Tooth Erosion

Preventing Tooth Erosion

I Fact Sheet Tooth Erosion I

Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of the surrounding tooth structure. This loss occurs when the hard part of your teeth—which is called the enamel—is worn away by acid. Over time, this erosion can leave your teeth sensitive, cracked, and discolored.

What causes tooth erosion?

Acid is the main cause of tooth erosion. So, drinking carbonated beverages, ener- gy and sports drinks, and pure fruit juice, which all contain high levels of acid, can cause tooth erosion, especially when consumed in large amounts. Certain medical conditions, including acid reflux and bulimia, also can cause tooth erosion because they cause increased levels of stomach acids in the mouth.

What are the signs and symptoms of tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion can present in a variety of ways. Below are some common signs and symptoms:

• Sensitivity—Since protective enamel is wearing away, you may feel a twinge of pain when you consume hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As more enamel wears away, teeth can become increasingly sensitive.

• Discoloration—Teeth can become yellow as the dentin, the second layer of the tooth, is exposed.

• Rounded teeth—Your teeth may have a rounded or “sand-blasted” look.

• Transparency—Your front teeth may appear slightly transparent near the biting edges.

• Cracks—Small cracks and rough areas may appear at the edges of your teeth.

• Cupping—Small dents may appear on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and fillings might appear to be rising up out of the teeth.

What can I do to prevent tooth erosion?

You can help prevent tooth erosion from occurring by taking these simple steps:

• Cut down on your consumption of carbonated beverages, sports and energy drinks, and pure fruit juice.

• Drink acidic drinks quickly and with

a straw. This helps prevent acid from coming in contact with your teeth. Also, don’t swish these liquids around or hold them in your mouth for long periods of time.

• After consuming acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acids and wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.

• Chew sugar-free gum, which helps your mouth produce more saliva to remineralize your teeth.

• Brush with a soft toothbrush and be sure your toothpaste contains a high amount of fluoride.

• Don’t let your child consume highly acidic drinks or fruit juices in his or her sippy cup or bottle.

How can I deal with the sensitivity caused by tooth erosion?

You can reduce sensitivity by using specially formulated toothpaste or over-the-counter enamel-building products. However, always be sure to check with your general dentist before you try any new dental products.

Tooth erosion impacts everyone in different ways. Make sure you speak with your dentist about your oral hygiene and find out what else you can do to protect yourself from tooth erosion.

KnowYourTeeth.com

Brought to you by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), this website answers important dental health questions, offers the latest information on current treatments, provides tips for first-rate oral hygiene, and helps visitors find highly qualified general dentists near where they live.

KnowYourTeeth.com

以上文章，轉載自美國大眾牙醫學會（Academy of General Dentistry，簡稱 AGD）。此網站不但解答重要的牙齒保健問題，還提供有關當前牙科治療的最新信息，並給予一流的口腔衛生小提示，亦能幫助瀏覽者找尋居所附近高素質的大眾牙醫。

The AGD is a member of the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a first-of-its-kind national dental coalition composed of 35 leading dental health organizations. Look for more information about the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign at www.2min2x.org. Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry.

© Copyright 2013 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved.

牙齒酸蝕症

牙齒酸蝕症（或牙齒磨損）的意思是牙齒結構的周圍被侵蝕。當牙齒最硬的部分（即是琺瑯質）被酸磨掉，便會出現牙齒酸蝕症。隨著時間過去，這種侵蝕可以令您的牙齒變得敏感、破裂和變色。

1. 什麼原因導致牙齒酸蝕症？

酸是牙齒酸蝕症的主要原因。所以，喝碳酸飲料、能量和運動飲料或者純果汁這些含有高濃度的酸性飲料，可引起牙齒侵蝕，尤其是大量飲用的話，情況更甚。某些醫療狀況，例如胃酸倒流和貪食症，因為它們會提高在口中的胃酸水平，也可引起牙齒侵蝕。

