oralhealth

Do I have to floss my teeth everyday?

Yes, daily flossing is necessary to remove the bacteria from between your teeth. Tooth brushing cannot reach these areas.

Which mouthwash should I use?

Our office likes mouthwashes that contain fluoride because they eliminate early decay. We also like non-alcohol mouthwashes. ACT fluoride rinses for children are excellent because they contain no alcohol and have fluoride. They also have a great dispenser!

Which toothpaste should I use?

The brand of toothpaste you use is less important than the amount you use. Toothpaste contains abrasive material like sandpaper. If you use too much toothpaste over the years, you will wear away the teeth. Many of you have notches in the teeth near the gum line. These notches were caused by the sandpaper-like effect of toothpaste.

Always use a low abrasion toothpaste that does not irritate the gums. Also, sodium lauryl sulfate, which makes toothpaste sudsy, and sodium pyrophosphate, contained in some anti-tartar toothpastes, sometimes irritate the gums. If you are sensitive to these chemicals, avoid toothpastes containing them. Consumer Reports lists many good options.

How often should adults come for their dental cleanings?

Adults should come for their cleanings at least three times a year. With adults, we are concerned about controlling gum disease. The bacteria that we associate with destructive gum disease re-forms about three months after a cleaning. The cleaning disrupts bacterial colonies, allowing us to control gum disease. I did not say cure. Gum disease is similar to diabetes in that it is controllable but not curable. We can decrease the number of the bacteria, the amount of bleeding, and the loss of bone, but the mouth will always contain bacteria and hence the chance for gum disease to flare up.