Dr. Pogaku Rajkumar

Powered toothbrushes /electric toothbrushes
An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that makes rapid automatic bristle motions, either back-and-forth oscillation or rotation-oscillation in order to clean teeth.
1) ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES ARE MORE EFFECTIVE.
2) ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES APPLY THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE.
3) ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES ARE EASIER FOR CHILDREN AND SENIORS.
4) ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES ARE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
5) ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES CAN ALSO BENEFIT PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES.

As dentists, we favor electric toothbrushes simply because they make it easier for our patients to keep their teeth as clean as possible. It’s important to note that they are not necessarily better than manual brushes because ultimately their success depends on how they are used. Regardless of whether you choose a power brush or a manual brush, always make sure that you are brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Following this routine, in addition to flossing and the regular use of mouthwash, will help you maintain great oral hygiene in between your regular dental checkups.

Brushing alone is not enough ,proper brushing along with flossing is effective.

Are you brushing the  right way?  

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

 Brush atleast for 2 minutes.

Use of Mouthwash, for better results use fluoride based mouth wash after brushing.

Swish your mouth after every snack.

Avoid food containing  high sugars before bed.

Ask your dentist about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.

The gums are also called the periodontium - perio for around and dontium for tooth as the gums are literally present "around the tooth."  There is a softer mucosal portion that runs along the tooth in a curved manner and a stronger fibrous portion that connects the tooth to the jaw bone.  Together, they provide the structural support for the tooth to be held in place. In addition they also have an esthetic value with the healthy pink color.

The mouth has the largest number of bacteria in the body, which act on the food debris that is present on the tooth and the gums. This causes infection in both the gums and the tooth. 

Types: Periodontal disease can be localized or general.

• Localized disease happens when a tooth is not accessible for thorough cleaning.  The inside surface of lower incisors and outer surfaces of the upper last molars are common areas of localized periodontal disease. 
• Generalized periodontal disease can be due to conditions like pregnancy, puberty, diabetes where gums around all the teeth are affected.

Symptoms: In both the cases, the following symptoms ensue: 

• Red gums:  The gums are of a healthy pink color and if they turn darker hue of pink
• Swollen and/or painful gums
• Spontaneous bleeding: This may be localized or generalized 
• Chronic bad breath: Due to food accumulation in the infected gums
• If it continues to form an abscess, pressure on the gums can produce pus
• Bad taste in the mouth (arising from pus in the gums)
• Gingival recession, producing an effect of having longer tooth 
• Dentin is exposed leading sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Loosening of the tooth
• Painful chewing, as it puts pressure on the inflamed periodontium
• Dentist will identify what are called pockets, which is an indication of severity - the deeper the pockets, the severe the disease.

Management and Prevention: Gum disease is very easy to identify and can be completely cured.

• Regular brushing and flossing can help maintain regular oral hygiene 
• With each brushing session, plain finger massage of the gums improves blood circulation and their overall health
• Regular use of mouth rinse is a good way to improve gum health
• Regular visits to the dentist can help keep a check on the health of the teeth and the gums - early identification of disease and early treatment
• Once it has set in, deep scaling followed by root planing may be required to thoroughly clear out the infection
• More surgical options like gingival grafts, flap surgery, bone grafting in case of severe bone loss may be required. 
• Management of conditions like diabetes

The best way to avoid periodontal disease is to know its symptoms, follow oral hygiene practices, and visit a dentist regularly.

They are tough, clear plastic 'aligners' (moulds) that are used to straighten teeth. Several sets of specially moulded, slightly different aligners are made for each patient. Each set is worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next one. They are made from clear plastic, so they are nearly invisible.

Once the treatment is finished the teeth need to be held in position for a time. This is called the retention' period, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainer.

SELF LIGATING BRACES

Self-ligating braces are placed much like conventional braces, with the exception of ligature.No elastic or rubber bands or metal ties are present because they are not needed. Instead, special clips or brackets are used to help the arch wire move your teeth into place. 

ADVANTAGES OVER CONVENTIONAL BRACES

• Less “chair-time” and fewer visits to the orthodontist
• They can cause less friction and discomfort and can be potentially easier on teeth
• No ligature such as color bands, elastics, or metal ties
• They could be easier to clean