2. 牙齒酸蝕症的症狀和特徵是什麼？

牙齒腐蝕有各種不同的形式，下面是一些常見的症狀和特徵：

• 靈敏度：由於酸性去除了琺瑯質這保護層，當你吃喝冷、熱、甜的食物或者飲料時，可能會感到疼痛刺痛。隨著越來越多的琺瑯質被磨損，牙齒會變得越來越敏感。

• 牙齒變色：當暴露了象牙質（或者牙本質，即是牙齒的第二層組織），牙齒可能變成黃色。

• 圓形齒：牙齒看起來像圓角或「噴砂」形。

• 透明度：門牙接近咬邊的位置，有可能呈稍透明。

• 裂縫：牙齒的邊緣可能會出現小裂縫和變得粗糙。

• 槽形磨損：小凹痕可能會出現在牙齒的咀嚼面，填充物可能會顯露出來。

3. 如何防止牙齒侵蝕症？

採取以下這些簡單的步驟，你可以預防牙齒腐蝕的發生：

• 減少飲用碳酸飲料、能量和運動飲料或者純果汁。

• 如喝酸性飲料，要快速飲用和使用飲管，這有助防止酸與牙齒的接觸。另外，不要嗖嗖聲在口中攪拌這些液體，或把它們長時間含在嘴裡。

• 喝完酸性飲料後，用水漱口來中和酸性，然後等待至少一個小時才刷牙。

• 可嚼無糖口香糖，幫助嘴巴產生更多的唾液，再礦化你的牙齒。

• 使用軟毛牙刷，並確保你的牙膏含有高量的氟化物。

• 不要讓你的孩子用鴨嘴杯或奶瓶來飲用高酸性飲料或果汁。

4. 該如何處理牙齒侵蝕症所造成的敏感？

通過使用特殊配方的牙膏，或非處方重建琺瑯質的產品，可以降低牙齒的敏感度。不過，在嘗試任何新的牙科產品前，請咨詢你的牙醫。

牙齒侵蝕症會以不同程度影響每一個人。請與牙醫談談你的口腔衛生情況，並找出其他可行方法保護自己的牙齒，免受侵蝕。

KnowYourTeeth.com

以上文章，轉載自美國大眾牙醫學會（Academy of General Dentistry，簡稱 AGD）。此網站不但解答重要的牙齒保健問題，還提供有關當前牙科治療的最新信息，並給予一流的口腔衛生小提示，亦能幫助瀏覽者找尋居所附近高素質的大眾牙醫。

AGD 是 the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives 的成員，它是首個由 35 家領先牙科保健機構組成的國家牙科聯盟，獨一無二。如想尋找更多關於 the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign 的信息，可瀏覽 www.2min2x.org。它的出版獲 AGD 許可。

©版權所有2013年，美國大眾牙醫學會，保留所有權利。  

Sports

Mouths in Motion

I

Fact Sheet Sports Dentistry I

Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, protecting your mouth, face, head, and neck should be a priority when you participate in your favorite sport or activity. Taking the appropriate protective measures while on the court, field, rink, or ring can save you from serious injury and costly dental repairs.

What sports pose a threat to

oral health?

Any sport that presents the chance of contact or collision with another person, object, or surface can potentially cause injury to the teeth, jaws, and oral soft tissue. These sports include, but are not limited to, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, boxing, and lacrosse. Individuals who participate in sports, such as biking, inline skating, or skateboarding, also are at risk for injury.

How do mouthguards protect my mouth?

A custom mouthguard made by your dentist covers the upper teeth with

a soft, flexible material that prevents serious injuries, such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage, and neck injuries, by decreasing the chance of the lower jaw jamming into the upper jaw or being pushed back into the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. Mouthguards also are effective in preventing laceration (cutting)

and bruising of the lips and cheeks. Mouthguards may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions as well.

What other types of protection do I need?

Helmets are very important when participating in sports that involve speed and impact. Properly fitted helmets can prevent major head injuries, as well as facial and neck injuries. Helmets should always fit well and be fastened correctly. For certain sports, other protective gear, such as facemasks and body pads, also should be worn.

What do I do if I experience trauma to my mouth?

If you experience an injury to your mouth, including major lacerations to your lips, cheeks, or gums, seek medical attention immediately. If you break, chip, or lose a tooth, or experience minor injury to your gums, tongue, or cheeks, contact your dentist immediately. If you seek treatment immediately after the injury occurs, your dentist often can save knocked-out teeth and repair minor chips and cracks with appropriate dental materials. See your dentist for evaluation if your tooth changes color, if you experience any dental pain, or if you notice any swelling in or around your mouth following trauma.

What should I tell my dentist about my physical activities?

Inform your dentist if you participate in sports or recreational activities. He or she can give you tips on how to best protect your mouth, face, head, and neck during these activities. Because mouth injuries can be painful and costly, dentists recom- mend that all athletes take preventative measures at all times.

www.KnowYourTeeth.com

Brought to you by the AGD, this Web site answers important dental health questions, offers the latest information on current treatments, provides tips for first-rate oral hygiene, and can help visitors find highly qualified general dentists near where they live.

Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry.

© Copyright 2010 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rightsAprerisl e2r0v1e0d.|www.agd.org | AGD Impact 17

嘴巴與運動

無論你是專業運動員或是「週末運動員」，當你參加最喜愛的運動或活動時，首要做的是保護你的嘴、臉、頭和脖子。在球場、田徑場、溜冰場等運動場上，採用適當的防護措施，能減少重傷的機會和省掉昂貴的牙科費用。

1）什麼運動會威脅口腔健康？

參與任何一項運動時，當有機會接觸或碰撞到另一人或物，都有可能傷害到牙齒、頜骨和口腔軟組織。這些運動包括（但不限於）美式足球、籃球、足球、曲棍球、拳擊和長曲棍球等。而個人運動如騎自行車、輪滑（即是單線滾軸溜冰）或者滑板，也會有風險。

2）護齒套如何保護嘴巴？

由牙醫為你度身訂製的護齒套，採用柔軟有彈性的材料製作，覆蓋上排牙齒。護齒套通過減小下頜擠進上頜的機會或被推回顳下頜（顎）關節，以防止嚴重的受傷，如牙齒破碎、顎骨骨折、腦出血和頸部受傷。護齒套除了可有效防止嘴唇和臉頰的裂傷（切割）和瘀傷，也可以降低腦震盪的嚴重程度和發生機會。

3）運動時，還需要什麼其他保護措施？

當參與一些涉及速度和碰撞的運動時，配戴頭盔是非常重要的。合身的頭盔可以防止嚴重的頭部創傷以及面部和頸部受傷。所以，進行這些運動時，頭盔應該總是合身及正確固定在頭。對於某些體育項目，其他防護裝備如面罩和身體護墊，也應佩戴。

