens
Name 2 risk factors for cavities.
Drinking or eating things with acid or sugar, taking medicine or having problems creating saliva, braces or other mouth appliances, can see your tooth roots, struggles with brushing teeth
What is one way mouthwash helps keep our teeth clean?
Reduces the amount of acid in our mouth, cleans hard to brush areas in and around the gums, re-mineralizes the teeth
What natural mineral can prevent cavities and can also be found in some water that we drink?
Fluoride
Which can result in destruction of bone and tissues around the tooth and is the major cause of tooth loss in adults? Gum disease or Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease
Why is flossing important?
Stimulates gums, reduces plaque, and helps lower inflammation in the area
More than how many adults in the United States have untreated cavities?
More than 1 in 4 adults
Name one place you can go to be seen by a dentist and receive dental care?
Health Departments (specifically Carter County HD), Johnson City Community Health Center, Healing Hands in Bristol
How does Nicotine affect our oral health?
Nicotine restricts blood vessels, causing lowered blood supply to the gums. Tobacco and vaping can cause bad smelling breath and stain teeth. Tobacco/ Nicotine can cause mouth, tongue, and lip cancer.
What type of gum disease creates inflammation of the gums and causes the gums to become red, swollen, and may bleed?
Gingivitis