1- Nothing is more important than proper brushing twice a day . Night brushing is necessary to remove the plaque and acidic food stuck throughout the day
2- Proper brushing
Improper brushing results in injury to the teeth in addition to having no effect on cleaning. Brushing horizontally with excessive force results in abrasion of teeth. Hence visist a dentist and learn the right technique to brush different areas of the mouth.
3-Fluoride tooth paste
Use a tooth paste containing fluoride to minimise the dental decay
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) And QUESTIONS WHICH PATIENTS HAVE ASKED US
Q1. Why is night brushing more important than morning brushing or as important?
Night brushing is crucial because food particles and plaque accumulate throughout the day. Brushing before sleep prevents acid attacks and cavities from developing overnight.
Q2. What is the correct way to brush my teeth?
The best technique is the Modified Bass Technique — hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and use gentle circular motions. Avoid scrubbing horizontally, as it can cause gum recession and enamel wear.
Q3. How long should I brush my teeth each time?
Brush for two minutes, covering all surfaces — outer, inner, and chewing areas.
Q4. Can brushing too hard damage my teeth?
Yes. Brushing aggressively with force can cause abrasion, tooth sensitivity, and even gum damage.
Q5. Is fluoride toothpaste safe for daily use?
Yes. Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Dentists in Kuwait, including at Dr. Thomas Dental Clinic, recommend fluoride toothpaste for all ages (except children under 2).
Q6. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Q7. Should I use a manual or electric toothbrush?
Both work well if used correctly. However, electric toothbrushes help many patients maintain consistent pressure and technique.
Q8. Does mouthwash replace brushing?
No. Mouthwash can freshen breath and reduce bacteria, but it should be used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as a substitute.
Q9. Why do my gums bleed when brushing?
Bleeding gums usually indicate gingivitis (gum inflammation). Visit your dentist immediately if this persists — early treatment prevents gum disease.
Q10. How often should I visit a dentist in Kuwait for check-ups?
It’s recommended to visit a dentist every 6 months for professional cleaning and oral health checks. At Dr. Thomas Dental Clinic in Salmiya, Kuwait, we provide personalized dental care for all age groups.
DIET
In general, avoid anything very hard or sticky! These foods may loosen bands or break off brackets from the teeth causing damage and delay in your treatment. Cut your foods into small pieces and chew slowly and carefully to avoid breaking, bending or loosening your appliances (braces). Almost any- thing can be eaten as long as it is cut into small pieces and eaten slowly with care.
Specifically, avoid eating the following:
Chewing gum, candy, apples,
taffy, peanut brittle, caramels, tootsie rolls, hard candies, gummy bears.
🍏 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) And QUESTIONS WHICH PATIENTS HAVE ASKED US
Q1. What foods should I avoid while wearing braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods like gum, caramel, hard candies, brittle peanut, and gummy bears. These can loosen or break brackets and wires.
Q2. Can I eat apples if I have braces?
Yes, but never bite into a whole apple. Always cut apples into small pieces and chew carefully to protect your braces.
Q3. Why should I avoid sticky foods with braces?
Sticky foods get trapped around braces and are difficult to clean, which can cause tooth decay and appliance damage.
Q4. Can I chew gum if I have braces?
No. Gum can stick to wires and brackets, pulling them loose and delaying treatment.
Q5. What snacks are safe to eat with braces?
Soft foods like yogurt, bananas, cheese, boiled vegetables, rice, and pasta are safe options.
Q6. How should I eat hard foods like carrots or nuts with braces?
Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces and chew slowly. Never bite directly into hard foods.
Q7. What happens if I eat something I’m not supposed to?
If you accidentally break or loosen your braces, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist at Dr. Thomas Dental Clinic, Salmiya, Kuwait.
Q8. Can I still enjoy sweets during orthodontic treatment?
Yes, but choose soft sweets in moderation and brush your teeth immediately afterward to avoid cavities.
Q9. Is it okay to drink soda or sugary drinks with braces?
Limit sodas and sugary drinks as they increase the risk of tooth decay and staining around brackets. Use a straw if necessary.
Q10. How can I maintain good oral hygiene while eating with braces?
Brush after every meal, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash. Regular visits to your orthodontist in Kuwait help ensure smooth treatment progress.
Importance of Baby teeth
Primary teeth or baby teeth are essential to infants or small kids as
healthy permanent teeth are to older children and adults. Baby teeth not only help children speak
clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in growth of jaws and forms a path that permanent
teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
So in order to to keep your child's teeth healthy without cavities and any other oral health
problems , here are few things your dentist want you to know and follow.