4）如果遇到嘴部創傷，應該怎辦？

如果嘴唇、臉頰或牙齦被嚴重割破，應立即求醫。如果打破、削去或者失掉牙齒，牙齦、舌頭或臉頰受輕傷，請立即聯繫您的牙醫。如果受傷後立即求醫，及時得到治療，牙醫往往可以用適當的牙科材料去救回被敲破的牙齒和修補輕微的牙齒削裂和裂縫。受傷後，如果牙齒變色，牙齒有任何痛楚，或者嘴巴裡面或周圍有任何腫脹，請看牙醫讓他為您進行評估。

5）如何告訴牙醫有關自己參與的運動？

如果您有參與任何運動或娛樂活動，請告訴牙醫。他或她可以提供一些保護技巧，例如進行有關活動時如何最好地保護嘴、臉、頭和頸部。嘴巴受傷可以是痛苦和昂貴的，因此牙醫推薦所有運動員在任何時候都應採取相應的預防措施。

KnowYourTeeth.com

以上文章，轉載自美國大眾牙醫學會（Academy of General Dentistry，簡稱 AGD）。此網站不但解答重要的牙齒保健問題，還提供有關當前牙科治療的最新信息，並給予一流的口腔衛生小提示，亦能幫助瀏覽者找尋居所附近高素質的大眾牙醫。

它的出版獲 AGD 許可。

©版權所有2010年，美國大眾牙醫學會，保留所有權利。

如何選擇及保養您的牙刷

如何選擇及保養您的牙刷

1. 牙刷的簡介

口腔保健用品中，牙刷是最重要的一樣工具。但是在市場上，牙刷的種類繁多，哪種牙刷最適合自己呢？如果您已經挑選適合自己的牙刷，應該如何保養及清潔您的牙刷？其實，想要改善您的口腔保健習慣，就應該了解如何正確地選擇和保養您的牙刷。

2. 如何選擇牙刷？

好的牙刷應該有一個長而寬的手柄，便於緊握。而刷頭較小，可以讓刷毛深入較難刷到的部位。牙刷的刷毛要柔軟，例如軟尼龍刷毛，不會傷到牙齦。

3. 應該使用電動牙刷嗎？

如果使用刷頭旋轉振盪技術的電動牙刷，的確比一般手動牙刷更快捷有效清潔牙齒，因為這種電動牙刷可以覆蓋更大範圍的口腔。這特別適合於配戴齒列矯正器或需要額外動力推動來刷牙的人。還有那些由於年齡、身體障礙或其他因素，而難於使用手動牙刷的人。如果使用電動牙刷，要避免用力壓著牙齒，應保持輕力和遲緩的動作，讓刷子幫助您清潔口腔。第一次使用電動牙刷的人，可能會遇到牙齦輕微出血的情況，不過這將隨著時間而消退。另外，10歲及以下的孩童，應該在成人陪同下才使用電動牙刷。

4. 何時更換牙刷？

如果舊牙刷的刷毛已經磨損，再不能有效地清潔牙齒，並可能藏有有害細菌。不論是手動牙刷或電動牙刷的刷頭，每三到四個月就要更換。萬一患上感冒或流感，當病情剛開始時，您就需要盡快更換牙刷，而痊癒後便可以用回原本的牙刷。這樣將有助防止任何微生物和細菌殘留在您的牙刷上。

5. 如何保持牙刷乾淨？

為避免將細菌和食物顆粒轉移到牙刷上，刷牙前後都應該洗手。刷牙後，應當徹底沖洗牙刷，以去除殘餘的牙膏和其他雜質，並浸泡在消毒漱口水中，這樣有效消滅頑固的細菌。請謹記：永遠不要共用牙刷，因為這習慣可能會導致感冒和細菌的傳播。

6. 如何存放牙刷？

用完牙刷，應該直立存放，風乾後下次再使用。因為微生物容易在潮濕的環境下成長，所以不要覆蓋您的牙刷，或將其儲存於密封的容器中。另外，由於細菌可以從牙刷與牙刷之間游走，請不要存放多過一支牙齒在同一容器中。每次沖廁時，都有機會釋出可以由空氣傳播的細菌，因此請記住：把牙刷盡量遠離洗手間，以避免受到污染。

假使您對挑選或保養牙刷事項有任何疑問，可以請教您的牙科醫生。不管您擁有哪一種類型的牙刷，一定要每天刷牙兩次，每次兩分鐘，並定期看牙醫，保持良好的口腔衛生。



Choosing and Caring for Your Toothbrush

I Fact Sheet Toothbrushes I

Your toothbrush is the most important item in your oral health toolkit. But with such a wide variety of toothbrushes available, how do you choose the brush that’s best for you? And once you’ve made your selection, how do you care for and clean your toothbrush? Learn how
to improve your oral health care habits by properly selecting and caring for your toothbrush.
What should I look for when choosing a toothbrush?
The best toothbrushes have a long, wide handle that facilitates a firm grip. The toothbrush head should be small enough to reach all areas of the mouth, with soft nylon bristles that won’t hurt the gums.
Should I use an electric toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes, which use an oscil- lating or rotary motion to clean the teeth, are beneficial because they can cover a larger area of the mouth faster than a manual toothbrush. They’re especially well-suited for those with braces, those who need extra motivation to brush, and those who have difficulty operating a manual toothbrush due to age, disability, or other factors.
If you use an electric toothbrush, avoid pressing down too hard; instead, use light force and slow movements, letting the brush do the work for you. Those

