Cleaning and Prevention
Dentistry is founded on the principle of prevention.
All patients are recommended biannual cleanings and examinations. Not only do they help you squash dental problems before they arise, they leave your gums healthier, and your teeth cleaner and whiter by removing hard plaque. Plaque serves as a home for bacteria and while soft plaque can be removed with excellent brushing and home care, calcified plaque (hard rock formations on and under the gums) can't be removed by brushing or flossing alone.
What are some preventative measures I can take?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush after each meal except right after drinking an acidic beverage (lemonade, etc.)
Remove food particles but maintain your enamel. Acidic substances soften our enamel-a super strong layer of mineralized tissue primarily consisting so calcium phosphate-by weakening the bonds between between calcium and phosphate (more). This softens the enamel and if you vigorously brush your teeth while in this vulnerable state, you can remove the surface structure of this hard tissue, which won't grow back. Our saliva contains calcium and phosphate which remineralize the tissue softened by acids, so it has to do that work for a bit before you brush your teeth. This also means if you are deficient in calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D, the saliva may have a tough time doing its job.
Floss daily before bedtime
The goal is to remove food particles so they don't feed the acidic byproduct of some bacteria. In general all living organisms have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria -- we need them in order to digest out food as well as for the lifecycle of out planet, but in the case of poor dental hygiene the harmful, acid producing bacteria flourish. Majority of cavities form between teeth where food may remain trapped because it is not accessible to a toothbrush. While bacteria will remove that food for you, they leave behind acids which eat away at strong and precious enamel.
Use an oral rinse after flossing
This will cut down on the number of bacteria. Mouthwash contains essential oils with antibacterial properties. For example: Listerine contains Thyme Oil, Menthol from mint plants, Methyl Salicylate from wintergreen plants and Eucalyptus oil as well as alcohol (click here for a graphic description of how alcohol kills bacteria).
Avoid sugary foods and tobacco products
When bacteria get their hands on sugar they become little acid factories on super speed.
If you would like to get some info on why tobacco is harmful for your teeth, please contact us directly.
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
The ADA recommends brushing with Fluoride as it helps build stronger bonds more resistant to acid and decay. It is only one aspect of dealing with the processed we have illustrated here.
*Please consider your total fluoride intake if you are dealing with any thyroid or endocrine system abnormalities. Most elements when consumed in vast quantities can become harmful (every vitamin and medicine has a dose which is harmful, poisonous or even lethal). With that in mind, if you don’t eat toothpaste, you should be OK, since there is no evidence that fluoride is absorbed in any significant amounts through the oral mucosa.
