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Plaque Control Toothpastes: Good Preventative Dentistry?

The marketers of toothpastes have come up with a new spin that will work on your teeth – toothpaste that helps prevent plaque. Since most American consumers are now aware of oral hygiene and the threat of gum disease, toothpaste manufacturers and marketers have spent upwards of $77 million to sell anti-plaque and tarter control home care products. The media blitz in the dentistry world is on.

Dentists have always known that plaque is the cause of gum disease. And plaque will eventually contribute to the formation of tarter on your tooth. But if you use these new toothpastes, will they work.

Crest and Colgate and other major brands have added a substance that seems to slow the accumulation of tartar on the tooth. You can try it and see for yourself if it works.

But the bottom line for many dentists would be to make sure you're brushing right, no matter what toothpaste you use. A new group of bacteria forms on a tooth every 24 hours, so the object of brushing is to disrupt these colonies. Dental hygiene includes: good tooth brushing techniques, a learned skill that takes practice. However, even the most determined brushing won't always get rid of debris beneath the teeth.

That's why an annual dental cleaning and refresher course on brushing and flossing should bring you up-to-date on the oral health front. And what about those new toothpastes? Can't hurt. Call your dentist today.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Choosing Dental Health, Three Reasons Why It Is a Wise Choice for Care

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Although any dentist will say these are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good dental health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to consider.

First of all, dental health is part of your overall health. Second, choosing dental health is a wise investment of your time and financial resources. Third, your emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about yourself. Your smile is a big part of your image of yourself. Let's examine each of these areas more thoroughly.

Your Physical Health

How easy it is to forget that our teeth, gums, and mouth are essential parts of our physical body. Periodontal disease, bone and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of our physical health. The ability to chew our food well helps digestion and reduces stress on the gastrointestinal system.

Like any physical system, each part of the body plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and gums is a part of an intentional plan for physical health. In collaboration with your dentist and dental team, you can create a plan for your dental health that will contribute to your overall health plan.

Dental Care - A Wise Investment

When treatment is necessary, the new dentistry is also an investment in your financial future. Proper treatment today prevents more costly complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow. For those who seek to maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most value from the knowledge and skills your dentist and the new dentistry offers you.

Dental Hygiene - Emotional Well-Being

How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional well-being and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of dental health self-care and regular dental hygiene examinations reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.

The new dentistry also can provide you with innovative and effective ways to create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to feeling good about yourself and your smile, the new dentistry offers many exciting and effective options.

By Brian DesRoches, PhD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.