using an electric toothbrush for the first time may experience slight bleeding from the gums, which will subside over time. Children age 10 and younger should
be supervised while using an electric toothbrush.
How often should I change
my toothbrush?
Old toothbrushes with worn and
frayed bristles will not clean your teeth effectively, and they also may harbor harmful bacteria. You should change your toothbrush—or brush head, in the case of an electric toothbrush—every three to four months. However, if you get sick with a cold or the flu, you will need to change your toothbrush as soon as the illness begins and again once
the illness has subsided. This will help to get rid of any germs and bacteria on your toothbrush.
How can I keep my toothbrush clean?
Wash your hands both before and after brushing to avoid transferring bacteria and food particles to your toothbrush. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to remove excess toothpaste and other debris, and soak the brush in antiseptic mouthrinse to eliminate any lin- gering bacteria. Remember: Never share toothbrushes, as this habit can lead to the transmission of colds and/or bacteria.

How should I store my toothbrush?
Store your toothbrush upright and let it air dry before using it again. Microorgan- isms are more likely to grow in a moist environment, so don’t cover your tooth- brush or store it in a closed container. Because bacteria can travel easily from brush to brush, don’t store your tooth- brush in the same container as someone else’s. Finally, keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible to avoid contamination from the airborne bacteria that are released with each flush.
Talk to your dentist if you have ques- tions about choosing or caring for your toothbrush. No matter which kind of toothbrush you have, make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and visit the dentist regularly to maintain good oral health. 

The Nitty-gritty on Toothpaste

The Nitty-gritty on Toothpaste

I Fact Sheet Toothpaste Abrasivity I

Toothpaste has many functions: It delivers fluoride to prevent cavities, cleans your teeth by removing dental plaque and food from your teeth, polishes your teeth and removes stains surface over time, and freshens breath. Overall, toothpaste promotes good oral health.

What’s in toothpaste?

Toothpaste, also known as dentifrice, is available in paste or gel form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, some ingredients are common to most varieties. These include:

   *

Abrasives, such as silica, to brush

away the leftover food and plaque on your teeth with the help of your toothbrush. Abrasives also polish your teeth and remove stains over time, making the teeth appear whiter.

   *

Fluoride to make the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promote remineralization, which makes your teeth stronger.

   *

Antimicrobial/antigingivitis agents, such as stannous fluoride or triclosan, to fight bacteria in dental plaque and gum disease.

   *

Anti-tartar agents to help prevent the formation of tartar, also referred to as calcified plaque.

   *

Desensitizing agents, such as stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate, to relieve tooth sensitivity.

   *

Surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents to carry away debris from the mouth and between teeth.

   *

Binding agents to bind all the components of the toothpaste together.

   *

Humectant to prevent your toothpaste from drying up.

• Flavors and sweetening agents to make the brushing experience more enjoyable.

Why do toothpastes contain abrasives?

Like other products that are designed

to clean, toothpastes contain abrasive agents to help remove stains from teeth. While toothpaste must be abrasive enough to remove surface stains and dental plaque, it must not be so abrasive that it wears away vital tooth enamel.

How do I minimize the risk of tooth wear?

Wear on the teeth can be minimized by practicing proper brushing techniques,

which includes using short and gentle strokes in a circular motion with a soft- bristle brush.

How do I know which toothpaste is right for me?

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it’s important to think about your unique oral health needs. Some toothpastes aim to alleviate pain associated with sensitive teeth. Some help to control plaque and tartar. Some are designed to remove stains and whiten teeth. Some do all of the above. Because each toothpaste is uniquely formulated

to perform specific functions, speak with your dentist to determine which is right for you.

Resources

www.knowyourteeth.com

Brought to you by the AGD, this Web site answers important dental health questions, offers the latest information on current treatments, provides tips for first-rate oral hygiene, and it can help visitors find highly qualified general dentists near where they live.

1.877.2X.A.YEAR

AGD’s toll-free referral number. Call to locate an AGD member dentist in your area.

Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2010 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved.

對牙膏的基本知識

單張 - 牙膏磨蝕力

牙膏具有多種功能：它提供了氟化物防止蛀牙，從你的牙齒去除牙菌斑和食物而清潔你的牙齒，擦亮你的牙齒並漸漸去除表面污漬，和去除口氣。總體而言，牙膏促進良好的口腔健康。

