| Daily hygiene - The reasons to remove plaque thoroughly from all surfaces at least once a day are 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. The simple act of proper daily hygiene will prevent the majority of dental troubles in most people. |
Toothbrushing - There are different styles of toothbrushing. The important thing to remember is that an effective brushing cleans every exposed tooth surface in a gentle, massaging motion. Proper tooth brushing involves not only removing the plaque from all tooth surfaces, but also gently cleaning below the gum line as well. Many newer toothbrushes are designed to do this, but it has been my experience that most patients have neither the dexterity nor the patience to perform the dental gymnastics required. Electric brushes are a simple and effective solution. These gismos are far superior at plaque removal in the hands of most people, particularly below the gum line where VSC producing bacteria hide and thrive.
Remember, an effective brushing takes 2 ½ to 3 minutes. |
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Dental floss - Dental fact: Did you know that failing to floss means up to 35% of your tooth surface goes uncleaned? Brushing alone isn't enough to clean all of the plaque from the surface of your teeth. Interproximal areas (those places in between your teeth) and below the gumline are two spots where the toothbrush can't reach and plaque can build up. These are areas that are more susceptible to cavities. Daily flossing and regular visits to your dentist are the only effective ways to remove this plaque.
Dental floss is a man-made fibre (usually made of nylon) that comes on a spool.
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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 bacterial counts significantly. This double whammy helps fluoride reduce decay to its current historically low levels in fluoridated 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.
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Tongue Cleaning - Simply brushing the tongue is not enough. You must clean your tongue with a proper tongue-cleaning device. Many of these cleaners be found at drug stores or dentist's offices. These tongue cleaners are designed to scrape the plaque from the tongue instead of brushing. In addition they remove the outermost layers of dead skin (think exfoliation!). This tissue contributes to bad breath both through its own breakdown and that it makes a great environment for the VSC producing bacteria. It is also important to clean as far back on the tongue as possible. This is achieved by sticking the tongue out as far as possible while scraping.
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Mouthwash - A good antibacterial mouthwash after the above hygiene practices helps kill the remaining VSC producing bacteria and slows their regrowth. Listerine and generic equivalents are perfect for this. The mouthwash should remain in the mouth for a minute if possible, thoroughly swishing between the teeth, over the tongue, and a bit of a gargle in the throat.
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Healthy gums - Keep an eye on your gums for signs of gum disease. Puffy, red or tender gums, gums that bleed or persistent bad breath are signs that you need to see your dentist right away.
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. These products stimulate saliva, shorten
the oral clearance time of sugar and acids in the mouth and increase the pH on
the tooth surfaces. Xylitol helps reduce the activity of decay causing bacteria.
In relation to erosion, the use of chewing gum should not be exaggerated because
of risk for abrasion.
General Nutrition Tips
- Choose water over soda. Sipping soda can increase the rate of harmful acid
attacks on tooth enamel. Drink tap water when possible. If bottled water is your
main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits
of fluoride. Low-carb diets can cause bad breath. A balanced, dental-healthy
diet can help reduce tooth decay. Reduce Frequency of Sugar Intake. The amount
of sugars eaten throughout the day is not as important as the frequency of intake.
This includes both simple sugars and starches. The mouth has a natural buffering
capacity in the saliva which neutralizes the bacterial acids, thus minimizing
decalcification of enamel. Frequent sugar doses overloads this ability. Avoid
excessive snacking between meals - especially sticky, sweet things like candy.
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. Thay can
have gum disease even without any signs of bleeding. 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 or even death.
Update Medical History with Dentist - Many medical conditions adversely impact
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 medications, even if it does
not seem pertinent, to properly manage your treatment and prevention program.
Sealants - Most decay in children and young adults is found in the grooves on
the biting surfaces of the back teeth. These deep pits and fissures are out of
the reach of toothbrush and toothpaste. The bacteria that cause most cavities
love to hide out in these areas, waiting to infect the teeth. Sealants literally
seal off these microscopic caverns, eliminating the environment where these bacteria
thrive. Sealants not only work locally, but research has shown well placed sealants
will reduce specific bacteria counts in the whole mouth. Sealants are not just
for kids either. Any person with susceptible grooves and evidence of decay activity
would benefit from sealants.
Protect your Teeth - Dental protection includes the obvious, such as wearing
mouth guards for sports. Less obvious ways to protect your teeth from trauma
include always wearing a seatbelt, never use your teeth as tools, and wearing
a night guard if bruxism is evident.
