Using the TePe Supreme™ toothbrush is similar to all manual toothbrush instructions.
1. Look at the angle of the toothbrush. Place your toothbrush bristles towards your gums at a 45-degree angle so that the bristles sweep along the gumline using small back and forth motions.
2. Cover all the surfaces. Make sure you brush systematically, starting with the inside, then continuing with the outside and the chewing surfaces.
3. Focus on the gums. Look in the mirror to ensure that you place the brush properly. Remember to focus on where the tooth meets the gums because this is where harmful bacteria that causes dental disease resides.
This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the TePe Supreme™ toothbrush.
]]>Cavities or tooth decay forms when the bacteria in the mouth eat the available sugars and produce acid, which breaks down the outer layer, the enamel, of the tooth. The cavity can then progress to the inner layers until it reaches the nerve and blood supply of the tooth. Cavities often develop between the teeth and in the presence of deep grooves.
There are nerve endings throughout the layers of the tooth. You may experience different levels of pain depending on your pain threshold and what nerve endings are exposed from the cavity.
Early detection and intervention is important. Regular dental check-ups can help identify cavities in their early stages before they transform into something bigger.
Regular dental checkups in combination with your own homecare and nutrition are crucial in maintaining oral health. Start by using TePe products and interdental brushes to get one step closer to a healthy mouth!
]]>Here are some fast facts about tobacco use from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020):
Smoking changes the way your teeth look and function, and can even effect your mouth (ADA, 2024).
The best way to ensure optimal oral health (and overall) is to stop smoking. This can be done with support and a plan. It takes time and commitment. At your next dental visit ask for suggestions and support.
Read More:
Smoking | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
]]>Here are 3 steps for brushing with a manual toothbrush.
Here are some additional tips when it comes to brushing your teeth.
Brushing your teeth is only part of your daily oral care routine. It is also important to clean between your teeth daily using interdental brushes, because a toothbrush simply cannot reach this area. Regular dental checkups in combination with your own homecare are crucial in maintaining oral health.
Read More: Brushing Your Teeth | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
]]>Sealants offer an additional preventive measure to keep teeth healthy. Dental sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) that can prevent cavities for many years. In fact, school-age children (ages 6-11) without dental sealants have almost 3 times as many cavities in the first molars as children who do have sealants (CDC, 2021).
Who needs dental sealants? Your dental professional will evaluate teeth to see if your child is at a high risk for cavities to develop or there are deep pits and grooves in the back teeth. Often, sealants are applied as soon as the adult back teeth appear. The first adult molars appear around age 6, and second adult molars come in around age 12. The teeth can be treated later, as long as the teeth are still healthy.
How are sealants applied? This procedure does not require numbing of the area and can be completed in a brief amount of time.
What is the dental sealant material? It is usually a tooth-colored plastic resin material. It may not exactly match the natural tooth color, but it’s only applied to the chewing surface of back teeth. It is not noticeable.
How long does a dental sealant last? Sealants will wear out over time but it can be repaired or replaced if it cracks or chips. It is important for your dental professional to continually check the sealant at each visit.
Read More:
Sealants | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
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Symptoms of Tooth Injuries
Your child may experience bleeding, pain, or sensitivity when a tooth is injured. The tooth may also change to a darker color if the inner part of the tooth is affected. Typically it is the front teeth that get injured.
Types of Tooth Injuries
How to Manage the Tooth Injury
No matter what, remain calm and reassure your child that you can help.
Preventing Tooth Injuries
While the area is healing it is still important to remove plaque twice a day with brushing. You want to use a very soft toothbrush. TePe offers TePe Special Care™ Compact with ultra-soft bristles. It is always best to consult your dental professional when deciding how to care for areas that are tender.
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TePe offers different sizes of toothbrushes for the different stages of growth. For your child, you can get started with the TePe Mini™ toothbrush, developed for use from the first tooth to the age of 3 years old. Once your child continues to grow, you can transition to the TePe Kids™ toothbrush. This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the toothbrush.
