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  • ภาษาไทย
    • โครงการ
  • Home
  • Donate
  • About
    • Mission
    • Meet Our Team
    • Grantors & Sponsors
    • Reports
  • Prevention and Advice
    • Mouth Problems
  • Programs
    • Smiles in Flight Spotlight Showcase
    • Dental Health Clinics
    • Explore Programs in the U.S.
    • Educational Scholarships
    • Asian American Pacific Islander Senior Dental Health Initiative
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • News
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Professionals
    • Become a Sponsor
  • Contact Us
  • ภาษาไทย
    • โครงการ

​Prevention and Advice

Denture Care Tips – Quick Guide
How often should I clean my dentures?
Clean them daily, ideally after meals. At minimum, clean thoroughly once a day.
How should I clean them?
Brush and soak daily using a non-abrasive denture cleaner (not toothpaste). Always clean over water or a towel to prevent breakage if dropped.
Important tips:
  • Brush all surfaces gently, especially areas that contact your gums.
  • Soak daily in a denture-cleaning solution—follow product instructions.
  • Don’t use bleach or hot water, which can damage dentures.
Special care for:
  • Soft linings: Ask your dentist before using any cleaners.
  • Metal dentures: Use only dentist-approved products.
At night:
Remove dentures unless your dentist advises otherwise.
Professional cleaning:
Visit your dentist to remove tartar or stubborn stains.
Regular check-ups:
Even without natural teeth, dental visits help catch oral health issues early.
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​Bad Breath – Quick Guide
How can I tell if I have bad breath?
Watch for reactions from others, or lick your wrist and smell it. Ask a close friend for honesty.
What causes bad breath?
  • Bacteria on teeth, gums, and tongue
  • Food particles left in the mouth
  • Gum disease or tooth decay
  • Strong-smelling foods (garlic, onions)
  • Smoking
  • Medical conditions like dry mouth, infections, or diabetes
Can smoking cause bad breath?
Yes. It also stains teeth, reduces taste, and increases disease risk. Quitting helps.
How can I prevent it?
  • Brush teeth and tongue twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between teeth daily
  • Use mouthwash with antibacterial ingredients
  • Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva
  • Clean dentures daily if you wear them
  • Visit your dentist regularly
Will mouthwash help?
It can help, but shouldn't be a substitute for good hygiene. If used often, check for underlying issues.
How can my dentist help?
They can check for dental or medical causes, clean hard-to-reach areas, and advise on care routines.
How to tell someone they have bad breath?
Be kind and discreet. If unsure, consider telling a close relative or leaving helpful info where they’ll see it.

​Children’s Teeth – Quick Guide
When should my child see the dentist?
As soon as baby teeth appear—ideally by their first birthday. Visit regularly as advised by your dentist to build comfort and routine.
When do teeth come in?
  • Baby teeth: Start around 6 months, all in by 2.5 years
  • Adult teeth: Start around age 6, usually all in by age 14 (except wisdom teeth, which may appear 18–25)
How should I clean their teeth?
  • Use a small-headed brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (1000+ ppm) up to age 3
  • From age 3, use a pea-sized amount with 1350–1500 ppm fluoride
  • Brush twice daily, including before bed
  • Supervise brushing until at least age 7
  • Don’t rinse—just spit, to let fluoride work longer
What brush should they use?
Choose a child-sized brush with soft bristles. Electric brushes with rotating heads can be fun and effective from age 3 with supervision.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to mealtimes
  • Offer healthy snacks like cheese, veggies, or fresh fruit
  • Avoid sugary drinks and juice between meals—stick to water or milk
  • Always use sugar-free medicines
  • Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
What causes toothache?
Usually decay or teething. Use sugar-free pain relief and see a dentist if pain persists.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Stay positive and calm. Avoid sharing your own fears. Regular early visits help build familiarity and confidence.
Tip: Praise your child’s efforts—positive reinforcement goes a long way!
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Will I Lose My Teeth with Age?Not if you care for them! With good hygiene and regular check-ups, you can keep your natural teeth for life.

Common Age-Related Dental Issues
  • Receding gums → Sensitivity
  • Dry mouth → Less protective saliva
  • Cleaning difficulties → Use electric toothbrushes, grips, magnifying mirrors
  • Missing teeth → May need dentures, bridges, or implants

Gum Disease & DecayGum disease signs:
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
Decay risk increases:
  • Around gumline
  • With frequent sugar intake

Prevention Tips🪥 Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
🧵 Clean between teeth daily
🍬 Limit sugary snacks and sticky sweets
🦷 Visit your dentist regularly

Helpful Tools
  • Small-headed, soft/medium toothbrush
  • Electric toothbrush
  • Grip adapters
  • Disclosing tablets to see plaque

Other Tips
  • Mouth ulcers: See a dentist if lasting over 3 weeks
  • Missing teeth: Replacements restore function and confidence

Bottom Line:
Age doesn’t mean losing teeth. With the right care, you can keep your smile healthy for life.

How Long Will I Wear It?
  • Fixed braces: 12–24 months
  • Removable braces: Shorter time or used before/after fixed ones
    ⏱ Follow instructions to stay on track


Appointments & Discomfort
  • Visits every 6–8 weeks
  • Some soreness is normal—use painkillers or wax
  • Call your orthodontist if pain lasts

Daily Life with Braces
  • Temporary lisp is normal
  • Avoid nail biting, chewing pens
  • Use a mouthguard for sports
  • Remove brace for swimming and instrument practice (if removable)

Eating Tips🚫 Avoid:
  • Sticky, chewy, or hard foods
  • Sugary and fizzy drinks
✅ Do:
  • Eat soft foods
  • Cut food small
  • Drink water or milk

Oral Hygiene🪥 Brush after meals with fluoride toothpaste
🧵 Use interdental brushes or floss threaders
🦷 Clean removable braces gently over water
💧 Use fluoride mouthrinse if advised
🪞 Use disclosing tablets to check for plaque


If It Breaks or Gets Lost📞 Call your orthodontist right away
💸 Replacements may cost extra
⏳ Delays can undo progress


Final Tip:
Braces are temporary--results last a lifetime. Take care and follow your dental team’s advice!

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