30 August 2011

AGE 1-10

How to teach your child correct oral and dental care
Too often parents let their children get away with such little tricks when they’re young. After all, think the parents, they’re only the milk teeth and they don’t last anyway.

But although it’s true that milk teeth only last till the child is between 8 to 12 years old, what many parents do NOT realize is that the health of permanent teeth is very dependent on the health of those first milk teeth.

Healthy teeth are precious but fragile asset for any child. Parents should not neglect their care at any stage. After the child is more than two or three years old his/her teeth should be brushed after every meal, particularly after the evening meal. Of course initially the brushing must be performed by the parents, and the children taught to take over as they get older.


THE RIGHT WAT TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH
The whole purpose of brushing one’s teeth is to remove a potentially destructive substance called dental plaque. It is procedure which would be carried out twice every day, and done thoroughly. That means using the correct technique. 

Here’s how dentists suggest it be done:

1.    Never brush the teeth of the upper and lower jaws simultaneously, always do just one jaw at a time.

2.    Observe a fixed brushing routine so as not to forget anything. Make sure you clean the back teeth thoroughly, and in behind the incisors.

3.    Direct your toothbrush carefully: start from the gum and work at an angle 45 °. Remember that the effectiveness of brushing depends on careful cleaning of the sulcus, inter dental spaces and the neck of each tooth.

4.    Develop a good brushing motion: always use a rotating movement, upward for the lower teeth and downward for the upper teeth.


MOI method for kids:



M=Masticatory surfaces: brush with small horizontal movements. Start at the back and brush slowly towards the front.

O= Outer surfaces: clean them with small circular movements.

I= Inner surfaces: use small up and down movements.


TIPS:
Don’t forget that comprehensive dental care for your children also includes:




·       A visit to the dentist for a checkup at least twice a year.

·       Encouraging good eating habits i.e. prohibit excessive sugar intake and snacks between meals.


A PRIZE…..FOR THE BRIGHTEST TEETH!
From the moment those first teeth come up, it’s time for mum to introduce her child to correct dental care. Important factors are the correct size and type of toothbrush, the right brushing technique and the use of fluoride tooth paste.







29 August 2011

认识美白牙齿3大误区


越来越多的人趋之若鹜地追求牙齿美白,从明星的美容牙冠、钻石牙到普罗大众的光氟化牙美白,其方法很多。在众多牙齿美白名目中,作为普通消费者,会有哪些误区盲点?





误区1美白牙膏能代替专业光氟化牙美白
无论从全面美白效果还是健康角度来讲,美白牙膏相对都不是合适的选择。美白牙膏主要是因为加入了化学成分,并通过摩擦剂与牙表的色斑发生摩擦,而是色斑、色迹与牙齿表面分离,从而达到美白的目的。
    这种方法对牙齿表面暂时性附着的斑迹有一定作用,但对于牙刷触及不到的地方和顽固性牙迹,去除作用不大。而且长期使用美白牙膏会令牙齿表面变得粗糙,让牙迹更容易沉积在牙齿表面。

误区2牙齿越白越好
    牙齿美白的标准是,牙齿的洁白度与自己白眼球的颜色相当就可以了,如果增白效果太突出,反而会影响面容和谐。

误区3光氟化牙美白维持很久
    很多网友在做了牙齿美白以后议论自己做牙后持续时间,一般都会在五六年左右,但是网友称自己只维持了6个月。6个月到5年的10倍差距,差别在哪里呢?
    不吸烟、不喝咖啡和茶的人在进行了牙美白程序后很长时间,其牙齿色度通常很少或不会有什么改变。你美白效果的持久性取决于你的习性和你吃的具体食物。看来,牙齿美白并不像我们认为的一定很简单。

咖啡、茶爱好者如何让黄迹一扫光?

    诱人的咖啡、馥郁的花草茶、可口可乐等有颜色的饮料等都会在我们的牙齿上留下痕迹。起初,你的肉眼看不出分别,但几年之后,你牙齿的颜色已被“和平演变”。所以,还需防微杜渐,从每天的护牙洁齿习惯开始。

1.喝过咖啡、茶后记得漱口
喝过咖啡和茶等有色饮料后记得提醒自己用温水漱口。可以尽量减少咖啡,茶迹等在牙齿上的驻留,不让牙齿被着色。当然,更重要的原则是,将每天喝咖啡或者茶的数量控制在
3杯以内。