牙膏內有些什麼？

牙膏，也被稱為牙粉，可在糊劑或凝膠形式。儘管有許多類型的牙膏存在，大多數品種有些成分是常見的。這些成分包括：

•磨料，例如二氧化矽，加上牙刷刷走吃剩的食物和菌斑。磨料也擦亮你的牙齒和漸漸去除污漬，使牙齒更加潔白。

•氟化物使整個牙齒結構衰減更耐和促進再礦化，使你的牙齒更堅固。

•抗菌/ 抗牙肉敏感劑，如氟化亞錫或三氯生，對抗牙菌斑和牙周病。

•防牙垢劑，以幫助防止牙垢的形成，也被稱為鈣化菌斑塊。

•降敏劑，如氟化亞錫或硝酸鉀，以減輕牙齒敏感。

•表面活性劑（清潔劑）和泡沫劑從口腔和牙齒之間帶走碎屑。

•結合劑，組件牙膏的材料結合在一起。

•保濕劑，以防止你的牙膏乾涸。

•香精和甜味劑，使刷牙體驗更加愉快。

為什麼牙膏含有磨蝕劑？

像其他清潔產品，牙膏含有磨蝕劑，以幫助清除牙齒色斑。而牙膏必須有足夠的磨蝕力去去除表面污漬和牙菌斑，但是它不能過多磨蝕力去除重要的琺瑯質。

我該如何盡量減少牙齒磨損的風險？

可以通過練習正確的刷牙技巧可能令牙齒磨損最小傷害，其中包括用軟毛牙刷。使用短而溫柔筆觸的圓周運動。

我怎麼知道哪支牙膏適合我？

當談到選擇最適合你的牙膏，重要的是要考慮你的獨特的口腔健康需要。有些牙膏的目的是減少或去除敏感牙齒的疼痛。一些有助於控制牙菌斑和牙垢。有些是專為去除污漬和美白牙齒。有些有上述所有的工能。因為每種牙膏擁有獨特配方以執行特定的功能，請與您的牙醫談談，以確定哪些是適合你。

資源

www.knowyourteeth.com

由AGD帶來給你，這個網站回答重要的牙齒健康問題，提供有關當前治療的最新信息，提供提示一流的口腔衛生，並且它可以幫助你的附近找到高素質的牙醫。

1.877.2X.A.YEAR

AGD的免費轉介電話。打電話去找一個在您的區域AGD成員牙醫。 ©版權所有2010一般牙科學院。保留所有權利。

Relaxed?

Sedation allows dentists to create a state of relaxation and thus manage the fear and pain patients may experience during dental procedures. There are several different types of sedation in dentistry.

• Local anesthesia is administered by injecting medication into tissue or by applying a medication topically to an area to eliminate sensation.

• Minimal sedation is used most frequently in dentistry and usually involves taking medications orally. All bodily functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on his or her own. The patient may respond normally to verbal commands and may experience some degree of amnesia about what happened during their dental appointment. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” may be used to achieve minimal sedation and in combination with a recommended dosage of oral medication.

• Moderate sedation is achieved by using medications that can be taken orally or intravenously (IV). Patients who undergo moderate sedation are awake and respond to touch and/or verbal commands. All bodily functions remain normal, and the patient does not need assistance breathing.

• Deep sedation can be achieved by injecting medication, giving oral medica- tions, and in combination with gases. Patients who are deeply sedated are not easily awakened but may respond to some stimulation. Patients may need some breathing assistance at deeper levels.

How does it work?

Patients who are minimally sedated inhale nitrous oxide through a mask during

their dental appointment and/or may take a recommended dosage of a single oral sedative medication. Moderately sedated patients generally have taken a

medication or a combination of medi- cations while in the dental office. The medication causes the patient to become sleepy and feel relaxed. The dentist will give the patient specific instructions and you will be asked to avoid driving while you are on the medications.

What kinds of medications are involved?

To reach a level of minimal sedation,

a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (30-50 percent) may be used, possibly in combination with a minimal dose of an anti-anxiety (benzodiazepine) pill. In com- bination with nitrous gas, it is important that patients take only one type of drug under minimal sedation.

Moderately sedated patients also generally take benzodiazepines. The most common benzodiazepines prescribed by dentists include Valium®, Halcion, Xanax, and Ativan. Patients who are deeply sedated may receive benzodiazepines combined with opioids.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sedation in dentistry?

Minimal and moderate sedation reduce anxiety that is typically associated with dentistry and allow the patient to relax. The amnesia usually associated with these methods also is a plus for many patients.

However, sedation in dentistry does have disadvantages. Minimal seda- tion usually cannot be administered to

patients with respiratory problems like emphysema or asthma or those who are sensitive to the class of drugs used for minimal sedation.

With moderate sedation, the level

of sedation cannot be adjusted without administering additional medications and sensitivity to certain medications can be

a factor. Also, the patient should be pre- pared for supervision after the dental visit until the effects of the medications have passed. This applies to sedation adminis- tered both orally and intravenously.

With intravenous deep sedation,

a needle has to be put in the arm or hand, so it may not be the most relaxing method if you are afraid of needles. It

is possible to experience complications, such as hematoma (a localized swelling filled with blood) at the site where the needle entered. In addition, recovery from IV-administered or oral medica- tions may not be complete at the end of dental treatment, so the patient should be prepared to be escorted home by a responsible adult.

Is it safe?

Sedation is safe although you should talk to your dentist and/or the specialist and gain a thorough understanding of how

it works and what is expected of you before the procedure. Your medical his- tory will be examined comprehensively to ensure safe sedation and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire procedure to confirm that your blood pressure, pulse rate, and blood oxygen levels are normal.

I Fact Sheet Sedation I

Resources

www.agd.org

At the AGD’s Web site, you can search more than 300 oral health topics, post dental questions, sign up for e-newsletters, find an AGD dentist, and more.

1.877.2X.A.YEAR

The AGD’s toll-free referral number. Call to locate an AGD member dentist in your area.