1. Clean the gums
-Starting from birth, wipe your baby's gum with a clean damp cloth or gauze pad everyday.
Q1. Why are baby teeth important if they eventually fall out?
Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly, and guide permanent teeth into the correct position. Early care ensures healthy development.
Q2. When should I start cleaning my baby’s mouth?
You should begin cleaning your baby’s gums from birth using a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad daily.
Q3. At what age should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
As soon as the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Q4. How often should children brush their teeth?
Brush twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed — under parental supervision until they can brush properly on their own.
Q5. When should my baby visit the dentist for the first time?
The first dental visit should be scheduled by the child’s first birthday or within 6 months after the first tooth appears.
Q6. Can breastfeeding or bottle-feeding cause cavities?
Yes. Frequent nighttime feeding without cleaning teeth can cause baby bottle tooth decay. Always wipe gums or brush teeth after feeding.
Q7. Should I use fluoride toothpaste for babies?
Yes, but only a rice grain-sized smear for children under 3 years old, and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3–6.
Q8. What foods should I avoid giving my baby for healthy teeth?
Limit sugary drinks, juices, and sticky snacks that can increase the risk of cavities. Encourage water and a balanced diet.
Q9. What if my child’s teeth come in crooked or late?
It’s normal for eruption timing to vary. If you’re concerned, consult your pediatric dentist at Dr. Thomas Dental Clinic in Salmiya, Kuwait for evaluation.
Q10. How can parents prevent cavities in baby teeth?
Ensure proper cleaning, limited sugar intake, fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental visits. Early prevention saves future dental problems.
Q11. How often should one get a dental whitening?
Teeth whitening frequency depends on your oral habits and the type of whitening:
Professional in-clinic whitening – usually lasts 12 to 18 months.
Q12. Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Modern dental X-rays use very low radiation, and at Dr. Thomas Dental Clinic, we use digital X-rays for maximum safety and precision.
Q13. What should I do if I have a toothache at night?
Rinse with warm salt water, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible. Avoid applying aspirin directly on the gums.
Q14. How can I prevent bad breath?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, clean your tongue, and drink enough water. Persistent bad breath may indicate gum disease or other dental issues, so consult us if it continues.
Q15. Can teeth whitening damage my teeth?
Professional teeth whitening is safe when done under dentist supervision. At-home kits can cause sensitivity if misused, so always consult our clinic first.
Q16. Do I need to remove wisdom teeth?
Not always. If wisdom teeth are impacted, painful, or crowding other teeth, removal is necessary. Our dentists in Salmiya can evaluate with X-rays.
Q17. What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitivity may be due to enamel wear, gum recession, cavities, or grinding teeth. A dental check-up will identify the cause and treatment options.
Q18. How do I know if I have gum disease?
Early signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, swelling, or loose teeth. Regular dental visits help detect and treat gum disease early.
Q19. Is dental treatment painful?
Most treatments are painless due to modern anesthesia and technology. At Dr. Thomas Dental Clinic, we focus on gentle and stress-free care.
Q20. How can I protect my teeth if I play sports?
Use a custom-fitted mouthguard. It protects teeth from injury and is especially important for children and athletes.
It is advised to have your child s first dental visit as soon the first tooth appear in the mouth and no later than first birthday. The pediatric dentist can guide you on how to take proper care of your child's dental health and avoid lot of future problems.
Crown & Bridge
Crowns are caps or coverings made on the top surface of teeth especially in root canal treated teeth to prevent fracture. Bridges are artificial teeth used to replace missing natural teeth.
Implants
Implants are the latest entrants into this field to replace missing natural teeth. Titanium screws are inserted into the bone and after a waiting period of 3 months.
Removable Dentures
When all the teeth are missing full dentures are the only economic solution. When one or more teeth are present removable partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth.
Smile Designing & Veneers
Who doesn’t want to exhibit a pleasing smile?. A pleasing smile can brighten up any occasion. But due to misplaced teeth and darker colour of teeth at times they fail to give the desired result.
Paediatric Treatments
Dental treatment of children are done in a pleasing , stressfree atmosphere with various distraction techniques to help the kids to undergo treatment with minimum fear.
Gum Treatments
Large number of people in their old age are affected by deseases of the gums called gingivitis, periodontitis, mobility of teeth etc.