With TePe Mini™ it is easy to start brushing from the very first tooth. It is recommended for children from 0 to 3 years of age.
TePe Kids™ is a little larger than TePe Mini and suits children after 3 years of age.
TePe Colour™ Compact with colored bristles suits children after 3 years of age.
TePe Compact Tuft™ with an angled neck and a small, rounded tuft, makes it easy to clean the biting surfaces of emerging teeth.
]]>Establishing good oral habits at a young age is the first step to healthy teeth, the whole life through. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children in the United States (CDC, 2022). “More than half (52%) of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth. And more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth” (CDC, 2022).
The good news is that cavities are preventable. It is important to establish good nutrition and oral hygiene practices at a young age.
Read more: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/bam/child-development/child-oral-health.htm]]>
TePe Gentle Care™ is slightly firmer than TePe Special Care™. This brush is ideal while tissue continues to heal and before transitioning back to your standard toothbrush. The neck of the brush can be angled in hot water for better access. When deciding to use this toothbrush, it is best to consult with your dental professional before using, especially around tender areas in the mouth.
When using the Gentle Care toothbrush place the bristles towards your gums at a 45-degree angle so that the bristles sweep along the gumline and then slowly move it around your mouth in small incremental back and forth motions. Look in the mirror to ensure that you place the brush properly.
This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the TePe Gentle Care™.
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Did you know that brushing alone only removes about 60% of the plaque on your teeth? The rest of the plaque is found BETWEEN your teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It must be removed regularly, or it can cause gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath.
TePe® Interdental Brush Original comes in nine sizes, which might seem overwhelming at first. We recommend asking your dental professional to help you find the correct size or to find your most suitable size yourself using a TePe® Interdental Brush Original Mixed Pack.
Start with a small brush size and change to a bigger one if you don’t feel any resistance from the bristles. Do not force the brush into a space; work it in gently or choose a smaller size. Often, you need more than one brush size, because the spaces between your teeth differ throughout your mouth.
We have created a sizing guide to get you started.
Watch this video for more information on interdental brushes and how to use them!
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As a general recommendation,
Everyone should brush for 2 minutes twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day.
Is it better to clean between the teeth or brush the teeth first?
The quick answer is that either way is acceptable, because you are cleaning different surfaces of the teeth.
When you ask friends, family, or even dental professionals what is the best method they may start explaining based on their own personal experiences. Some people like to floss before brushing to better ensure that any material between teeth is swept out of the mouth. Others prefer to first brush before working with floss between their teeth (ADA, 2021).
There is limited research on this topic. In a systematic review published in 2022 it concludes flossing before or after brushing has no significant effect on reducing dental plaque (Silva et al., 2022). Whereas, a randomized controlled trial published in 2018 concludes that flossing followed by brushing is preferred to brushing then flossing in order to reduce interdental plaque (Mazhari et al., 2018). This sequence was also found to increase fluoride concentration delivered from the toothpaste, which makes your tooth enamel stronger, making it easier to resist decay.
Below are reasons why flossing first could be beneficial:
Read more: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/floss
References:
Silva C, Albuquerque P, de Assis P, Lopes C, Anníbal H, Lago MCA, Braz R. Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dent Hyg. 2022 Feb;20(1):18-25. doi: 10.1111/idh.12546. Epub 2021 Aug 24. PMID: 34402188.
Mazhari, F., Boskabady, M., Moeintaghavi, A., & Habibi, A. (2018). The effect of toothbrushing and flossing sequence on interdental plaque reduction and fluoride retention: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of periodontology, 89(7), 824–832.
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When using the bridge and implant floss, you can soak the spongy middle portion in a mouth rinse if desired.
Insert one stiff end between the teeth or under your prothesis, for example a bridge or implant retained denture. Wrap the floss against the tooth, implant or prothesis, and move up and down a couple times to remove plaque. The floss is wide and spongy for efficient cleaning. This is a one-time use disposable floss.
This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the TePe® Bridge and Implant Floss.
