ORAL HYGIENE: Saving time & money at LYNNWOOD SMILES?

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Fluoride

Over a half-century ago, scientists noticed that certain areas in Colorado were found to have a very low rate of tooth decay. This data prompted scientists to research this phenomena. Scientists soon discovered that the Colorado area water supply contained high amounts of fluoride.

In 1944, controlled water-fluoridation programs began to test the theory that fluorides would reduce tooth decay. They added a small amount of fluoride to drinking water (one part fluoride to one million parts of water) and studied this controlled group for a period of ten years. The outcome of this study was nothing short of astonishing. The results clearly showed that dental decay in children was reduced by more than half.

The fluoridation of water has become a controversial subject in America. Currently over two-thirds of people drink fluoridated water. Fluoride is effective because it puts a protective coating over your teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay. There is only one side-effect known to be linked to drinking fluoridated water: a rare condition called Fluorosis. If babies drink too much fluoridated water, their teeth can become stained. The teeth are healthy but unsightly.

However, the benefits of fluoride far outweigh the negative aspects of water fluoridation. Your mouth contains bacteria which grows and multiplies; fluoridation stops this from happening. There have been hundreds of studies on fluoridation which document positive effects, and not one study has been able to produce evidence to the contrary. In 1991, the United States Public Health Service reported that water fluoridation is safe and effective. The American Dental Association is strongly in favor of fluoridation.

What are Sealants?

Dental sealants can be an effective way to reduce the possibility of tooth decay. A tooth sealant is a coating that the dentist bonds to the surface of your tooth. The sealant fills any crevices, pits and fissures that could have trapped food particles in them. The sealant, in effect, smoothes the surface of the tooth, which makes it less likely to trap food particles. Tooth decay is directly related to plaque, which forms on teeth. The best way to prevent the buildup of plaque is to brush your teeth on a frequent basis. The teeth located in the back of your mouth, primarily your molars, are difficult to reach and to clean because of the deep grooves in the chewing part of the tooth. The sealant makes it much easier for food particles to be brushed away, resulting in much less chance of tooth decay. Dental sealants are primarily used on children. Sealants are recommended on a case-by-case basis. Teeth that have the characteristics of deep pits and fissures are good candidates for this procedure. The actual process to having your teeth sealed is virtually pain-free and quite simple.

Diet

Your diet is important in all aspects of maintaining a healthy body and nourishing your various organs. It is just as important for your dental health in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. People who do not eat a balanced diet tend to have poor dental health. This affects all people, from infants to adults.

Bacteria lives in your mouth and is attracted to sugars and starches. The bacteria uses them to produce acids that can destroy and damage your tooth enamel. Tooth decay begins after constant consumption of these types of foods. The more sugar and starch that enters your mouth, the more damage occurs. Eat wisely and avoid food with high sugar and starch content.

Brushing

Brushing is one of the most simple and effective ways of preventing tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day. It is important to use the correct type of brush; a gentle brushing can be just as effective as a hard and fast brushing with a stiff brush. The hard , stiff brush can actually cause damage to gum tissue and eventually start to remove enamel from your teeth. Most people brush for twenty to thirty seconds but an effective brushing takes about two minutes. Brushing is important and it is recommended to use a fluoride toothpaste for added protection. Crest ProHealth is a fluoride based toothpaste that Dr. Townsan recommends for cavity prevention and prevention of gingivitis.

Flossing

As mentioned earlier, brushing is effective for removing food particles from the exterior of your teeth. Flossing helps in cleaning your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. These areas are between the teeth and below the gumline, and are susceptible to tooth decay. When you floss, you are cleaning an additional thirty percent of your teeth, which is a big improvement and can make a dramatic difference in the prevention of tooth decay.

The Future

CNN reported that British scientists have developed a vaccine that can prevent tooth decay by eliminating bacteria in your mouth. They have developed an odorless and tasteless vaccine that they claim is the future in dental preventative care.

According to the report, the vaccine is a plant-based substance that is applied to the exterior of your teeth and produces antibodies that eliminate harmful bacteria from adhering to your teeth and causing cavities. Studies thus far have shown positive results.