單張 鎮靜劑

輕輕鬆鬆？

鎮靜劑允許牙醫造成一個放鬆的狀態，因此管理病人可能在牙科治療過程體驗的恐懼和疼痛。牙科有幾種不同類型的鎮靜劑。

•局部麻醉: 注射藥物進入組織或外用局部麻醉

，以消除感覺。

•牙科最常用的輕微的鎮靜劑通常涉及口服藥物。所有身體功能維持正常，而病人是能夠自己呼吸的。病人可以正常回應口頭命令，並可能出現一定程度短期的失憶 (尤其是他們在看牙醫發生了什麼事。)

一氧化二氮或“笑氣”也可以被用來做到輕微的鎮靜劑還可以與口服藥物配合所需的劑量。

•中等鎮靜劑是由口服或靜脈(IV)的藥物。病人是清醒和正常回應觸摸或口頭命令。所有的身體功能維持正常，病人並不需要呼吸協助。

•深度鎮靜劑可以通過注射藥物，給予口服藥物，並結合笑氣。深度鎮靜劑的病人不容易叫醒，但可能對一定的刺激做出反應。病人可能需要一些呼吸援助。

鎮靜劑是如何做到功效？

輕微鎮靜劑通過面罩吸入一氧化二氮及/或可服一次口服鎮靜藥物。

中等鎮靜劑病人一般採取一種或多種類型的藥物。該藥物會導致病人變得昏昏欲睡，感覺輕鬆。牙醫會給病人的具體指示，你會被要求避免駕駛。

鎮靜劑包括何類型的藥物？

達到最輕微的鎮靜水平，可以混合一氧化二氮和氧（ 30％-50％ )，也有可能聯合用抗焦慮丸（苯二氮卓

 )。一起用，重要的是，病人只需要一種藥物。

[如果口服藥丸, 有很高的機會加入一氧化二氮漸漸地得到期望的結果] 

中等鎮靜劑病人也普遍採取苯二氮。牙醫規定的最常見的包括苯二氮安定® ，酣樂欣， Xanax等，和阿蒂凡。[英文名為準]  深度鎮靜劑病人可能接受苯二氮卓結合阿片類藥物。

鎮靜劑有什麼優點和缺點？

輕微的和中等鎮靜劑減少焦慮並讓病人放鬆。對很多病人, 相關的失憶也是一個優點。

然而，牙科鎮靜劑確實有缺點。有呼吸系統問題(如肺氣腫或哮喘或藥物敏感)的病人通常不能用最輕微的鎮靜劑.

中等鎮靜劑: 不能給予額外的藥物去加深鎮靜水平.  

藥物敏感是另一個缺點。此外，治療後, 病人需要別人照顧直至藥物的影響已經過去了。這包括口服和靜脈注射鎮靜劑。

靜脈深度鎮靜劑，需要在手臂或手使用一根針，所以如果你怕針, 它可能不會是最輕鬆的方法。

有可能遇到的並發症，如血腫（局部腫脹,充滿血液)。此外，從靜脈或口服藥物, 牙科治療結束後,  病人不能立即不完整的甦醒，因此病人應準備由一個負責任的成年人陪同回家恢復。

它是不是安全的？

鎮靜劑是安全的，雖然你應該向你的牙醫和/或專家談論 ，並深入了解如何做到功效和過程，還有你的期望。

您的醫療歷程記錄將被全面檢查，以確保安全地面

 鎮靜和會在整個過程進行監測你的生命體徵，以確認你的血壓，脈搏和血氧水平是正常的。

資源

www.agd.org

在AGD的網站，可以搜索超過300口腔健康的主題，張貼牙科問題，簽署了電子通訊，找到一個AGD牙醫，等等。

1.877.2X.A.YEAR

該AGD的免費轉介電話。打電話在您的區域找到一個AGD成員牙醫。  

照顧你的小朋友的牙齒

單張 - 兒童口腔健康
二月是兒童的牙齒健康月。你的孩子有沒有看過牙醫？在幼年時期帶你的孩子去看牙醫是預防口腔健康問題的最佳途徑. 牙醫也可以教你如何正確護理你孩子的牙齒，並確定他或她的牙齒需要。早期去看牙醫將有助於讓你的孩子熟悉牙科診所，也有助於減輕焦慮和恐懼，使未來的看牙醫更無壓力。

** 當你的孩子沒有蛀牙，預約是十分簡單, 而有最大機會令孩子和父母滿意。下面留言 , 告訴我提供關於口腔衛生的一些秘訣。**

嬰兒會不會蛀牙？
會。嬰兒和幼兒最常見的蛀牙在上門牙。這類蛀牙通常稱為“嬰兒奶瓶蛀牙”，是由孩子的牙齒長時間暴露於糖而引起的。你的牙醫會告訴你更多關於什麼可以做，以幫助防止這種情況發展。

我的孩子何時先應該去看牙醫？
理想的時間是你孩子第一次出牙的半年後 或 孩子的第一個生日。這段時間是牙醫的絕佳機會仔細檢查你孩子的口腔的發展。您的牙醫甚至可以提供或推薦特別的預防保健，以阻止口腔健康問題。

家長和照顧者如何保護我孩子的口腔健康？
家長應提供孩子的口腔衛生護理，直到孩子夠大承擔刷牙和使用牙線的日常職責。
從孩子出生當天, 一個適當的家庭預防護理方案是重要的。為了幫助防止蛀牙，與你的牙醫談談，並按照
下面的提示：
•每次餵奶後, 用乾淨, 一點濕的布 清理您的嬰兒的牙肉 。
•一旦出牙，開始用
小頭 , 軟毛牙刷和水。如果您考慮在兩歲前使用牙膏，先問你的牙醫。
•為了避免由吸吮移位，監測奶嘴，手指，拇指 過度吸吮。
•切勿讓孩子用任何瓶或奶瓶含奶，配方，果汁，加糖液體入睡。
•避免使用奶瓶去裝(白)糖 水和汽水等等的液體。
•鼓勵孩子喝自來水或噴水機水 (清水) 。
如果您購買瓶裝水，確保它有氟。氟使整個牙齒結構抵制蛀牙和促進再礦化。
•查明您的公共供水有沒有加氟。如果沒有，你的牙醫或醫生可能會開氟補充劑。
•當孩子夠大, 為了樹立自信心，鼓勵孩子去刷他或她自己的牙齒。一直觀看孩子的刷牙技巧和完整性，以確保適當的手法。
•教孩子最好的辦法如何
刷牙是很好的以身作則。讓您的孩子看你刷牙 教良好的口腔衛生的重要性。