]]>Have you considered making goals related to your oral health? Below are some ideas for improving your oral health at home. Let us face the challenge with a renewed sense of hope that comes with a fresh start!
Remember your teeth are not only about appearance and facial structure, but they also help us chew, speak, and a healthy smile will bring you confidence. We believe you can achieve your oral health goals for 2024!
]]>TePe EasyPick™ is an easy and efficient way to clean between your teeth on the go. It is flexible, durable, and comfortable on your gums. There are 3 different sizes to meet the different spaces between your teeth.
A healthy mouth has no bleeding. Bleeding is not normal. Bleeding is a sign of infection.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Inflamed gums (gingivitis) are often red, swollen, bleed, and are tender. If left untreated, gingivitis may progress. Periodontitis occurs when there is loss of bone that supports the teeth. This will put you at a greater risk for tooth loss.
The disease starts with a sticky film called dental plaque that forms on your teeth, especially along the gumline and between the teeth. When plaque accumulates in these areas it causes gum inflammation leading to gum disease.
What should I do if I notice my gums are bleeding?
It is important to visit the dentist regularly. Bleeding is a sign of infection, but there are many different risk factors that can contribute. Your dental professional will evaluate your entire medical history. Fluctuating hormones, stress, medications, and poor nutrition are some examples of risk factors that can impact your inflammatory response. Your dental professional will determine what professional services you need to get your mouth back to a healthy state.
Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day. You may have crowded teeth or different dental restorations (i.e., crowns, bridges, implants), so it is important to discuss with your dental professional what products would be best for you.
]]>How do sweet foods and beverages cause cavities?
When you eat sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in the mouth feed on the available sugars and produce acid, which breaks down the outer layer, the enamel, of the tooth. Cavities often develop between the teeth and in the presence of deep grooves.
Frequent snacking or constant exposure to sugar increases the risk of developing a cavity. Continually snacking throughout the day gives the bacteria a constant food source, and acid is repeatedly produced causing the enamel to break down to form a cavity. Limit sugary drinks and food to only mealtimes to allow your mouth the time it needs to return to a healthy state.
5 tips to stay cavity free during the holiday season.
Here are some examples of where research has identified a correlation between oral and general health.
Periodontitis activates the immune and inflammatory system, which results in systemic inflammation. With this correlation to systemic inflammation, we know that this has a negative effect on the overall body. Let’s take a closer look at some of these diseases.
Heart Disease: Several studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart disease, with inflammation being responsible for this association. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. (AAP, 2022)
Respiratory Disease: Research has found that bacteria associated with periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs and contribute to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. (AAP, 2022)
Alzheimer’s Disease: Studies have found a connection between bacteria associated with periodontal disease and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria may be able to travel to the brain, contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. (AAP, 2022)
Read more:
https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-and-other-diseases/
www.tepe.com/share/search-for-information/discover-how-oral-health-effects-your-body
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Did you know November is American Diabetes Month to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, promote healthy living, and ensure people are aware of risk factors.
What is Diabetes?
When we eat or drink carbohydrates, they are broken down to glucose and released into our blood. For the glucose to be able to enter our cells and fuel our bodies, a hormone called insulin, made by our pancreas, is needed.
However, with type 1 diabetes, no insulin is produced. With type 2 diabetes, not enough insulin is produced and/or it doesn’t work effectively. In both cases, because glucose can’t get into your cells, it builds up in your blood.
Common symptoms may include urinating often, feeling very thirsty or hungry, extreme fatigue, blurry vision or delayed wound healing.
Risk factors for diabetes
The link between your mouth and diabetes.
The health of your mouth has a bidirectional relationship with diabetes. This means that if you have an elevated blood sugar level you are likely to have a propensity towards periodontal disease, and if you have periodontal disease this can directly relate to increased blood sugar levels. Those who undergo periodontal treatment and practice effective oral hygiene daily have decreased blood sugar levels for several months.
It is essential to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day!
Read more: www.diabetes.org/community/american-diabetes-month
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
]]>TePe Interspace™ comes with 12 removable brush heads.
