Periodontitis - Near You in

Oral Health and Fluoride

We've all heard the success story of fluoride, perhaps the most dramatic turnaround of a population's dental health in history. But we're finding the benefits of fluoride extend beyond decay prevention in our children. There's something in fluoride for adults, too.

As we get a little older, the gums tend to recede, exposing the tooth root. Since the root surface is dentin, rather than tough, protective enamel, the root becomes more susceptible to decay. Dentin is closer to nerves, too, so teeth can be sensitive to heat and cold.

Fluorides can help with your dental hygiene program. The numbers in a recent University of Iowa survey are impressive. At the end of a year-long study, adults aged 54 to 93 enjoyed 67% less decay on the root surfaces (and 41% less on tooth crowns) than non-fluoride users. We've seen the same kinds of success when it comes to gum problems with fluoride, there is less plaque, less tartar, and less bacteria all around to multiply into gum disease.

Gel-Kam

Many patients know Gel-Kam well.

Gel-Kam is a prescription stannous fluoride, much more effective than other fluoride compounds on the market.

Just after you visit your dental hygienist to have your teeth cleaned is a good time to introduce you to Gel-Kam. Right away it restores the fluoride lost during dental cleaning. At home, you apply Gel-Kam once daily, after your regular preventive dentistry regimen.

We're seeing good results with Gel-Kam. It's easy to use and it's safe - a low fluoride concentration that still works.

Your dentist is likely to recommend a home fluoride program if you're having recurrent caries, difficulty in keeping free of plaque and calculus, or gum recession.

+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.

Healthy Smooching: Good Oral Hygiene Leads to Great Kisses

Whether you're preparing for holiday mistletoe or are just in the mood for some love, you're probably fully aware of the connection between the state of your mouth and the quality of your kisses. Still, a little reminder never hurt. Here's the skinny on getting lucky without embarrassment (from your mouth, anyway)!

Kick the Smoking Habit

I'm sure you're very familiar with the smoking lecture. Not only do tobacco products taste awful to your partner, but they put you at greater risk for oral cancer and periodontal or gum disease. Why put so much effort into knocking your sweetheart's socks off if you aren't going to be around to pick them up? If you don't kick the habit for your partner, do it for yourself.

Don't Chew Gum

The best smooches are spur of the moment, so it's best to be prepared for them. Besides, sugary gum can lead to tooth decay, AKA cavities. If you must chew gum (maybe you want your breath to be in top shape), choose a sugar-free variety like Xylitol.

Brush and Floss

Nothing leaves an impression like bad breath, but it's not the kind of attention you want. Besides, healthy white teeth will help you build confidence in your smile. Brushing your teeth and gums is a good start, but take it a step further and floss each night. You'll dislodge food particles and remove odor-causing, not to mention tissue- and tooth-destroying, bacteria. If you don't have your toothbrush handy after you eat, at least rinse your mouth out with warm water. There are also a number of handy little dental hygiene products available for great breath on the go.

Take good care of your partner by caring for yourself. If you find that your gums are exceptionally tender or swollen, or if you have habitually bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist. These could be symptoms of a more serious problem!

+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.