AGD有沒有提供我的家人任何資料？
有！看看（ AGD ）消費者consumer網站，www.KnowYourTeeth.com -
一切牙齒事物的互聯網。網站的領域包括牙科日記有幫助日曆,提醒，各年齡段 對牙齒保健和口腔健康有用的文章，一個“生命的牙”的動畫時間表 ，說明牙齒和嘴怎麼一輩子變，可以問牙科顧問問題，信息去為你的家人找一個高質素的牙醫，以及更多！

青少年資料單

事實
普通一罐十二盎司汽水含有約十茶匙的糖。

事實
在12至19歲年齡組的男性平均每年喝相等868罐。

青少年的口腔健康

我應限制飲汽水？
是的！無論是在學校，家裡或在週末，青少年比過去喝更多的汽水。 在1977年，12至19歲的青少年每天喝16盎司汽水。在1996年，這個同年齡的青少年平均每天喝28 盎司汽水。不只是糖,添加的酸性是有害牙齒的. 酸性也會侵蝕和破壞牙齒的琺瑯質。有幾種簡單方法可以限制汽水的有害影響。嘗試用吸管喝汽水。吸管減少了飲料與牙齒的接觸。喝汽水後用清水漱口。它也可以減少蛀牙的風險。

**請注意，請等30分鐘後刷牙。
酸會削弱牙齒。飲酸性飲料後馬上刷牙會進一步刷掉牙齒了。

我為什麼要避免口腔穿環？
穿舌環仍然是一個十幾歲的趨勢，但它並不一定一個口腔健康的選擇。

當吃飯，睡覺，說話，咀嚼時, 穿舌環會斷裂牙齒. 斷裂可能被限制在琺瑯質和需要補牙. 或者它可以更深入, 在這種情況下，可能會導致需要杜牙根或萃取。

感染也是常見的口腔穿環問題，並且不只是疼痛。被刺破後，舌頭會膨脹，可是，在某些情況下，舌頭會受感染和膨脹，甚至導致切斷呼吸。不潔的穿孔設備可能會導致其他感染，如血源性肝炎。

我為什麼要設定時間來建立健康的生活習慣？
快餐類 “營養”bar和快餐店幫你保持頭腦清醒，並如學校往返之間, 課外活動和兼職工作。不過，今天節奏快的生活方式威脅青少年, 造成口腔和整體健康造成永久性損壞。你可以購買旅遊牙刷放在儲物櫃或背包。餐或點心後, 咀嚼無糖口香糖，尤其木糖醇 (xylitol)能幫助清潔你的口腔。全天飲清水能幫助你清除多餘的細菌和食物殘渣。

青少年應該至少每年兩次看自己的牙醫。定期看牙醫可以幫助捉小問題預防大問題！

Orthodontics
牙齒矯正

資料單張




什麼是牙齒矯正，為什麼箍牙？
牙齒矯正是牙科內有關牙齒和顎骨關係，以提高笑容和口腔健康的一個特殊的學科。牙醫通常建議箍牙以改善“口和面”的外貌。通過牙齒矯正，問題如彎曲或牙齒擁擠，覆牙合或underbite，不正確的下巴位置，下頜關節問題得以解決。


什麼時候是箍牙合適的時間？
幾乎任何年齡中人們可以受益。一個理想的箍牙時是10和14歲之間.頭部和嘴還在成長和牙齒更適合拉直。

箍牙需要多久？
這取決於你的治療計劃。更複雜的空位或咬的問題，和成人，一般都要較長的治療期。大多數人穿牙箍18至30個月內，之後戴一個保持器. 必須戴 保持器 -設置調整牙附近組織。

治療會不舒服？
每次就診時，互連線被更換。線放置在bracket 托架and band“帶”輕微壓力導致齒或下頜逐漸進入期望的位置。

約會後，您的牙齒和顎可能會感到輕微酸痛，但不舒服是短暫的。

我一定要避免哪些食物？
你的牙醫會指導您哪些食物應該避免以最好地保持你的牙箍和你的口腔健康。

如何清潔我箍牙的牙齒？
箍牙後，口腔衛生比以往任何時候更重要。牙箍有微小的空間可以捕獲食物殘渣和牙菌斑。你的牙醫會告訴你如何
正確刷牙和用牙線清潔牙齒。

誰將會提供我的牙齒矯正治療？
你的家庭牙醫負責協調你的牙齒治療，其中可能包括牙齒矯正治療。有些牙醫在辦公室提供治療，而其他人可能轉介你到一個專科來協調您的護理。
箍牙不只是孩子。成人正越來越多地箍牙糾正小問題，改善他們的笑容。