The TePe Interspace™ brush is great for areas such as furcations, behind the last tooth, around implants, fixed braces and much more. First, locate the area you want to clean. Look in the mirror and decide what angle would work best for you to access the hard-to-reach area. Decide which side of the handle you would like the brush. Screw the brush head on to the desired side. Then gently move the bristles back and forth for plaque disruption.
This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the TePe Interspace™.
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When you lose bone, it can change your appearance and impact your quality of life. Typical signs and symptoms related to bone loss include:
Early causes of jawbone loss are often associated with missing teeth or advanced gum disease. Here are some common reasons that cause bone loss around teeth.
It is important to regularly visit your dental professional for exams to evaluate your bone levels. This will ensure you have a healthy foundation for your teeth.
]]>Every person is different. Some people have all 4—two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw—but some people have more, fewer, or none. If there is room for all of them to come through the gums, they can help with chewing.
Is there room in my mouth for my wisdom teeth?
Many people don’t have enough space for wisdom teeth to come through the gums or they come through in the wrong position. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, it simply means they are trapped in your jawbone under the gums.
What problems can wisdom teeth create?
When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
If you have been advised by a dental professional to get your wisdom teeth removed, it is better to do this at an early age. The roots of wisdom teeth are still forming when you are a teenager, so it is easier to take them out. Also, younger jawbone often heals and recovers faster. The longer you wait, the more problems can occur.
Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as: (ADA, 2023)
First a dentist will examine your mouth and take an x-ray. Together, you and your dentist can discuss the best course of treatment.
TePe tool for cleaning partially erupted wisdom teeth:
TePe Compact Tuft™ is a dome-shaped tuft with tightly packed short bristles that gives a firm feel.
When using on the top of the tooth, hold the brush tip at a 90-degree angle towards the biting surface of the tooth. Move the brush tip gently with small, circular movements. This will clean the grooves and help prevent cavities. This works great for partially erupted teeth.
Read More: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth
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So, why not start in areas that are more difficult to brush and then leave the easier-to-reach areas for last, when we have most likely switched to autopilot brushing? For example, start brushing those hard to reach inside surfaces of your teeth, continue with the outside and finish by brushing the chewing surfaces.
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Using the TePe Nova brush is similar to all manual toothbrush instructions.
This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the TePe Nova™ toothbrush.
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When visiting your dental professional, it is much more than a teeth cleaning. Your mouth and body are connected. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pneumonia, arthritis, preterm birth/ low birth weight, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, and osteoporosis are examples where research has identified a correlation between oral and general health.
Every October is National Dental Hygiene Month. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) initiates a national campaign to celebrate and recognize the role dental hygienists play in improving the health of their patients, as well as spread awareness about the importance of oral health.
During this month the goal is to:
Remember this month to show your dental hygienist some appreciation!
]]>Maintaining their oral health is essential for life. Getting them to brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between their teeth can be challenging. Here are a few tips on teaching kids to brush.
Children start getting their adult teeth at the age of 6, and these teeth are meant to stay with them forever. It is important to cultivate positive oral hygiene habits into their daily routines.
TePe toothbrushes for children have extra soft or soft bristles and a small, tapered brush head to fit small mouths. The handle suits a small hand, and it is also convenient for the adult helping the child to brush. Bright colors and nice prints make toothbrushing more fun.
With TePe Mini™ it is easy to start brushing from the very first tooth. It is recommended for children from 0 to 3-4 years of age.
TePe Kids™ is a little larger than TePe Mini and suits children after 3 years of age.
TePe Colour™ Compact with colored bristles suits children after 3 years of age.
TePe Compact Tuft™ with an angled neck and a small, rounded tuft, makes it easy to clean the biting surfaces of emerging teeth.
TePe offers different sizes of toothbrushes for the different stages of growth. This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the toothbrush.
Read More: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/life-stages/babies-and-kids/fun-ways-to-encourage-kids-to-brush
]]>4 Step Routine for orthodontic care.
