Dr. Sims General Tips

Combating Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Bad breath or "halitosis" is typically caused when bacteria form volatile sulfur
compounds in your mouth, which give bad breath its odor. In most cases, bad breath
can be effectively treated by following a proper oral health care program, including
regular brushing of your teeth and tongue and flossing. For more stubborn cases of
bad breath, there are specialty products that have been developed to combat the
problems associated with bad breath. Ask your dental team for advice and details
about specialty products available to combat this common problem.

Food for healthy Smiles
Food selection and nutrition plays an important part in your oral health care.
Vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, whole-grain bread, lean meats and dairy products all
contribute to the health of your teeth and gums. Choosing foods like these also help
create healthy eating habits for both children and adults. You should be especially
careful about eating between meals or "snacking" without brushing your teeth since
this type of activity allows the bacteria in the plaque to remain active for longer
periods of time in the mouth, thereby leading to a destructive pattern for decay.
This is especially true for snacks that are sticky (i.e. toffee or caramels) or starchy
(i.e. chips or crackers).

Brushing
Always use a soft toothbrush that has rounded soft bristle ends as this type of brush
will have a better chance of not injuring the gums or cause tooth abrasion. Place
your toothbrush on a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush the area back and forth
using gentle strokes. Vigorous brushing isn't safe for the gums or the teeth and it
won't remove plaque any better or faster than using a gentle touch. Brush all surfaces
of the teeth: outer, inner and chewing surfaces and spend at least 30 seconds per
quadrant or two minutes for the whole mouth. Some people find it easier to use a
sonic or oscillating type of interdental cleaner or toothbrush. Ask your dental team if
a sonic or oscillating brush is right for you. Use a fluoridated, low abrasive type of
toothpaste and remember to brush at least twice a day (morning and evening) and, if
possible, after lunch. Proper brushing, using a gentle stroke, will help keep the gums
and teeth healthy for life.

Flossing
Brushing your teeth will remove most of the decay-causing plaque that can harm
your teeth. However, brushing will not remove all the debris and bacteria that sits
between the teeth and under the gums. Tooth decay and gum disease usually begins
in these areas so flossing is important to complete oral health care. Some people
have difficulty using floss so special aids have been developed that make it easier to
floss or to clean between the teeth. If flossing feels a bit awkward, here are some
helpful tips: 1) Use about 18" of floss and wrap it around your middle finger. 2) Hold
floss between your index finger and thumb. 3) Guide the floss between the teeth
using a gentle rubbing motion. 4) Floss each tooth by curving the floss along the gum
line. 5) Rub the side of each tooth by moving the floss up and down. 6) Set a pattern
to help you remember to floss each and every tooth.

Dental Emergencies

Toothaches: This is the most common form of dental pain and can be the result of
a variety of problems. If a tooth is broken rinse the area to remove food and any
other debris. If the area has swelling, place a cold compress to the portion of your
face nearest the toothache. Never use heat or place an aspirin on a toothache. If a
section of the tooth breaks off save it for the dentist. This might help explain what
went wrong. Drinking cool liquids may also help the situation. Of course, in any case
you should call your dentist as soon as practical in order to address the pain and the
underlying cause of the toothache. Prompt attention to toothaches will help
minimize the likelihood of infection and will maximize the opportunity for saving a
distressed tooth.

Chipped or Fractured Tooth: Rinse the mouth first with warm water to
remove any dirt or debris from the traumatized area. Save any pieces of the tooth
that you can find. A tooth may crack and not show any signs of fracture but it will be
painful to chew on. In the case of a chipped or fractured tooth, apply a cold
compress to the portion of your face nearest the affected area. This will help
control swelling. Call and see your dentist immediately.

Dislodged Tooth: Find the tooth quickly and, if possible, rinse the tooth with tap
water. Do not scrub the tooth or sterilize it with cleaning solution. After rinsing the
tooth, try to gently place it back into the tooth socket and hold the tooth in place. If
the situation will not allow you to place the tooth back into the mouth then place
the tooth in a cup of cool water or milk. Stay calm and work quickly. Generally, the
tooth must be placed back into the socket within approximately one hour to survive.
In every case of a dislodged tooth, call and see your dentist immediately.

Objects Wedged Between Teeth: Try to gently remove the object if you can
see it. Be careful not to push it further into the tooth or gum tissue. If the object
isn't visible, try flossing a few times. Do not use toothpicks or other sharp
instruments as they may cause bleeding and damage to the gums. If you can not
remove the object call your dentist, who can utilize special dental instruments to
remove the object.

Orthodontic Appliances: If an orthodontic wire or bracket becomes detached
gently remove it from the mouth. Do not attempt to place it back in position. If a
detached or broken wire or bracket is cutting the mouth place a piece of wax, a
rolled up piece of tissue or a piece of gum over the area. Do not attempt to remove
any orthodontic appliance that is embedded into the cheek or gum. Place any broken
or loose wires or brackets in a container and call your dentist immediately.

Medical conditions and medications
It is important to let your dental office know when there has been a change in your
medical condition or medication. Changes in either of these can affect the teeth and
gums and require adjustments in your dental treatment program. Promptly notify your
dentist of changes in your medical condition or medication so that your Medical
History Records maintained by your dental office can be properly and timely
updated. There is no change in your medical condition or medication that is
unimportant to your dentist.