A cavity is another word for tooth decay. It’s caused by
bacteria that can attach themselves to the surface of
your teeth. As the bacteria multiply and grow, they turn
into a whitish film known as plaque. If plaque is not
removed, it starts producing acids which create tiny
holes in the surface of the tooth enamel. As the holes
get bigger, they eventually join to form one large hole
– a cavity.
The condition of your gums is perhaps even more important to your total oral
health than an absence of cavities. Plaque develops not only on relatively easy-to-clean
tooth surfaces, but also below the gum line where it can build up, infect the
gum tissue and spread. If untreated, the gum structure starts to break down,
causing spaces – known as periodontal pockets – to form between
teeth and gums. As the pockets become deeper, bacteria can start damaging the
bone and supporting structures of the teeth. Gums that are
red and swollen, or that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
can be considered the first signs of gum disease. This stage
is also called gingivitis. Signs of more advanced gum disease
(also known as periodontal disease) include chronic bad breath
and tender bleeding gums that ‘pull away’ from the teeth.
The Sonicare is highly effective at removing plaque in hard-to-reach
places and has been clinically proven to reduce gingivitis.*
* O’Beirne et al., 1996, US; Donly, 2002, US
Stained or discoloured teeth can be caused by a number of
things. Some stains are ‘intrinsic’ – from inside the tooth.
These are mainly caused by certain medications, too much
fluoride or injury to a tooth. They cannot be removed by
regular brushing, but require bleaching, crowns or veneers
to cover them. Often, however, staining is ‘external’, caused
by tobacco, coffee, tea, etc. It can also indicate poor oral
hygiene. Tooth surfaces that are rough or improperly cleaned
will stain much faster than smooth, clean surfaces. Sonicare
is so effective, it is clinically proven to significantly
reduce coffee, tea and tobacco stains and give you naturally
whiter teeth in 28 days, guaranteed!
A dental implant is a stable, comfortable and functional way to replace one or
more missing teeth. It makes it possible to replace a single tooth without
having to use surrounding teeth as ‘supports’. When two or three teeth are
missing, implants provide a sturdy anchor for a fixed bridge. Dental implants
can also be used when all the upper or lower teeth must be replaced to provide
a secure fit to a full denture. The gum tissue around a dental implant needs even
more care than the gum tissue around a natural tooth to give
the implant a greater chance of success. The Sonicare toothbrush
has been clinically proven to be more effective at reducing
plaque and improving gum health around implants than a manual
toothbrush, while being just as safe to use on them.
Orthodontics can create a more even bite, and better jaw alignment and function.
The correction of a bad bite helps improve chewing ability and digestion. Straightening
crooked teeth makes them easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease.
Lastly, by improving the appearance of the teeth, smile and face, orthodontic
treatment can also improve self-confidence.
The brackets, wires and bands that braces consist of can present problems when
brushing or flossing, and make it difficult to keep teeth
and gums as clean as they need to be. Sonicare has been clinically
proven to be superior to a manual toothbrush in improving
gum health in orthodontic patients.
Saliva flow keeps the mouth comfortably moist and aids in chewing, swallowing, digestion and speech. Dry mouth syndrome, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which saliva flow is less than it should be. Many factors can cause dry mouth syndrome; emotional stress, medical conditions such as diabetes, a large range of medications, radiation therapy and more. Dry mouth syndrome puts you at high risk of developing bad breath, cavities and gum disease at a much more rapid rate than normal. Sonicare is clinically proven to help improve and increase the flow of saliva during and after brushing.
Talking to someone with bad breath may be unpleasant, but it’s even worse to suffer from it. Research has shown that the major source of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is bacteria found in the mouth. Dry mouth syndrome can increase the amount of oral bacteria since there is not enough normal saliva flow to ‘wash’ it and food debris away: this build-up creates an unpleasant odour. Sonicare can be a useful aid in helping to fight bad breath. Its high-frequency brush strokes effectively remove bacteria and also thoroughly clean the back of the tongue, a key area for bacteria growth. Sonicare also has been proven to increase saliva flow among patients who suffer from dry mouth syndrome.
Approximately one in four adults has one or more sensitive teeth. You experience
it as a short sharp pain caused by triggers such as cold or hot foods/beverages,
sweet, sour or sharp foods and even brushing and flossing. Aggressive brushing
puts you at high risk of dental sensitivity, as it strips away gum tissue and
removes the underlying layer of the tooth root surface. This surface, called
the cementum, is very thin. It doesn't take much pressure to wear it away and
expose the inner substance, the dentin. When a trigger comes into contact with
this dentin, it causes the pain response. The Sonicare toothbrush is ideal for
patients who have sensitive teeth. With its extra-soft, nylon bristles and gentle
cleaning action, it is clinically proven to effectively and gently remove bacteria
– even if your teeth are already sensitive.
Crowns or caps are dental restorations that cover the entire
tooth down to the edge of, or below, the gum line. They help
strengthen teeth that have been weakened by cracks, breaks
or large fillings, or that have received root canal treatment.
If a cavity is so large that there is not enough tooth structure
to support a filling, a crown may also be necessary. Edges
where the crown, tooth and gum line meet can be especially
vulnerable to plaque build-up. Because of this, it is extremely
important to keep this area as clean as possible. Sonicare
effectively removes plaque even in tricky areas like these.
It has been clinically proven to be safe to use on crowns,
while also promoting good gum health.
Porcelain veneers or laminates make it possible to give just about anyone a beautiful smile by correcting unwanted tooth colour, spacing or size. They can also be used to repair a tooth that has been chipped or broken. These thin porcelain shells are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth. Usually the edges of veneers and bonding are at the gum line. In order to make these restorations last as long as possible and help ensure good gum health, it is imperative to keep this area as clean as possible. With its gentle brushing and dynamic cleaning action, the Sonicare toothbrush helps safely care for veneers while providing superb oral hygiene.