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Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. It starts with plaque buildup on the teeth, which, if not removed promptly through regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth, can lead to the formation of tartar (hardened plaque). The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gums, leading to the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that results in bone loss. This can lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health issues.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and the placement of dental implants. After completing dental school, periodontists undergo several years of additional training in periodontal procedures and surgical techniques. This specialized knowledge and experience make them experts in handling various gum-related issues effectively.
When you visit a periodontist, they will start by conducting a thorough examination of your gums and teeth. They will check for signs of inflammation, recession, pocket formation (spaces between the gums and teeth),and assess the level of tartar buildup. X-rays will also be taken to evaluate the bone supporting the teeth and to detect any hidden issues. Your dental professional will review your medical history and any other possible contributing risk factors.
The treatment approach recommended by the periodontist will depend on the severity of the gum disease and the patient's individual needs. Here are some common treatment options:
In the early stages of gum disease, a thorough professional cleaning called scaling and root planing may be sufficient. This process involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces to prevent bacterial buildup.
2. Periodontal Surgery
In advanced cases, where gum disease has caused significant damage, periodontal surgery may be required. Some common surgical procedures include flap surgery (lifting the gums to clean the roots and repositioning them) and bone grafts (to regenerate lost bone structure).
3. Dental Implants
For patients who have experienced tooth loss due to gum disease, a periodontist can place dental implants to replace the missing teeth effectively.
4. Ongoing Maintenance
After treatment, the periodontist will work closely with the patient to develop a personalized maintenance plan. Regular check-ups and cleanings are essential to monitor progress and ensure the disease does not return.
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to gum disease. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth and implants, for example using TePe interdental brushes, are crucial components of a comprehensive oral care routine.
Periodontists play a pivotal role in treating gum disease, ensuring patients receive the specialized care they need to combat this prevalent condition. If you suspect gum disease or have any concerns about your oral health, don't hesitate to consult with an experienced periodontist.
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Using the TePe® Implant Orthodontic Brush improves reach for narrow areas. When using this brush toward the gums, place your toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle so that the bristles sweep along the gumline and then slowly move in small back and forth motions. This method also works well for hybrid dentures to access the narrow area at the height of the inside of the cheek.
When using this brush for orthodontics, place the bristles under the wire and move back and forth. You will use the brush from above, then clean the brackets, and then clean under the wire to ensure all areas have plaque removal.
This video will guide you in understanding the features of the product and how to use the TePe® Implant Orthodontic Brush.
]]> Causes of bad breath
There are many causes of bad breath and one of them is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria build-ups around and between your teeth can cause an unpleasant odor. These bacteria also produce acid when you eat and can lead to cavities.
If you suffer from gum inflammation (gingivitis) or loosening of teeth (periodontitis), your mouth contains an extra amount of bacteria that contribute to bad breath. In these cases, professional treatment of the diseases is necessary to help cure bad breath.
Bacteria also thrive on the top surface of the tongue and reducing these bacteria is an important part of treating bad breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by strongly flavored food and strong-smelling drinks such as coffee and alcohol. Bad breath caused by eating and drinking is often temporary. Medication and some medical conditions may be a source of bad breath, contact your health professional for advice.
Treating bad breath
Depending on the cause of your bad breath the treatment can vary. Usually, good oral hygiene is effective – cleaning your gums and teeth twice a day, as well as cleaning between your teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss. Use a tongue cleaner to prevent the build-up of bacteria on your tongue and reduce bad breath.
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups of your oral hygiene. Your dentist can recommend you the best way to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy and will help you remove plaque build-up.
How to prevent bad breath The most efficient way to prevent bad breath is to maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine.
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Did you know that cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States, possibly leading to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning?
Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t (CDC, 2019). The good news is that cavities are preventable.
4 Tips for Clean Teeth When Returning Back to School
Cleaning around braces or orthodontic appliances can be easier with tools designed to reach those hard-to-reach areas. The TePe Compact Tuft™ removes plaque around the brackets effectively, while TePe® Interdental Brushes Original clean between the teeth going under the wire.
Read More: www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health
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