Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
Staying on top of dental hygiene can be a bit of a chore for the constantly busy people in the modern world, but for those who have damaged one of their arms in a sports injury (which have increased by five times since 2000 alone), it can seem next to impossible. However, dental health is an essential part of bodily health, and so it must be taken care of. If you're dealing with an arm injury and are still trying to keep your teeth shiny and clean, then here are a few tips to make your life just a bit easier.
Tip #1: Work on your dexterity
If you're lucky enough to have injured your non-dominant arm, then this section won't be much use. But most sports injuries, it stands to reason, happen on the side you use -- most often your dominant side.
Brushing and flossing both involve the use of small motor skills -- which favor your dominant side -- so it's a good idea to work towards greater dexterity with your non-dominant arm. Not only will this make you more rounded as a human being, it'll stop you from dropping your floss every time you go to use it. Simple exercises like playing with jacks can help improve your dexterity without a lot of time or effort.
Tip #2: Rely on inactive teeth cleaners
Because it can be a chore to do your usual brush-floss-mouthwash routine, try to rely on things that will clean your teeth without you doing any real work. Sugar-free gum will help to keep your teeth (and your breath) cleaner after midday meals. Other inactive teeth cleaners that you can pop in your mouth include breath-freshening strips and mints (which create saliva, helping to clean your teeth).
Foods like strawberries, celery, and carrots can help to keep your teeth clean by creating saliva. These foods, by virtue of their texture, also massage your teeth and gums, which helps to remove plaque before it can cling onto them.
Tip #3: Turn to modern conveniences
If you're still having trouble keeping your teeth spotless, try some of the more modern advances in dental equipment. Handheld flossers, which are both disposable and simple to use, can help you floss without any hassle. Travel toothbrushes, which have small beads of toothpaste already applied can be a useful solution to the struggles of applying toothpaste with one hand.
Pump or wall-mounted toothpastes can also help with this problem, and are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Talk to your dentist or periodontist for more information.
Share30 January 2015