2.定期去洗牙
每半年应该去专业的吃客诊所做一次牙齿的彻底清洁。如此一来,平时躲在口腔角落里的污迹也能在医生的帮助下彻底清除干净了。


3.做冷光美白
冷光美白的原理将增白剂直接作用于牙齿,通过过氧化氢与牙齿表面的氧化还原反应,达到美白牙齿的功效。操作过程中,医生会用冷光美白灯辅助照射,避免了对牙神经的损害。一般8分钟为一个疗程,操作前医生会用“固化树脂”保护你的牙龈;操作后医生会根据你的情况,确定是否需要进行后面的2~3个疗程的治疗,以达到最理想的效果。冷光美白的效果可以保持2年左右。有些人在冷光美白后牙齿会有轻微的酸胀,这是正常现象,一般在12个小时以后便会自动消失,如有需要可服用一片止痛药,减缓症状。
3
特别提醒:冷光牙齿美白后一天内牙齿最易染色,因此,美白后24小时内不要喝咖啡、可乐等饮料,也不要食用深色食物,更不要吸烟。

4.烤瓷美白
除了通过贴面的方式让牙齿恢复亮白之外,烤瓷牙也是个选择。
烤瓷牙使用金属制做一个基底冠,然后把基底冠在高温下将瓷熔附在合金冠表面形成的烤瓷牙冠。可用于做全冠、桩冠、固定桥及种植牙的人工牙。烤瓷牙后能与自然牙的牙色一致,烤瓷牙成色泽好,外形十分的逼真,而且表面光滑耐磨,耐腐蚀不变色、不变形等是其优点,所以这是一种较理想的方法。现在做烤瓷牙的技术比较成熟,倍受年轻男女的青睐。另外,由于烤瓷牙表面细菌无法生存,因此除了美白效果外,还不会出现蛀牙。理论上如果牙龈健康不出问题,能保持十几年甚至终生。美中不足的是做烤瓷牙先要把原本的牙齿磨小,会对牙齿造成破坏。

特别提醒:应该使用专用的牙刷、牙膏,细心呵护牙齿,坚持早中晚刷牙、漱口,保持口腔内环境的清洁。另外,要定期到牙科复诊,可及时清除牙齿的外源性色素沉着,使你的美白疗效更持久。烤瓷牙技术比较复杂,所以选择一名有经验的牙医是很关键的。

资料来源---星洲日报



25 August 2011

Dental Implant


Your teeth are an important part of your personal appearance and lifestyle. A beautiful smile enhances your overall presence, and healthy teeth allow you to eat and speak with confidence.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium, which is a metal that the body easily accepts. The dental implant is inserted into the bone of the jaw, and over time the jawbone integrates with the dental implant surface, firmly anchoring it (osseointegration).
Under normal conditions, the healing process can take as little as 6 weeks. After this time, a crown, bridge, or denture is secured to the implant.

Restoration with implants
With implant treatment, the dental implant replaces the lost teeth root and provides a stable foundation for the replacement tooth, thus eliminating the need to grind down healthy neighboring teeth.

Implants as a replacement for one tooth.
Implants as a replacement of several teeth.
Implants as a replacement of all teeth with a non-removable bridge.
Implant solutions for denture wearers.
Implants can also be used to support full dentures.


Smile with confidence, eat with enjoyment







人工植牙



人工植牙的好处
  • (左图)人工植牙前  (右图)人工植牙后
         保留健康的邻近牙齿
      传统的牙桥需要修磨前后邻牙才能装戴牙桥。
      人工植牙就不必破坏真牙便能制作固定牙桥。
  •      提供更理想的假牙设计
    若缺牙数目较多,人工植牙可让您拥有固定牙桥,不需要佩戴活动假牙;但若条件不足,人工植牙亦可用来支撑您的活动假牙,提供比传统活动假牙更好的稳固性与咀嚼力量。
  • 全口无牙时,可以人工牙根做较有咬合力稳固之活动假牙。


人工植牙所需的时间??
人工牙根在植入后,需要有一段适当的时间与周围的骨头稳固结合,理想的状况需2-4个月,接着便可开始上端假牙的制作。

人工植牙如何保养??
人工植牙与自然牙一样,需要使用牙刷,牙线及口腔清洁用品来清洁,且定期口腔检查,养成良好的咀嚼习惯便能延长植牙的使用年限。

拔牙后立即种植牙的优点~~
1.缩短种植牙治疗时间
2.降低齿槽骨的吸收,保留较多的骨组织
3.增加种植牙假牙的美观
4.减少手术疼痛

人工植牙的步骤
种植牙手术是在局部麻醉下进行的。
  • ·       首先,牙医会将钛金属(Titanium)牙根植入牙床,以代替失去的牙齿,再将牙肉缝合,如果牙床地基不错,二至四个月后人工牙根会与牙槽骨愈合连结成一体,形成假牙的支柱。
  • ·       下一个步骤是切开牙肉,在钛金属牙根上镶上基座,以便日后安装假牙。在部分病例中,牙医可能在第一次手术时便镶上基座。
  •     最后牙医会为您装上新牙。随着技术不断改进,新装的人工牙齿不论大小,形状和色泽上都与邻近牙齿浑然天成,难辨真假,感觉也很舒适。






19 August 2011

Clean better with braces

Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your smile and your future. Everyone helping with your orthodontic care wants you to have the best results possible. While you are wearing braces, it is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums.