我將必須穿什麼樣的牙箍？
你的牙醫會知道最適合您的牙箍. 除特定條件，病人往往有選擇。牙箍通常有三個品種。
最流行的類型使用bracket托架（金屬或塑料）被粘接到牙。“舌”面牙箍是安裝在牙齒後面，以便隱藏。Band“帶”覆蓋了大部分的牙齒。所有類型的使用金屬絲來移動牙齒到所需的位置。利用一系列透明的塑料托盤隱形牙套是一種替代傳統的托架，並在最近幾年變得流行。

甜言蜜語

單張 – 木糖醇

木糖醇是一種糖醇代糖 .
提取包括樺樹樹皮，甜菜，玉米芯，山莓，蘑菇等天然來源。它的甜度等於糖，但它具有約40％較少的熱量，使成為一個流行無糖代糖。木糖醇不僅有利於減少卡路里，這也減少蛀牙！

木糖醇如何預防蛀牙？
木糖醇有助於防止 轉糖鏈球菌 (蛀牙最主要細菌)附著牙齒和嘴。木糖醇導致細菌不能新陳代謝;
其結果是，大大減緩 有害酸吃掉琺瑯質的過程。經常使用木糖醇已被證明有助於減少牙菌斑—蛀牙第一階段，牙垢的形成，和牙齒染色--和促進口腔健康。

我必須用木糖醇多久, 令它有效？
木糖醇是一種天然的和方便的方法來補充日常牙科護理。每天用木糖醇香口糖或薄荷糖三到五次（為5克的總攝入量）被認為是最優的。因為曝光頻率和持續時間是很重要的，香口糖應該咀嚼大約五分鐘，薄荷糖應使其溶解。牙醫
推薦正餐和零食後立即使用木糖醇，以幫助減少牙菌斑，抑制細菌黏附在牙齒上，並減少糖對牙齒的接觸時間。

木糖醇有沒有被評估安全？
有。食用木糖醇已被證實為安全由多個機構，包括美國食品和藥品監督管理局 (FDA)，世界衛生組織聯合專家委員會關於食品添加劑，以及歐盟食品科學委員會。但是寵物主人應該注意，木糖醇是對狗有害的。為了防止木糖醇中毒，狗主人應該意識到木糖醇作為甜味劑的產品. 並保持他們的狗接觸不到這些產品。

哪些產品中含有木糖醇，我如何找到他們呢？
含木糖醇產品已在美國提供了數年，但直到最近它的使用成為主流。今天，木糖醇可以容易地在口香糖，牙膏，漱口水發現
和其它口腔護理產品，糖果，和某些藥物。在食物標籤，木糖醇被廣泛歸類為碳水化合物和更窄的
的多元醇。要了解更多關於木糖醇產品，請向你的牙醫談談。

資源
www.KnowYourTeeth.com
由AGD帶來給你，這個網站回答重要的牙齒健康問題，提供有關當前治療的最新信息，提供提示一流的口腔衛生，並且它可以幫助訪客找到高素質的一般牙醫靠近他們居住的地方。

單張 – 婦女的口腔健康

荷爾蒙的影響

荷爾蒙與女性口腔健康有 
什麼影響 ？
女性荷爾蒙一生會發生變化，以這些荷爾蒙的變化改變口腔健康。青春期，月經，懷孕，更年期都可以對一個女性口腔健康產生影響。使用口服避孕藥（避孕藥）也會影響女性的口腔健康。

我什麼時候可能會注意到
我的口腔健康改變？
在青春期，荷爾蒙波動可以使牙齦更容易受到牙齦炎。結果是，牙齦可能會出現又紅又腫，而且他們可能會流血。月經期間，誰有傾向生飛滋和口唇皰疹(嘴邊瘡疹)的婦女有可能會模式地在每個月經週期中生這些瘡。
在懷孕期間，牙齦炎可能開始 。事實上，牙齦炎與懷孕有關. 很常見的口腔狀況。但是，有時女人會避免牙齒檢查，怕治療可能損害發育中的胎兒。事實上，未經處理的牙齦感染和蛀牙可以把一位母親和她的孩子處於危險之中。牙齒感染可能是造成高達5％ 低出生體重 早產。孕婦需要例行檢查。如果你是孕婦, 總是告訴您的牙醫和他或她的工作人員。
懷孕時, 有些婦女還經歷口乾。

經常啜/飲水和咀嚼無糖口香糖或『糖果』可以幫助減輕這種症狀。孕吐的婦女需要刷牙比每天兩次更頻繁地。這將有助於防止胃酸接觸牙齒和造成牙齒琺瑯質的永久損壞。
使用口服避孕藥可能會導致一些女性牙齦組織的變化。使用避孕藥的婦女可能會更容易有癒合問題或拔牙後幹槽症。
在更年期，女性可能會遇到口腔健康改變, 包括疼痛，口腔組織有燒灼感，味覺改變，口乾等等。
絕經後，有患骨質疏鬆症的危險性增加，
這可能會增加牙齒脫落的機會。

我怎樣才能保持我整個生命良好的口腔健康？
每天刷牙兩次用含氟牙膏和每天一次使用牙線。每半年（或更頻繁，如果你的牙醫建議）專業牙齒清潔和牙醫檢查 。吃均衡的飲食，並經常告訴你的牙醫和他/她的員工對任何藥物，維生素，和你正在服用的補充劑。
問你的牙醫口腔健康有關 疑問。總之，你和你的牙醫可以創建一個治療和預防策劃，具體滿足您的需要。有關婦女的口腔健康的更多信息，請訪問www.knowyourteeth.com 。