Hello Doctor

One should visit the dentist atleast twice a year for regular check-ups.Incase of any dental problem,one is advised to visit the dentist immediately.Regular dental visit will help the dentist to identify and treat the diseases at the earlier stage.

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

All toothpastes work on foaming agents that help to clean your teeth of plague and teeth remnants.An ADA accepted flouridated tooth paste is a good general toothpaste for the family.

Bad breath may be due to dental and some systematic diseases like diabetes,stomach upsets etc.Bad breath can arise due to negligence of oral hygiene,diseases of gums,food lodgement in decayed teeth and unclean tongue.Use of proper brushing,flossing techniques,mouthwash,treatments for dental decay or gum problems and treatment of systemic illness can reduce bad breath.

Though brushing cleans the teeth,toothbrush cannot clean the plague which is stuck in the gaps between two teeth and under gum line.Flossing daily keeps the teeth clean and prevents the build-up plague in the difficult areas.

Orthodontic treatment usually takes 18-24 months.Some patients may finish treatment earlier and others may take longer to complete the treatment time depending upon the severity of the malocclusion,type of treatment carried out and co-operation of the patient.

The loss of one tooth can result in the shifting of the adjacent teeth which causes a potential collapse of bite support resulting in decreased chewing efficiency,tipping,migration and rotation of remaining adjacent teeth,extrusion of unopposed teeth,loss of alleviator jaw bone.So it is necessary to replace the missing teeth immediately.