The pertinent compromising oral hygiene factors are leading to:
1.    Dental Caries.
2.    Periodontitis and gingival recession.
3.    Pigmentation and Stains.
      4. Compromised aesthetic appearance


Tooth staining and decay
TOOTH DECAY ( RED CIRCLE)












During treatment there is a risk teeth may decay and become permanently marked. Areas on the enamel surface may begin to lose minerals (the early stage of tooth decay) leaving unsightly white spots.  It is essential you keep your teeth very clean and minimize sugary food and drinks.

Gum problems
There is an increased risk of bleeding and swollen gums during orthodontic treatment. Occasionally some of the gum and bone around the edge of the teeth can be lost. Gingivitis and the early stage of tooth decay can be reversed by taking extra care with your cleaning and diet. While you are wearing braces, you need to have regular checkups with your dental professional.
GINGIVITIS (GUM REDNESS, SWOLLEN)

Therefore,
More care needed during orthodontics
1.    Tooth-friendly diet
2.    Braces-friendly diet and habits
3.    Care at home

    TOOTH-FRIENDLY DIET
    Acidity of some common foods and drinks
Acidic foods & drinks
(PH less than 4.5)                                
Low acidic foods & drinks
(PH greater than 4.5)
Apples, apricots, cherries, oranges, pears, plums, pineapples
Bananas, mangos, melons, pawpaws
Tomatoes
Soups, pasta
Soft drinks (regular & diet drinks), sport drinks, wine, fruit juices
Milk, soda, water, flat spring water, dairy foods
Pickled vegetables
Vegetables
Salad dressings
Meat, poultry, seafood
Lemons
Eggs, soda crackers

    Most of us are well aware that sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Starchy foods, such as potato crips, can stick to teeth for long periods of time and cause tooth decay. There is increasing concern about acidic foods and drinks such as vinegar, salad dressings, colas (diet and regular), cordial, sports drinks, and fruit juices that can erode enamel from teeth when consumed frequently or when sipped over extended periods of time.

   Saliva is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay. You need to give saliva plenty of time to wash away acids that form after eating and drinking. 

    A good rule to follow is to limit eating times each day to 3 meals and 2 snack times. You can drink plenty of water as often as you like. Be aware that bottled water may not contain fluoride.

    BRACES –FRIENDLY DIET AND HABITS
    There are foods that can loosen, break or bend wires and bands when you are wearing braces. Avoid hard foods such as nuts and hard biscuits. Foods such as apples and carrots should be chopped into small pieces before eating to reduce the stress on your braces. Avoid sticky foods such as caramels, toffees, muesli or fruits bars. No chewing gum! No chewing ice!

   Habits such as nail biting, unnatural tongue thrusting, pencil chewing and nervous picking at your wires can also damage braces. Be aware of these habits and make an effort to stop them.

   Remember that damaged braces mean extra appointments, inconvenience and extended treatment time. If any of these happen, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor immediately since tooth correction does not happen with debonded or damaged braces.

    CARE AT HOME
   When cleaning your mouth while you are wearing braces, you need to pay special attention not only to your teeth and gums, but also to the brackets and wires.

  
    Here are 8 simple steps for keeping your teeth, gums and braces in great shape:  


1.    Using fluoride toothpaste and a small soft toothbrush, place your brush at an angle of 45 ° against the gums. Gently brush along the gum line where the gums and teeth meet, using a small circular motion on each tooth.

2.    Spend about 10 seconds on each tooth before moving onto next tooth, brushing in a set pattern so that you don’t miss any teeth

3.    Gently brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires. Ensure that you brush under the wires.

4.    Brush both the inside and the outside surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion on each tooth.

5.    For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.

6.    Spit out excess paste then closely inspect your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that they are clean and shinny.

7.    Occasionally use plaque disclosing tablets to help you see if you are leaving plaque in any areas. Disclosing tablets can be purchased from pharmacies.

