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Medicine Talk
Tooth Talk
by Dr. Grayson A. Pierson, DDS
Answers to Frequently Asked Dental Questions
What causes bad breath and what can be done about it?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, but also can
be caused by retained food particles, gum disease, drainage from sinus dripping,
or respiratory or gastrointestinal problems. Proper brushing, including brushing the
tongue, cheeks, and roof of mouth, will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing
removes accumulated bacteria, plaque and food that is trapped between teeth.
Mouth rinses are effective for temporary relief of bad breath.
Health
Clinic
Diabetes Day
Diabetes Day is the last Thursday
of each month. It’s a chance for diabetic
patients to receive medical care.
Dr. Prins, a foot specialist, offers
additional services on that day. Medical,
lab, optometry, and dental services also
are available.
Upcoming Diabetes Days
Feb. 24 and March 30
Call the clinic for your appointment
541-444-1030 .
Why should I floss?
Flossing is the one most important step in oral care that people forget to do or
Use Safe Sleep Clothes
claim they don’t have time for. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance
of keeping your teeth for a lifetime and decrease your chance of having periodontal
Most fatal fires happen between
or gum disease. Flossing cleans away the plaque from between your teeth, |
decreases the chance of interproximal decay, and increases blood circulation in I midnight and 6 a.m., when children are
I in bed. Teach children to get below the
the gums.
I smoke if there is a fire. If they are in bed,
J they should roll out and crawl to the door.
My gums bleed when I brush or floss. What does that mean?
Bleeding gums is an early indicator of gingivitis, or swollen gums. If this condition ¡They should cover their noses and
is left untreated, it can develop into periodontal or gum disease. Flossing and । mouths with a cloth, such as a pillowcase
brushing several times a day can bring this condition under control. By continuing । or favorite blanket. Move quickly to a safe
proper brushing techniques and flossing, you can reverse gingivitis within two to । meeting place outdoors.
I
Did you know that tight-fitting
three weeks.
| sleep clothes are safer in fires than
I loose-fitting sleep clothes? Buy flame-
How long should I brush my teeth?
You should brush your teeth at least 2-3 minutes twice a day. Brush your teeth I resistant and snug-fitting sleep clothes
I with wrist and ankle cuffs to help keep
for the length of a song on the radio, the right amount of time to get the best results
I out fire and smoke. Children should not
from brushing. Unfortunately, most Americans brush for only 45-60 seconds twice
J sleep in oversized T-shirts or bathrobes.
a day.
When I cannot brush my teeth, is there anything that I can do to slow
down acid production?
Rinse your mouth with water after a meal or snack to neutralize acids and
reduce bacteria by 30 percent. You can also wipe your teeth with a napkin as a
temporary measure until you can use your toothbrush.
What can I do about sensitive teeth?
You can reduce tooth sensitivity by using a desensitizing toothpaste, having
your dentist apply sealants and other desensitizing ionization and filling materials
including fluoride, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods. Tarter control
toothpaste will sometimes cause teeth to be sensitive as well as drinking diet soft
drinks throughout the day.
What types of foods are bad for my teeth?
Foods that are sticky, such as dried fruit, fruit juice and candy, contain high
amounts of sugar, requiring a longer time for the saliva to neutralize and remove
these foods from the tooth surface. Foods that are good and healthy for the body
are generally good and healthy for your teeth. Look for foods that are high in fiber
and increase saliva production, such as apples. These foods tend to cleanse
the teeth.
14
Medication Refills
Please use the pharmacy’s 24-
hour refill line to request your
medicine - 444-9624. When you notice
your medicine is getting low, call in your
refill request. You can even do this in the
middle of the night or on weekends. The
machine is on at all times.
Be sure to allow 72 hours (three
days) for your refills. Many prescriptions
need your doctor’s approval for refill. If
your doctor works part-time, this may
mean extra time is needed. You do not
need to call again. If you allow three
days, your medicine will be ready