Dental Health Guides
Brush and Floss
No one likes the twice annual lecture from their dentist or hygienist regarding the ills of poor oral hygiene particularly flossing. We really are not as plaque obsessed as we seem. The reason to remove plaque at least once daily is fairly simple. Both decay and periodontal diseases are infections caused by a number of specific bacteria which live in the plaque deposits. Once removed it takes about twenty four hours for the bacteria to grow to pathologic (disease causing) levels.
Brushing only allows these germs to thrive between the teeth, so flossing is imperative. The simple act of proper daily hygiene will prevent the majority of dental troubles in most people.
Fluoride
Fluoride helps prevent decay in two ways. Fluoride molecules integrated into tooth structure, either systemically during development or topically once teeth are erupted; make the enamel more resistant to acid attack. Bacteria use acid to dissolve tooth structure as the integral part of the decay infection. Fluoride is also toxic to many bacteria, including those involved in decay. Topical fluoride via toothpaste and rinses lowers the bacterial counts significantly. This double whammy helps fluoride reduce decay to its current historically low levels in fluorided communities. Always use fluoride toothpaste, and anyone with an increased risk of decay should use rinses. Fluoride rinses are most effective if used at bedtime.
Do not Smoke
Smoking is just plain terrible for your mouth. Stain and yellow teeth are the obvious problems, but the hidden damage is far more threatening. Smokers are much more likely to suffer oral cancer than non smokers. Periodontal disease in smokers is more severe, progresses faster, and responds very poorly to treatment. Smokeless tobacco is problematic as well, with a high risk for oral cancer and gum damage.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Sticking to prescribed recall periods is obviously important for the control of periodontal disease. However the regular check up is important as well, including x-rays. Almost all oral diseases are asymptomatic in their early stages; including periodontitis, gingivitis, decay, and oral cancer. In addition, these problems are much easier and less expensive to fix when caught early. A filling costs less than a root canal and crown, early non surgical treatment is cheaper and easier than gum surgery, and small oral cancers are easily cured whereas advanced lesions result in complex, disfiguring treatments.
Mouth Wash
Listerine and generic equivalents used twice daily help reduce gingivitis when accompanied by proper brushing and flossing. Chlorhexidine containing rinses may be prescribed by your dentist. These mouthwashes are more effective than Listerine but are available by prescription only.
Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum has been shown to reduce cavities. Look for gums sweetened with xylitol, which has been shown to reduce cavities much more than those using other sweeteners. Gum chewing stimulates saliva flow which buffers acids and aids in the immunity of the mouth. Xylitol helps reduce the activity of decay causing bacteria.
Update Medical History
Many medical conditions adversely impart your oral health both directly (diabetes, AIDS, Sjogren’s, etc.) and indirectly due to medications used (hypertension, heart disease, depression, cancer, etc.). Your dentist must be aware of all conditions and medication, even if it does not seem pertinent, to properly manage your treatment and prevention program.
Protect your Teeth
Dental protection includes the obvious, such as wearing mouth guards for sports. Less obvious ways to protect your teeth from trauma includes always wearing a seatbelt, never use your teeth as tools, and wearing a night guard if bruxism is evident.