8.    Use other oral care products as instructed by your doctor or dental professional.




‘Protecting and maintaining your healthy smile while wearing braces’






17 August 2011

小宝贝看牙三部曲~





=前奏= 看诊前,家长可藉由相关书籍或影片,协助小宝贝初步了解看牙的目的和简易流程。

=首部曲= 在诊所透过解说,示范,赞美 ,奖励等方式提高小宝贝接受治疗的意愿和勇气。

=二部曲= 必要时,医师会稍提高音调,或请家长离开,针对尖叫或手足挥舞的小宝贝,则会短时间内压制肢体或盖嘴巴,将其导入治疗情境。

=三部曲= 当以上方式未见效,为安全起见束缚板或镇静剂或全身麻醉可供选择。

=谢幕= 不管过程中如何,小宝贝总算是度过了一场身心挑战,看诊后请不吝啬大力称赞既肯定小朋友的努力。
·        
  • 原则上医师欢迎家长陪同参与孩子的整个医疗过程。
  •  但有少数孩子在家长陪同下反而会表现过度依赖撒娇,而导致治疗无法顺利进行。
  • 当家长本身有不良的看牙经验,情绪较易紧张,或积极呵护时,孩子往往不易进入医师营造的治疗情境,无法定下心来,反而消耗孩子的耐心和勇气,增加治疗的困难度。
  • 请相信:给孩子多点空间,对孩子多点信心,他/她会表现得更好!
**感谢安徒生牙医诊所提供以上资料与图片!




展览柜
安徒生牙医诊所(台湾)




诊疗室
儿童X光室
合照

11 August 2011

恒牙杀手---牙周病


牙周病十分普遍,是令大部分成年人牙齿脱落的原因,可说是“恒牙杀手”。如果你发觉刷牙时牙龈牙肉流血,你可能已患上牙周病。这种病是影响牙齿周围组织的一种慢性疾病,由黏附在牙齿表面的牙垢膜引起。牙垢膜是一层肉眼很难察觉的细菌薄膜,若不清洁牙齿,它就会长时间积聚在牙龈贴近牙齿的边缘。牙垢膜里的细菌会分泌毒素,刺激牙床和牙齿周围的组织,引致牙周病。此外,牙垢膜还会被唾液钙化,形成牙石。牙石的粗糙表面能让牙垢进一步积聚,是使牙周病恶化。
这是健康的牙齿以及牙龈

成因
牙垢膜是导致牙周病的主因,若不彻底清除牙垢膜,就有机会患上牙周病。但具备下列因素会比正常人更容易患上牙周病。
  •    吸烟

吸烟会降低身体的抵抗力、减弱口腔组织的康复能力,所以吸烟者患上牙周病的机会比非吸烟者高出五倍。
  •  牙齿排列不整齐

牙齿排列不整齐会使牙垢膜容易积藏。牙齿咬合不正常也加快破坏牙齿周围组织。
  • 戴假牙

牙垢膜及食物渣滓容易积聚在假牙与牙龈之间的空隙,引致牙周病。
  •  磨牙

这类不良习惯会加速破坏牙齿周围的组织及容易引发牙周病。
  • 压力

压力减低对疾病的抵抗力,包括牙周病。
  •  糖尿病、尿毒症、白血病、坏血病等疾病

这些疾病会减低牙齿周围的组织抗细菌的能力,容易引起牙周病。

症状
  • 轻微的牙周病

  1. 牙龈边缘红肿
  2. 少量牙石形成
  3. 刷牙时牙龈容易出血

=每日刷牙,彻底清除牙垢膜=

  •  中度牙周病

  1. 牙龈边缘严重红肿,并有萎缩的现象,牙根部分露出,是牙齿看起来更长了
  2. 牙石和牙垢膜大量积聚
  3. 刷牙时牙龈经常出血
  4. 可能有口臭
=请牙医为您清除牙齿的牙垢膜和牙石=
=每日刷牙时彻底清除牙垢膜=

  •     严重牙周病

  1. 牙周围组织萎缩加剧,牙齿看起来越来      越长
  2. 牙龈边缘会有脓液渗出
  3. 牙齿失去支撑、变松、移位,使牙齿之间出现空隙,造成假牙或牙齿咬合位置改变
  4. 有口臭现象
  5. 牙齿可能会脱落

=履行激光治疗或牙周手术,使牙周袋消失=
=每日彻底清除牙垢膜,以控制病情=

预防指南
  • 早晚刷牙,要清洁牙面,还要洗刷牙根
  • 2个月更换新牙刷,若发现牙刷使用不足2个月刷毛已变形,可能是刷牙时太用力
  • 使用牙线,彻底清洁牙刷不能触及的位置
  • 每年接受2次牙科例行检查
  • 糖尿病人、心脏病患者、孕妇更需要按身体和口腔的健康情况,定期接受牙科检查;不要待问题出现时才找牙医,病情越严重,治疗手术复杂,费用也高